Newby with lots of questions!

[Tiredmimi 57]

I just started the process for the approval process in December. I have my psyche, nutrition, and surgical consult next week. The lady from the surgeon's office who submits everything to the insurance called today and I ask her what the possible timeframe usually is? She stated after my appointments next week it will be sent to the insurance for approval and we are looking at the 1st or middle of February for surgery. Does it really go that quick and smooth? I have already had my letter from my PCP's office sent. I think the nurse practitioner sent it since she is the one who did a physical on me and I discussed it with her. I am just at the 35-37% BMI for surgery depending on when my weight fluctuates. I have struggled with my weight since I was a kid. My mother sent me to WW when I was 13. I was able to lose weight and with a lot of work pretty much kept it off throughout my adult life until I hit menopause. With menopause, age, and the fact I quit smoking I just can't seem to stay motivated longer than 10lbs worth. I have joined WW many times over the years, and I have taken phentermine for years for which I requested my records be sent to the surgeon to be submitted to insurance. I haven't had a lot of medical problems other than really bad hypertension, but that is mostly because I just didn't go to the doctor's the past 10 years because of my weight. I am really hoping my lack of physician visits doesn't keep me from being approved. I have parents who both had heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. They both passed in their 60's. I turned 60 this year, I feel blessed I don't have heart disease or diabetes with my genetics, but I am scared it might be right around the corner if I don't do something now. I have Cigna insurance and just wondered what others think my chances of getting approved are?

[mousecat88 2,279]

My surgery was approved by my insurance within 3 business days. My BMI was 50, though. I didn't have many medical issues either. Extremely mild sleep apnea that did not require a CPAP... that was it. I have BCBS.

Edited December 30, 2019 by mousecat88

[Tiredmimi 57]

I hope mine is approved that quick.

[Guest]

They may send you to do a sleep study since you do not have a medical history That was my case. My surgeons office is with the same medical group as the sleep study clinic. So in not so many words "all of their patients have sleep apnea" so you can qualify for insurance,

[Tiredmimi 57]

Ok, thanks! I guess I am concerned too because of my BMI right at the number you have to have to qualify. I know some people would say you are not that big you don't need surgery but I am pretty miserable. In addition to that I carry a lot of my weight in the stomach.

[Guest]

I didn't think you look big from your photo. I have worked around people who were near the BMI limit and ate more to qualify. Good luck withh your approval and decision