How long did you have to wait for your initial consult?

[DoodlesMom 98]

I finished all BCBS insurance preauthorization for the bariatric program on 2/25/2021. When I called the next day to schedule my initial consult, the soonest available was May 20th, 2021. It feels like an agonizingly long wait. I'm wondering how long everyone had to wait for their initial consult?

[LoveSimcha 97]

I waited 10 days and that was mainly because they are busy and they check the benefits under my insurance so they can have a real discussion at the 1st visit.

[DoodlesMom 98]

Thanks for sharing LoveSimcha. I will call and see if there is any way to move up the consult.

[NovaLuna 710]

I think I waited a few weeks... maybe three?

[DoodlesMom 98]

Thanks NovaLuna, it seems like my nearly 3-month wait is excessive. I chose the program I did because it's comprehensive. Looks like others thought that too!😊

[Jnfinney 516]

@DoodlesMom I think I waited 1 and a half to 2 months for my initial consult with the surgeon. However, he is the only surgeon who does bariatric surgeries where I am going, so I assumed he had a lot of other patients and appointments, so I was okay with the wait.

[DoodlesMom 98]

Thanks Jnfinney, it sounds like you had a wait too. I just talked with the scheduler for my program she says they are completely booked through the end of May. I was able to get myself on a waitlist which I'm happy about. I picked this program for a reason, I'm just going to use the time to learn as much as I possibly can and start a list of questions. You were okay with the wait, I'm going to think positively and get ok with it too. Thanks again.

[lizonaplane 1,606]

I had to wait about 2 weeks for the NP appointment, which was just a group class, and then about a month for the surgeon, but I think he had more time because they are not doing surgeries right now due to COVID. I had a much longer wait (like almost 3 months) for the psychologist initially, but I went on the cancellation list and was called almost immediately that she had a cancellation.

Good luck!

[lunadreams 22]

The soonest appointment the surgeon I consulted with had was about two months out.

[STLoser 1,087]

It was days. I actually had my gallbladder out in January 2020. That surgeon recommended wls at my follow up appointment which was at the end of February. As I was driving home from the appt. that day, the bariatric surgeon's office that he referred me to called to schedule my consult appt. I saw that doctor at the beginning of March 2020 but then COVID happened and the hospital let him go, and I ended up going with a different surgeon at a different hospital.

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[DoodlesMom 98]

On 3/16/2021 at 10:41 AM, lizonaplane said:

I had to wait about 2 weeks for the NP appointment, which was just a group class, and then about a month for the surgeon, but I think he had more time because they are not doing surgeries right now due to COVID. I had a much longer wait (like almost 3 months) for the psychologist initially, but I went on the cancellation list and was called almost immediately that she had a cancellation.

Good luck!

I wish there were a way to streamline the process. That's great that you were able to get in sooner with the psychologist.

[DoodlesMom 98]

3 hours ago, STLoser said:

It was days. I actually had my gallbladder out in January 2020. That surgeon recommended wls at my follow up appointment which was at the end of February. As I was driving home from the appt. that day, the bariatric surgeon's office that he referred me to called to schedule my consult appt. I saw that doctor at the beginning of March 2020 but then COVID happened and the hospital let him go, and I ended up going with a different surgeon at a different hospital.

Sent from my Nokia 7.2 using BariatricPal mobile app

Delayed surgeries are another unfortunate consequence of Covid. I'm glad you were able to find a different surgeon and hospital. 🙂

[DoodlesMom 98]

4 hours ago, lunadreams said:

The soonest appointment the surgeon I consulted with had was about two months out.

Thanks for sharing.

[strudgej 2]

I was able to get in within days, however, the program I am considering is very large with 4 locations and a fairly large team of doctors.

[DoodlesMom 98]

6 hours ago, strudgej said:

I was able to get in within days, however, the program I am considering is very large with 4 locations and a fairly large team of doctors.

Wow, that's really great. Hopefully, you'll be able to move through your requirements quickly. It seems like there is a big demand for services. I wish the clinics/hospitals had the resources to expand.