After doing all of this research for the first time in a very long time I feel.....HOPE!

I'd been calling the Dr.'s office for a few days now trying to get information on how to start the process....make an appointment, etc. They've yet to call me back. I called again just to ask what kind of wait I should expect for a callback and I explained that I'd called and left messages a few times. She took my name and number and said she'd walk it back there and ask them to call me today. I then asked her how long it usually takes to get an appointment. She said it really depends on how quickly they can verify insurance benefits. Apparently they do that before you even get a consultation. I asked her about self-pay if the insurance doesn't cover it but she said the girl who will call me back can answer all of those questions. I also signed up to attend their seminar on the 8th. WOO HOO...I'm excited about that.

I sure hope they call today....I'm anxious to get the ball rolling!

Well you did make thoes first steps. Good Luck with everything!! Let us know how the seminar went. Take Care

I'd been calling the Dr.'s office for a few days now trying to get information on how to start the process....make an appointment, etc. They've yet to call me back.

:ermm Gosh, how discouraging is that... hang in there though!

If you pay cash, things should happen rather quickly.

Keep us posted. What surgeon are you trying to see?

Good luck Tinkerbell. My husband and I are both in the middle of the preauthorization muddle. Good luck on your journey. Ask questions, ask alot of questions, both at the seminar and on forums like this one. Read everything you can.

Well..she called me back not long after I posted this! She is going to contact my insurance to see if they cover it....but I was just reading through my benefits book and it says they do NOT cover "services surgeries or supplies for obesity or morbid obesity regardless of medical necessity"

I asked her how much it would cost if my insurance didn't cover it and she said between $12,900 and $19,500. Sigh.

I had my first fill on Monday. I have noticed the restriction. I get really choaked up after the first few bites of something. I let it settle and then I am ok from then on. Is this normal?

I usually stay swollen for a few days after a fill, and then it goes away. Can you drink water? Make sure you really chew, chew, chew.