Anyone out there use Dr. Felix Speigal in Houston?? I have gone to the seminar & am waiting to hear from insurance. It has been over a week now & it is still pending. Can anyone out there tell me their experience with them & insurance?? Is this normal?? I am so ready to get this all started:)

I used Spiegel for my surgery in December and it took me 8 months to get insurance approval. I was required to complete a 6 month weight loss program with my MD before I could even be submitted for approval. Do you know what your insurance guidelines for approval were? I have never heard of getting an approval that fast. And most insurance companies have 30 days.

Hope that helps!!! Good luck to you. It has been an awesome journey. :biggrin2:

I am NC and I attened a seminar last Thursday and finally heard back toady. Have you called your insurance to verify your benefits? I would do that. From there, I would give the office 2-3 days and call. It is very hard to be patient thru this process. It's like once you made up your mind to be banded - you want it now. Took time to put the weight on and it will take time to get the weight off. Good Luck!!

Can anyone give me any suggestions or helpful hints to get ready for this journey...I am scheduled for surgery 05/08/08. I'm nervous and excited at the same time....:cool2:

Hi Bandme24,

I have no idea what the guidelines are for approval. I have a hard time getting through to anyone at United & I can't get anyone at the Dr's office to return my calls. Was this the experience you had at his office?? I left 3 messages last week!! I don't even know if they have all the records they need at this point...do you think I am just being too impatient? I know all insurance is different but I am ready for this NOW! you know?

My insurance is different but it took about a week and a half to finally find out if it was covered and approved. Right now I am starting my 6 month supervised diet on tuesday actually. It's very hard waiting I kept calling and stuff...finally one day i was at the dr's office to have my blood pressure checked and they said they got the paperwork. All insurances are different though. Don't give up and try to be patient. I have to wait 6 months for my surgery and I'm trying my best to make it go quickly. Think positive.

I would change doctors if they don't have time to return your call what kind of surgeons must they be!