Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

How long did your process take to get approval?



Recommended Posts

ByeByeBonBon and Lisa6,

Congrats to both of you! I am happy for both of you.

Can't wait until I can post good news on here!

Froggie D

weight.png

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It only took about 3 days for BCBS/AL to approve it, then another 6 days for someone to actually get around to mailing it. My surgeon's office won't schedule anything without a piece of paper in hand, so that was frustrating. I'm still dealing with my surgeon's office manager to get a surgery date scheduled. I had my approval in hand on 8/13, it's 8/21, and no appointment yet. The girl promised to call me back today, but I've had no call, and it's after 5:00. I won't be able to get in touch with anyone until Monday now. I hope you get good news on Monday too!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey Froggie... Did you ever hear of your approval? My surgeons office sent it in last Friday 9/4/09 but the insurance said they have no record as of yet, but that doesnt mean they didnt get it--- it could be over at medical review...

It is soooo frustrating playing this waiting game...

I am so anxious... just trying to be patient and praying for an approval!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm doing the waiting game as well. Mine went from the doctor's office to Cigna on August the 24th,,, it will be 3 weeks on Monday,,, Cigna says they can take up to 45 business days to approve,,, that's forever! So I'm praying for a shorter time frame. The waiting part that gets to me is really wanting to know when the surgery will be so I can plan work and kid's around it. It's for sure frustrating,,, but I'm hoping in a few months,,, it will all be history,,, pounds included, lol

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think I just set a new record... my surgeon's office called me to tell me they were sending in the paperwork the afternoon of 9/3 (the thurs before labor day) and I was sent a letter dated 9/8 (the tues after labor day) saying I was approved!!!! My neighbors think I'm crazy... screaming and jumping around the mailbox like a crazy person. :laugh:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

WOW! Congrats! You don't happen to have Cigna do you? I look at the computer every day thinking my doctor's office has gotten some word,,, patience isn't one of my strong suites, lol

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Not Cigna. Federal BCBS Basic plan.

Good luck all!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

O well,,, perhaps my Cigna will get a move on, lol

Congrats again!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Did you call Cigna and ask them if it was in their system yet? Or did they say the same thing - it could be under Review - nothing is documented yet? Good luck to you, I hope you hear something soon!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

ShrinkingV - Congrats!!! You are so fortunate!!! I have Anthem BCBS PPO of Va and I didnt think it would take them long to approve me.... I worry maybe my drs office didnt send in the paperwork...but thats a common fear on this site...lol....

gV

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

O WOW,,, I didn't even think about the doc's office not sending in paperwork!!! I haven't called Cigna yet,,, I was going on my doc saying they got it and it could be up to 45 days before getting a letter. Geeze,,,, guess I'm calling Cigna today! LOL

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think I am another fortunate one.

I went on my seminar on 8/27. Had my first appt with the Surgeon on 8/31. I was supposed to have my Nutritionist/Pysch eval on 9/8 but due to a mix up with the scheduling on the offices behalf I have been pushed back to 9/28. My lifestyle/nutrition classes are 10/14, 10/21, and 10/28.

I have Delaware Physicians Care which is a part of Medicaid. I was put on the 3 month "plan" I guess you can call it. And as far as my diet goes, I have to lose 6.9 pounds, and I have lost 4 already :laugh:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

O WOW,,, I didn't even think about the doc's office not sending in paperwork!!! I haven't called Cigna yet,,, I was going on my doc saying they got it and it could be up to 45 days before getting a letter. Geeze,,,, guess I'm calling Cigna today! LOL

Never ever trust your doctor's office to do anything for you. Call and get a solid date from them as to when they supposedly sent your paperwork. Wait on the phone while they do it, or they will never call you back with an answer. Then call your insurance company and see if they have it yet. They can at least look up a status in the computer, and should be able to see when/if they received it.

For reference, BCBS told me it could take up to 30 days, but in actuality, it took 3. The holdup was in people not sending or checking mail but once a week. They inflate the dates to cover up their lazy butts.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have SAG-Producer's Health Plan; it took about 4 days to get approval after my MD submitted to them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have bcbs national insurance. I had many hoops to jump thru. I have been trying to get approval for almost a year now. I got a call today that my insuance finally approved my surgery. It has been a long road but i can see the light (let it not be a train)...i went back and forth thinking maybe it is taking so long because it is not supose to happen...but here we are i got approved today. I am happy and a little afraid. So next week my doctor will schedule my surgery.

Edited by argyle

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×