My surgeon sent in all the necessary documentation to my insurance the week of 11/9, last week my insurance said they never received it. I called the Dr's office, and they said they had spoken with someone from the insurance and that it was still with Medical review. So, yesterday I call the Dr's office to see if they've heard anything, and they said the insurance requested an additional form. Called the insurance and they said they had just received information from the dr for the first time on 11/23, however outpatient lapband does not require pre-auth. Well, I know that it does require it and know people at my job who've gone through the process and have the same surgeon and received preauthorization. I feel like I've waited forever while meeting all of the other requirements (6 months medically supervised diet, psych eval, nutritionist appointment). I just really want to know where I stand so that I can move forward in the process. I'm very frustrated at the moment. Any advice?

I went through the same thing! Felt like I couldn't make any plans with my life until I had the surgery. Took me a total of 7 months to get approved but I did and as long as your doc sends it all in - you will be in good shape. I called the insurance company to check on mine nd they said they had requested something from the doc so I called the doc and they said NO - it was all sent. A few days later...I had my approval but the doc wouldn't ive me a date until they had the approval in writing from the insurance co. It is VERY hard to be patient but you have been going through the process a long time. When you started the 6 months - didn't it seem like that would be forever? Did for me so when it came time to submit to insurance I was sooooo happy. Still had the wait but I knew I was really in the home stretch and so are you!!

Might want to call and check with them again. I had my paperwork submitted in July. In November (early) I had my husband call to find out why they were obviously denying me (since I had received NO information from them.) Apparently they approved me August 6 - yet did not inform me?? I finally got my paperwork two weeks ago from them and sure enough, it has an approval date of 8/6! I'm very aggrivated about it.

Might want to call and check with them again. I had my paperwork submitted in July. In November (early) I had my husband call to find out why they were obviously denying me (since I had received NO information from them.) Apparently they approved me August 6 - yet did not inform me?? I finally got my paperwork two weeks ago from them and sure enough, it has an approval date of 8/6! I'm very aggrivated about it.

:w00t: Oh, that's just wrong! You could have been banded 3 months ago! I too am playing the waiting game. I called today about the status of my appeal and was told that a decision hasn't been made.

Finally, I got my surgery date. 12/18/09. My Dr requires that I have a scope to see if I have a hiatal hernia. I'm having that on Monday, starting the 10 day pre op diet on Tuesday and then pre admission testing on Friday the 11th. I'm excited and yet now I'm nervous about the whole thing.