[abenadiva]

I've been scouring the boards and my journey seems to be a little different than everyone elses.
I initially went to a seminar and because of the kind of insurance that I have they didn't do the approval what seems the normal way. I already had to see nutritionist, have personal trainer, and my doctor recommended it. Today I received a notice from my insurance that says my consultation has been approved and I go in to see my surgeon next week!

What should I expect? Do I have to redo what I've done so far? When you see the surgeon are you setting a date? I'm so excited because I've been trying to qualify through my insurance for the past 6 months.

[Jodi1971]

I would think that all the stuff you have been doing through your Doctor would be available to him as well.

But I am not sure as our system is different than yours.

[Weigh2GoSteph]

That sounds very similar to the way I had to do it. I first had to do 6 consecutive months with my PCP, and jump through what seemed like a million hoops with dietician, weight loss programs, weight loss drugs, etc. When that six month requirement had been met, I went to see the surgeon. Initially it was just a consult where he explained what the surgery entailed... did blood work... speak to his in house nutritionist...etc. They called me with a surgery date later. I think maybe they called the insurance and verified the info again. I also had to go to another seminar in the surgeon's office that was a couple days before the surgery, just to "teach" us the rules.

Best of luck to you!!!

[abenadiva]

Thanks for the encouragement... I'm getting so excited because I really had to pitch hard to get my insurance so i haven't had the experience that many of the wls centers provide. So how long did it take from consultation to surgery date?

[Weigh2GoSteph]

Gosh, I can't remember exactly... but I'd say I had about 2-4 weeks??

[RC59105]

I bet if you asked the nurse in his office she might have a ballpark figure for you on how long it takes after meeting with the surgeon. It sounds like you are on the way to where you need to be with your schedules ......
Best wishes to you!

[abenadiva]

I know I probably would ask her but she doesn't speak English well and I'm just sooooo excited! Thanks

[MsVickie]

Well I would think the surgeon will check you out and tell you yes you qualify as a canidate. Any thing you have done before now will count. SOme insurnces require what you have been though before they will even consider to approve it.

Now comes what the surgeon requires to have done. Some have requiements you have to do before they will attempt the surgery. Now at this time I would also say your insurance will require certian things also.

I (personally) would call the insurance to make sure they pay for WLS. What types they pay for. What test are needed to be approved. Get the persons name you spoke to and write it all down so you kinda kn0ow what to expect from the insurance it self. Then im sure the DR will tell you what they expect to be done before surgery. Some is nothing more than what you have already done and others require more. Its called cutting the tape to get to the prize. They are all different.

Good luck with all of it you should have a good outcome since you have been doing this now to satisfy the insurance company up to this point. Good luck!

[DocSanae]

Welcome to the board, thank you for joining us.
Good luck with your process.
(((((HUGS))))) May your journey go well.

[decker1976]

I agree with Vickie. Call your insurance & get some clarity on coverage. Every surgeon is a little different regarding they're expectations. My surgeon required the following assessments:

cardiologist clearance
pulmonary clearance
endoscope
PCP clearance (physical within one year)
nutrition class (X2)
attendance at one support group meeting
10 days prior to surgery a high protein, low fat diet (lean meat & all the veggies I wanted)
2 days prior to surgery (liquids)
blood work