Waiting After Seminar and Consultation!

slynclark · 09-01-2008, 05:27 PM

Hi everyone,

I have a question. I have decided to get banded and I'm going to the seminar tomorrow night.

My question is:

How long after your consultation did the doctor schedule your surgery. I have BCBSNE, my primary has done a referral and the insurance stuff. The insurance doesnt have a 6 month diet period it will just pay because I have a BMI over 40.

So I was just wondering how long you think I might have to wait for the surgery after my consultation. I am just so excited!!

Thanks!

RestlessMonkey · 09-01-2008, 05:32 PM

Depends on if you use insurance or self pay and how booked your surgeon is. I went to my seminar 7/10, had my initial consultation 7/18, had my psych, nutrition and follow up 7/25, preop 8/7 and 1st band attempt 8/11. My insurance fortunately approved in 48 hours. My liver was too fatty for the 1st try but he placed my band 8/29.
Some have to wait 6 months or more

slynclark · 09-01-2008, 05:35 PM

Insurance will be paying for it. I have talked to the insurance company already but haven't seen the doc yet to start approval.

My insurance is really excellent insurance that covers bariatric surgery. I hope they approve me in 48 hours!

RestlessMonkey · 09-01-2008, 05:37 PM

Then it will just depend on how fast you can get everything done....and how ready you are for the surgery! AND how booked your surgeon is!
They should be able to give you a time frame at your seminar; they did at mine! good luck!

slynclark · 09-01-2008, 05:39 PM

Thanks so much I am so so ready and soooo excited!

RestlessMonkey · 09-01-2008, 05:42 PM

I'm still really new (banded 8/29) but no regrets or anything here. I truly think I am going to LOVE my band!

slynclark · 09-01-2008, 06:05 PM

Thanks so much I am so so ready and soooo excited!

slynclark · 09-01-2008, 06:11 PM

Good luck to you!

mdhomeschool · 09-01-2008, 06:59 PM

My insurance took a good month and a half to clear - mostly through mix-ups ( I had to keep calling my insurance provider and the bariatric office to keep the ball rolling). So while I was really hoping for a July surgery, I ended up with an August 18 surgery. Just realize it's not always quick!

Jazzy4Health · 09-02-2008, 07:46 AM

Hello,

My name is Yvonne. It sounds as if you and I may be at about the same point. I went to the initial seminar in early summer. Had my medical evaluation/intake and my behavioral and nutrition intake are 9/15 and 10/3, respectively. I also attended a discussion group Thursday evening with so many people who had had WLS. It was VERY informative and motivating. I would recommend the same to anyone even considering surgery. Similar to someone else's comment to you, right at the seminars they mentioned about a 6 month timeframe from intake. It gives time to have the needed intakes, prep time and the group I am going through (UMASS Weight Center, Worcester, MA) also has exercise "classes" if you will. I already go to the gym and walk 4 miles a day, but I shall still go to the classes which are included in the program fee. It is truly a wonderful program. I wish you the best and hope we can chat in the future. Any input would be appreciated.

Jazzy4Health · 09-02-2008, 07:48 AM

Hello there,

What did you preop diet consist of, if you even had one? So many people have different instructions. Some have mentioned 30 days full liquid prior to surgery, others only a week or so. Just curious. How is your road to a healthier you going?

EbonyRose · 09-02-2008, 02:16 PM

Hello Everyone!

Yvonne, I am in almost the same place as you...I was referred by my primary care physician (PCP) in mid-July after I found out about bariatric surgery from a girlfriend at work. Her hubby just had the full bypass done about 2 months ago, and he's doing very well. I asked my PCP about it, and he thought I would be a good candidate. I started researching the bypass, but the surgery and the aftereffects scared me, so I investigated the LAP-BAND^®, and here I am!

I've been scheduled for the psych consult and nutritionist in the next 10 days, and since I am a type II diabetic with a family history of heart disease and high blood pressure, so I think I'm a good candidate...

I walk a couple of miles a day - in the morning with my dog, and at lunchtime at work. I also work out at a gym near my train station (I have a long commute) since it's convenient. I'm praying that I am approved. I want to lose 120 lbs and extend my life, increase my quality of life, and be around to play with my new 4-month-old grandson...

I'm going to a support group meeting tonight to see what they are about - I've heard such good things about them on this site that I'm curious. I hope I am eventually approved by the bariatric surgical group here and that I'll get a surgery date sooner rather than later.

I'd love to be banded before Halloween, but definately before Christmas.