How long does the process take?

MissElectricEyeliner

How long on average does it take for the insurance company to accept or reject you? If you're accepted how long does the process normally last between all the appointments up until the day of surgery? I've just got done filling out my paper work and plan on turning it in on the 11th for when I go to the seminar.

Tawnykakers1

It depends on your insurance provider. My insurance had no set time but some require 3 months and some require 6 months. Until I finished all the classes and appointments I was at about 3 months anyway. It gives you time to prepare yourself and change bad habits before surgery. Most surgeons offices know what the majority insurances require, but I would call or read your insurance handbook to find out what they do cover. Good luck!

ki4eld

As Tawny says, it varies.

I highly suggest taking 6 months regardless of what's required, because the education and new skills take time to learn and become habits.

MissElectricEyeliner

How often does insurance companies reject you even after you do the 6 month diet? I've read about a few people that should have qualified and they were rejected.

cabennett99

I attended an orientation in May and decided I wanted to have WLS and had surgery in November. Work with your surgeons office; mine had a solid relationship with my insurer and advised me on the best way to get to a surgery date successfully. I had to document a supervised weight loss period of three months, which I chose to do through my surgeons practice since I assumed they knew what the insurer needed. At first I was frustrated by what I viewed as a buaurocratic delay, but in hind sight the time spent was well spent - I was mentally better prepared. Now 15 months post-op, down 155 pounds, closing in on a maintence weight I never dreamed possible, a few months one way or the other "ain't no thing". But follow the advice of your surgeons office, they know what works with respect to the insurers.

creepykbear

Agreed - mine was an 8 month process all together. I started June 2 and by the time I finally got approval it was for late Jan for surgery on March 2. On my preop diet from my surgeons office I've lost 120 lbs, I never thought I had an option other than surgery. I still think I'm going to do it (I still have another 120-160 to lose), but it's good to have options instead of just feeling stuck.

ki4eld

cabennett99 wrote: »

I attended an orientation in May and decided I wanted to have WLS and had surgery in November. Work with your surgeons office; mine had a solid relationship with my insurer and advised me on the best way to get to a surgery date successfully. I had to document a supervised weight loss period of three months, which I chose to do through my surgeons practice since I assumed they knew what the insurer needed. At first I was frustrated by what I viewed as a buaurocratic delay, but in hind sight the time spent was well spent - I was mentally better prepared. Now 15 months post-op, down 155 pounds, closing in on a maintence weight I never dreamed possible, a few months one way or the other "ain't no thing". But follow the advice of your surgeons office, they know what works with respect to the insurers.

+1