Hi - I'm new - ThinnerTimes

dthomp · 06-09-2007, 05:08 PM

Hi - I am new here. I went to my first seminar on Monday. I spoke to my doctor's office yesterday and I do qualify for the lap gastric bypass. I have everything that I need for the insurance company, except for the 6 months straight of seeing my primary care for weight loss. I was just a little disappointed that I am going to have to wait that long. Just wondering how long the entire process took for any of you? (I do have 2 dr visits under my belt - not that I don't go, just not every month)

Thanks for any info.
Deb

bingoklee · 06-09-2007, 05:38 PM

WELCOME

There so many wonderful people here.
I'm about to have my second procedure on June 18th. This time around it has taken me about 2 months from start to surgery date!

My first time took about 18 months, each person is different. I think the insurance is what delays things the most.

Good luck with your battle, do not take no for an answer!

RNY4me · 06-09-2007, 08:56 PM

So glad you found this place, you will find an abundant amount of information and an unending source of support. I hope your wait is short and sweet!
My insurance company required the 6 months, but stated any visit where a weight was recorded and diet/exercise/eating habits etc. were discussed would be acceptable. It could be any 6 month period, not necessarily the most recent 6 months. I was very lucky and found what was required in my records. I had my first surgeon visit 9/29/06 and had my surgery 11/13/06. Most do not have such luck. But whatever the criteria, the wait, it is sooo worth it. Really, what is 6 months compared to the rest of your life? A longer, healthier and happier life! Best wishes on your journey. We are here for you. Just put one foot in front of the other and keep plugging away at what needs to be done. It is worth it all!

TX DEB · 06-09-2007, 09:42 PM

Deb~

Welcome to the forum family. My process took 3 months mainly because my surgeon requires a lot of seminars and education, which is really a GOOD thing. Some docs don't even tell folks how to eat after surgery which is really scary. Good luck!

Hunnyblonde · 06-09-2007, 11:46 PM

Welcome to our little forum family. I asked my PCP for a consult in July 2006, saw my wls clinic in Sept and had surgery in January 2007. That said, I'm not a good case to gauge by as the Dept of Veteran's Affairs did my surgery and civilian facilities and insurances all different.

I know you won't believe it, but this 6 months will fly by and you can use the time to do your research. This is a great place to learn everything you'll ever want to know from the people who have lived it. ObesityHelp.com is another site, but always be sure to follow your surgeon's advice first.

Good luck on your journey.

PennyJ · 06-10-2007, 03:09 AM

It seems everyone is different - but not only bcasue the docs have different time tables, but the insurance companies can be the ones to really throw timing out the window! My own insurance company is great - so start to finish from first PCP visit to surgery was maybe two months. But, whatever the time is - use it all to educate yourself and ask all the questions you want!!! This is a great place for support, questions, fun, and friendship. Welcome!

Haveaball · 06-10-2007, 04:57 AM

My whole process took 6 months. I am glad it took so long looking back, I had a lot of time to do tons of research. It was totally worth the wait! Good Luck to you.

kittens4 · 06-10-2007, 06:43 AM

Anyone with a cat avatar is a friend of mine!!!

Hang in there, 6 months isn't that long in the grand scheme of things. My process was shorter, but every Dr is different. Still, if you are anything like me, once you decide you want something, you want it, and you want it now! I remember being so excited when I got my date...and even right up until they wheeled me in, I was so happy just knowing that finally a change was coming!!! I did have complications, but was able to bounce back pretty fast, and today I feel awesome!!! Before you know it, that 6 months will pass, and you'll be getting your surgery!!! We'll be saving a seat for you on the losers bench! Welcome to the forum!! This is the best place for info!! I've learned way more here than from any seminar or class I took!!!

dthomp · 06-10-2007, 07:05 AM

Wow - I am amazed at how quickly you folks have responded to me. I do plan to use every day to find out as much info as I can. I have a friend at work who is there for me. I've been asking her a bunch of questions too!

I appreciate the welcome and look forward to being on the "post" side of the surgery.

Thanks.
Deb

Squishy · 06-10-2007, 07:23 AM

Welcome Deb!

My insurance required a year of medically supervised weight management. Like somoeone else said, they counted pretty much all of my doctor visits because we always talked about weight. What really made it easy was the records of the weight loss medications I had tried. Meridia, Phentermine, etc.

This can happen faster than you will ever believe. If you had zero history of medically supervised weight control, those six months will fly by...but keep all your appointments. This new lifestyle is a commitment, and you need to be ready for that.

Best wishes!!!
-Mike-