My journey, thus far

**BarbyK** · 06-04-2018 02:54 PM

Hello everyone. This is my first post and I want to say I love this site! I looked at another site but didn't like it at all. By accident I stumbled upon this one. I have not yet had the sleeve, but I am on my way. I wondered if other people's journey has taken as long as mine has. Last August I found out I had to go to a seminar about the sleeve. By the time I registered, August was booked so I went the third week in September. I then had to do a six month doctor supervised weight loss attempt that I finished in March. My doctor had to make my appointment with the surgeon which was six weeks (!) later, May 4. At this visit I didn't even see the surgeon, I had to see his nurse practitioner! After seeing her, I saw a dietitian. I finally have an appointment for next week to see the surgeon, I suppose to set a surgery date. I honestly don't know if I've been approved yet by my insurance. They told me on my May 4 visit because the surgeon is so busy they were already scheduling surgeries in July! So I suppose mine will be in August. I feel this has been such a long process and wonder if this is the norm. Thanks in advance for any encouragement.

**Gvn71** · 06-04-2018 03:21 PM

Took me a little over a year from when I finally sat down with the surgeon! All the tests and insurance requirements took a while. I had a few issues and delays along the way that stretched it out as long as it was.

I'm so glad I stuck with it though!

Keep at it. The day will come!

**KiwiGal** · 06-04-2018 07:10 PM

Welcome.
I was self pay (and in NZ) so I only had to wait 3 weeks.
I understand that the insurance route takes quiet some time. Lots of time to get to grips with how your life will change and to start practicing things like eating small mouthfuls and eating slowly. Also not drinking with meals - that's usually something that took most of us some getting used to.
The wait will most certainly be worth it :-)

**DHB** · 06-04-2018 07:46 PM

Yep, that sounds very similar to my experience. I was able to cut the 6 mos down because insurance let me use a diet program I had been in before but then I had a hard time getting a surgery date (insurance made me go to another facility than my surgeon usually used). Your insurance will determine quite a bit about the process. You'l still need some tests and your PCP will have to sign off plus probably a psych eval. Your surgeon's practice should give you a checklist so you can get everything done in the proper order.

Hang in there. It's worth it.

**Christie13** · 06-04-2018 08:22 PM

Mine took about 7 months but I did all my appointments for my insurance requirements with my surgeon's office. So all supervised weight loss and all the other requirements. I have seen some that are much quicker and some that are longer. Depends on your insurance and from what you are describing...you picked a surgeon that is super busy. Fingers crossed that you get your approval and date soon. Glad you like this site. I absolutely love being here. So many great people. Welcome!!

**Shannon'sVSG** · 06-05-2018 04:56 AM

Hi BarbyK!

From the sound of things, you are the right track regarding the pre-op requirements. I know some insurance companies and surgeons require different things of people, but what you have outlined above seems to be the norm. When I originally had WLS in 2002, my process was much like yours is. It seemed to take forever. But I look at now as everything has a purpose. And the wait (although daunting as it may be at times) is just part of achieving your goal of WLS!

Hang in there! You got this!

Have a great week!

**BarbyK** · 06-05-2018 06:49 AM

Thanks to everyone who gave me encouragement, it really helps. I have had my psych evaluation, so as far as I know, I have done everything the insurance requires. My main frustration was when I saw the practitioner and not the surgeon; they didn't tell me I wouldn't be seeing him. It just seemed to be a waste of my time, and made me have to wait at least six more weeks to have the surgery. Sorry for the rant. I'm so glad I have people who understands completely and will give good advice. Thanks again!

**The North Sleeve** · 06-06-2018 10:13 AM

I started my initial consult in late July 2017 and had my surgery April 20, 2018. (Pretty much took me 9 months)

My insurance covered it 100%. I had to go through a series of phone calls from insurance, 3-4 Dietician meetings, 5-6 visits with nurses in bariatric department. I had to have 3-4 sessions with physical therapy, one psych evaluation, an appointment to get my gall bladder scanned to make sure it was normal. I met with my surgeon about a month before surgery and then one last RN visit and my pre-op physical with my regular Dr.

It was a long process to go through but I am so glad I kept up with it because a couple times I was ready to quit all the BS they were putting me through. Now I couldn't be happier and I feel it was the best decision I have ever made about myself.

It is an amazing feeling to actually lose weight and go down sizes in clothes. I am almost 7 weeks post-op so still a beginner with Uncle Sleeve and have not experienced a lot yet. I look forward to the positive feelings ahead!!!

Keep with it no matter what they put you through, in the end you will be very satisfied with yourself!! Best of luck to you with your journey!!

**Ann2** · 06-06-2018 11:57 AM

Yup, it can take a while. I thought my surgery day would never get scheduled. I was lurking and posting and asking all kinds of questions here for, I think, 9 months pre-op. I think the veterans were pretty sick of me by then. But they were also nice, except for one who said she wished I would STFU. I ignored her.

Settle in. Read. Ask questions. Say stupid stuff. Figure it out. It's YOUR message board, too.