Hi! Do not be terrified, it is not as bad as you think, and most likely it will be the best decision you have ever made. I did my sleeve in OCC in December 2015 and it wen pretty well, 75?pouhds down and counting, I am at my normal weight right now, I did not have any health issues either but what a difference it made! To answer your question I have started collecting infor end of September 2015 and had my sleeve done on December 4th. I would no call it a waiting time - you are only limited bt your own limitations, like time you can take off work and time you can come up with the money. I completely relied on this site for information as I did not know a single person who did sleeve anywhere, so this site is pretty good as information source, just ask the question and take time to read reviews.,good luck!