Hi, it has taken me (so far) since November 2007....which included initial consultation with surgeon, a slew of testing (stress tests, endoscopy, upper GI, psych etc.) supervised diet of 6 months, diet history and finally letter of surgical necessity. I finally have my date of Sept. 2 (only because I have to be out of the country in Aug. and the docs do not want you out of the country for atleast 6 weeks after the surgery.
My insurance (cigna) required the 6 months supervised physician diet, or else the process would have gone easier.
Hope this helps you.