From Start to finish,

[TriciaBallard 0]

How long was it before you had your surgery from the time to went to your consult?

Is it usually a lengthy process?

I know I sound impatient lol.. Im excited.

[Drasan 23]

The time varies for every person. I had medical issues that were discovered through the process that needed to be addressed which delayed my surgery. But ..

Now I am understanding the meaning of the lap-band journey which begins with the first curious moments of its discovery.

Some of the steps of the journey feel like the clock is standing still, insurance approval, doctor appointments, recovery from surgery, etc. Then there are the payoff days when it all seems worth it.

I had the surgery on 3/10 and I've finally reached a payoff day YAY! 5 days post op and I am feeling so much better! No more sharp pain, just a little dull pain.

I'm learning the feeling of the band and that feeling of when I am full and overly full.

Let the journey continue!

I wish you the best Tricia on your very individual journey!

[nurselroy 0]

I went to the initial seminar in October and had my first doctor visit at the end of November (it was rescheduled due to a snow storm). I got the list of pre-op requirements that I had to complete at that visit and that included blood work, EKG, chest X-ray, and psych eval as well as attend a support group and a pre-op education session on exercise. I finished all this by January 14 and the only reason it took that long was because the holidays delayed things at some offices. My info was sent to my insurance company about two weeks later and was approved in one day. I then got my date, which is March 18. So, the total time was about 5 months, but it really could have been sooner, I just wasn't in a huge hurry. I used that time to do my research and make sure this was something I really wanted to do.

[Arthemise 1]

I went to my first meeting last May, and I'm having my surgery in March. I had to do six months of weight loss with my PCP (not that I lost any weight), and then my insurance company really dragged their feet because of paperwork.

[HappyDay 0]

My insurance company (Horizon POS) requires a 6 month wait, numerous visits with specialists and 6 visits (once a month) with a nutritionist. My initial consult was in October and my surgery is scheduled for April 9th.....pending insurance approval. I won't know about the insurance until right before the surgery date - so I pray it gets approved. Originally it seemed like forever - but now that's it's less than a month away - it seems like the time went so fast. It's a good chance to really figure out what to expect and this forum has been extremely helpful. Good luck to you!!

[waynooo 1]

My insurance company (Horizon POS) requires a 6 month wait, numerous visits with specialists and 6 visits (once a month) with a nutritionist. My initial consult was in October and my surgery is scheduled for April 9th.....pending insurance approval. I won't know about the insurance until right before the surgery date - so I pray it gets approved. Originally it seemed like forever - but now that's it's less than a month away - it seems like the time went so fast. It's a good chance to really figure out what to expect and this forum has been extremely helpful. Good luck to you!!

You just told my story! All most to the "T". Same tentative surgery date and all! Good luck to you, Wayno

[HappyDay 0]

Wayno - question for you.....did you lose any weight during the 6 months??? I didn't lose a pound and am worried that the insurance co. will deny me because of it. I actually managed to stay the same to the pound for the last 5 months. My final nutrition appt. is next Wednesday - do you also have Horizon POS?? I'm in NJ - what state are you in?

[festivus 1]

I went to the seminar in Early December, scheduled my consult and PCP visit for early January. I already had the 6 months of supervised diet. My insurance required 5 years documentation that I had a BMI of 40 or greater (which I had :thumbup:). I did all the required visits in January, was approved in 1 week, on February 12th and had my pre-op testing and started my pre-op diet on March 4th. I am scheduled for surgery on the 18th.

If you have all the requirements your insurance company is asking for, you can do this in under 3 months. I delayed 2 weeks because my birthday is March 2nd and I didn't want to be on the pre-op diet during my birthday. One last piece of ice cream cake!

Good luck!

[HappyMom 1]

I attended my first seminar on January 20th. My insurance pre-approved me and provided the doctors with the required testing in the middle of February. I met with the surgeon, dietitian, and psych in early March. I was final approved just last week. My surgery is scheduled for the 25th of this month. Very quick....just two months!

I was fortunate that my insurance didn't require any special 6 month diet, or other monitoring.

Good luck to you!

[rgrz79 0]

My first consult was in November 09 and finally, my surgery is scheduled for April 27th. For insurance, I had to have a few medical tests, a psych evaluation, meet with nutritionist, attend seminar and special exercise class. I only had to wait aprox. 5 months, which isn't too bad after reading so many other posts.

[montynic 1]

As you can see from my signature, I attended the info session on 1/4, went to my initial consult on 1/18, and am scheduled for surgery on 4/1. My Dr. said the average time from start to finish is 3-4 months if the insurance company does not require a 6 month medically-supervised pre-op diet. My process will be just under 3 months. Obviously, any medical conditions that surface may delay the process as well... That being said, I definitely agree that everyone's journey is different!... And I am very impatient as well :-)

Edited March 17, 2010 by montynic