Start to Surgery Date

[Giginc 12]

I’ve had first appt and now scheduled for bone density and nutrition tomorrow and psychologist and program director Oct 18 . I have to do my sleep apnea test next week and meet with exercise specialist that should be it . How long do you think it will take to get a date based on your experiences?
TIA

[ShoppGirl 4,782]

It really depends on your program and more importantly your insurance. Some companies require a 3 or 6 month medically managed weight loss attempt. Most clinics just have you go there monthly to check your weight and sorta use it as an opportunity to spread out your other requirements a bit so they aren’t so overwhelming. Sounds like you probably have the whole list of requirements though unless a medical issue pops up that they need to investigate further to clear you for surgery. It really varies whether you will get a date before or after you have completed everything and receive your approval but obviously the timeframe itself will not Change you may just know it sooner. My whole process took about 6 months from first appointment to surgery day.

[kcuster83 1,504]

This is very independent to each surgery center and insurance company.

My insurance required a 4 month process, but my surgery center required a 6 month minimum with the "potential for fast tracking". They said that they require the 6 months to show your dedication and make sure you really understand the process and the life long changes.

I was fast tracked, about 5 months total. Once I finished all of the insurance requirements and did my final weight check for the surgery center I had my last apt with the surgeon and surgery was scheduled. It took about a week for insurance approval and I had surgery about 3 weeks after my last apt with the surgeon.

[SpartanMaker 767]

Well, don't use me as the standard, but it took me almost 3 years from initial consult to surgery. I know some people, especially those that are self-pay, have done it in less than a month.

Think of the delays as YOUR time to get mentally prepared. The surgery will help, but what it really takes to be successful is changing the way you eat. Especially if you have an eating disorder, this can be the hardest part.

[Giginc 12]

8 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

It really depends on your program and more importantly your insurance. Some companies require a 3 or 6 month medically managed weight loss attempt. Most clinics just have you go there monthly to check your weight and sorta use it as an opportunity to spread out your other requirements a bit so they aren’t so overwhelming. Sounds like you probably have the whole list of requirements though unless a medical issue pops up that they need to investigate further to clear you for surgery. It really varies whether you will get a date before or after you have completed everything and receive your approval but obviously the timeframe itself will not Change you may just know it sooner. My whole process took about 6 months from first appointment to surgery day.

Thanks for the feedback ! When I started I let them know I wanted it before the end of year because I have met my deductible and half of out of pocket so it would save $$$. They seem to think that would not be a problem- guess I’m just a little nervous.