Self Pay...How long to wait?

ChattyCathy · January 3, 2008

Hi Everyone!

This has been such a positive tool for me in my lap band journey that is just beginning. I am a self pay patient and I was wondering how long it takes for the whole process from meeting with the doctor to the actual surgical procedure. Any advice or facts would be very helpful. I also wanted to comment on the recent before and after pictures of everybody ...wow does everyone look great ! I can't wait to make this positive life change! Keep up the good work everybody your thoughts and comments are appreciated!!

kagoscuba · January 3, 2008

Depending on the doctor, I would say about 8 weeks. It took me (I am a self-pay) a month to get all of my pre-surgical tests/tasks done, and once those are done my doctor can usually schedule within 2 - 4 weeks, with 2 weeks being the norm.

Jaymie72 · January 3, 2008

Really mine was 3 weeks. It was really easy. They did an online application that asked me quesitons about my health. It was pretty intensive. After that I got approved. A couple of days before the surgery I got a call from the surgeon and we talked for 35 mins about the surgery and all my questions. Then I had my surgery!! I had all my perop tests the day of my surgery.

ChattyCathy · January 3, 2008

Thanks, I am hoping everything will go smoothly!

mia31771 · January 3, 2008

I am self pay in GA and it took me only two weeks to get a surgery date (and this was only because my doc required a 2 week preop diet to shrink my liver) In some places it can go VERY fast! Let us know!

socaldixiegal · January 3, 2008

I was around 3 1/2 months but mostly it was due to my schedule - not theirs. I travel TONS for work so had to find a time that I could take off and recover.