Here ya go: As you can see from my write-up in my profile, Dr. Schoen did an outstanding job across the board with my WLS. In response to your questions: 1.) How long did it take you to get in for a consult? A. less than 30 days
2.) Were you denied by insurance, and if so why or how did you resolve it? A. Initially denied by Aetna. After the denial, I found out what they needed for approval and Dr. Schoen's office and I delivered the goods (e.g. 3 month pre-WLS diet and exercise program, 5 years weight history, history of prior weight loss attempts, etc.). Got approved within 4 months after initial rejection.
3.) How long was it between your first consult and the actual surgery? (this one I've really been wondering about). A. My consult was end of April, 2005 and I had WLS Aug. 25, 2005.  
4.) Was there anything that happened after the surgery that you weren't expecting? A. The dynamics of my marriage changed dramatically.   
5.) What was the process between the first consult, and the surgery itself (like psych testing, having to go through a diet program, what/how long is the pre-op diet, etc.)? A. Lost 52 pounds prior to WLS, changed my eating habits and went on a liquid diet for 3 months, started walking and worked with Kelly the Nut (superb nut by the way.)  
6.) Did you lose any weight between the initial consult and your surgery, and did that affect anything about your surgery? A. See 5 above; Dr. Schoen wasn't going to perform the WLS unless I took off 10% of my weight. By the way, I gained 9 pounds in my first month of the "diet and exercise program" thus his reaction.  Since I was super-obese, the weight loss allowed him to perform the WLS laproscopically rather than open, and it shrunk the liver to make the WLS safer. In retrospect, I was glad Dr. Schoen was as adament as he was since the pre-WLS diet and exercise program allowed the transition to my new life post-WLS much easier.  Best of luck on Wednesday. Give Dr. Schoen, Wendy and Kelly my regards. 2 thumbs up for their WLS practice.    

i kathy i had my surgery 6 years ago and it took me about 8 weeks to feel up to par. 10 weeks to go back to work.  i also had Dr Tillquist. i have lost 150 pounds and started out at 261. my highest weight was 285. i am now living in Florida. Carla

My mother in law is i also having it at 7:30 at Penrose Main.  Good luck to you both

I am having a bugger of a time recovering from my surgery. How long did it take some of you to recover and get yourself back to any kind of "normal" state? ie: energy, exercise, even going to the dam shopping store???? Kathy

Hi CW & Sweeny, Thank you for your replies!  I had my surgery yesterday (May 15th) and all went well.  Although, they sent me home with oxygen.  But that is not really a big pain. I will probably try retuning to work on Monday.  Even if it is only for 4 hours at a time.  I just don't want to let my boss down. Well, I'm a little sleep now.  Time for a nap! Alison