How long from start to surgery

Question, from the time all of you decided to have your surgery. Roughly How long does it take to complete the requirements and actually have the surgery? 6 months? a year? what? I cant find any info on the requirements and I cant really find anything negative about the surgery besides gas...and dumping..... Im trying to get some of my questions answered by the pros here. thanks in advance

Hi Lauren, It will depend on many factors - your surgeon's waiting list, your insurance requirements, your co-morbidities, what tests are required, etc. But you can reasonably expect your surgery in about 9-12 months or so. Hope this helps. Kathy Bilodeau Lap RNY 12/3/03 -98 lbs.

Lauren: It took me 7 months from when all my paperwork was sent in to my surgeons office to when I had my surgery. I did not need any addt'l testing and had no hold ups with insurance. It also depends on the wait list at the surgeons office. My surgeon specializes in the lap procedure. Some surgeons don't have as long of a wait. I only wanted my specific surgeon so I did not mind the wait. Let me know if you have any other questions. Chryssie

Hey there, I am a patient of Dr Barba's. It seems that is is going to probably take almost a full year which is VERY discouraging. I started back in April, finished all my tests. Now the waiting just to get an appt with him has begun. From what I hear (we shall see) just to see him might be Nov-Dec timeframe. Then another couple of months from then. GOOD LUCK

Hi Lauren, I started my processing last March and I am getting closer to get surgery date soon. Depend on your doctor you pick but mostly average is 7 to 8 months processing. Good luck on your research for doctors. I hope to meet you tomorrow night. That is great you know little about sign language. Kathy K

My surgeon is Dr. Valin. I went to my first informational session on March 31st and had my surgery July 6th! Some of my friends worried that I was rushing it, but I knew that my decision was the right one and I was very comfortable with this timeframe. I had the co-morbidities of high blood pressure and sleep apnea. In addition I have arthritis in my knees and chronic back pain. My insurance is Anthem Blue Cross-there were no problems whatsoever with getting the operation approved. I think a key thing that helped speed things up was my PCP prompt response with a letter of support and forwarded medical information. I also think Dr. Valin's office has so much experience with the process that his timetables for surgery are faster than other doctors.

Hi there Lauren- yes, the timing really is very individual. It varies by case and by Dr. My journey took about 11 months from start (made appts to see surgeons) to surgery. Will it take you that long? I'm not really sure. It could be faster, it could be longer. I'm sure that if you pop over to the main boards, you can talk to some longer term post ops and listen to their thoughts on how this changes your life. From my viewpoint, it TOTALLY changes everything in your life. You should prepare yourself for a new life. Also, there is a lot of info out there on complications, etc. But, there is just as much on successes. Please consider visiting the main board or subscribing to OH.com's magazine to get more info too. Good luck to you! Lisa C

If you are patient, the wait isn't so bad. It will be 15 months from beginning to end when I have surgery and time really flies. These people are amazing as far as answers go. The doctor can give you the specifics, but the one thing I have learned through this whole thing is there is nothing like getting info from the people who have been through it. VISIT A SUPPORT GROUP. Best thing ever!! Phyllis