time frames

Hi Everyone: I am new and have been reading and reading. Thank you all for sharing on this board! It has been helpful. I am considering the Chrias center. I was wondering what the average time frame is start to finish. I do know a lot depends on me getting the things done that I need to but I was just curious about a ballpark. I am thinking of the lap band. I have a bmi of 39 with diabetes, gerd, high cholesterol, etc. I have blue cross blue shield of DE and am hoping they will help. Anyway, any input would be appreciated! Nancy G.

Hi Nancy, Welcome! I had my surgery two years ago, so I am sure time frames have changed considerably since then. Let's see...I called for an appt in May, got one for November with Dr. Irgau. Saw him and started the process and got a date 4 months later in March. During that time I completed all the requirements such as pulmonologist, cardiologist, psychological clearance etc. When I was getting ready they didn't require the gastric bypass classes that they have now, I just had one 2 hour nutrition seminar, but I made it a point to start attending support group meetings long before surgery so I could be as ready as possible. Just FYI, I also had BC/BS of De and had no problems at all with approval, that part was quick and painless. I had bypass not lapband. I also HAD high cholesterol, diabetes etc...on meds for the diabetes and I'm happy to say that is all ancient history for the moment. Of course I realize that nothing is guaranteed to stay that way even if I do things well from a surgical stand point, diabetes runs heavily in my family and can re rear it's ugly head at any time, but I have gained 2 symptom free years and that goes a LONG way in preventing long term damage! Good luck in your process. If you decide to go with CHRIAS be confident that you have chosen some of the best! LInda

You've choosen a GREAT facility w/ CHRIAS. I started the process in January and had my surgery in late June. I took it slow, though, b/c I'm a teacher and wanted the summer time to recouperate. Average time, though, is 3-6 months to be seen by all the different doctors and possibly have a sleep apnea study done. good luck!! Jen Rosen

Nancy, I am planning to have the lap-band procedure with Dr. Wynn. When I met with her, I asked how long is the normal wait after the initial consultation. She told me that it is usually 2-3 months after initailly meeting with the surgeons. However, this can been extended depending on how many clearances you need from your doctors and for your insurance company, as well as your expediancy in getting things done. I told everyone that I want to have surgery as soon as possible, so somehow they were willing to get me in quickly. I began my testing on March 29th and I will complete them on April 14th. Also, My insurance company only requires one nutrtion class and one meeting with the dietician. However, some people are required to attend the classes for 3 months. So, there are many factors that can possibly hold you up or make things go by quickly. Take care, Renay