General Time from Consult to Surgery

I'm just curious from the initial time that you went to your first consultation until you had your surgery. What the average wait time was?

Also, if you had to list one or two most frustrating things involved in the overall process from start to finish, what would they be? I'm just getting started on my journey and am excited Thanks J

Hi, Jack I had mine done at the University of Iowa.  My first consult was August 10, 2007 and my surgery was October 16th, 2007, so two months.  My surgery would have been in September, but my surgeon was out of the country for that month. Shannon

I started in June I believe and surgery in October.  My approval came in 3 days.  The hardest part is the wait between appointments.  Before you know it you will be on the cutting board.  Good luck.  Any more questions please PM me and Ill answer as best as I can.

My length of time was longer than necessary because I wanted to have the surgery during a college break.  I think it usually takes a couple of months to complete all the pre-op requirements.  Also, insurance approval time can make a difference as well. I know how once we decide on having the surgery, we can get really eager to "get on with it" and see all the pre-op things as hurdles to get over.  While it may not be true in your case, I do hope you will take advantage of the time and requirements to really prepare your head for this wonderful but demanding change.  I've seen people who say things like, "I didn't have this surgery to have to diet all the time" (yes, you do have to diet the rest of your life but it is so very different), or "this will let me be normal" (no, normal is out of the question--you will always have to watch protein, supplements, water, and exercise), or "I don't see the point of going on vacation/having a holiday/etc. if I can't eat what I want" (food is not the reason for these events--people and experiences are--but that's not how we are used to thinking). How you relate to food really does change, but if you haven't thought that through, it can be tough.  I used to use food as an expression of who I am or my affection for someone.  I had to find other ways to do that.  I still sometimes miss the ability to really enjoy a good meal like I used to--rather than being full so fast!  But it is all worth it. Sorry, didn't mean to go on so! Good luck, Sally