Introduction....

Greeting Minnesota OH’ers!   My name is Kristen and I am a WLS newbie. I have recently decided to proceed forward with WLS and went to an “Introduction to WLS" meeting two weeks ago.   On Monday 08/30/10 I meet with Unity Hospital’s Bariatric Center for an assessment. According to the paperwork I received at my introductory meting “during this appointment, the Bariatric nurse will walk through each step in the surgical process and review your completed health history form and insurance criteria."   I am just wondering how long it took you to get a surgery date once you started the process?

 Each insurance company is different, but six months is not unusual when you figure in all the doctor and psychology visits.

Hello and WELCOME!!!!!

There is at least one other person here from your area and several that have had Dr. Baker. I am sure you will get many responses over the next few days.

All insurances, their requirements, and doctors regulations are different. It will fall together. Sometimes it takes longer then others. Good Luck!!

Hugs.....connie d

I am not in your area but it has taken me 8 1/2 months to get a surgery date. Most of my time was spent with the psychologist ( appointments were scheduled a month apart). Hope this helps!

it took me 6 months....July seminar, surgery in December...as everyone says, a lot depends on insurance. Best wishes.

THe first time I applied 2 years ago, I could have had surgery right after pshych eval, nut consult and a daylong seminar. now, BC/BS requires a 6 month period with monthly visits to the nutritionist. I also used this time to meet with the psychologist and get a jump on some of my "head" issues. This was VERY helpful. Use this time to continue research here and changing your habits before surgery!! Welcome and persist! IT IS SOOOO WORTH IT
Lind

There are such variations on what's required by the different bariatric programs and insurers, even within the same insurance company!   It depends on your specific plan, what's in the small print.  Personally, I went to an info session on 12/16/06, mailed in my application materials on 1/17/07, and had surgery 4/27/07.  Pretty gosh darn quick.

Thing to keep in mind is - once you decide this is the right course for YOU, don't let go of your will to make it happen.  Do whatever is required of you, keep your eye on the prize.  Even if it takes longer than you want it to ('cuz didn't we all want it done YESTERDAY???), it will be worth all the time it takes and all the hoops you have to jump through.  Don't be discouraged, be determined!

WELCOME!!!

I went to my first info meeting in February 2010, but didn't decide to go to the doctor until April.  From then, I had surgery in July.  My insurance was really quick to approve.

Still, the process time is really important.  You have to start living the lifestyle and getting your head around the major changes you'll be making in your life.  It's worth every minute!!

Good luck!

Welcome and congrats on your life saving decision!! 
It was 4 years ago for me but a 6 month  Dr. supervised diet and a dew tests, so roughly 8 months.  I'm going for a revision for my original procedure and it was 3 months. 

Hi Kristen,

I am a newbie too! I was at the Introduction to WLS on August 17th at Unity.  I have my first appointment on Tuesday the 7th with Dr Jeffery Baker in Fridley. I've heard anywhere from 3-6 months. Not only is there a lot of steps, but I'm betting the insurance company takes the longest.
I am already starting to work on a few things.  I quit caffeine on 08.23.10 and I'm practicing not drinking 15 minutes before I eat, or when I eat or 1/2 hour after I eat. I've even cut the chocolate out of my diet - which I thought would be hard because I love it, but I am on a mission! :)

Good Luck!