how long did it take

from the time you had your first meeting with the surgeon,until the time you actually had your surgery?does anyone know what the average time span is?i put in my application a little over a week ago,but i havent been contacted yet.i know they will call me,im not worried about that,but i am really anxious and i cannot stop wondering how long of a process it will be from the time i actually enter the program,my appt. with dr.looser ect...until the time i might actually get the surgery.any info is appreciated!

Hi Jennifer, Every program is different, it depends on your insurance requirements, how many patients your surgeon has, how organized the office is, and how well documented your past diet history is. From my first appt. to when I had my surgery it took 7 months. My insurance required a 6 month supervised diet. I might have been through it a little faster, but I missed my first sleep study appointment because of snow. I hope it goes quickly and smoothly for you. Try not to rush things too much. It's a process and you want to be sure that you are well prepared for all the changes. You will get there. Good luck with everything.

is there anything i should do now while im waiting?documents?medical records?or do they take care of that stuff?i know the process is lengthy,and im certainly ready for the committment its going to take....but all the while im so anxious to just get started!ty for the response!

I didn't have to do anything. My surgeon's office did everything. I think most of the information that was needed was gathered from all the tests that I had while I went through the program. You may want to call your surgeon's office and ask them if you could get any records or information together for them to make it easier for them.

Jennifer, I called the hospital on a Monday, had the initial consult on a Friday, and had surgery 6 weeks later. At my consult, they scheduled everything I needed pre-op in 1 day, pre-op evalustion, blood work, nutritionist meeting, and final consult with surgeon, all 1 week before surgery. So, about 7 weeks in all. Good luck in moving along quickly! Carrie

omg!lucky you!i guess in general i just may be a negative person,but my guess is that its just not gonna go as smoothly for me,maybe cuz nothing EVER does??!!anywho,i guess i should just try to have more patience with everything and leave it in gods hands.thanks ladies for the feedback!

Hi Jennifer. I started the process in July of 2005 and my surgery date is March 7th. It took about 9 months total. The bariatric program at Dartmouth Hitch**** Medical Center requires a lot of items completed before you meet with a surgeon (including a 15 pound weight loss). Once I met with my surgeon, my surgery was scheduled for about six weeks later. Good luck! - Stephanie

Hello Jennifer, My entire process took about a year, I had Cigna, and it requires a six month weightloss trial....and oodles of other paperwork. I also went through the ports office, I ended up doing all of the chasing of the paperwork....because I was also anxious.....and always tried being pro active. I also got denied 2 times, even with 2 specialist's written recommendations. all I can say is get copies of everything,and if you have not started your 6 month weight loss trial.....start it. And above all DONT GIVE UP!!!! most insurance company expect people to give up after the initial denial.....I hope everything works out!! Jane Almost 3 months.....post-op