How long? ..

Just curious.. from the first day you went to the dr's to discuss WLS until your surgery day; how long did it take?!

I went to my orientation seminar around Thanksgiving 2007. Met with my Surgeon in January 2008 and my Surgery was April 10th, 2008.  So it was about 4 1/2 to 5 Months.  I do know that there are more people seeking surgery from his office now and that the wait is a little longer.

Jim 

I went to my seminar at the end of May... 1st appt with surgeon in July (they originally scheduled me for June but they had an emergency & had to reschedule)... went on a 12 week Liquid Medifast diet starting in July & had surgery on Oct22nd. So I guess it's about 5 months! Good Luck!!! Cece

My very first appointment was Feb 29th and my Surgery was June 18th.. so like 3 and a half months for me.

First visit with surgeon...middle of February...surgery May 10...about 90 days...I'm sure it depends on the doctor. Rosemary

I met Dr Roslin on April 18, 2007 after I had to see my PCP, endocrynologist, nurtitionist, shrink and have blood work done and do an eco-cardiogram.  Once all my paperwork and test were completed I was scheduled for surgery with approval 72 hours (June 6, 2007)of my insurance getting all the paperwork and test--BUT insurance carriers vary as do doctors so what is typical of one isn't of another.

thanks you guys, I was just wondering. Im going through Ellis Hospital w/ MVP Direct Access Insurance. Anyone go to that hospital or have that insurance? I get people telling me that it took them anywhere between 4-12months depending on where they go.

I went through Ellis - Dr Clarke & have MVP... not Direct Access mine is through NYS. They required a 10% weight loss pre-op hence my 12 weeks of medifast. I suspect this 12 weeks also had to do with the fact that I weighed 437lbs & had a BMI of over 75 & it was for my own safety that I lost the weight.  Everyone at Ellis is wonderful. I am not sure how long it will take you but it will depend greatly on which dr you choose!! Dr Clarke is booking way farther out than Dr P or Dr Ingram. There are quite a few of us Ellis Hosp folks here so if you have any questions just ask away!!! Good luck!!! Cece

I also went to Ellis Hospital, but I had CDPHP for insurance.  When you go to your first appointment with your surgeon, they will be able to give you an idea of how long the process will take.  It is different for everyone depending on how much weight you will be required to loose prior to surgery.  Paula handles all the insurance information and pre-op testing scheduling and she will be able to give you a general idea of how quickly your insurance will usually approve people.

On a different note:  Everyone in the office is wonderful, they made this process so easy for both my wife and I.  Anne and Chris are the nurses there and they will help you through the entire process. Sally is at the reception desk and she is also the greatest.  I have had experience with Dr. Clarke and Dr. Ingram (unsure of spelling) and was very happy with the care they gave me.  Dr. Pamidagore (I know I spelled this wrong) will always say hi and be friendly when he sees you walking in the hall.  As I said before Paula is your life line for getting everything in order for getting your surgery as scheduled and she goes above and beyond to make sure that nothing will slow you down.

If you have any questions about the process feel free to send me a email.

Jim 

Impossible to predict your journey...So many factors come into play. The medical clearances YOU will need and time it takes to go through these. How long it takes to get certain factors in control if your diabetic, a smoker etc, how long it takes to lose preop wt if required, how busy your surgeon is, how fast your insruance approval goes etc....5 1/2 yrs ago it was May when I started and I had surgery in October, I lost my 30# in 30 days it was other hoops like getting apts that delayed, then due to nursing shortage at the time my surgery was rescheduled 3x!