How Long does this take start to finish?

I have been researching this type of surgery for myself for a few years. I feel LAP-Band would be best , and I am about to start looking for a surgeon and all that good stuff. I was wondering how long it took you guys? were there a lot of hoops to jump through? were they very critical of your past attempts to lose weight? (ie your taking the easy way out w/ surgery  mentality). I am already pretty set on the idea of getting the surgery, I am just trying to get a realistic gauge on how long it takes from initial consult, paper work, visits.. to an actual surgery date?

Thanks for any advice you have ahead of time, James

You should just jump in and get a consult with a surgeon.  That's pretty much what I did.  I researched and the doctor I went with was the best choice for me.  Dr. Dean Roye who is with RI Hospital explains ever little thing to you.  I got approved by my insurance very fast and my pre-testing took about 8 weeks to finish. My first visit with the Dr. was Jan. 16, 2007 and my surgery was April 10, 2007.  He would tell you it takes between 6-9 months before everything gets done.   Good Luck Nancy

Dr Pohl requires that you go to his preliminary seminar before you can schedule your consult.  I went to the consult on July 14th and ended having surgery at the end of November.  There are lots of hoops to jump through.  The hardest was the psych consult.  It took all day and I felt like it was the hing between getting approved for surgery and not.  All other tests were fast and easy. The doctor was never critical and neither was the psychiatrist but she did ask a ton of questions..what my expectations were....why do I think the other weight loss attempts didn't work.  Document as much as you can your previous weight loss attempts.  I actually had a graph...but I am a bit nuts..lol Good luck! Danielle

I also had Dr. Roye.  I saw him in Jan and had my surgery on 5/3.  Once I had the consult, my insurance had approved it within 2 weeks.  They gave me a list of appointments I needed to make, so I got on the phone that day and started scheduling everything.  Luckily I have a flexible job and was able to take any day/time I was offered and got the testing done quickly. Good luck - I love this band....it's well worth it!!! Kathy

Thanks for all the info guys, I will see what I can do about getting my other weight loss attempts 'data' but I tell ya.. that goes back a few years lol. I am actually not to worried about the psyhc consult , I have spent my time with a number of therapists, psychiatrist and psychologists to handle my own in the situation. Honestly , I just hope I have tried enough in my life to control this that this is a good option for me, James

Honestly, I didn't have to "document" anything.  Told them I had done Jenny Craig about 10 years ago - obviously gained the weight back, and tried Weigh****chers twice.

ah I have tried slim fast 3 times, a liquid diet run by a local hospital, changing my eating habits, getting more active. I have the metabolism of a bear, I swear I could eat once a week and be fine, sadly my stomach doesn't agree. but that is good to know, I was actually worried about having to remember everything I have tried.

I'm thrilled you asked this question. I have a good indication on when it will all be said and done. I called over two weeks ago for my consult along with application, called twice since and still haven't heard a thing from them. Last Wednesday, they said they were looking over applic and they would call me as soon as they get to mine. Am I impatient or is it them? LOL