How long is the process?

Hello,

I am curious to know how long the process from the initial consult to the actual surgery was for everyone... I am going through Tobey Hospital and I have an information session June 10th.  I was told it takes usually between 4-6 months after the consult for the surgery at Tobey, and I was just wondering if anyone had it done sooner than that... only because I'm having a bit of an issue with unemployment and health insurance... so I'm hoping the sooner I have it done, then I don't have to worry about my unemployment running out.  Thanks everyone for your input and for sharing your experiences!

Hi Jezzabelle81:
     It will be 6 months for me.  My sister in law did it in 5 months.  A friend did it in 5 months.  When you have your appt with Dr. Streeter/Kruger just let them know your dilemna.  Will you be eligible for any other insurance when your unemployment runs out? 

Thanks! I will definitely explain my situation to them, hopefully it will help.  I will probably be eligible for commonwealth care once my unemployment runs out, but I just get nervous about different insurance companies expecting different things...different approval processes... and I honestly hate being unemployed lol. I want to go get a job, but at the same time I think things happen for a reason.  I've been looking into getting this surgery for quite some time, but was so busy working.  I lost my job in february, just became eligible for health insurance two weeks ago... and I think that maybe this is my time to get the surgery...

I had mine at Tobey (awesome experience). 

I went for my first consult in late July....and they were telling me I could be in surgery as early as November.  I opted to wait until after the holidays. 

I know they will work with you if you have unusual time constraints....they kind of put you on a fast track!  You have to have 2 consults w/nutrition, 2 with psych...and 4 mandatory classes (out of pocket expense....$500)

Theoretically, you could be in surgery in Sept. or Oct. at the latest.

If you have any ???'s...always feel free to ask me!  :)

My process was a whirlwind 2 months.  My first appointment with my surgeon was at the end of January and my surgery date was March 27th.  It went quickly because my insurance did not require that I be enrolled in a program for 3-6 months like most do AND, I was very pro-active regarding getting all my required appointements and tests done as quickly as possible. 

My process took 3 1/2 months! 

hi its funny june 10th last year was my surgey date. as of yesterday ive lost 143lbs and take no more meds at all i would say that from the day my pcp sent me to the mgh wieght center was about 7-8 months you have a lot of differant kinds of drs. to talk with and lots of tests and a very large education with nutrition etc. good luck by the way i only missed 1 week of work and could have gone back on day 5 if i had too dont ru**** its not a decission to make in haste its too important your not getting a new pair of shoes your getting a whole new life

Thank you everybody for all of your help!  I'm a little nervous, but mostly excited to feel like I'm finally able to begin living my life!

I'm glad you asked this I was wondering the same thing. I'm going to the info session for Tobey on the 9th.

Ohhh you are ? Great? We are definitely on the same time frame then and can do this together! Let me know how it goes!