Please respond

I was just wondering how long from the beginning when you first met with your doctor to discuss the possibility of wanting WLS, all the test and meetings, first meeting with your surgeon and until you got a surgery date? I have started everything in Sept. 2004, meet with nutrition, behavorial medicine, and this Monday night I start my once a week for 6 weeks behavioral medicine group meetings at Fallon. As soon I as loose 10% I can meet with the surgeon again and all will be put in to my insurance. Can't wait!!! Thank you Amy

It is a long travel (mine being 14 months) but it is well worth it. The WLS is the BEST thing I have done in my life. Best of luck Dawn -117

I think it differs with each surgeon. My first consult appt with my surgeon was in October. My surgery was the following February.

It definitely varies by doctor and hospital. I saw the surgeon for the first time in March, and got approved in June with a September date. It just so happened that things changed at the hospital and my surgeon got more OR time. I was originally told it would be 9 months to a year. Luann LapRNY 9/14/04 -65 lbs

I saw my Primery Care on Aug 23 rd. And saw the surgeon on Sept 13, 2004 and had my surgery on Jan 20, 2005. I am not sure if thats the norm for his office but I did all my test set ups for my self they just gave me the paper work they wanted filled out. I wish you all the luck in the world keep us posted. Hugs Loretta

Hi Amy, I started in February 2003 and had my surgery in July 2003. I think it was only because my husband had his surgery and revision at MGH , and he was one of their original patients. I had already done their lifestyle classes with him when he went throught them, so they already knew me there and I had the same team he did. I have heard of long waiting lists and I think it is really better for some people. I think more people need to work on the psyc side of the surgery and what it will be like for them. I have my own support group on the web I started a year ago and the biggest issues patients post-surgical seem to have are psyc ones. Patience is the way to go, it all goes by fast when you get closer to your date. It will be here before you know it. Julie

Depends on the hospital you use and the requirements of your insurance - some require you to do a supervised weight loss program for a set number of months prior to surgery. I had the lapband and have BCBS insurance. Met with my surgeon in late October and has surgery Dec 15 (about 7 weeks later) at BWH in Boston. Jennifer