Length of Time from Beginning to End....

...so how long has it taken everyone, from their initial consultation, until the actual surgery? And for those in the midst of the process, how long has it taken so far? Just curious....

James, I was initially seen in May for a "curiosity" visit. I was seen seriously in September and had my surgery in January. So 4 months from serious consultation to surgery. Depending on your location, insurance, doctor, hospital and Co-Morbidities, YMMV. RobinNJ

I had my first appointment with the surgeon on August 22nd, I attened 6 required nutrition classes, had my appointments with the pulmonologit, PC and psych and was approved 11/2/06 from United Health Care. My surgery date for lap band is set for 1/22/07 only because that is a good time for me. I could have scheduled it sooner but my calendar was to busy. I can't wait

hi james everyone is different and insurance is different and surgeon requirements are different with that in mind my husband and i started on 7/22/05 with getting information 1st surgeon consultant -- forget him, we got rid of him 2nd surgeon consultant -- 11/17/05 Husbands Surgery Date -- 5/22/06 (BC/BS Horizon NJ) Wifes Surgery Date -- 11/22/06 (Aetna -- but i was approved 6/06 -- had to wait due to other medical reasons -- not related to Weight or WLS) remember to do everything by the book with the insurance company and the surgeons office and your own PCP -- things will move smoother if you jump through their hoops good luck roberta

James, When I first started talking to surgeons in the fall/winter of '02, I knew I needed to wait until after the New Year to submit for insurance company approval because we were changing carriers at work that Jan 1st. I think (and my profile will 'tell' for sure if I'm right about the date) that I first saw a surgeon in Oct or Nov of that year. A few days into January, the surgeon/hospital I chose submitted for approval. Though it felt like FOREVER...I think it took about 7-8 weeks to get the thumbs up. Surgery was scheduled for 3 weeks from the approval date (it could have been sooner but I needed to wait until after my work anniversary so I'd have some time off I could use-the surgery was scheduled for the Monday after my March 18th work anniversary 2003). But as someone else said-every situation/insurance company/surgeon is different. I will keep my fingers crossed for a speedy approval for you Sandi

4 Months, but that was because they found out I have sleep apnea, so I had to be fitted and had to wear it for 2 weeks prior to surgery. Still not too terrible long of a wait.

I had my initial consult on Aug. 28 and I just scheduled lap band surgery for Jan. 16. I did a 3 month multidisciplinary program to meet Aetna's requirements.