I know length of process varies, but... (Mt Carmel, Columbus)
I can only give you the rough estimates Dr. Price and his staff gave me. Once they send the request through your insurance company it usually takes up to 6 weeks to get approval back. Also figure in time for other possible specialist appointments (I have to see Pulmonary and Cardiology) and the information session and support group meeting (both required by Dr. Price, may be the same with the other surgeons there as well). After that you meet again with your surgeon to really go into what to expect for the actual surgery and you get a surgery date....Dr. Price said it usually takes around 2 months to find an opening in his surgery schedule. Of course, all of these are estimates and all of them not only depend on your surgeon but also your situation/need and your insurance company.
I know right now you're probably just trying to make sure you have as much info going in as possible (which is an excellent thing to do). Right now try to focus on soaking up as much info as you can, writing down any and all questions, making sure you have their patient packet filled out and your medical records and any referral from your PCP (if required by insurance) ready for your consult date. Also, if you haven't done so already, they do also require a psyc. evaluation there. This can be done before or after your consultation so if you're looking to make sure everything is in order you can go ahead and start looking into that as well.
Again, if you have ANY questions...just ask.