How Long is Long?

Hi, I am just beginning this journey, and I have been told that the approval and consult process is a long journey.  I am in it despite, but how long is long? For those who have been through this,  how long did your process go until your date was set? Thanks.

Well, I went to the seminar in February and finally got a consult in July and had surgery on October 20. So ya, it took a  while. I think it depends alot on how fast you can get through your pre-op appointments.

I had to go through the 6 mos.of dietician visits, which was the dietician of my surgeon. About 6 wks.before that ended, I had my pre-op tests completed (7 tests & 9 vials of blood work-up later!) That was pretty standard for my surgeon. Then they turned in my Pre-Auth.to BCBS of IL ins. and it was approved in 10 days. I felt really fortunate. I saw my surgeon for any last questions on Halloween day, and my surgery date is set for Nov.19'th. I start my YUMMY liquid diet in 2 days. Good luck.   Cathy

Hey, my surgery date is Nov. 19th too and I start the yummy liquid diet tomorrow.
Be glad you are not trying to get the surgery here in Alberta.  Our wait time is about 2-3 years to see a surgeon and then a year or more to get surgery IF you get accepted into the program!!!!!

Good luck with your surgery, lets keep in touch and see how we do. 
Eydie

Mind took about a year, Went to my first meeting in July 07 and had surgery June 30, 08, but it was well worth the wait.

50 lbs gone and still losing

I went to the seminar in May and had surgery Sept. 29th of this year.  I have lost 20 pounds so far and am off diabetes medicine.  Would do it again for sure!

Jeane

I started my process in July and will be banded on Nov 18th. My insurance approved within a month(bcbs fed) but the pre-op appointments took awhile. I am actually glad it took as long as it did. It gave me time to really research and think about what a life change this will be. I just started the pre-op diet this week and look forward to a new life!
KP

Not long for me.  I went to the seminar in December, 2007 and they wanted to schedule my RNY surgery for the second week of January, 2008.  I set a date for February casue I was scared.  Well, I got really scared and didn't have surgery.  So I went to my second seminar (new surgeon) in April, 2008 and received my lap band in June.  I could have done it sooner but I had a vacation weekend scheduled at the end of May.  Just depends on your insurance and your surgeon really.

i did the seminar at the end of june i had surgery 9/9/08 ,i had the 6 month diet required by my insurance under my belt before i even decided to go to the seminar.my surgeon was away at other hospitals teaching thr realize band to others in july so i did not see him until 7/30/08-so i had a chance to get all of the other stuff done before i saw him(psych,pulmonary,cardio) my stuff was sent in on august 11th i did the nut class on aug 18th and that day was approved and sched. the surg. so not that long.but i made sure i had everything the insurance wanted,i read my certificate of coverage and had all my ducks in a row.
good luck to you! lori

Sounds crazy but it is kinda like having a baby....................long months of waiting and when the doctor says he is gonna break your water you think "Now?  Am I ready?".   Don't worry, you will be!!!!