I'm on my way.....how much longer?

I'm new to this blog. I'm on track for a gastric bypass. I've already done my diet, I've done my psychological evaluation and saw the nutritionist. My primary care physician has already sent the letter of necessity. I'm just waiting for the surgeons office to call me to give me the go ahead to do my lab work. I have Medicare, and I'm wondering, how much longer before my surgery is scheduled?

Your guess is as good as ours. Your surgeon and the hospital both might have more requirements. Cardiology, pulmonology, sleep study clearances. It depends on how far ahead the surgeon and operating rooms are booked. Perhaps other things.

The only items left from my surgeons check list is blood work, cardio, which both will be done by my pcp, an x-ray and a sonogram of my gall bladder. That's all I have left do do. I

Your surgeon is the only one who would really know when you'll be ready for surgery. If you call and ask them I'm pretty sure they'll be able to give you an estimate or maybe even an actual date.

Just be careful. Any date or time range they give you is probably based on you completing all testing requirements and such.

edited. "call" not "all"

As others have said, it varies a lot. But generally, you'll need to knock off a few things on your timeline:

• Finish surgeon's requirements (lab work, etc.)
• Submit everything to insurance/Medicare and wait for them to approve it (seems to be 2 - 3 weeks or thereabouts)
• Once approved, complete any final pre-op testing for anesthesia
• Wait for surgeon's next opening in the OR, which could take several weeks or longer

Every doctor/insurance situation is totally different. If you want a better estimate, call your surgeon's office; they'll likely have a better idea.

It definitely varies. I feel very fortunate my process moved pretty quickly compared to some. I applied to my bariatric program like the end of October first of November 2018. (Granted I applied 2 years prior as well, but didn't have insurance that covered it and I wasn't approved for a grant.) Had my first appointment with the surgeon, lab work done and psychology evaluation all done by the end of November. Required nutrition meeting was the first of December and by the first part of January I was called with my surgery date which was only 2 weeks later.

I am so lucky my insurance nor my surgeons office did not require any kind of diet before surgery because that would have taken even longer. I was completely prepared for that though. So yeah for everyone it varies a lot.

Hopefully you'll get your surgery date before you know it!

Great news today! My pre-op with my surgeon is scheduled for May 9th, and if all my lab work looks good, my surgery is scheduled for May 24th! Next week, I have to get all the lab work done! I'm nervous, but in a good way!

Congrats! That will be here before you know it! How exciting!! I know I was a little nervous too when I was given my surgery date.....like wow I'm actually going through with this. But soon you will be on the other side recovering and well on your way to a healthier life!

That's exactly how I feel too. I'm more relaxed knowing that I'm not the only one going through all these emotions. I'm anxious to start my new life! I know it won't be easy, but I'm worth it!

Update...my pre-op went well, and my surgery is definite on May 24th. I'm happy and sad at the same time. I'm excited that this is a second chance for me to start again. At the same time, it's sad for me because I had an older brother that passed at 56 years old from MRSA pneumonia complications. He was type 2 diabetic, and weighed 360 pounds at his passing. Since 2007, primary physician had been urging him to consider a bypass, and my brother didn't give it any importance. I'm taking this step, because I want to enjoy the life I have left, as healthy as possible, participating with my family, not on the sidelines, and to the fullest! I'm doing this for me, but with a nod to my dear older brother as well.