Question:
How much time is involved in preparing for surgery once you've decided to have it?

I am considering having surgery. But I've heard other people say it can take up to a year before having the surgery done. Is this true. I know I'm ready to have it done. I'm very well qualified as a candidate for surgery.    — msmagic (posted on December 27, 2005)

December 27, 2005
I've been working on mine since June. Now I'm waiting for the dr to get all my results back from lab and x-ray for them to call me in and consult and schedule a date. One thing they told us in the bariatric meeting is your going to really see how patient you are. Patience is the key when getting this prepared. laurie
   — LaurieAr

December 27, 2005
It really depends upon your insurance. Most insist on having a 6 month Dr. supervised attempt at weight loss, and that's what takes the most time. I began my journey in April of this year and just had my surgery on Dec. 8.
   — janh

December 27, 2005
That varies greatly on your insurance companies requirements and the amount of presurgery testing required by your insurance co and surgeon. Mine didn't take long at all. I did have a six month dr. supervised diet requirement but sent in my paperwork at 3 months and was approved.
   — sherita

December 27, 2005
As other's have stated, it all depends on your insurance and what their requirements are. Mine is 6 mths supervised weight loss and the clinic I choose told me to contact them when I'm 4 months into the requirement
   — the7thdean

December 27, 2005
As others have noted, this can be variable. In our practice, the average time from first visit until date of surgery is 6-8weeks. If you are considering surgery now, one thing you can do to decrease your time to wait is start a medically supervised weight loss program. Most insurance companies will require this to gain approval for bariatric surgery. -M. Brackman, MD
   — Dr. Brackman

December 27, 2005
I think it really depends on your insurance. I went to my 1st meeting consultation on 11/2/05. My information was submitted to insurance on 11/10/05 and I was approved 12/10/05. My surgery is 1/30/05. I did not need a supervised weight loss program. BMI was over 40 and I did not have any significant comorbidities except MS and joint, back and leg pain with sob. I wish you the best!!!
   — skinnyme

December 27, 2005
I started by having a consult with the surgeon on 10/19, i completed several of the pretests and they sent my paperwork into my insurance on 11/29, on 12/5 I received approval from my insurance and my WLS is scheduled for 1/16/06 9 I could have picked 1/4 but I wanted some extra time to prepare :) Good luck--I think it really depends on your insurance requirements, test results and surgeons schedule
   — Lori Vickery

December 27, 2005
I had consultation Oct 6, insurance approval Nov 14, surgery Dec 20. So a little over 2 months for me. I would say to get all your past medical records together now!!! And get everything needed by your insurance so that you don't have to be denied. Also, once you are approved, ask to be on the cancellation list just in case someone cancels their surgery, you can get their spot (an earlier date)...if you are really ready to have it done, then I would say to get moving now regardless of what other people say!!! I know people who had it done within a month of their consideration of surgery. God bless
   — PhD

December 27, 2005
Check with your insurance, either online or by phone, to see what their requirements are. If they need you to show six months of trying to lose under a doctor's care, with documentation, then go to a doctor and begin. Simultaneously, you can go to a surgeon and get your date for about a month later than you will have your requirements fulfilled. that way you won't waste any time, and you can always move the surgery date.
   — Novashannon

December 27, 2005
Hi Sherry. I wondered the same thing when I had made that decision last summer. In my case, I decided in July, but couldn't change my insurance until Oct. 1st, I had to change it if I wanted the Dr. I wanted. So all my appointments were made for the 1st week of Oct. My surgery is scheduled for Jan. 11th! In my case about 3 months. In my profile I broke it down better. Keep in mind all situations are different. But if this is truly what you want to do, stick it out. We didn't gain our weight overnight! If there's a bit of delay...it sucks...but still is so worth the wait!!(at least from what I've heard, I get to find out soon!!!)Best of luck on your journey! Lisa C.
   — Lisa Michelle

December 28, 2005
It took me about 6 months from first initial visit to the surgeon to my surgery date, tomorrow, Dec. 30th, 2005. BUT I had all the documentation ie, medical records from my heart, lung and GP Doctor's before I seen my surgeon. The only hold up was the psyc evaluation, where it was recommended that I have two months worth of counceling and then getting the approval letter from the insurance company.
   — [Deactivated Member]

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