Question:
How Long?
I am VERY new to this and CAN'T wait to get the lap band done. However, how long does it usually take from the time you go to a seminar at your doctor's office to actually getting the surgery done? I've heard 3 mos./6mos/ and even a year. I am not one to sit and wait! — DebbiR (posted on July 19, 2007)
July 19, 2007
Debbie, It took me six months because of my insurance company. But it was
worth it to me. That gave me time to set myself up with a nutritionist and
take my time with all the pre-op doctor visits. Everyone is different. Best
of luck to you.
— scottmonaghan
July 19, 2007
I HAD MY FIRST DOCTOR CONSULT OCT 13 2006 AND I AM GOING IN FOR SURGERY
AUGUST 3,2007......HAD A FEW SURPRISES DOWN THE ROAD BUT THE TIME WILL FLY
BY, AND THEN YOU WILL THINK YOU NEED MORE TIME! I AM EXTREMELY IMPATIENT
AND IT WAS EASIER THAN YOU THINK GOOD LUCK!
— Pam S.
July 19, 2007
My first appointment was in May. My surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. So
about three months
— J. Lee
July 19, 2007
I FIRST INQUIRED JUST INQUIRED MIND YOU IN FEB. MADE AN APPT. IN MAY WHICH
TOOK 2 WEEKS TO GET.THEN I HAD MY PHYSC. EVAL. AND NUTRITION VISIT. AT
DIFFRENT TIMES AND APPTS. I ALSO HAD A SLEEP STUDY. AND A CARDIO TEST THAT
WAS POST-PONED 4 TIMES.AND I'M STILL WAITING FOR A DATE ON MY CARDIO. AND
THEN THERES THE BLOOD WORK TO BE DONE AT THE LAST. I'M WAITING FOR THE
NUTR. TO RE TYPE A SUMMARY FOR I CAN SUBMITT TO INSURANCE CO. THATS IT THEN
THEY HAVE UP TO 30 DAYS TO RESPONDE SO IT COULD BE ANYWHERE FROM NOW TILL
AUG.AND THATS IF THEY SAY YES AND I DONT HAVE TO APPEAL IT. IF THEY SAY NO
YOU CAN APPEAL. I'M LIKE YOU I WANT IT SO BAD I'M LIKE NOW NOW NOW.....WHAT
OTHER THING CAN GO WRONG..EVERYONE SAYS IT WILL PASS FAST NOT TO WORRY IT
WILL SEEM LIKE, WHAT" WAS THE RUSH. BEST PF LUCK SABRINA
— sabrina S.
July 19, 2007
If you are self pay it is a lot quicker. I went toa presentation on
4/27...had Dr. consult on 5/7 and coud have had surgery 6/4/07 - but that
didnt work for me - so I elected 6/18/07. The trick is getting all the
testing done. . It was 6 weeks for me - but could have been done in 4.
CJ
— CDJ
July 19, 2007
If you are self pay it is a lot quicker. I went toa presentation on
4/27...had Dr. consult on 5/7 and coud have had surgery 6/4/07 - but that
didnt work for me - so I elected 6/18/07. The trick is getting all the
testing done. . It was 6 weeks for me - but could have been done in 4.
CJ
— CDJ
July 19, 2007
Hi Debbie, thanks for writing. I waited 9 months from the time I contacted
the doctors office to surgery, but that was over 3 years ago when we didn't
have very many surgeons doing the surgery, where I live, the time is
shorter now, but who says you have to sit or wait? Get off your tush and
research, and fight for information, get your records together and go to
support group, and questions and consider strongly the consequences of such
a big surgery. These things take time. If you jump into this, you will be
very sorry you did. It is a life change and you need to be sure you are up
for it. Many people have surgery and never keep off much of their weight
because they were not ready for the changes. Your body will fight to gain
the weight back, and if you choose to live a cheaters life, you will
regain, if you choose to not exercise, you will gain, if you choose, if you
choose, if you choose. You will have to choose to do right, are you up to
that? In the 9 months I waited for surgery, I never had time to think I
was waiting, I read, researched and went to meetings and support groups. I
kept a profile on this site and a binder with information on everything.
Got all my doctors appts done prior to my first surgeons visit, and handed
them a binder with my records and my appts that I needed done, including my
psy evaluation and sleep study. There is much to do, and as you read and
research, you make your list and get busy. But mainly, really count the
cost of this surgery. I love it when I get success stories, and I want to
cry when someone says they didn't count the cost and are so discouraged
because they have painted themselves in a corner of failure. It is a fight
Debbie, the fight for your health. I wish you well, and hope that while
you are waiting for surgery that it is the busiest time in your life
getting prepared for the biggest change in your physical life. Take care,
Patricia P.
— Patricia P
July 20, 2007
I went to my seminar on May 3, 2007. My first consult with my surgeon was
just before Memorial Day (due to my schedule) and my surgery was July 9,
07. Let me tell you, it went pretty darn fast; by the time you get through
your Psych eval, nutrition eval, and appt. with your family doc to get
clearance, it seemed like no time and it was happening. My insurance
approved me in 3 days flat. That really shocked the heck out of me! Good
Luck to you, hope you can get in soon!
— brendaw24
July 20, 2007
I went to a seminar on 4/17 and had surgery on 6/18. My doctor's practice
is 100% bariatrics and includes nutritionists and psychiatrists (you can
elect to use others). My insurance was approved in less than a week. Good
luck!
— cleo66
July 20, 2007
There are too many variables to tell you how long it will take. the
variables include: your insurance company (I list that first since it can
be the biggest obstacle), how "booked up" the surgeon is, how
quickly you get your labs and other necessary pre-surgical tests completed,
your overall health and the hospital schedule.
For most, it is anywhere from 3-6 months. But if you are a private pay 1-2
month is more likely.
— VickiStevens
July 20, 2007
I went to my semiar in Feb. and surgery june 25th, i had 2 food class, all
pre-op I needed like stress test, blood test, scope because of a herina i
had, but you get to go support class and learn alot. In that time you can
lose a little weight.
— carman
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