Question:
how long is the process to have surgery?
How long does it take from the first time you see the dr til you have the surgery? — MRSFAVORS (posted on April 1, 2008)
April 1, 2008
I am a clinical coordinator for a bariatric surgeon (and also a patient) -
from the time of the first visit to the date of surgery depends on what
requirements your insurance is needing prior to them approving your
surgery. In my experience it is a minimum of at least a month.
— vicki_lynn
April 1, 2008
From the time I met with my Surgeon to the time I had surgery was 4 months.
All of the tests and getting insurance approval took about 3 months, then
I was on a pre-op diet (Optifast), for the last month. My insurance
process was pretty easy though. Hope this helps.
— Kelly0897
April 1, 2008
There are many different factors for each person. I was self pay. For me
it was ONE WEEK from the FIRST time I saw my surgeon for my initial consult
to the actual day of the operation. My wife and I decided that we wanted
the operation, SHE researched surgeons and chose one (she is a nurse
practitioner) and she made the appointment. We went and talked to him and
scheduled the surgery for the next week.
— hubarlow
April 1, 2008
4 years ago...There weren't WLS surgeons on every street corner like they
are now...And I had a 6 month waiting list just for a doctor consult...and
another 6 months waiting for a surgery date. Now it can take only a month
once you get approved since everyone and his brother is doing this surgery
these days! Money still talks...If you are paying your doc up front, you
can bet your in right away for his quick payment...Insurance takes a little
longer to collect..so you'll wait a month...He's looking to take whoever
will get him his money first! I PROMISE!
— .Anita R.
April 1, 2008
It took me four months from start to finish. I was very proactive. That
meant that I called my insurance and stayed on them. They were great.
BCBS. The surgery is pretty common now. I also called all the doctors.
(seven preop appointments) and told them to put me on a stand by list in
case someone backed out. This worked for the whole cardiology process. So
if you are sweet and kind and not pushy ... yet at the same time proactive
I think you can have pretty good results. Remember! Stay sweet with the
secretaries...they control the calendar!
— dcherry
April 1, 2008
Everybody's answer to this is going to be different. So, I'll just give
you my info. I went to an information night on June 26th of last year and
had my surgery 11/7/07. I got my approval the first part of October, so I
could have gotten my surgery done a couple of weeks sooner, but this date
worked better for me.
— Shirley D.
April 1, 2008
I was extremely prepared for my first visit. I called my insurance to make
sure there were no requirements. I did all my pre-op tests the same day as
my consult. I researched the surgery and the proceedure very thoroghly. I
had my surgery a month after meeting with the dr. He told me I was the most
prepared patient he has met, lol.
Best wishes!!
— zoeyriv
April 1, 2008
I know it is different for everyone, but for me it was a month and a half.
— tiffany380
April 2, 2008
Depends on your insurance. If a cash cxustomer in 4 weeks you could have
surgery, but if looking for insurance, plan on one month to 6 months.
— William (Bill) wmil
April 2, 2008
It is very individual. I am self-pay and I disagree with the posters that
say it's only about money because that really depends on your surgeon. My
doctor requires that I complete physical tests and psychological
evalutions. They treat the whole patient, mind, body, spirit. (not just
my wallet) Plus he is requiring me to lose 29 pounds before he'll do the
surgery. That's my hold up now. I've done everything else asked of me and
now I just have to lose 18 more. Only then will his office schedule my
surgery date. But the time from my initial consultation to now has given
me time to work through the emotions of having the surgery and journey I'm
about to start. I probably needed that time to get focused and be clear
that this time I will be successful. (Just don't tell my doctor that
because I'm pushing for a date!)
Kim
— GlitterGal
April 2, 2008
With my insurance it took about 8 months. 6 months of diet and then
everything else. Best of luck
— Alvernlaw
April 3, 2008
I had my consultation in October and it took me 2 1/2 months and that's
because I wanted to wait till after the holidays (Thanksgiving &
Christmas) and start the New Year off right (Jan. 13, 2005)
— Lil' Booty
April 3, 2008
My process started on 2-28-08, with my initial consult. My lapband surgey
date is 4-29-08. It took 60 days for me. I have bc/bs hmo of illinois. So
it depends on how qiuck you get all your appts in, and how nice you are to
the scheduling staff. Good luck!!
— savoy7658
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