Question:
How long from the initial Dr. visit does it take to have the surgery done

   — Shelly G. (posted on May 7, 2003)

May 7, 2003
Shelly, I am about to have surgery in 5 days, and I began my journey in late February. I was initially told 6-8 weeks but it turned out to be longer. There are a LOT of pre-op appointments you will have to go to. Most likely a pulmonologist, psychiatrist, cardiologist, sleep study, gastroenterologist, chest x-ray, and more if necessary. These doctors will order tests to make sure you are emotionally and physically able to withstand the trauma of this type of surgery. But, be very glad they do this. It's risky, and a good doctor will do these things. Hopefully they get you in quickly though. God bless!
   — Happy I.

May 7, 2003
My doc told me a year out, and after your weight has stabilized (you're done losing).
   — mom2jtx3

May 7, 2003
I was very fortunate. My initial evaluation was on 12/18/02 and my surgery was 2/19/03. I didn't have to have any pre-testing of any sort. Most of the people I have talked with though, have waited for up to a year. I constantly kept in contact with my insurance company regarding my approval and my primary physcian for writing a letter on my behalf. Good Luck!
   — Terrie R.

May 8, 2003
This really all depends on your surgeon and how busy he is. For instance, a surgeon with more experience is probably more well-known and has more patients in line. And a surgeon may only perform WLS once a week but do evaluations and apptmts the other days, or he could do surgeries every day of the week- everyone is different. I had my first consultation in very early April with my surgeon and had surgery the last day of May 2002. So about 8 weeks for me. He had good experience, but not as much as some associates, who I would've waited longer for. So it varies from office to office. Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

May 8, 2003
Hi Shelly- I first went to a doctor in Danbury CT and his staff was soooooo disorganized that it took at least 6 months. A friend of mine is still waiting for her date with none in sight. I was so frustrated with that doctor that I found another one in Norwalk CT, Dr. Floch and I got in and had my surgery in 5 weeks. Good luck,
   — Louise C.