prowinewoman

Thanks everyone! I knew there would be a pretty wide range (never thought about how much quicker self-pay would be!) but this gives me a good idea of different timelines.

I'm just trying to get a feel for how long the process is. I know it is different for everyone depending on insurance and other circumstances, but I would like to hear from as many of you as possible to see the quickest, longest and average times! Thanks everyone!

Thanks for your input everyone! That makes me feel a lot better about this! I've taken tests like that before for jobs, and while I think they are a little silly (is anyone going to actually answer that they hurt small animals?!) I guess there is some validity to them. Phranp - that's a great idea to find a therapist that specializes in obesity medicine. I saw a therapist a few times after I left my husband, but she is more of a family counselor. Finding someone who is more in-tune with the emotions of WLS might be something worth checking into. Not sure what the protocol will be yet for the testing - I have my first appointment with my Internist next week to get the ball rolling!

I see that a "psychiatric evaluation" of some sort is required by many insurance companies prior to approval. Can anyone explain to me what this entails? I am currently on anitdepressants for mild depression (going through a nasty divorce), and am wondering if this hurts my chances of getting approved... Or are they just asking questions to make sure you have realistic expectations of the procedure and outcome? Thanks.

I am in the VERY beginning phase of researching the lap-band procedure, and these 2 hospitals are covered by my insurance (Anthem/BC of CA). Has anyone in the Bay Area researched these 2 facilities? And if so, which one did you wind up choosing and why? I live in the Napa Valley, so SF and Davis are almost equal distance, but I have to say that Davis is a much easier drive to get to! Thanks for any help!