I have finelly gotten a referral and go to my info appt on 01/05/10..Iam aware that this could be along process but not as long as getting a referral. Family really is not so supportive but I have got to do this for me and I would like more info on the process if possible. A real time frame on how long it does take to get close to surgery.

It depends on so many factors that it is hard to say for each person in particular. It depends on if you have insurance and what type or whether you are self pay. It depends on what your particular surgeon requires for clearances from your other doctors and if you have specific medical conditions that you have to get clearance for. For instance in my case, I have a heart condition and had to go to my cardio surgeon and get clearance from him. It depends on if your surgeon requires a sleep study. Some do, some don't. Mine didn't. It depends on how fast you get clearance from your PCP and any specialists you need and how fast you can get the sleep study completed if required. And again, if you are planning to use insurance, they can be a big hold up. Some require a six month diet plan, etc. So, Congrats on your first step and just keep plugging along with whatever the surgeon tells you to do. Hopefully, it will not take too long for you and Good Luck.

Well it took me forever to get back to this site now i have to remember how i did it. I have already had a sleep study done and what a nightmere that was. I do have insurance and recieved the paper work today with the instructions on how to find out if they will pay it or not. I do know that when I spoke to them before I did have to have a doctors referal.

I first learned and researched the lapband procedure back in 2011. I was scheduled to attend the initial seminar and all, but chickened out. I have tried almost every diet under the sun, but I seem to regain any progress that I had made. So after going to the seminar about 3 or 4 months ago, I am scheduled for surgery in 2 days. So yeah, greytz is so right! It depends on so many factors. Though my family is luke warm about me having the surgery, I have made up my mind. Im so tired of being heavy!

I made up my mind, discussed it with nobody. It is my journey. Perhaps one day i will discuss it