I'm new to the forum and wanted to say hello.

I have been researching Lap-band for a while and now have saved enough to cover the costs since I will be a cash-pay patient.

I contacted a locally recommended surgeon and was told that to start the process, I have to attend an info session that they hold. The next one will be scheduled in March and seats aren't guaranteed. I hope that I can respond in time to get one of the slots.

Although I am a little bit concerned that I have to attend a session like this even to be able to get a consult. I have a fairly public profile in my area (in terms of my career) so I am not sure about the group setting. Is this normal?

Anyone have any insight into timelines if you aren't waiting for insurance approval? I am hoping that the process will go smoothly and in a relatively timely manner.

Can't wait to get 'started' and get to know everyone here.

I'm new to the forum and wanted to say hello.

I have been researching Lap-band® for a while and now have saved enough to cover the costs since I will be a cash-pay patient.

I contacted a locally recommended surgeon and was told that to start the process, I have to attend an info session that they hold. The next one will be scheduled in March and seats aren't guaranteed. I hope that I can respond in time to get one of the slots.

Although I am a little bit concerned that I have to attend a session like this even to be able to get a consult. I have a fairly public profile in my area (in terms of my career) so I am not sure about the group setting. Is this normal?

Anyone have any insight into timelines if you aren't waiting for insurance approval? I am hoping that the process will go smoothly and in a relatively timely manner.

Can't wait to get 'started' and get to know everyone here.

CONGRATULATIONS in starting your journey. Everyone is required to attend a seminar in order to get a consult. Its just to inform you of what you will be going through. After that you set up your first consult. Going to the seminar doesn't necessarily tell everyone you are getting weightloss surgery. I honestly wouldn't worry about it.

As for how long for the self pay. Unfortunately I was insurance which took 6 months but from what i have read and heard usually 1-3 months from the time of your consult until surgery.

The best of luck to you. Please keep us posted.:frown:

I was self pay and had surgery a month after my consult (a month and a few days after my seminar). It would have been three weeks, but I was out of town the week before I had surgery and wasn't about to cancel my long-planned trip :tongue_smilie:

Good to hear that the seminar is somewhat standard. I never would have thought that would have been required prior to the initial consult.

I am reading everything I can and mentally preparing myself for small changes so that I can be as ready as possible.

Thanks for the warm welcome!