I started this process to have lap band in October. On October 11th I went to the weight loss seminar. I received the information I need to have for the surgery. I went to my PCP on October 24. I had a chest x-ray and EKG. On October 27, I went to the "lap band" doctor. They requested my medical records on that day. I was also told to have blood work done from my PCP. I had the blood work done on November 7th. As of Friday the "lap band" doctor's office still has not received my chest x-ray and EKG results.

On November 11th I had the upper GI and abdominal ultrasound and those reports have not been sent to the doctor as of Friday. I'm so ready to have this surgery but these doctors offices are holding up my procedure.

I'm considering going to my PCP and physically asking for my EKG and chest x-ray and take it to the lap band doctor myself. I'll do the same for the upper GI and abdominal ultrasound.

This is so frustrating, both offices know I'm wanting to have this done. I want to be banded before Christmas.

I too found that my PCP took the longest to get back to the surgeon. By daughter is now in the process of getting banded and it took like 6 weeks or more to get the letter from the PCP with the documentation needed for insurance etc. To my surprise at our PCP Office the DR himself actually does this. I was under the impression that the nurse or someone on staff would get this all together for him but he does it. I would follow up weekly with your PCP about what he needs to send and it is more than just your EKG they need to send history of weight and often a letter supporting your decision to have WLS.

This is a big decision and they want to make sure you are ready, did you also have to get your Psychological evaluation? Nutritionist meetings done? If you just got started in Late October I would estimate that you should be looking at surgery end of the year or perhaps to start off the new year. You do have to keep on top of things and their is a lot to do to get ready. So just keep following up with your PCP weekly and they will get it done. Once all this information is at the Surgeon office than they send it off to the Insurance people and if all is well and within there guidelines this should be done and approved within a week or so.

Good Luck.

Ross

Our nurse navigator said that PCP records take the longest...some times up to a month.

We go to a small town clinic where we have a relationship with all the staff. I spoke with the clinic manager, and she prepared our medical records in advance of receiving the request from the Center.

I would make the face to face contact. Take a proactive stance and you can usually get it done. Good Luck

Sometimes you have to get a little rude. I told my pcp 3 weeks before I needed a letter of my history. The day before my final appointment with my surgeon I called to check they had it and they didn't. I called my pcp office and was like I have her 3 weeks to write it and I told her when I needed it. Luckily the receptionist there was the one I originally went to and she understood and made sure it got done.

As of this morning everything is in and I go for the consultation and schedule the surgery on December 9th