Im Not banded yet but was wondering how long did it take you from the time you decided you were getting the lapband to the time of the surgury?!?! Im anxious to know...

my first visit was in February, banded in November. I had to do a 6 month diet and exercise program through my PCP

I went for my seminar on August 9 and was banded on October 12.

I was self pay, but I went to the seminar on 7/7/09 and my surgery was on 7/21/09.

sept 8 first visit. banded dec 27. have Aetna.

Less than 2months... Went to seminar 8/18... Did all requirements for insurance by 9/11... Papers submitted to insurance on 9/13... Approved 2days later on 9/15... Surgery 10/14/11... The only reason it took that long is because I had to get the days off for surgery approved by my job...

Good luck to you!!!

12 months !

Wow all seem pretty decent timing...i have bcbs insurence...hopefully there not that stricked... im excited

7 months from seminar to banding

I forgot to mention I have Anthem BCBS of CA... Which I'm glad cuz if its BCBS of IL, they require 6m supervised diet... Again, good luck to you!!!

I live in buffalo ny..but i believe i got BCBS MN...its through my dads work....

I too have Empire BCBS and I was approved after one letter. They have no requirements. Just do the tests, submit the papers and there you go.

Is all BCBS like that??

I am a military wife so I used Tricare and started my journey in May but then had to change surgeons, lol. SO I met with my actual surgeon in July and by September I was approved and called for a date. Though due to training of my husband I pushed my surgery off until November 3rd.

Depends on which BCBS plan you have and in what state the plan is administered. My BCBS is DC based and so I had to do a six month diet, which I had already been working on. Decided to get banded in April 2011. First appointment with bariatric surgeon May 2011. Banded July 5. Took that long between insurance approval process, finishing 6 month diet and going through my doctor's rigorous pre-op testing process.

Thanks So much guys for the input it helps alot!!!