I'm going to the info seminar next week. How long does it usually take from the info surgery to the actual surgery? I don't expect problems from my insurance. Also, if someone has time to type in the steps between the seminar and surgery, I'd really appreciate it.

It took me about a month and a half. I had no problems with my insurance at all. I did have to go in for blood tests and an endo prior to final approval. I was shocked it was so fast! I've hear it has taken people up to a year!

GOOD LUCK!!

Each program is very different. I got a projected timeline of events at my WLS seminar. From seminar date to surgery date, it could take up to 6 months. I was able to cut corners (no need for sleep study or a few other tests) and was able to go to my seminar in the beginning of March and get banded May 18th. There was a two week delay in there because I had strep throat and couldn't meet with the surgeon for my planned appointment so I was bumped two weeks out. My WLS Coordinator said that mine was the fastest case she'd ever done that used insurance.

It takes time, but is SO worth the wait! I used the time to get my head in check and get as prepared for my new lifestyle as I could.

Took me six months, including 3 months "supervised" dieting...aka meeting with nutritionist once a month and talking about eating while banded. Then the general things required by my insurance. I have BCBS of RI.

It could be anywhere from a couple months to about 8, depending on insurance requirements.

My insurance company didn't require a special diet, but there are certain test and procedures the surgeon requires to make sure I was healthy enough for surgery. From seminar day to surgery day (today ) it was a little over three and a half months. Totally worth every waiting minute though. I feel so proud of myself and already feel my confidence growing!! Best of luck to you.

I first broached the subject with my doctor in October 2009. Attended the seminar, met with the nurse in charge of the hopital weight management program, had three monthly appointments with the dietician, then a psyche exam and a fairly lengthy wait for the insurance company to decide in my favor (I didn't need to los quite the required 100 pounds but had co-morbidities like arthritis, GERD, low sleep oxygen, and family history of diabetes). From start to finish, I waited about five months. It seemed endless at the time, but it gave me a chance to settle into a new way of thinking and test my resolve.

I attended my seminar in March, my insurance requires 6 months weight monitoring so I will be able to have surgery this month or next.