how long did it take you from first approaching doctor to surgery?

[aviva1979 375]

Hi All,

I'm new here - just found the site yesterday and did some intros, and there's one question i forgot to ask - i'm curious how long it generally takes btwn talking to your doctor the first time about exploring this option to actually having the surgery. i'm guessing the timelines vary. i just made an appt for this Weds to talk to my doctor about it. i've already spoken with my insurance to get the info they have on what would need to be true for this to be a medical necessity. just curious if this is something that might happen inside of a few months? or it is more likely to take 6-9 months or a year?

also - what means of support do folks use who live rurally and can't attend a lap band specific weekly or monthly support group? mostly online? do you do something in-person still like WW?

thanks so much!

[anniek38 16]

Hello! Well im sure alot has to do with insurance and how busy your surgen is.It took me exactly one year from my first seminar to surgery good luck to you an welcome!!

[Kime-lou 648]

It depends on your insurance, but for me this is how it happened.

Seminar March 31, 2012

1st Doctors Appt. May 3, 2012 (had to schedule around work)

Had all the test done over the next 3 weeks (I called and schedule myself to work it best around my schedule)

Approved by insurance June 4th

Pre-op June 12th

Surgery June 22nd

I could have gotten it doen the 2nd week in June, but again I had to accomodate my office.

[wildrose1966 396]

If you are on insurance it can take a while (6months to a year) as they sometimes require dr supervised documented weight loss attempts. Self pay, you can probably get in within a month.

[BayougirlMrsS 3,938]

You are correct. Every insurance is different even same providers.... My BCBS does not cover any WLS. My company opted out of that. We are a small company and did this to keep cost down.

Any who.... When i had my LB surgery i was working for a different company and they had UHC and it was covered. Unfortunately for me the day i went back from LB surgery i got laid off....

I attended a seminar at the end of July, got all my paper work in order made sure my BMI was correct and then set an appointment. Most insurance goes by your bmi. Mine was 35 with one or more co morbids. are a 40 with out any co morbids. This is where i fell. I was 5'2.5" and weighted 223. I had no health issues.... JUST FAT....

August i met with my LB doctor and did all the test..... Cardiac, sleep test, nutritionist, barium swallow and the phyic eval.

My doctor did not send in each result as they came back, instead he compiled everything and sent in along with a surgery date all in one packet..... Approved on the first try.

I had my LB surgery Nov. 10, 2009...... about 3 months later.

Would i do this again...... most defiantly .... in a New York minute. I was a slow loser and i lost 60lb the first year. And 20 the second. Since, i did gain a few back.... but i'm on the right track and as of this morning i'm at 148.. Started size was a paints 18-20, now i wear 6-8. Shirt was a 2xl.... now i wear a large (my breast didn't lose) Bra was a 44H, Now 36FF-G. Shoe 7.5, now 6.5.

I feel wonderful!!!!

Remember, LB is not for everyone. You have to be truly committed to the process. You have to know that it's not a magic thing that once you get it.... bibbity bobbity boo you wake up skinny. You will have to watch everything you eat and how you eat. You will have to exercise....

If you can't go to meeting in your area..... this is a great place to meet new friends and talk about your new life... One of the few places we are all comfortable talking about our weight...lol

This site has become My Place where i can come and speak freely about what's going on in all aspect of my life... I have met some truly inspiring people here. Not just people that have lost weight, but people that lost weight while going through divorce or battling cancer or other illness.... taking care of their loved ones....

Good luck to you.

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

I was self pay, so it would be different with insurance. I would say 3 months to surgery what with all the pre-tests and seminars. Good luck to you! The journey is well worth whatever it takes.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

It was amazingly quick for me. I had the seminar in December 2011 and the surgery just 3 weeks later January 6, 2012. Granted I spent those 3 weeks running around like a crazy woman between psychologist evaluations, primary care doctor visit, meeting with the nutritionist, attending classes, and having my heart checked. But I did all the usual preop requirements and got it all done in time.

My only support is my family and online. I did attend a meeting here locally and just hated it. It was a lot of people talking about how they ate donuts for dinner, walking into the meeting with their 300 calorie Cappuccino in hand, yet whining how they aren't losing weight. About 3/4 of the way through the meeting I actually said "Did any of you actually listen to the nutritionist? Because none of you seem to be taking her advice". That was my first and last meeting. lol

Best wishes to you!

[hollyelbert 14]

Mine took 6 months total. From seminar to surgery. I live rural. Our support group lets me Skype in. Which is awesome! I also use blogging and Internet for support. Just remember when you get online a lot if people follow different rules....have to be careful with online advise....

[lassie 247]

took one year, for me May 15th 2011 to May 24th 2012. I get most of my support here do not go to meetngs and have not told most of my family and friends.

[parker220 0]

You are correct. Every insurance is different even same providers.... My BCBS does not cover any WLS. My company opted out of that. We are a small company and did this to keep cost down.

Any who.... When i had my LB surgery i was working for a different company and they had UHC and it was covered. Unfortunately for me the day i went back from LB surgery i got laid off....

I attended a seminar at the end of July' date=' got all my paper work in order made sure my BMI was correct and then set an appointment. Most insurance goes by your bmi. Mine was 35 with one or more co morbids. are a 40 with out any co morbids. This is where i fell. I was 5'2.5" and weighted 223. I had no health issues.... JUST FAT....

August i met with my LB doctor and did all the test..... Cardiac, sleep test, nutritionist, barium swallow and the phyic eval.

My doctor did not send in each result as they came back, instead he compiled everything and sent in along with a surgery date all in one packet..... Approved on the first try.

I had my LB surgery Nov. 10, 2009...... about 3 months later.

Would i do this again...... most defiantly .... in a New York minute. I was a slow loser and i lost 60lb the first year. And 20 the second. Since, i did gain a few back.... but i'm on the right track and as of this morning i'm at 148.. Started size was a paints 18-20, now i wear 6-8. Shirt was a 2xl.... now i wear a large (my breast didn't lose) Bra was a 44H, Now 36FF-G. Shoe 7.5, now 6.5.

I feel wonderful!!!!

Remember, LB is not for everyone. You have to be truly committed to the process. You have to know that it's not a magic thing that once you get it.... bibbity bobbity boo you wake up skinny. You will have to watch everything you eat and how you eat. You will have to exercise....

If you can't go to meeting in your area..... this is a great place to meet new friends and talk about your new life... One of the few places we are all comfortable talking about our weight...lol

This site has become My Place where i can come and speak freely about what's going on in all aspect of my life... I have met some truly inspiring people here. Not just people that have lost weight, but people that lost weight while going through divorce or battling cancer or other illness.... taking care of their loved ones....

Good luck to you.[/quote']

This is a great post thanks! I'm 5'1 and weigh 217 I started at 224 before my 6mth required nutrition diet and waiting on approval it's been 3 wks I'm starting to get worried but my dr says its fine. she confident I'll be approved:) I keep trying to think positive! I have a struggle with maintaining healthy habits(exercising regularly, eating right portion) I'm afraid that will be major downfall of getting the surgery. I hope that once the ball gets rolling that it will help me get more confident about staying focused and making right choices. This is a great place to be to get that will power thanks to all of you for caring about each other!!!!

[Terry Poperszky 2,784]

Just had mine done yesterday, and the first time I met the surgeon was at his seminar, December 16th. I am self pay, my insurance does cover WLS, but only after a 12 month Dr. supervised weight loss program (which they don't pay for), if I could stick to a 12 month low calorie diet, I wouldn't have needed a band!

[aviva1979 375]

thank you all so much for your responses!

[A New New Dawn 1,695]

It really does vary on the insurance you have. Did they tell you they require any preop diet? I have BCBSIL and they did away with that requirement so it went very quickly. I did; however, have to meet w/ the pyschologist, lung dr, my reg. dr., and get some bloodwork done prior to surgery. The longest was trying to get in w/ the pyschologist for me. Some people's insurance requires a 6 month preop diet, etc. so the biggest factor is what your insurance requirements are and also your starting BMI. I was at about 50 w/ 2 comorbidities (sleep apnea, and high blood pressure) so I was approved very easily as well. Once it was submitted to the insurance for approval, within a week I heard back I was approved. Keep in mind, some people do not immediately get approved. Don't lose faith. Many times the insurance just needs something clarified or needs additional documentation.

Also, do your homework on the band and write down any questions you may have for your visit to make sure this is for you.

Lastly, while this site is a great source of support and a wealth of knowledge of people's experiences, remember to follow YOUR doctor and nutritionist's instructions. One thing you will see here is how our doctors all do things a little differently. Your doctor knows you and your medical history, so follow his/her instructions.

Best wishes on your journey.

[Jim1967 3,569]

Six months for me as well from Seminar to Surgery day. Program I was part of said it could be 3 months but when insurance got involved they had a 6 month monitored diet requirement. Oct 2011 with Surgery April 2012.

[BayougirlMrsS 3,938]

This is a great post thanks! I'm 5'1 and weigh 217 I started at 224 before my 6mth required nutrition diet and waiting on approval it's been 3 wks I'm starting to get worried but my dr says its fine. she confident I'll be approved:) I keep trying to think positive! I have a struggle with maintaining healthy habits(exercising regularly, eating right portion) I'm afraid that will be major downfall of getting the surgery. I hope that once the ball gets rolling that it will help me get more confident about staying focused and making right choices. This is a great place to be to get that will power thanks to all of you for caring about each other!!!!

I would be careful about losing until you get approved. I was right on the line and my dr told me not to lose anything till the approval. Just a suggestion.