HELLO THERE! Does anyone have an idea on how long it takes for the surgeon and team to replay when you send in your initial screening information?

Also how long in general did it take from first doctor contact to surgery day for you and what set backs or push forwards?

THANK YOU!!!

Every doctor and hospital have their own rules. It took me 10 months because the hospital merged with a big Boston one. My insurance approved me right away. I had all my pre testing and that takes about 3 months. I finally had the band in July and it was the best thing I ever did for me and my family. I can walk and play with the grandsons better than ever.

Good luck.

My doctors office said 5 business days. I sent it on on feb 12 and just heard today. Appt is on March 22nd for initial consult and weigh in.

Every doctor is different. Best of Luck to you!

went to the seminar in July, saw the surgeon, nutritionist, and psychologist in August, had to do three months documentation from PCP on weight loss....was approved shortly thereafter....went for pre-op testing including cardiac stress test...was set for surgery in November, and then mother nature intervened. The hospital was badly damaged by superstorm Sandy. Had to wait for January before being banded. Was a long journey...lots of paperwork, phone calls, etc. but more than worth it. Am down 32 1/2 lbs. and am on my way to a healthier life.

HELLO THERE! Does anyone have an idea on how long it takes for the surgeon and team to replay when you send in your initial screening information?

Also how long in general did it take from first doctor contact to surgery day for you and what set backs or push forwards?

THANK YOU!!!

For me there was a two week wait, just for insurance approval. As soon as they had that, they called me to schedule. So, I had my consultation February 6, they called 22 to tell me I was approved. My pre-op appointment was march 4 and my surgery is scheduled for march 18. I've heard it can be faster (depending on the doc) if you are already approved or self-pay. Sometimes the hold up is insurance. One thing that I did while waiting (oh the waiting!) was read an entire thread on this site (I think it was October bandsters). It's long... But so helpful to see and really understand the whole experience. Everyone is nervous and excited and then the first person gets banded. Everyone wants to know what it's like, step by step. As the month goes on, you can see how much pain people were in - if any had complications, the differences in pre and post op diets from person to person. Also, the differences in weight lost. This was soooo helpful for me - although I felt like a bit of a stalker :-) by the end they were posting pictures and were so happy (for the most part) and that really sealed the deal for me. Thank you, October bandsters! CWinks, use this site! I think the more you read, the more realistic your expectations will become! Good luck!!!

???»Rina

It will be 6 weeks Friday from the seminar / information intake. I would have already been scheduled if the psych evaluation wasn't two weeks out from my appointment and they have held on to it for 3 weeks! More than likely, I will be at the end of the March. The psych paperwork should be in by Friday (but I've heard this for 3 weeks), then the paperwork should be approved by the 15th at the latest. My husband has to go out of town the following week, so my surgery can be scheduled the following week. I've been on the pre-op diet since my follow up with my doctor so that we don't have to wait 2 more weeks to schedule. Hopefully, I can update soon, but if things go as planned, it will be just over 8 weeks from seminar / intake to surgery.