I have done my homework and have decided that VSG is for me. My DIL had the surgery done, but from the time she made the decision to the actual surgery date was about 6 months! Is that typical? She had to go through classes before she could have the surgery. What is the average wait time (not including the problem of a surgeon being booked up....just considering whatever classes or counseling we have to go through prior to surgery.)

Thank you!

Hello I think the average is 6 months depends who your provider is also if they make you try another diet. Once I decided I went in Sept saw the Doctor once got approved and was sleeved on Nov 15th. So 2 months I dont this this is normal though. I went to a dietican/ doctor for weightloss for 2 years in Orlando so I think that helped. Good luck!

It depends on what your insurance requirements are. Some require you to do 6 months or so of nutritional classes and other things, I got lucky and my insurance no longer requires the 6 month wait period. I had my consultation in September, went to 1 nutrition class, had 1 session with the counselor and I am scheduled to be sleeved in January! Check out your insurance requirements to get some ballpark idea of how long you may be waiting. Best of luck, keep us posted on your progress. You have come to a great website. People here are quick to offer advice, share their experiences, motivate you, celebrate with you, and just support you through this whole journey. It's a great place.

Oh my gosh. I know my DIL had to wait about 6 months to jump through all the required "hoops" before her surgery. She has done amazingly and has no regrets and is the reason I am even considering this as my ideal option. However, my son is graduating in May and I would love to be a lot lighter by then. If I have to wait 6 months, I might as well figure on Atkins or something for the thousandth time (give or take). I have to do something!

Thanks for answering so quickly. We have something in common besides our choice of weight loss options - I also sing like crazy with the radio in my van. LOL I haven't been to church in about two years, but I miss it. I have to find a church where I live now (I moved from FL to TN). I hope we can stay in touch - I'd love to hear how you're doing with your weight loss, too.

I sure hope I'm as lucky as you've been! I am so anxious to get started and lose some serious weight before my son's graduation in May!

Hello I think the average is 6 months depends who your provider is also if they make you try another diet. Once I decided I went in Sept saw the Doctor once got approved and was sleeved on Nov 15th. So 2 months I dont this this is normal though. I went to a dietican/ doctor for weightloss for 2 years in Orlando so I think that helped. Good luck!

I didn't have the supervised diet, but I am at 5 months and still waiting for approval.

Wow, sounds like it's a good thing I at least got my doctor's appointment scheduled. I go tomorrow (Wednesday 11/28). Wish me luck, and I wish you luck as well!

Everything fell into place and it only took 3 months

Wait times vary depending on your insurance company and BMI. I have UPMC insurance and since I have a BMI over 55 I didn't have to do the 6 months supervised diet. If my BMI had been lower then 55 I would have had to either do 6 months of medically supervised Diet or show records of having been dieting for a specified amount of time with regular appointments with my PCP. Remember if you have to do the 6 months supervised diet it should still help you to start losing weight at least as good as going on Atkin's or something would plus leads you to be able to get the surgery when you get to that point. The surgery is what usually helps people to be able to keep that weight off instead of just putting it back on like usually happens after dieting. Good Luck.

You could get the process started and start atkins or something like that as well.....it will reduce you weight before surgery making it safer, and you will be further down come May. Good Luck!

I actually did just start Atkins (again). I lost 80 lbs. with Atkins 8 years ago and put it all back on. I'm actually allowing myself fruits and veggies though, and am staying away from breads, potatoes, rice, and sugar. I sure hope things fall into place with me. I'm anxious - as I guess everyone who does this is. I saw the doctor today and she is excited about my decision (I have a great doctor) and set me up with the surgeon on Dec. 6th. I found out my BMI is 39.8 - yikes. I think a big thing is to learn to eat to live, not live to eat.

I really appreciate the feedback from everyone. I can see why this is a great place to come for support and encouragement. Thanks, all.