I have my first appointment on Wed. It is a mandatory "meeting" in which they discuss the band and other options...

My question is, when people first decided to ernestly pursue this option, from first apointment on, how long did the journey take, from first appointment to the surgery day?

Sean

Good Question! I'm attending my seminar on 11/11 and plan on making my appointment right away. I would like to know the answer to your question too since I am in the same boat as you.

My journey was a bit unusual. I'm self-pay, which usually goes quicker because you don't have to deal with the insurance companies hoops.

I had my first appointments in June, but had to wait until the end of August for surgery because that's the earliest I could get the time off from work. I could have had surgery in about a month otherwise.

It will depend on what pre-surgery testing you'll need to get done, for example I needed a sleep study.

I went to my first seminar in Nov '05 and submitted my request thru insurance in the beginning of Feb. I knew I was denied by the end of Feb and was banded thru self-pay in early March. I didn't want to waste any time b/c I knew I needed to get the weight off ASAP. The entire process can be a bit lengthy IMO but it is all worth it! Good luck!

~Liz~

03/10/06

241/157/160 (3lbs under goal!!:clap2: )

5'7''

My first appt was in Oct of 2005. I received my band June 27, 2006. It took alittle time not so much because of insurance but because when I went to the psyc evaluation he allowed I was a binge eater and that I needed more visits with him before he would give the ok to my surgeon. In my opinion it was becasue I had good insurance that paid him whatever he charged. Once he gave his ok my insurance ok'ed the surgery the same day.

I'm self pay so from surgery consult to surgery it's been a short 3 1/2 weeks

...it's been a short 3 1/2 weeks

Wow. That's FAST!

By the way, Full of Grace, I'll be thinking of you on Friday. Good luck and let us know how you are ASAP! Prayers going up for you.

It took me about 2 months. But part of that was trying to get appts for all the other stuff and having it fit my schedule.

I was self pay also

I was self pay and I think it may be somewhat less time, I'm not for sure. It took me 3 weeks from first phone call to surgery. Hope this helps, and good luck on your decision. You will be so proud.