I just got set up for preliminary consultation so my journey is finally starting. Im just wondering how long testing and stuff is. How much time past for you guys between starting the process to insurance approval and finally getting the surgery?

Thanks for the help on such a random question.

Some people get approved by the insurance company right away and get a surgery date right away.

Some people have to hammer on the insurance company for four months to get them to pay. (yep - that was me.)

Testing is usually not a huge issue - unless your doctor required Psych evaluation has to be scheduled 3 mos in advance or something. The other tests are all readily available everywhere. Find out of your doc has a brain bender that he recommends. I was lucky enough to only have to wait a couple of weeks to see the psychiatrist. (phychologist? geez - I can't keep them straight).

The faster you get your tests done and your paperwork together - the faster you can submit to insurance for pre-approval.

Good luck with all of it.

Mine took 6 weeks or so. Mostly because of the wait on the insurance company. I had all my other stuff done about 3 weeks into the process. Truthfully, I thought it went pretty fast. Good luck.

I started at the end of July on my research and seminar than I attended a psych eval. and them surgeon consult then sent the info to my insurance company this was mid Aug. Well then the insurance company said sorry we can not cover this hospital but let me tell you some we cover. then I choose one out of the two they gave me to choose from and started the process there in mid september. they made me go to their seminar and another surgeon consult then I sent in for approval again well then they requested weight loss records within the last 180 days well see I had this back when I first started but it was now over 180 days so around Oct the 1st, I started weight watchers went for 5 wks and the insurance company said re send your stuff this was on Nov. the 20th and I was approved the same day.I now am scheduled to have surgery on Dec the 18th and have pre-op testing on Dec the 12th and today I have to attend a support group at the hospital doing my surgery. I am excited because all people attending the support group will be only lap band patients

I hope this has helped it is written out of correct form but my process has been crazy one any questions just private message me

I started my 'proces' in September. I've had to wait on getting appointments with a nutritionist, Psych Eval, Cardiologist clearance, bloodwork, and neurologist (pseudo tumor cerebri). I was given a date of January 30; but that is still pending my 1/07 insurance, which should be no problem. It seems like a long time, but I view it as a GREAT time to get on this board - and gain as much knowledge as I can. I can't imagine not being on this board, buying books and investigating for a few months prior.

I guess I'm also grateful; as I wanted one last 'FULL TUMMY' Holiday season. I figure by the time the next holidays roll around, the Band will be like 2nd nature.

Good luck! This is an exciting time!

I started the process in mid-August. Getting the tests and evaluations done took some planning, but I had it all done in about 1 1/2 weeks. The hardest part for me was getting all of my records together from different doctors. The approval rom my insurance took about 2-3 weeks. It wasn't too bad. I hope you have a cooperative insurance company! I was originally scheduled for surgery on Oct 5, but due to some anemia issues I didn't have surgery until Oct 26. Still, I was surprised at how quick it was. Good luck!

My consultation was 3 weeks after approval, as the surgeon was booked. Surgery was about a month after consultation.