I was just wondering how long from your first appointment does it take to actually get your surgery ????

For my program we had to get a physical' date=' meet with the dietician, meet with the psychologist, attend 6 weeks of behavioral medicine classes to show that you are working on changing the behaviors that got us to this point. The physical may show things that need adjustment. For me my Vitamin D and potassium were low so I needed to get those up a bit. After the 6 weeks of classes we are required to attend monthly meetings until you get the approval. The team meets once a month to discuss potential patients. Like I said, I was lucky and went through pretty quickly.[/quote']

Thank you for giving me information on everything I'm excited to start and my first appointment seems like its taking forever to get here

First appointment 5/1. Surgery 7/9.

I had a psych eval' date=' an EGD and and EKG.

:-)[/quote']

I'm ready !

Ok, here's what had to do:

Informational sessions (3 including nutritionist)

Consult with surgeon

Psych eval

sleep study

Arterial blood gas

Endoscopy

Abdominal Ultrasound

Labs

I first discussed Weight Loss Surgery with my PCP Nov. 2012. I got my referral. I attended the informational meeting in December. At that meeting I was handed a folder full of forms to fill out. Then I had to contact my insurance carrier to find out what they require for me to be eligible for the surgery.

My insurance requires me to have a minimum starting BMI over 40 without any comorbidities. Which I have a few and I am over the 40 BMI anyways so I met that criteria. I had to have 6 consecutive months that I visited my PCP for her to check my progress on diets and exercise.

My bariatric team requires me to lose and maintain a 10 pound weight loss prior to surgery, attend the info meeting plus 3 monthly meetings. I had to have an EKG, Endoscopy, get a medical clearance from my PCP, a psych evaluation, and fill out all of the forms.

Once I completed all that my case went to clinical review to see if they thought I may need any further testing. Once my case passed clinical review I had a meeting with the Nutritionist, then the nurse and lastly my surgeon.

I just received my surgery date of August 26th. But that is contigent on whether or not my insurance gives me an approval. Please keep in mind I have had to jump through all of these hoops and then sit back and wait. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I forgot. I had one appointment with a nutritionist. But it was over the phone and it only lasted 45 minutes or so.

First appointment 5/1. Surgery 7/9.

I had a psych eval, an EGD and and EKG.

:-)

8 months

I went to a seminar in September 2012. I had all my requirements met by December. The office kept screwing up my paperwork that was sent in for approval. My insurance changed in July. I got my surgery date yesterday, 8/14/13. So 11 months for me.

I started my 6 month diet jan 27. Went to my first seminar feb 11th. Contacted the coordinator with my surgeon and found out what all he required. I already knew what my insurance wanted. In March I had my cardio and pulmonary evals, and my psych eval. In June I had my first appt with my surgeon. My paperwork was submitted June 21st (they had to snail mail it). Insurance started reviewing it July 1. Got my approval July 5th. Had my EGD and surgery is scheduled for the 31st!

Thank you all for answering. The answers have all been very helpful

I met with a surgeon July 9th, then had psych eval and nutritionist appointments. Now, I'm waiting to hear back from insurance (today or tomorrow) and can get a surgery date as soon as I hear! As you might imagine, I'm antsy!

I met with a surgeon July 9th, then had psych eval and nutritionist appointments. Now, I'm waiting to hear back from insurance (today or tomorrow) and can get a surgery date as soon as I hear! As you might imagine, I'm antsy!

I would be too It's exciting to know your about to get something that can literally change your life. I hope you get the call soon.

Started the process in January.. And still waiting on a date. Been jumping through hoops the entire time.

Had a physc eval, upper GI test, met with nut several times, met with family doctor several times, met with coordinator several times, have my first meeting with the surgeon on 8-1, still have an EDG and labs to do.. Then hopefully will have my date.. Hopefully..

June 7th I met with my super awesome wonderful surgeon and December 5th he changed my life (surgery day). At first when I knew I was facing 6 months it seemed so long but the time flew by and I figured I had been miserable and unhappy for so many years, waiting 6 months was nothing. Best thing Ive ever done for myself besides marrying my husband

First Appointment 6/4/2013

Surgery scheduled 7/32/2013

I had to have EGD, Nutrition class and psych eval. I did 2 of the 3 in one day. I also had to have 5 years of weight history for insurance but I just pulled records from my primary and ob doctors.

1 week from today I get sleeved!!!

I have military insurance (tricare) an I just found out last week that I could even have the surgery and my first appointment is August 7th

I had my sleev done through tri care at Ft Lewis. It took me about 3 months to meet all the requirements and schedule my appt. that being said ft Lewis serves a about of military and the bariatric program actually had a waiting list. Once I got through the waiting list part it took me about 6 weeks to get in all required apps and do a 4 week food journal that I was required to do before hand.