was your surgery? I finished my evaluation on January 9th.. I've done all the other requirements demanded by insurance.. the 6 month documentation, I've had blood work done, went to my seminar, all that good stuff.. but I was wondering how long was it between finishing your requirements until your actual surgery date? I'm sure it differs, I just want a general idea.. i'm getting so anxious.

I had my first consult with my surgeon on 7/29 and my surgery was 11/14. I went to so many doctors preop and it still only took 4 months. I could've had in done in October but I put it off a month. So, you should get a date shortly after approval from your insurance company. As you said, everybody varies. Good Luck!

I think it varies. It seems like some people are banded within a matter of weeks after the psych eval and pre-op tests. My process seems a little different from others. My surgery date has been scheduled already, but I don't have my psych eval until Monday 1/15. I have to attend 12 weeks of group support meetings before I'm banded so that's why my surgery date is so far away. I guess it depends on where you go and what their procedures are. I hope you get your date soon!

wow, 12 weeks of group support meetings? Geesh. I mean, it's probably a good thing but that would just frustrate me after all the stuff I've been through to get here. I think the 6 month weight documentation went by the slowest.

I'm actually enjoying the group support meetings. It's fun getting together with other people who are also getting banded. They give instructions and tips/rules for living with the band. And get this, I have to attend another 12 weeks of group support meetings AFTER the surgery with people who are already banded. It's only once a week so I'm okay with it.

Wow.. that actually sounds beneficial. Wish we had that stuff around here.. but I consider myself truly lucky to have just found a counselor here in town that could do my evaluation. Otherwise I'd still be waiting until Febuary 27th to get it done at the hospital and no oneeee else around here does them.. not even in neighboring towns. It's crazy.

But I'm definately gonna ask about support groups for after the surgery, I almost think it should be mandatory.

I think it should be mandatory as well!

You wouldn't happen to be from Virginia would you? Lol.

No, In Chicago...lol!

Mine was probably within 2-3 weeks. The insurance is the only thing that hung me up. Good luck.

No, In Chicago...lol!

Well that figures! We don't have those kinds of things here... well, probably in major cities which of course I don't live in so.. that's out of the question.

But thankfully, the internet lets me get on here so I did get a great deal of my information from this website so when my consult with my surgeon came up I really didn't have any questions for him.. lol

Then again, there are some questions that only other bandsters can answer.

I don't think I could be that patient to wait so long after completing my tests.

I finally had my psych exam this morning and needless to say was VERY nervous! He was such a nice Dr. He says I'm an excellent candidate for the LB, and he said he had only given 2 other people that recommendation. I'm very excited!

I suppose all I'm waiting for is him to drop my exam papers in the mail to my surgeon......

Than wait for the phone call to schedule!

I don't think I could be that patient to wait so long after completing my tests.

I finally had my psych exam this morning and needless to say was VERY nervous! He was such a nice Dr. He says I'm an excellent candidate for the LB, and he said he had only given 2 other people that recommendation. I'm very excited!

I suppose all I'm waiting for is him to drop my exam papers in the mail to my surgeon......

Than wait for the phone call to schedule!

That's what I'm waiting on too. Had my psych exam on the 9th and she gave me a good recomendation as long as I stay in counseling so... waiting waiting waiting.

I have my eval tomorrow, and next week I have the nutritional eval.. THEN my dr will submit to insurance for the approval number... THEN I will be able to schedule surgery.....the hospital is already booked through March 8th.....

My last/3rd appt was the day before surgery.

The psychologist in my program generally requires a minimum of three visits, and sometimes more than 10. Depends on the person and progress he feels they're making toward changing their behaviors.