Okay, hello everbody! Our dear friend Alex Brecher (dude from the first msg) told me I should introduce myself so here I am!

My name is Sarah! I'm 22 and have a BMI of 53! Not good at all, I know! My mother is also obese and we recently decided to both get sleeved. We just decided this about a week ago and since then I've been trying to do as much research as I can about the enitre process! I'm so happy that I stumbled across this fun and helpful community!

So I have a question that I haven't been able to find an answer for - How long will the process take from now (just making the decision, attending info seminars etc) until the actual surgery? I know that we'll have to do all kinds of tests and follow a diet and all that fun stuff. I understand that everyone has a different situation though, so what happened with you?

I can't wait to get to know all of you!!

My journey was six months. I was on the three month path. The time frame really depends on your insurance company and your doctor. Here is what was required by my doctor and my insurance company. I had three mandatory classes that my doctor and the hospital required. My insurance company required that I meet with a nutritionist and a exercise specialist for three consecutive months. I was also required to meet with a psychologist. There are also alot of labs and tests required. I started in August of 2012 and I actually had the surgery Feb 19, 2013. I was also working a fulltime job. It was hard to fit all of the appointments in and not get my boss mad because I was taking long lunches.

my requirements and timeline are in my sig.

I could have scheduled the surgery for sept 30, but had to wait til november bc of work. otherwise I would have been in and out in about 6 weeks total.

I was able to get everything done in under 2 months. My insurance did not have a supervised diet. I did have to see a Nut (nutritionist) and a psychologist. I scheduled my surgery at my first surgeon appt. That was about 8 weeks, it would have been sooner if he hadn't taken vacation at labor day.

Holy crap! That's really a big difference from 6 months down to eight weeks! Huh. It seems we're all under the mercy of our insurance providers

Well thank you for your replies, guys! I appreciate it!

My mom and I are going together to Tijuana Mexico for surgery. We are both getting it done. We decided on September 20th and scheduled and booked flight. We are using the site www.alighterme.com with dr Elias Ortiz. The cost is $4200 each, private pay. We spent $250 each on round trip plane tickets from Illinois to San Diego where they pick us up at the airport and then return us to the airport after surgery and recovery.

What site did you book tickets for airfare?

I used Travelocity.com I needed two tickets ( one for my mom and one for me) from Illinois to San Diego roundtrip. We leave VERY early on Thursday morning, November 7th. We have surgery that same day.... Then we fly back to Illinois Monday evening. The cost was $251 round trip per person.