Hello! I'm new to this... I found it online and thought it would be helpful in finding out some information! I've done lots of research and have gone to a seminar at my local hospital... How long did it take others to get to the point of planning for their surgery?

I started with my first appointment with the surgeon in May 2013 and had my surgery September 2013.

I was lucky that it was that short of a time.

I believe on average for most it's at least 6 months.

I depends on the insurance you have, what your surgeon requires you to do before they do surgery.

Good luck with your journey into WLS.

Hi, and welcome to BP. As far as how long it takes, if really does vary depending on your insurance, their requirements, your doctors requirements, etc. We look forwarding to following you on your journey.

Welcome. My first seminar was late December, met with my surgeon on the 21 of January, had RNY surgery on the 18th of March. Pretty quick for me, I have BCBS-IL, they don't have the 6 month dietary requirement any more so it was shorter then some. Best of luck on your journey.

Edited March 31, 201412 yr by SugarFreeMe

First appointment to surgery date is 9 weeks but only because I had already met the 6 month diet required in Maryland. Insurance requirements are usually what dictates the time.

I went to the seminar in January. Have done all but the sleep study (scheduled for this Saturday), and the remainder (4) nutritional visits (6 required). The doctor submits the request for surgery to the insurance company after the 4th nutritional visit, and sometimes they accept it. That would bring me to May/June. Either way, I have come this far....nothing can stop me now!

I went to my informational seminar in October and had surgery on the 5th of March. It would have probably been soon but due to the holidays, I had to coordinate to get my clearance appointments (cardiology, upper GI,pulmonology, phsycologist) around the holiday breaks. I have Tricare Prime and it was actually pretty easy. I got approved on the first submission.

Good Luck. You are taking the first steps to a healthier you.

Kespy74

If you don't mind me asking..... how much have you lost. I know it hasn't even been a month but I am curious. How are you feeling?

Best of luck to you!

Kespy74 If you don't mind me asking..... how much have you lost. I know it hasn't even been a month but I am curious. How are you feeling? Best of luck to you!

I currently weigh 204.2 and my highest weight was 234 and 230.6 on surgery day. So 25.8 pounds since surgery and 29.8 total.

I'm actually feeling pretty good. I get tired a lot though.

Wow that's EXCELLENT....

Good for you!

I went to the seminar in January. Have done all but the sleep study (scheduled for this Saturday), and the remainder (4) nutritional visits (6 required). The doctor submits the request for surgery to the insurance company after the 4th nutritional visit, and sometimes they accept it. That would bring me to May/June. Either way, I have come this far....nothing can stop me now!

I'm also to that point. But they found I had sleep apnea. So all done except for 30 days on cpap. 24 more to go

Mid december seminar- March 24 Surgery. When I went to the seminar I had nothing but my referral. I saw the surgeon mid Jan for the first time, completed all the pre-op by March 8. Insurance approved March 13 and I was offered the March 24 surgery date because there was a cancellation. Otherwise, surgery would have been the end of April

Hi I'm new here as well, I have been glued to this site since I found it. I have have been to a seminar and had a consult with my doctor. My BMI is boarderline so if I don't have a medical condition such as high BP or diabetes or sleep apnea I won't be approved. I'm 52 yrs old and for the past 25 yrs been on every diet you can mention and gain the weight I loose. My medical doctor has been trying to get me to take a low dose BP med because I'm in the higher range, and i had gone to a pulmonary doctor for severe snoring ( my husband begged me to go) and had a sleep study 2wks ago and will get those results this week. I'm planning on having surgery in August I wish sooner but due to a vacation that has been planned and pd for I have to wait, I want to be more then 7 weeks post op before I leave the area. I also had my appt with the psychiatric doctor, Aenta requires this as well, at least it's a one time visit and he approved me. There is so much that needs to be done which will help the time go by I quess. But everyone here is so supportive and I'm taking in all these threads. Good Luck and wish you well.