How long does it usually take to get all the necessary pre-op testing done/setting up a surgery date? I'm just curious because, well, I attend a seminar at the hospital on wednesday, then I have to go in and talk to my doctor again to get the ball rolling. I'm wondering if there's any possibilty of me being able to have everything done and have the procedure done before summer ends and fall semester begins. (since my days are decently full with babysitting for 3-5 small chikldren every week day during the school year for 5 hours each day, plus taking night classes.) It would be great to actually use some of this summer break to rest and recover as needed and start getting used to the new lifestyle. There's usually a bit of stress involved in getting re-adjusted to early mornings and a full busy week, so if i could have the procedure in say, august, that'd be great. I'm just wondering if anypne here knows if that's possible. My doctor said it could take about 6 months to get everything done, but again, i'm just curious.

Well, it's definately possible...for me I went to a seminar on feb. 27th.

...march 3rd 1st appointment with my lapband dr.

march 5th...evaluation by sleep study dr.

march 7th...psych. eval.

march 19th sleep study

march 26th sleep study results

April 25th lapband approval!!!

may 9th start liquid diet

may 23rd...surgery scheduled!!!

it seemed pretty fast to me. That's a period of 3 months.

I have bcbs anthem insurance and have not had any trouble so far.

I know this timeframe is not the norm as some people have to wait alot longer. I feel very blessed. But i just wanted to tell you it's possible!

I went to my seminar April 5th and I found out from my insurance I have to do a 6 month diet, so I won't be able to have surgery in the summer like I wanted. My surgery won't be until Oct, or Nov.

I started my process and all my testing including my 6 months dr visit on 11/28/07 and my official last day is June 4th! It is a process but I am sure it is all worth it. Good luck Tamara

It's definitely possible.

This first time I tried to get the band, it was mid-November 2004. I had my psych eval, nutritionist consultation and dr. appointment to get my referal all completed by the first week in December. It took the insurance company about three weeks to approve me and by the time I received my approval letter, it was December 27th. Unfortunately my insurance changed on January 1st and the new company didn't cover WLS. Obvioulsy I didn't have time to get the surgery before the end of the year. I was so bummed!

After waiting three years and finally having insurance again that covers WLS, I started the process once more on April 14th of this year. I will be having my surgery on May 14th -- only one month later. I have been dieting for over 5 years however with documentation through my doctor so I know that help speed up the process. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Good luck!

I asked the nurse who handles appointments and pre-op visits how long the process would take and she said "anywhere from three to six months."

I am sure that you can get it done in time to recoup during the summer if you are on the ball with all of your doctor's requirements and you could let your doctor know if there is an earlier cancellation, that you would be interested in taking that appointment.

Good luck,

Kat