Hi, looking for a Milwaukee Doc, are there any programs you DONT have to go through the 6 month period? Need advice, already went to a couple seminars and talks.

Hi Omar88,

I was banded in Milwaukee. Not sure what you mean - the 6 month period-- is that something that your insurance provider requires? Or that the bariatric center requires? Or both?

I went to the Aurora Sinai bariatric program. Surgeon is from Wisconsin Bariatrics. It took a little over 4 months from seminar date to surgery, with a 3 month supervised diet. This was the center's requirement, which they did because of my insurance company's requirement AND because they are a bariatric center of excellence - and for that certification there are minimun standards they need to maintain - which includes a wholistic approach - proper candidate selection, making sure the patient is emotionally ready for this huge lifestyle change, nutrition counseling, choosing the proper procedure for your needs, etc.

If you are self-pay, I am not sure that you would have to wait 6 months. Also, you can investigate Mexico or other foreign programs which can be done very quick, but you have to travel and self-pay (but cheaper than US). My sister did that.

But if it's an insurance requirement - and you want insurance to pay - doesn't matter where you go, you'll have to do whatever insurance requires.

Where have you tried?

Are you in a hurry? I was, desparately so! The 4 months seemed like forever! However, I finally realized I didn't have to wait for the band to start changing my life. You can start today by changing your diet and learning about your new lifestyle with the band. Retrospecitively, it was a good thing, because I lost 30-40 pounds doing the dietitian supervised diet, and learned what life was going to be like post-banding. I was better prepared for the surgery by jumping through those hoops, even though I hated every minute of it. I am NOT a patient person!

The band is only a tool...it will make losing weight easier, by taking away the ability to eat huge portions, but it is NOT a easy answer and doesn't work magically by itself - so learning how to change your lifestyle and eating healthy are the most important thing.s I can still eat too many calories and not loose weight with the band by eating the wrong foods (sweets like ice cream, Cookies, cakes, crackers). But I don't want too! But, I have to tell you, if not for this band I wouldn't have made it this far. Good things are worth waiting for!!

Good luck!

Omar,

I'm going to be banded on the 30th of this month. At Columbia St. Marys and it was only 4 months. The 4 months went fast now i'm only a week away. Dr Regan is doing it. Look into CSM they have a great staff..

Good Luck to you.