Can anyone tell me about their own experience with the amount of time between the first informational meeting and your actual surgery (barring any unforseen holdups). How long did it take for all of you?

Lorie,

I think it would depend if you are going to try insurance, or if you are a self pay. I my case I am a self pay, and once I had a consulation, I could have scheduled it the next week. However, I got the money from my savings, and have to wait on the check. Insurance will take a little longer, depending on your type.

I know you will get more replys, as I am fairly new hear, and my band date is July 20th. Cannot wait!!

Good luck, and keep reading, these folks are loaded with knowledge, and wisdom.

Hi Lorie,

My first consultation was end of April, and my surgery was beg. of July.

So, 9 weeks?

Sorry to tell you that it was about 9 months from when I first requested the surgery and when I got approval. Insurance co is Cigna PPO. Hopefully, they were the worst! , I fought them 'tooth and nail' the whole time. Finally, I received approval AND they have recently approved the lap band as an "approved procedure," so hopefully it will be easier for others.

Can anyone tell me about their own experience with the amount of time between the first informational meeting and your actual surgery (barring any unforseen holdups). How long did it take for all of you?

I t took 9 months with blue cross blue shield new england and 2 information meeting, 3 nutrition meeting, 6 pysch meeting, 1 medical exam meeting, 6 exercise meetings, 1 surgeon consult, as you can see there was a lot of prepartion. and also pre-op testing I swear if I did'nt work 11-7 I would of lost my job with all the meeting and appts. finally banded though and you forget about it after.

5 days-phone consultation on friday-surgery following wednesday in Tijuana-was a selfpay

ALMOST 19 MONTHS- BUT i WAS VERY UNEXPECTEDLY PREGNANT AFTER 13 YEARS OF TEYING & TWO ADOPTIONS AND NO LUCK. tHE PREGNANCY WAS A SELF PAY (AND YOU ALL THINK THE BAND IS ESPENSIVE!!!! tRY SA LEVEL TWO ULTRASOUND SEVERAL TIMES!- SO IT TOOK OVER A YEAR AFTER IT TO RESAVE THE $$$$$ TO SELF PAY AGAIN.