Wow is this for real... I sent of my packet to the Alvarado Clinic in California and got my call back today. The receptionist stated all I would need is my phsyc eval and my doc note of 5 years over weight history. SHe also stated that my insurance is the fastest one to approve this surgery. My question is and i don't think i want to know the real answer can this really happen this quick???? She said it's all upto how quick I make my appt's, so of course i have my pcp note on thurs and my physc eval on the June 4th. I'm so ready for this new life, I just want to be active again riding my bike hiking all the stuff i haven't been able to do. Has anyone had surgery at this clinic or with Dr. Sunil Bhoyrul. any info greatly appreciated. TIA

I went to a seminar 7/10 and was in surgery 8/11 and am not self-pay so yes it can happen fast! Don't know about that Doc/Facility, but good luck to you!

Thats great to hear. Did you have to do sleep test and all that, they didn't tell me i needed one but i thought maybe i just haven't made it that far?

Everyone is different...you'll learn that the more you read on here. There are no two experiences alike, it seems! But no, I didn't have to do a sleep test, nor did I have to do a stress test and/or get a cardiac clearance, like some do. It depends on the person, on insurance requirements, and on the surgeon. Since I had a normal ecg and no heart issues or symptoms, and since I didn't have anything that would indicate sleep apnea, and I didn't NEED a comorbidity for my insurance, the doc didn't require it. I just had the psych eval, a very quick nutrition eval, and some other medical preop tests...all of which were taken care of in one day at the hospital where my surgeon is head of bariatrics. So it was fast and easy!

thanks for answering my ?'s i have found this site soooo helpful thanks to others like you. Initially I thought I'd get bypass but after reading here I opted for "the band"

Even if it is "fast" for you, take time to, um, take your own pulse, if that makes sense? It is a big change. It's positive (usually) but even good things can be stressful and if you are doing it at hyper speed your mind may struggle to catch up (counterintuitive, but true!) Just be good to yourself, follow the "rules" your doc gives you, and I am sure you'll do great! :thumbup: