:wink2: i currently live in southern california and my insurance is trough kaiser. i have to go through six monthsof classes before i even get a consultaition with a surgeon. thats an awfully long time to wait to change your life. i was wondering if any of you break down the process for me and let me know in actuallity how long everything took. from the start of the classes to getting a surgery date. and all the things yu had to do in between. i would appreciate it!

Sorry I can't help because I have Tricare Standard and my process was really fast!

BUT i will say that many people say the 6 months flies by ... so hang in there. Just get going on it; it'll happen for you!

Sorry I can't help because I have Tricare Standard and my process was really fast!

BUT i will say that many people say the 6 months flies by ... so hang in there. Just get going on it; it'll happen for you!

how fast was it for you?

I guess it depends on how you look at it! LOL

I've WANTED the band since about 2003 (tricare didn't cover it back then) but changed my mind about 1000000 times until July 2008 when my PCP FINALLY said "you need to do something drastic" YES! LOL

I went to the seminar my surgeon held on 7/10 and had my first band attempt 8/11. Insurance approval took just at 48 hours.

I guess it depends on how you look at it! LOL

I've WANTED the band since about 2003 (tricare didn't cover it back then) but changed my mind about 1000000 times until July 2008 when my PCP FINALLY said "you need to do something drastic" YES! LOL

I went to the seminar my surgeon held on 7/10 and had my first band attempt 8/11. Insurance approval took just at 48 hours.

omg that makes me sad

I guess it depends on how you look at it! LOL

I've WANTED the band since about 2003 (tricare didn't cover it back then) but changed my mind about 1000000 times until July 2008 when my PCP FINALLY said "you need to do something drastic" YES! LOL

I went to the seminar my surgeon held on 7/10 and had my first band attempt 8/11. Insurance approval took just at 48 hours.

Who is your insurance provider??

I think I too have to wait the 6 months....

Well it took me 5 1/2 years plus; it won't take you that long! You can't compare yourself; it's not a race.

Hi, I had to wait 6 months also, because I had to take the weight loss classes for documentation, I could have seen the surgeon before then, but it was no need to because I hadn't completed the process recommended for Humana Insurance, after my last class I saw the surgeon the next week, I see him on March 9th and was banded on April 15th. The longest part of this process was the documentation of 6 months, which I had prior but the pcp I had at the time didn't want to sign off... But it's all worth it trust me.... Everything will work out.

The 6 months really does fly by. I just finished my six months supervised diet for Aetna. I thought it was stupid, but the nutritionist I worked with was actually very helpful. It wasn't just another diet, but she was teaching me specifically how I will eat and drink once I get the band. The habits I've been working on will help me a lot once I get the band (protein first, sipping water all day, no soda, no calorie beverages, limiting carbs, chewing well, etc.). I've also needed the time I think to get my head around it all (if that makes sense). This is really it.

I had to do 3 months of nutrition and exercise classes for my insurance. Honestly, I wish I had more time pre-band, to learn how to adjust to band life. The time does fly by pretty fast especially with the other appointments you have.(sleep study, etc.)

If you are serious about getting banded, don't be discouraged! I was a bit bummed about the six month physcian supervised diet and exercise required by my insurance but you get through it. Total from discussion with my PCP through banding was almost 11 months. I am now about six weeks out and am so very glad I got it done. Would I have like to have had it last year? Yes. But it's done now and I have a healthy start from the pre surgery diet. Good luck and hang in there!