Question:
How long from the initial Dr. visit does it take to have the surgery done
— Shelly G. (posted on May 7, 2003)
May 7, 2003
Shelly, I am about to have surgery in 5 days, and I began my journey in
late February. I was initially told 6-8 weeks but it turned out to be
longer. There are a LOT of pre-op appointments you will have to go to.
Most likely a pulmonologist, psychiatrist, cardiologist, sleep study,
gastroenterologist, chest x-ray, and more if necessary. These doctors will
order tests to make sure you are emotionally and physically able to
withstand the trauma of this type of surgery. But, be very glad they do
this. It's risky, and a good doctor will do these things. Hopefully they
get you in quickly though. God bless!
— Happy I.
May 7, 2003
My doc told me a year out, and after your weight has stabilized (you're
done losing).
— mom2jtx3
May 7, 2003
I was very fortunate. My initial evaluation was on 12/18/02 and my surgery
was 2/19/03. I didn't have to have any pre-testing of any sort. Most of
the people I have talked with though, have waited for up to a year. I
constantly kept in contact with my insurance company regarding my approval
and my primary physcian for writing a letter on my behalf. Good Luck!
— Terrie R.
May 8, 2003
This really all depends on your surgeon and how busy he is. For instance, a
surgeon with more experience is probably more well-known and has more
patients in line. And a surgeon may only perform WLS once a week but do
evaluations and apptmts the other days, or he could do surgeries every day
of the week- everyone is different. I had my first consultation in very
early April with my surgeon and had surgery the last day of May 2002. So
about 8 weeks for me. He had good experience, but not as much as some
associates, who I would've waited longer for. So it varies from office to
office. Goodluck to you!
— Lezlie Y.
May 8, 2003
Hi Shelly- I first went to a doctor in Danbury CT and his staff was
soooooo disorganized that it took at least 6 months. A friend of mine is
still waiting for her date with none in sight. I was so frustrated with
that doctor that I found another one in Norwalk CT, Dr. Floch and I got in
and had my surgery in 5 weeks. Good luck,
— Louise C.
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