Question:
I have a three month wait to see my surgeon. Is this typical?

I met with the head nurse in my surgeons office on Jan 29th to see if this surgery is for me. My surgeon requires you meet with his nurse before you meet with him. I had my mind made up that I was going to have this surgery long before this point. The nurse agreed that I would benefit from the surgery. At the end of the meeting she informs me that I will see the doctor on April 25th. It is hell waiting so long. IS THIS PAR FOR THE COURSE?    — Earl Z. (posted on February 16, 2002)

February 16, 2002
Unfortunately, this is not uncommon. Some people wait way longer than that. Depends on how busy the surgeon is. I was told it would be 4-6 months for one surgeon, after I had taken the nutrition classes and had a psych consult.
   — garw

February 16, 2002
This is totally normal. I called last June for an appointment with 2 surgeons, one appt was in Oct and one in Nov--I went with the Oct surgeon. My appt was in Oct, sleep study in November, surgeon got results in Dec, made another appt in Jan, denied in Feb and now I wait again to see what happens next! My ins covers only gastric bypass so if my surgeon requests RNY, I would be very lucky to have surgery this spring!!!!! Remember that your insurance has 30 to review the request for surgery, if you are denied you may spend a great deal of time on an appeal.
   — jenn2002

February 16, 2002
I decided November 2001 that I wanted this surgery. After making the appropriate phone calls etc., I was told by the nurse that because the surgeon has so many people ahead of me that I am of the schedule for "late fall, 2002". The one thing I find interesting is that 16 years ago I had my stomach stapled and I saw the surgeon, had the tests done and had my surgery in about 5 weeks time. Alot has changed with the surgeries.
   — Sue F.

February 16, 2002
I think a 3 month wait is acceptable in todays market for WLS. My Dr. at U.C. Davis in Northern California said they sent out over 700 packets of WLS information to inquiring patients within the previous month. I was told initially I would have to wait 6 mos for a consultation appointment but was fortunate they called me at three months when a cancellation became available. I am scheduled for surgery June 18, 2002. That will make my WLS process from my first PCP visit to WLS a 11 month journey. Patience, Patience, Patience. Take advantage of the time and research all you can. You can't be prepared enough. Good luck.
   — Katherine H.

February 16, 2002
I had a three month wait for my initial consult as well. Then it was almost another 3 month wait for the surgery. A year ago, my surgeon was able to see people and do their surgery in much less time. Now, even though I'm only 2 months post op, the wait, I hear, is considerably longer for those starting out than it was for me. This surgery is becoming more desirable and popular all the time. The waiting period has its advantages though. It does give you plenty of time to prepare emotionally, physically and practically. And even though I had trouble believing it, it is true...once you have your date, the time really does fly by! You'll be a postie before you know it.
   — Donna L.

February 17, 2002
I too had a long wait for the initial consult. I made the appt. in early October for early Jan. and was sent a questionnaire on medical and diet history. In Dec. I was told that Dr. Brolin was moving and I would not be able to be seen for awhile. Well, I was going back to school, so I had to be stuck in on Jan. 25 before his office was really open. Now I have an anticipated surgery date of mid June. It is hard waiting, but I figure that this way I will be very ready when the time comes.
   — Maggie C.

February 17, 2002
I waited 5 1/2 months. Feel lucky!
   — Goldilauxx B.

February 17, 2002
I called in Mid January for my initial appt and my consult is July 3rd. I am on a cancelation list but they said people with serious health problems have priority.
   — Sandra D.

February 17, 2002
Definately normal. I waited 2 months for my consult. The good news was that I will not have to wait that long for tha actual surgery date. It totally depends on the area. Although the waiting killed me, I figured, he must know what he is doing if he sees so many patients!
   — emilyfink

April 5, 2002
Hi.....I was 2 months before I could get the initial consultation. After a long fight with the insurance company, I have a scheduled date. 2 months to go. It would of been longer, but I was running into scheduling problems with work, so the surgeons office helped me out there. Good luck hun!!
   — Lynn *.

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