Lose the weight, get a date, how long did it take?

Hello everyone, I'm the newbie on the block.  I was delighted to discover the California forum.  I am impatient to set the date, and was blissfully unaware that my first meeting with the surgeon wasn't for that purpose.  Now I'm challenged with lose 25 lbs., get a bunch of testing done, weight in every 2 weeks, and on and on...but no mention of a surgery date.  I've lose 9 lbs. in the first two weeks, hopeful that I'll get this over with quick.  How long did you wait from first visit to surgery?  Thanks!!

Hello,

First, I would like to welcome you to the Cali board.  It is and awesome forum.  Everyone on here is wonderful!!!  Second, I am not a good example.... I used my POS insurance...I seen the doctor February 2008 and had my surgery on March 26, 2008, but I do have friends that had to loose weight before surgery and some of them it didn't take long where others it took a bit longer.  But, no matter how long it takes just remember you will be healthier then today.  Just be patient and your bid day will come before you know it. 

BTW: CONGRATULATIONS ON LOOSING 9 LBS...THAT IS A GREAT START!!!

HUGS, Michele

Hi Michele,
I really appreciate your reply.  The best encouragement comes from those who know exactly what I am talking about.  I'm trying to be patient, but having a hard time of it.  I try to work it off with exercise lol.  I hope I am acquiring habits that will be helpful post-surgery.  Still the biggest help of all, is talking to those who have gone before me.  Again, Many Sincere Thanks, Mary

Welcome to the boards!!!!

As far as it takes for waiting...it can be no time and others have literally waited years. I am not kidding. I hope this does not happen to you....a lot of doctors do require weight loss before surgery because it does help shrink the fat around the liver area hence making it easy for both of you during the operation. I am not a medical person, but have read and heard that this is one of the big reason for wl prior. Also I think it is a way to see if you are committed too.

I did not have to wait long....actually my insurance approved me in 3 days. I was lucky in that respect.

If I were you....read all you can and find out all the ins and outs while you are waiting. Being informed going into this lifestyle change and surgery is powerful!!!

 

Once again...welcome and congrats on losing 9 pounds already...you are off to a good start!

Hi Janine,
Thank you so much for taking the time to give a thoughtful reply.  I am encouraged by your interest.  I am reading, reading, reading.  I hope to have adapted some of the post surgery behavior prior to surgery.  Like learning to drink lots of water, eating appropriate size meals, exercising on a regular schedule.  But the biggest help of all, is talking to those who have gone before me.  Again, Many Sincere Thanks, Mary

took me 14 monthes to geta  date. Mostly because I had a crappy HMO. Knock oout the tests ASAP. The Dr will set a date once everything is done and you're cleared and he/she sees you're near your 25Lb goal. The key to keep it off and shrink the liver.

Stay focused and follow the plan, even though it seems they are on a different page, they know what theya re doing

Welcome!

What one of the other gals said is true -- be super pro-active in getting those tests done while in the "waiting period" for the initital weight loss that your doctor has asked of you.

I was one of the lucky ones, too, in that my surgery was approved by my insurance in just a week.  However, prior to that I was very proactive in getting the nutritional and psychiatric work done so that when I finally went in for my initial consultation with the doctor's office, that was all done.  All they had to do was submit the info to my insurance.

The more of the testing you get done, the better you will feel because you will be that much closer to your goal - at least that is how I felt. 

Nine pounds is two weeks?  That is absolutely incredible!  You will knock off that 25 pounds in no time at all!  Just keep focused, do lots of research and reading about the surgery so you are well informed and confident, keep posting on the Cali Board when you need encouragement - these people are wonderful!  And hang in there - it will be here before you know it!

Keep us all posted when you get that date!

Best wishes!

Meleani

Welcome Mary!!!
Congratulations on the 9 lb. loss. That's a great start!!! You'll have those 25 lbs. gone in no time!!
Waiting for a surgery date can be trying to say the least. As previously mentioned the best thing you can do is be proactive. Call your insurance company and find out exactly what they require for approval and get working on it. A lot you can get done on your own. Surgeons' insurance staff know all of this which is the reason they have you jumping through hoops to get everything in so, when they gather everything and submit the approval request the insurance company has no reason to deny you. In my case from the info seminar to surgery was 3 months (which is pretty quick from what I understand) and I had all requirements met that I could within the first month. I sure hope everything goes well with you.
Good luck!!

Thank you Heather for taking time to answer my post.  I so appreciate all the encouragement I am receiving from my new friends.  I have approval for the surgery, what is making me so impatient is all the time it takes to get through the hoops.  Patience is not one of my gifts!  But it helps in hearing about your experiences.  Sincere thanks for your reply, Mary

Take it from me....I had to have an open RNY because my liver was too fatty..My doctor didn't make me lose any weight first and well I can only say due to the open surgery and some other complications this has been hard...do what you can...go to weigh****chers and excercise BEFORE your operation...it will make it easier for you in the end!!!!!