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I basically wanted to say the same thing a lot of other people are saying. First of all, the length of time you have to wait varies for everyone. Some people wait for a year or longer, some people wait 6 months, and some people are instantly approved. It really depends on your clinic, your test results, and your health insurance. I've been preparing since May of 2006. This is January now, so it's been 7 months for me. Another thing is, if you're not 100% confident in your choice with Vanderbilt, then I might encourage you to 'shop around'. Most clinics offer a seminar or some kind of free consultation. Last thing is, if you're sure you want to stick with Vanderbilt, then take pride in your decision. I've heard good things about them, honestly. I was driving home not too long ago from Knoxville back up to Kentucky and I was tuned into a radio show that was talking about Vanderbilt's weight loss program. A lot of callers had very kind things to say about them. Good luck with everything. And welcome to the board.

After reading some of the post on the site I feel like a winny cry baby. I'm happy things are moving so fast, I am just thrown off guard. Everything that I've known and heard and read for the last year up to now was it all takes time. So I just guess I was prepared for things to be hard. I have a surgery date of Feb 5th. After taking with a friend that had this done about a year and a half ago I feel better. She calmed me down talked me through some things. And I guess that's what I want from my doctor and his nurses and asst's. But I know they don't have time for hand holding. That's why there is a support system set up. Your post did make me feel better. I know they are they best for me. I'm really hope my appointment with the surgeon Jan 17th is a good one, and not bad like all the others. My nerves are just about shot. :angst: Thanks for the words of incouragement. Charlotte

Charlotte, Welcome to the site. As far as Vanderbilt goes, just do all the research you can and then make the best decision you can for you. Your approval to surgery time doesn't sound out of line. It varies with everyone. I was one of the lucky ones. I had my seminar/consult on 7/25 was approved on 7/28 and had surgery on 9/08. Unfortunately, some people have to jump through all kinds of hoops for their insurance companies. Once again, welcome to the site. -Steve

Thanks Steve. A friend of my point out something to me today too. I've been working with my family physician over the last year take my sleep apnea test, cardio test, thyroid funtion test, and others. So if I had been doing these with him when I went to Vanderbilt I would have had to do them there. So it would have taken longer. Got a surgery date today, Feb 5th. :uhoh:) Charlotte

If you don't have faith in your faciltiy now, you won't later. This is not a quick fix, it's major surgery & there is a dozen things that you have to change in your life & you need a strong support group. I had my RYN done in March @ Georgetown @ Bluegrass Bariatrics & I can't say enough about the Dr & staff. They are AWESOME!!!!!!!! Go with your feelings. I had insurance problems & it took me about 1 year to get approved. Bluegrass Bariatrics went above & beyond to get me approved. Check them out-888-868-0008.

Ginny, That's what I'm worried about "are they going to be there for me when I need them?". Hopefully I will get that question answered Jan 17th when I go back down there. I'm going to tell the surgeon and whoever I can how I feel. I want to stick with Vanderbilt, I just hope I don't regret it. Thanks for the suggestion though. I have a surgery date. Feb 5th. :-o Charlotte