How long does it take?

Hi Everyone, I'm pretty new to this forum.  I have been jumping through all the hoops like everyone else probably has for the last year and have finally got everything done.  My doctor is Dr. Obeid.  My question is, how long is it usually after the insurance company okays the surgery, does the surgery actually take place?  My husband has time off in the next two months and I would like to have my surgery in June or July.   I was wondering if I was being realistic.    Any information would be much appreciated. Thank you, Susan in Mt. Morris

I believe it depends on your surgeon.  For me, my surgery could have been scheduled within the month of insurance approval.  I wanted to wait a bit longer so I had time to lose some weight prior to surgery. 

With mine I was sched for surgery about a month later....Call your insurance and see how the approval is going.....Good luck and can't wait to see you on the loser's bench...

Dear Susan,      I also went thur Hurley BC; I had Dr Wagner. I have heard Dr Obied is quite good. Their staff is also very helpful and nice. It took me about 4 weeks after approval.. They told me 6-12 weeks, and it was much quicker. Also maybe next year I will see you at their Hurley BC dance; this year I have heard was the best. What surgery are you having done? I had Lap RNY in Feb of 07. I am so glad that I got the courage, support; and approval to go through this. It has been one of the best things I have done for my life; even with some small complications. Best Wishes, Judy R

Hi Judy, Thank you your reply to my question.  I am going to have the open RNY.  Dr. Obeid said I shouldn't have the lap because I have had other surgeries and have adhensions.  When I had the consult, I went in wanting the lap band and came out  wanting the open RNY.  I had my consult in October, I have had my psych. eval., cardo. eval, and a year of monthly weight loss visit to my doctor.  I have lost 20 pounds in the last 2 months (my insurance wanted me to lose 6 pounds) so I think my insurance will approve me.  Thanks again, Susan

I think it depends on how busy the doctor is.  I heard Dr. Obeid was out sick ---  I think it was about 6-8 weeks once I got okay from insurance, and I had Dr. Obeid.  Have you gone through the initial meetings yet?  I am not sure if June or July is realistic...I hate to tell . Good luck and feel free to email me if you have questions.  Dr. Obeid is the very best. Tracey

Forever ~or so it seems. Try to be patient, it took me one year from start to surgery. For some people it only takes a few days, for others it takes longer.  The important thing is, it will happen. God bless, Annette

I would share the time frame with you surgeon.  Since I had a break from work the week of the 14th, my surgeon made arrangement to get me in within two weeks.

Hi Susan, I was just at Hurley on Thursday for my nutrition class.  The nurse there said that Dr. Obeid is going to be out for at least another month. Putting that aside,  I got my insurance approval, but then still had to have a psych eval.  Once I had everything approved and all paperwork in, they were quick to schedule a surgery date.  They called me May 9th and said we could schedule any time in June.  So my date is on the 14th because that was most convenient for me.  However, I could have had it as early as the 1st week of June.  So, when they call, you are looking at a surgery date probably 3-5 weeks away.  Good luck to you!  I hear that Dr. Wagnar is taking up some of the slack in Dr. Obeid's absence. Mary