Dr. Gupta - lap band

I have my consult coming up, then psych. eval.  Just wondering what kind of time frame you experienced with their office.  I know it depends on insurance, so maybe the question should be how long was it from the insurance getting approved, then the pre-op testing right?  Then scheduling surgery.  Just curious! Thanks! Leanne

I got my date less than 2 weeks before my surgery.

Dr. Gupta & I just discussed this a few weeks ago. This time of year, you should be scheduled pretty quick after you get approved. Allow a few weeks for Heather to get you scheduled (she does the scheduling for all 4 surgeons and for all types of surgeries so sometimes it takes her awhile).  The surgery itself, I would think, would probably be 2-6 weeks from that point. Toward the end of the year when everyone has their deductibles paid and are trying to get their surgeries in before the start of the new year, is Dr. Gupta's busiest time. The beginning of the year is her slowest. *Some of the surgeons (Dr. Inman, Dr. Jones, Dr. Evanston) are pretty well known by pcp's and so they are usually more booked up that the other ones. That's not to say they are or are not better than the others..they mainly are just better known by the pcp's and are therefore referred to more often. With them, I believe the wait period is closer to 3-6 months. Yes, they are THAT booked up. If you absolutely want DS, you have no choice since Dr. Inman is the only surgeon performing DS. With any other surgery type though, you may want to give a lesser known surgeon a shot (I'd ask about them here first though).  I am VERY glad I switched over to Dr. Gupta. She's been fantastic. Sherri

Thanks for the info! Sherri, Am I correct then that all the pre op stuff isn't done until once insurance approves?  WOW 2 to 6 weeks that seems pretty fast!  I am excited but yet soooo nervous about the whole thing in general. 

Leanne, When Heather calls with the surgery date, I believe she will also let you know when your other stuff is scheduled. There will be one date for the pre-op testing and one for the pre-op instructions with the dieticians. These are both usually done within the same week, a week or two pre-op and each take ~4-6 hours. The time waiting really does go by quick rather if it be 2 weeks or 2 months. Sherri

I had lap band done with Dr Cacucci (Carmel Surgical) there at St. Vincents Bariatric Center and I was scheduled for surgery less than 2 weeks after approval.  Pre-op testing done the week after approval and then surgery the following week.  I LOVE Dr C!  She's wonderful and she did a GREAT job with me. My surgery was smooth as glass.