Approval Process

I am a longtime lurker of these boards but just signed up today. I was required to attend an informational meeting before I could schedule an appointment with the doc. I am now set to meet with the surgeon on November 18th. From what I understand, this will be a meeting with the doc, nutritionist and nurse. After that it's the psych eval, then the submission to insurance for approval. Does anyone have any idea roughly how long this process takes once the wheels are in motion? Also, how far out after the approval process is the surgery scheduled? I know it has to be at least two weeks at my hospital because they put you on a 2-week liquid diet before the surgery.

Thanks for any help or information you can provide.

Autumn

It varies on really one main thing which is your weight loss attempt history. If you have been meeting with a physician for 6 months and have your weight recorded and logged it get's a quicker response. Or you can use a 5 year diet history (which I did) .  If you have either of those early on you really only need to take the tests and exams which should only take about 2 months.  After you are approved the will schedule you for surgery pretty much the same day you get approved.  I start my two week liquid diet on Wednesday. 

P.S. Have your physician write a letter of recommendation to your insurance company with your 5 yr weight loss/or 6 month attempt logs.  Insurance companies really look at that.