Question:
Is it really necessary to have to wait 9 months for surgery?
I am at the very beginning stages of attending required pre-op group classes and have my first appointment set up with the surgeon administrator. I asked people who have had the surgery and they said it can take 9-10 months before I will have surgery. It just seems like a VERY long time. It already took me 2 yrs to decide to pursue this and I know that mental and physical preparation is important but I am so discouraged. — psturgill (posted on June 4, 2008)
June 4, 2008
It took me 6 months. Start right now on a walking 30 min per day program,
wear a pedometer to track distance, and wear it and bring a sheet of paper
tracking your progress increasing water, eating smaller portions, avoid
carbs, use smaller plates and silverware. Demonstrate to them you are
committed to the necessary life changes and you will breeze through.
Also insist on a sleep study right now because that reduces waiting time.
Good luck
— nancycarle
June 4, 2008
For me it took 10 months. I know though that different people take
different lengths of time. Ittook me this long because my insurance
company required me to do a 6 month supervised program. With all the
testing and this six months it took me right at 10 months for approval. I
was frustrated going through it but ecstatic when I received approval
without having to appeal!
— B. Jones
June 4, 2008
hi i am william R i just begain too and have along to go just pray and look
at the lord work it may not take so long.
— holyman4755
June 4, 2008
there are a lot of different factors that make up time line. A major factor
I think is your insurance. Then the tests that need to be done, then how
far out they are scheduling. I met with my surgeon on May 1, 2008 and my
surgery is in 2 weeks. So from start to finish for me was 6 weeks. Ask
the surgeon's office how long is the process for people with your
insurance, they should be able to give you and idea. Hope I helped! NO
MATTER HOW DISCOURAGING IT CAN BE DONT GIVE UP! Kim
— Kimberlin Katayama
June 4, 2008
It took me a few days from my PCP's request, week later I was at
orientation, same week did the psyh eval, meeting with nutritionist then
surgeon eval. Those last things were done in the same day. I had
PacifiCare HMO, and they did things very fast. Took longer to find an open
surgery date. Some of the WLS patients took years, some a year, some 6
months. If your ins requires a 6 month monitored diet, sometimes their PCP
doesnt chart your visits correct, and I have seen many times on here, their
ins demands they start it over again. Before you get upset over the wait,
call your ins company and find out what they require, and over how long.
The least they can do is tell you they dont know ( we know thats not
entirely true) Good luck on your quest. Its so worth it no matter how
long the wait.
Cindi - 230 lbs 3.24.04 :)
— DollyDoodles
June 4, 2008
Paula, I absolutely understand where you are coming from. The way I had to
saw it was, I had to accept that this was not a fix-all type of an
operation; it's merely a tool for a better way of living.
I had to accept, that if I wanted something I never had, I had to do
something I never did. When I first started the classes 13 months ago I
never thought it would come so quickly. My surgery will take place this
month and I am so ready for it. However I think it was, as you mentioned,
a lot of mental, physical and spiritual preparation that needed to take
place.
Hang in there I know you will do it. Before you know it, two years will
pass and you will be a new thin you. Enjoy the journey and take it all in.
— Denise L.
June 4, 2008
It took me 4 months but I really pushed it. Luckily my insurance did not
require that I try one more diet before giving me approval. Even though it
was only 4 months it seemed like a lifetime. I was frustrated the entire
time. I am now nine months out, 70 pounds lighter and my diabetes is under
control with no medication. It is worth the wait, no matter how long it
takes.
— Roxy_
June 4, 2008
I fully understand your complaint. i am in a six month presurgical
program, just in month 2 and can't wait to get going. I understand the
rationale, but that doesn't make it easier. Apparently the more behavioral
change that we can achieve before surgery, the easier the adjustment will
be and the greater the success.
I'm trying to focus on losing weight and changing behavior NOW.
— henrywb
June 4, 2008
It's honestly not that long...truly. I started this process back in October
of 07... did everything that was required of me & had my surgery
scheduled for May 28th... only to see the surgeon a week prior & even
though I had LOST the 20 lbs they said I should lose, my surgeon (who'se a
tough cookie!) said to me, "Nope, you're an apple & are still
solid around the middle, lose another 20 lbs & I'll see you in
June..."
No surgery.
Lost another 20 lbs & just saw him recently again...
Surgery scheduled for June 30th now & he said to me this past Monday,
"Great, let's see another 10 lbs gone by the time we meet next &
then we'll go ahead with your surgery"
So it's now over 56 lbs later & I am hopeful for surgery on the 30th.
What you have to understand is, just like this surgery isn't a quick fix,
nor is having it DONE quicker.
Everything you go through, EVEN THE FRUSTRATING STUFF, is beneficial to
overall longterm success.
I eat differently, I walk every day, I take water aerobics at the local Y 4
times a week, I've had one sleep study only to find out I have to have one
more prior to surgery... and YES IT'S ALOT!
But, it's NOT the end of the world if you consider that EVERYTHING they
insist you do is honestly for not only your OWN GOOD, but the health &
safety of the overall outcome of your weight loss journey.
Something to think about... in my water aerobics class, there is a VERY
LARGE woman, and I'm not talking like she shops at Lane Bryant, I'm talking
she probably has to make her own clothes because LB can't accommodate her
size... and she catches wind of my upcoming surgery & bounces over to
me to shake her head & say, " I had gastric bypass back in 2002,
DIDN'T WORK FOR ME OBVIOUSLY, don't waste your time!"
I merely smiled at her & said " I'm sorry to hear that, but
honestly with all due respect, you must not have been educated enough about
the process or either that, you didn't do what is expected of someone who
just completely altered their insides & has to change their eating
habits for LIFE."
I think she was shocked by my answer but honestly, it's the God damned
truth & now I think she knows that to come to me means that she's going
to get just that, the truth... even if it hurts.
That woman is an example of those who want to 'hurry' this process. It's
not something to hurry, but more something to absorb and learn from &
commit to memory how your new lifestyle will be & come to terms with
it.
For those of us who built our lives being in love with and having such an
intimate relationship with food, and usually with alot of the WRONG types
of food, it's a journey in & of itself to now realize that, those foods
we adore, are now off limits to us & not just for a weekend, but
forever.
This woman, after my response to her, said: "I eat whatever I want, I
always have... the surgery didn't work, period!"
She's mentally not there to realize that the surgery is only a tool &
the rest is up to us. She gave up before it even began sadly... and each
night now, I include her in my prayers. She's an angry, depressed woman who
clearly is still self medicating with food & until she sees that &
finds the root of why that is, she most likely won't change... surgery or
not.
So just please try to embrace the process for what it's worth & don't
worry about time, if I did that I'd have pulled all my hair out by now
& be bald. It'll happen when it happens & when it's right &
safe to be your time. *hugs*
In the meantime, stick around here with all of us, it's a wonderful place
to be surrounded by people who understand.
Take it easy...
-Amy E. Scarcella
Boston, MA.
email: [email protected]
www.bookmyblog.com
— mom4ruby
June 4, 2008
I don't think it really should take that long. With me, I went to my
seminar in January 2008, then had the surgeons office cancel my
appointment, so that put me 1 month behind, then I wrote up a letter of
necessity for my PCP, he didn't do anything with it for about a month, then
all the referrals that I needed for the clearance testing prior is what
took time. If you can get all your pre testing appointments right away,
you'll be on your way in no time at all. I started with the seminar 1/08
and have surgery set for 7/11/08 ...... I had to change the surgery date 2x
too because it didn't fit with my co-workers vacations. Best wishes!
— Kar708
June 4, 2008
I started in January and have my surgery scheduled for June 24th. Since I
am having mine done at a military hospital we have certain requirements
that have to be met. I had to take 6 health education classes, meet with a
nutritionest at least 3 times. I met with mine once a month for 4 months.
Once she released me I had to have a mental health evaluation. It took
almost 3 weeks for the shrink to clear me, he was slow with the paperwork.
Next was blood work and an EKG. When all that was done my doctor then had
to approve it. Once I got approval from her I got to meet my surgeon, which
was on Monday. At that time he gave me my date. I still have to do my blood
work over again, since it's been over 30 days since my last set. It will go
by quickly for you...
— Lisa B.
June 4, 2008
I'm almost at two months. I got my last clearence yesterday. Now it's all
in the hands of the surgeon's office. It went quick for me because my PCP
helped to push through needed tests and I already had a sleep study and got
my CPAP machine. If you have Sleep Apena it will take four weeks plus to
get in your needed hours. Push and best of luck.
— ldillabough
June 4, 2008
Every sugeon's office and insurance companies have different time lines for
surgery. My advise is that if you go to a surgeon and you have a date set
within 6 weeks then you should run in the opposite direction as fast as you
can. You can't possibly be prepared for what you are going to need to do
after surgery in so short a time. The 9-10 month period that you may have
to wait will be well worth it, believe me. Preperation for your new
lifestyle is key and it's not easy and it takes time. Your yourself in the
right mindset and show the surgeon's office that you can do what needs to
be done and the process will most likesly be shortened. My surgeon is
usually about 9-10 months, but I did so well on the program that I had a
surgery date after 5 months. When your approval comes in...if there is a
long wait before surgery....let them know that you will gladly take a
cancellation if one comes up. Good luck with your journey, it's a
wonderful experience.
— deebunny38
June 4, 2008
It takes this long for a number of reasons: the Doctors, the insurance
companies, etc need to know that you are committed and prepared--not only
for the surgery but also for the changes to your lifestyle that are
necessary after the surgery. You need to be well prepared because it's
dangerous to your health and your emotional well-being if you aren't.
Back in the "old days" when they first started doing these
procedures, some surgeons just did the surgery and there wasn't much
preparation or follow up. Those patients were pretty much left to their
own devices as to how/what to eat, etc and it was/is very difficult for
those folks to maintain a healthy weight/lifestyle. The doctors know
better now.
Here's my "timeline" so far: In December, I had a conversation
with my PCP about it. He's wonderful. He submitted the paperwork to OHIP
that very day. (I'm in Canada) By the way, because of my co-morbidities, he
referred me to a surgeon in the US, which helped me have the surgery
quicker than if I were having it done in Canada. Perhaps others can
verify--I think the waiting period here in Ontario is around 2+ years right
now.
In January, the Bariatric Center called me to schedule me (in February) for
the information seminar given by my surgeon, Dr O'Malley.
I waited until May to complete and turn in the paperwork--that was me
changing my mind every other day.
Yesterday I went to my first nutritional seminar where I learned how I
will be eating post-op. This is "practice" for after the surgery
but it's also to show them all that I can commit myself to this plan. I
will be following this eating plan and having regular physical activity for
60 days. I will have 2 more consultations with the nutritionist as well as
a consult with a psychologist.
Then I wait for the final approval from OHIP. Meanwhile I need to continue
with the eating & exercising plan up until the actual surgery.
If I'm lucky, I'll get approved right away and will have the surgery before
the end of the year.
I'm actually grateful for the time. I've had 30 years of negative body
image and screwed up eating patterns: wrong-headed thinking from my
family, my friends, doctors, the diet industry, the fashion industry, etc.
I think it's a good thing to take a little time to unravel all that
craziness so I can be rational and "sane" in my approach to food
and life after the surgery.
Try to think of it this way: the 2 years it took you to decide was just how
long it took to get your feet on this current path. You needed that time
to get you to today. Now it's time to begin the journey.
I hope that helps.
— Tina G.
June 4, 2008
I know it's easier said than done, but don't let the time frame discourage
you. Tike however long it takes to full embrace the new person you are
about to become. It may not take quiet that long, but it also could take
longer, your focus needs to be on you and all the changes your are going to
have to make before and after surgery. If you take that waiting period to
understand and embrace your new life, you will have less of an adjustment
post surgery when the weight beging to come off. Hope this helps. Surgery
was the best thing I ever did for myself!
— renee607
June 5, 2008
I had a year wait. In that year, I had learned as much as I could...had
time to prepare myself mentally and lose a little presurgery weight. I had
time to reflect on old habits and prepare for new ones. Honestly, I think
everyone should have this time and not like they do now like putting people
on a factory conveyor belt and just pass out surgeries to anyone 100+ lbs
too heavy, without proper preparation and mental healing time. EVERY
DAY...someone asks "what should I eat? What vitamins should I
take?" I was so prepared that I had no questions...I had no mental
issues...I knew the risks...I was truly ready on all aspects of the
surgery. I am 4 1/2 years PO and stilllearn something new weekly if not
daily.... It's not about weight loss only...It's about maintenance, and
mental issues from the past and the future. These docs and insurance
companies that pass people right along are the ones creating the future WLS
failures, because these people are in my very humble and yet outspoken
opinion...NOT READY for the responsibility of WLS and all that it involves
and requires of you for LIFE!!!!!!!!!! I am stunned at some of the
questions I read from people AFTER surgery...It's one thing to ask for food
ideas, It's another to ask what and how to eat...
Take this time as a blessing and learn as much as you can...and learn about
YOU and find your own strength and will to do this WLS forever with success
and health. Some things are worth waiting for...This is one of those
things, I truly believe... Good luck
— .Anita R.
June 5, 2008
Simliar to your situation, it took me 3-4 years to mull this over, talk to
people, and read some books.
I'm going through Kaiser in Fontana. I think I contacted my doctor in
August for a referral. Then there was an info class to attend, and then 6
months of weekly classes. I finished my classes on 4/16, then the issued
the referral to the surgeon. He requires 3 additional appointments and they
were kind enough to schedule me all on the same day . . . 5/30. The
appointments went great and I'm not awaiting for my actual surgery date.
This time is going longer than the 6 months of classes . . . SO CLOSE!
The classes at Kaiser were pretty much torture, I enjoyed the scientific
information, but wasn't so much into the touchy-feely stuff. I can however
see the necessity because others need that portion. I did learn things and
the time spent helped me to make changes I would need to make after the
fact. I'm glad for the classes, but do wish they were cut down to 3 months
instead of 6.
— MKPstamps
June 5, 2008
The insurance company is responsible for a significant part of the long
wait. They want diet history, lots of testing, evaluations, and lots of
hoop jumping.
If you want to speed it up, figure out how to pay for it without
insurance.
Good luck.
— mrsidknee
June 5, 2008
When I told my sergeon I was ready, we had a long talk, for about 3 hours,
and he told me that I had 5 things to do and we could do those items in two
weeks and did I want a date then or later. I said I wanted to do it on my
birthdsay in 4 weeks, so he gave me the hit list and put me on his calender
for 4 weeks. Some take longer, but 9 months is out of the question. Find
a new sergeon if he tells you that.
— William (Bill) wmil
June 5, 2008
Okay, in February 2007, my doctor wrote a letter recommending me to have
the surgery. Then I began a battery of tests to make sure I qualified, was
approved by my insurance and in July 2007 I had the surgery. I have heard
of others having to wait much longer. Good luck! You won't regret having
it.
— bfd-234most
June 5, 2008
After I was put "on track" for bariatric surgery, the physical
and psychological testing began. Altogether it took about nine or ten
months from my initial seminar meeting until the day of surgery. The major
hurdle, in terms of time, was the psychological aspect. Meetings with my
screening psychologist continued for about three months or so past the time
my physical testing (upper GI, lower GI, nuclear perfusion scan for my
heart, etc.) was successfully completed. This is GOOD! The physical testing
gives your bariatric team confidence that you will survive the surgery
itself. The psychological screening gives them confidence that you will
succeed at weight loss in the long term AFTER the surgery. It is my
opinion, after reading the words of participants in these OH pages, that
most of the unsuccessful bariatric surgery patients did not have adequate
psychological screening (and elimination) prior to surgery. After all,
what's the point of going through the risk and pain of a
"successful" surgical procedure if the probability of reaching
the desired outcome after that surgery is low.
— [Deactivated Member]
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