bitter42

I trust my surgeon. That's a big conclusion to jump to. With the awesome info and experiences you find on this board, you also find horror stories that can be scary. I just finished reading through a thread about canceled surgeries because of large livers--and they'd already made the incisions and had to back out. There were several and I was just curious as to whether its technique, experience, or luck of the draw that determines liver size and how it affects operations.

I'm pre-op for gastric sleeve surgery. I will have all of my clearances completed (only psych and 2 NUTs required for me) at the very end of May. Here's my question...neither my insurance nor my surgeon require any sort of pre-op diet. My advocate said it's easier on the surgeon if we don't go pigging out and gain a bunch of weight, but specifically said there's not a diet. How do I/they know that my liver isn't enlarged and won't present a problem during surgery? I know he's doing it robotically--does that make a difference? I've lost 7lbs on my own since March just trying to eat better. I weigh 317lbs and have a high BMI. Just wondering if anyone else had no diet required and if it made any difference?

I'm pre-op. I live in Chillicothe, but will be getting sleeved at Mt. Carmel West in Columbus. I have my first nutrition class on Monday and the last at the end of this month. My psych eval is mid-May. Those were the only clearances I need, then off to insurance, which they said can be 2-8 weeks for approval. :-/ I'm hoping to have surgery before August because I'm a retail manager and my workload significantly increases in September. Best of luck!

Prayers for you.

Thank you! Mhenne97, where are you in the process?

Very well, thank you! Dr. Page agrees that the sleeve would be a good choice for me. I only have 2 clearances to complete: 2 nutrition classes (which I've already scheduled for beginning and end of May) and my psych eval. Then it goes back to insurance!

Thank you so much for sharing. I hope to be as successful as you. I lost my mother on January 20th--she was only 57. I, too, am not doing this just for myself. For me, my mom, and my 1 year old son. Best of continued luck to you.

Found it! In the waiting room now!

I'm going to my initial consult with Dr. Page tomorrow at Mt. Carmel. For those who go there, can you give me easy directions to the office? It's outside of the hospital, correct? I had my baby at Mt. Carmel, and always manage to get lost, never go in the right entrance!

I have my first appointment on April 22nd with Dr. Page! I'm very nervous, but so excited!

Congrats on your awesome weight loss! I was just in Lancaster Saturday for a birthday party. I hope to be losing big time too in the next few months too--still waiting to actually get started! Just this morning, I noticed my account was debited my initial fee that I mailed in last week; hopefully I'll be called for my first surgical appointment soon! Fingers crossed.

Did you pick your surgeon or did they pick for you? Dr. Page spoke at the seminar I went to and he seems nice and very knowledgeable. Something I was curious about--all the pre-surgical testing; is it determined by the surgeon or the insurance? Like, I've noticed some people on here have had a sleep test or pulmonary clearance, or an endoscopy, but some have not. Seems cardiac clearance, psychiatric evaluation, and NUT appointment are definitely standard, but wasn't sure what to expect in regards to the other tests. So glad I've met someone going to Mt. Carmel too!

Hi there, I'm in my beginning stages too, also going to Mt. Carmel. I haven't had my first surgeon appointment yet, but received my letter last week that I was accepted into the program and I sent my $300 in. Hopefully will get a call for an appointment this week. Do you live in Columbus? I'm in Chillicothe. Would love to keep in touch.

Hi all. This is my first post here, but I've been lurking for about a month and have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of your experiences--I've learned so much. Anyway, my question is- how long does it take to get the first appointment with your surgeon on average? I went to the educational seminar on 3/12 where I was given a packet to fill out, which included family history, insurance info, etc. I've pre qualified with my insurance company. I sent my packet in 10 days ago. I wasn't sure if the surgeon's office usually calls to make an appointment or if I should call them? I don't want to pester anyone, but I don't want to delay anything if the ball should be in MY court. FYI, I'm going to Mount Carmel West in Columbus, OH. Anyone else? I THINK I'm more interested in the sleeve, but am open to surgeon suggestions. Thanks a lot, and I look forward to sharing my journey with you all.

I called the surgical office this morning and the lady said that they review packets, then send a letter to applicants on whether they qualify or not. She said that they are often behind around this time of year because if surgeons going on vacation. NOW, here's my worry. I checked that I wanted the lapband in my packet, but have done a lot of soul searching and am pretty sure i want the sleeve. I have a high BMI (53) and know a lot of surgeons don't want to do it on super obese. I hope they don't exclude me because of my initial choice when I'm open to another type of surgery. :-( I'm SO ready to do this for me and my family!