TheSpoonieLife

Hi guys, I just joined this yesterday and posted this question, but apprentice I did it under the wrong section. I'm just starting out on this journey and am looking for someone who has been thru this specific program. October 7th - Attended the mandatory seminar with the head of the department October 16th - Met with my PCP for the insurance-required preauth; set up psych evaluation October 24th - Had the psychological evaluation (can't move on to next required appts without those results being sent over to OSU) October 27 - Received a call from OSU to set up next appointments ---- I'm scheduled with the program coordinator, dietician and for the medical evaluation on November 19th. Has anyone been thru this specific program? I'm really wondering if the BLAST courses (and others) are required and if so, if they are required prior to surgery? My insurance only required the preauth from my PCP. Thank you all in advance! ❤️C

Hi all, I'm basically starting out on this adventure. *I went to the mandatory seminar on 10/7. *Visited with my PCP for the preauth/referral my insurance requires on 10/16. *Had the psychological evaluation on 10/24. There was a quick turnaround on that being sent to OSU. I was told 2 weeks, but they already sent it off. OSU called me today to set up the nutritionist and medical evaluations for 11/19. If you went thru this at OSU Wexner Medical..... What did the nutritionist/medical appointments include? Is there a requirement for monitored dieting before they will schedule? Are those classes...BLAST, Life after surgery, etc....required? Before surgery? As much info as you can share about the program would be appreciated. -CV

By the way...your anxiety won't hold you back. I went to Dr Imar for the psych evaluation (he's one of the options). You talk to him for a bit about why you want to do this. There is a package he gets from OSU he's required to ask, so he just runs thru those questions, but I felt comfortable with him. After that, he gives you a scantron test with A-D options to fill in the bubbles with a pencil....about 360 questions, but you honestly will fly thru them. It's like "I feel sad when I'm alone." He suggested in his evaluation that I get established with a psychologist for my depression and possible binge eating. So OSU isn't following up with me or anything about that, but they did mention it to me when they got the results (I got a copy in the mail as well). I've been seeing someone every few weeks since then. Your insurance may require you do see someone if he determines such. It's nothing to be worried about. Most of us going thru this do have some kind of anxiety.

Hi there! No problem at all! I've been thru the who process at this point and am scheduled for surgery on 2/25. If you're on facebook, look up a group called "RNY (Gastric Bypass)"....it's a closed group. Very helpful. A while back I did a Google search for info about OSU's program and found this link. Very good info!! https://patienteducation.osumc.edu/_layouts/PatientEducation/Mobile/AtoZTopicDetail.aspx?t=Bariatric%20Surgery

No, not yet. I was sitting wondering why they haven't called me yet. They said they'll put me in a twilight sleep. I've had that before when I had surgery on my hand to remove a cyst and woke up three times. I'm asking for a double dose this time! Lol

Have you had the test where they put a scope down your throat yet? I'm kind of scared!

Thank you! It went very well! I have two tests I need to have done. They are submitting to my insurance asap...I have no requirements from my insurance, so I should be scheduled pretty quickly! How are you doing?

That's a good idea....maybe we should! Lol Yes! The Steps to Bariatric Surgery page is where I found all the different info packets. Some of the info seems to be out of order from what they say when you call.

Ladypoohbear it's very easy to get protein in without animal products. Gardein and Quorn are great meatless brands. Beans, lentils, milk, eggs, cottage cheese...etc.

What were your requirements to be approved? I was told just a PCP preauthorization. I want to be sure the girl on the phone knew what she was talking about....she sounded hesitant.

No, when I called the insurance and read all those questions from the package and they said they only need the preauthorization from my primary care dr.

How did you get signed up for the classes before having the nutrition/medical evaluations? When I call to ask that stuff, I get a hard, "We will schedule you for everything after the psych evaluation is returned to us." Do you know if those classes are required before surgery or can they be as you go? I found a handout online that says the blast classes take six months?

I really, really hope I don't have to do a six month diet ahead of time. I know my insurance doesn't require it.

Wow....so great that we are on the same track! When they call you about your evaluations, ask them to put you on the cancellation list! I'm 4th in line right now, but hey....there's always a chance! I really don't want to wait until the 19th. I'm sure anyone who is going thru this wants to go as soon as possible! ❤️

Yes! Please!! ❤️❤️

Nicole...which hospital are going using in Columbus? I'm going to OSU. I went to the mandatory meeting, have my dr referral, and did the psychological evaluation last week. I have the nutrition and medical appts set up for the 19th.