Meryline

I was also set on the sleeve, but because of heartburn, (not a lot), he wouldn't do it. I'm either having the Mini Gastric Bypass or the Gastric Bypass. My surgeon will decide once he looks inside. I have scar tissue from earlier abdominal surgery, so he is going to see which one would be better.

Mind if I join you guys. I was suppose to have my surgery on April 18th, but they called me today and said they had an opening on March 20th, so only 13 days away. Went to the insurance company straight away, and got approved then and there. I'm so nervous, but mostly exciting.

I'm April 18th, so just two days before you.

So I’m located in Austria, and it’s interesting to see how different the process to getting the surgery is here compared to the US. I called the surgeon in November and got an appointment on January 5th. A 5 week wait. I was there, we talked, and he approved me for the fast track. He didn't recomment the sleeve, but the bypass or the mini bypass. He said he could decide which once he looks inside if I can't decide which one I want. He called the following Monday and told me my surgery date is April 18th. Now my process really starts. I have 2 appointment days at the hospital, one day is to see a nutritionist, a physical therapist and a psychologist. Before the next appointment day I need to have the following done. Lung X-ray (cleared by my pulmonologist, I have asthma) Blood work Colonoscopy And something I can’t remember at the top of my head. The second day at the hospital is with the surgeon and the anaesthetist. That is about 6 weeks before the surgery. Once I am cleared by all of them, I take my papers and go to the insurance company, which isn’t really like the US.* They will then look at the papers and weigh and measure me, and I should get an answer within 2 week. I don’t have to lose 10% of my body weight, only 3-5kg. Also, I can’t lose more as I risk the insurance saying no because I’m borderline on the BMI. Insurance pay if BMI is over 40. Min was 40.04 when I saw the doctor on January 5th. Once I have gotten OK from everyone, I just have to wait and lose those 3-5kg. I can also ask to be on waitlist to get in sooner. Which I plan to do. * Healthcare in Austria is universal for residents of Austria as well as those from other EU countries. Individuals become automatically insured when employed, receiving unemployment benefits, on pensions, or works for government. Family members who are dependent are also entitled to healthcare up until adulthood, or upon finishing education. Care involving private insurance plans (sometimes referred to as "comfort class" care) can include more flexible visiting hours, occupying a private room, and receiving care from a private doctor.

I think it also depends on which procedure you are getting. Mine won't do lap-and, in fact he is doing a lot of conversions on those these day.

I agree. I don't have diabetes. I have had back surgery, have high cholesterol and arteritis in both my knees. I have jojo’ed all my life and my back can’t take me gaining more weight.

@@gryffen Thanks for the reply. That is a long process. I'm Norwegian, and the process there is a very long one was well, similar to Scotland. You need referals and classes as well. I was surprised that it went so quickly here in Austria.

Austria Dr. Hoffer