approval!

[Grey Cat 7]

I started this journey 1 year ago, decided to investigate and choose to lose 34 lbs and maintain that loss for a year now. I have been approved for the band, and my surgery date is May 3 2011. I have some concerns, The surgery center is in Wichita, kansas, but the procedure is in Kansas City. Thank goodness I don't have to drive there and back several times before the procedure, its an all in one visit. I am concerned because they scheduled it for less than 2 weeks away, and with the welcome package, it says to have liquid diet 2 weeks prior to surgery. I don't have that luxury. Also the receptionist that called me to schedule the appointment, did not give me any additional information such as when i arrive, what time do they want me to do more blood work the day before, and directions to the hospital, also she didn't have a clue about the diet drinks before the surgery. I did some research before choosing a surgery clinic, and this one out of wichita seems very well reviewed, but why do I feel so clue less? During pre op I got a packet, and was told to read it. Had blood drawn got approved, but not much else. ..Anyone know much about More of life weight loss surgical center out of KC?

[Cocoabean 430]

I started this journey 1 year ago, decided to investigate and choose to lose 34 lbs and maintain that loss for a year now. I have been approved for the band, and my surgery date is May 3 2011. I have some concerns, The surgery center is in Wichita, kansas, but the procedure is in Kansas City. Thank goodness I don't have to drive there and back several times before the procedure, its an all in one visit. I am concerned because they scheduled it for less than 2 weeks away, and with the welcome package, it says to have liquid diet 2 weeks prior to surgery. I don't have that luxury. Also the receptionist that called me to schedule the appointment, did not give me any additional information such as when i arrive, what time do they want me to do more blood work the day before, and directions to the hospital, also she didn't have a clue about the diet drinks before the surgery. I did some research before choosing a surgery clinic, and this one out of wichita seems very well reviewed, but why do I feel so clue less? During pre op I got a packet, and was told to read it. Had blood drawn got approved, but not much else. ..Anyone know much about More of life weight loss surgical center out of KC?

Hi Grey Cat. Congrats on the approval. The person who called, what she from the surgery center/hospital or from your surgeons office? I dealt with two different entities. The hospital knew nothing of my pre-op diet orders. Nor did they care. My surgeon's office didn't know when the hospital would be calling me for their stuff.

It is possible that due to the fact that you have already lost 34 lbs (good job, BTW!), that your surgeon is not concerned with a two-week pre-op diet for you.

Thinking back to my notification....it went something like this...

Around Jan 12 my surgeon's office called just to say I was approved, surgery date Feb 15. Come in Jan 31 to start pre-op diet.

About a week before my surgery date the hospital called, and said I had to do their pre-op tests and pre-admission, along with a two-hour bariatric surgery class. I had no idea that was coming. At that appointment I got hit with the fact that I had to pre-pay my hospital co-pay (my bad, I hadn't read my policy that I even HAD a hospital co-pay). She says, "and you have a hospital co-pay of $xxx.xx." I said, "oh, Ok." Then just sat there. She stares at me....expectantly....

"Ooohhh! You want that NOW?" "Yes, please." "Would have been nice if someone had mentioned that to me on the phone, fortunately I have my checkbook with me today."

So, they aren't always the most organized in telling you what is happening!

What I would do is call your surgeon Monday and ask about your pre-op diet. If your package has instructions of what it should be, start it now. Sorry it is soooo confusing. But take a deep breath and relax! It will all work out and become clear in the next few days.