Frustrated and disappointed

[Jessica H 79]

My surgery was supposed to be scheduled 90 days after my first visit. I started in Nov 2012. Thanks to my surgeon taking extra time after having her baby, my surgery is May 6th. Mine was doubled and I was very unhappy. However, it did give me extra time to prepare myself and my body for this journey. It'll fly by. Good luck!!

[RebecaSparkles 247]

I call bs. It sucks and I'm not gonna sugar coat that.

Either find another surgeon or stick it out. Maybe present your case to the dr? Agree to do 1 month pre-op & then 2 months post op?

allons-y

[JennyBeth 127]

I agree that it sucks the surgeon is making you do the supervised diet if your insurance doesn't require one. My insurance didn't require one either. My surgeon did have a bunch of medical tests that you had to clear and I did have to meet twice with his nutritionist. My surgeon also required one week of pre-op diet (2 week Pre-op diet for a high BMI). I would tell the surgeon that you shouldn't have to do the 3 month diet if it is not required by your insurance and if he is going to make you do it then I'd tell him you will find a new surgeon!

[TES 858]

Are you sure it's the surgeon's requirement and not your health plan's requirement?

[LI Gemini NY 607]

I think people get intimidated by the word diet...the 3 or 6 month diet isn't the worst thing in the world....it's pretty much a period in which you start making better choices and experimenting with Protein drinks etc.

My surgeon said that most people don't lose weight just try not to gain. I wasn't required to lose anything but lost 25 pounds since march 7th. I eat everything in sight. Just smarter choices now. Instead of a double quarter pounder with cheese, I'll get a chicken sandwich and a salad.

When ever I go "weigh" in at my surgeon. They pretty much write down what I eat and my weight. I tell them what I typically have for Breakfast lunch dinner and Snacks.

When I met with the nutritionist she gave me a lot of good tips. I eat lean cuisine for lunch and dinner and they are delicious! Yes the portions are small but I add a side salad or steam veggies to bulk it up. I too was like "diet again, oh no" this is more like a "try-it".

Don't get all hot and bothered by this. You'd be surprised about how much you learn about your eating habits during this stage. Take the time to explore and get your head right.

Good luck.

[SqueakyWheel&Ethyl 160]

I totally agree with Gemini. I was mad when they threw a 6 month nutritional counseling at me, too... At first. But, I think it was THE RIGHT thing to do and should be required whether by insurance or self-pay. It isn't often I am happy to eat crow. But, this really is an important element. Not only did I learn a lot, but it gave me time to make ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN I was IN. I mean REALLY in. I liken this decision to a marriage. It's a lifetime commitment. Those six months solidified my desire to do this. My advice.... Ride with it. You will be glad you did. I am!

[SqueakyWheel&Ethyl 160]

I always thought this was stupid. If diets worked why are we here? Over 90% people fail. So why do this. Here in VA I was able to be sleeved in 3 weeks once I made my appointment. I feel sorry for you. Wish you the best. I always wondered if you lose weight do they cancel your sleeve? If so why?

my surgeons office said they have NEVER had a decline because no weight was lost in that 6 months. Lucky for me. I GAINED 5 lbs!

[iontash 25]

The wait does suck. For me I had been going back and forth for a year before I made the decision to have WLS. Once I knew that's what I wanted, I was eager to get it going. I started my journey in August 2012. I consulted with a surgeon who I really liked, but his process was totally confusing (terrible admin support staff). I went and had all these tests done, did and endoscopy, but I wasn't doing any weigh ins as I was confused by what I had to do. By November I decided to switch surgeons. I had my first consultation in January 2013 and my surgery is scheduled for May 7th 2013. Now all I am worried about is my primary care physician giving me clearance in the time frame I need. Getting the surgery date was a huge relief. But I won't truly feel satisfied until I'm waking up in recovery after surgery.

[SqueakyWheel&Ethyl 160]

Trust me. You won't feel satisfied at that particular moment.

Why wouldn't you get the clearance from your PCP? That's usually one of the easiest things to check off your to-do list.

My Medical Clearance from my PCP was 1 appt, including an EKG and blood draw in the office at the same time as the appt, along with the PCP's routine 5 minute exam. I was in and out of there in less than an hour. PCP sent the Medical Clearance to the surgeon that afternoon.

Hope you get it quick, too.