What should I expect in the process?

[ReaRaes 49]

I am just now starting the process of WLS, I have an appointment with my PCP on Wednesday, going to get my referral even though I already have my appointments with the mayo Clinic the last two days of the month. I'm full of questions as to what the process is and how fast I can get the surgery. I'd love to have it during winter break but having seen everyone saying they had a 3 month or 6 month process frightens me. My busiest time at work is the summer so I can't miss six weeks or even three weeks. What is the shortest time you've heard of in scheduling surgery from the starting point?

I'm a person that wants everything done and over with as soon as possible once I decide that this is what I want to do. My final decision that sold me is that it is most likely going to take away my need for insulin and diabetes meds.

Please tell me everything to expect from beginning to end. I've read everything on the Mayo's website but it doesn't tell me the process and what to expect. I know I'll get that eventually, but not until the day before Thanksgiving. I can't wait that long.

[Mid West 99]

Are you self pay or insurance?

[kkelly37 21]

I attended a required seminar in late august and then had a meeting at the weight loss center. Sept 3rd I met with my surgeon. He sent me for all the testing my insurance requires. Within 2 weeks I had appts with a cardiologist, pulminologist, a sleep study, my pcp, had blood work, and had an ultrasound of my legs. Once all of the drs submitted approval letters, my insurance paper work was submitted. While waiting on approval, my surgeon did an upper GI to rule out possible complications. My insurance took about a week to approve me and my surgery was scheduled for less than three weeks later. I have a 1500 calorie diet for the last two weeks before surgery. I had to do a pre-op class through my local weight loss center and do pre-op tests at the hospital. Now my surgery is 9 days away!! Good luck!!

[ReaRaes 49]

I am covered by insurance

[Rafa3 14]

I went to a seminar, then 2 visits with nutritionist, 2 visits with the psychologist, 3 2hr workshops, pulmonologist clearance, blood work (12 tubes), chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, 3 visits with surgeon, a 2hr educational visit with nurse. Now just waiting for insurance approval and book surgery

My unsurance company didn't require a 6 month supervised diet, thank God. I started the whole process in June. Hopefully will have surgery later this month

[terry1118 1,274]

I went to a seminar' date=' then 2 visits with nutritionist, 2 visits with the psychologist, 3 2hr workshops, pulmonologist clearance, blood work (12 tubes), chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, 3 visits with surgeon, a 2hr educational visit with nurse. Now just waiting for insurance approval and book surgery

My unsurance company didn't require a 6 month supervised diet, thank God. I started the whole process in June. Hopefully will have surgery later this month [/quote']

I had all of the above, minus the chest x-ray and ultrasound. I had an ultrasound eight months before following a gallbladder attack - they just asked me where I had it done. In addition I had a stress test (required for patients over 50).

My insurance requires a documented failed weight loss. I did Optifast four years ago and lost 80 pounds, only to put it all back on within two years. Blue cross paid for all my physician visits during that time so it was well documented. I didn't need to do any kind of diet pre-op.

My whole process, from informational seminar to surgery was 3 1/2 months. It would have been a month sooner but the required workshops (3 2hr workshops) were full so I had to wait a month for the next set.

[terry1118 1,274]

Also, I only took two weeks off from work but could have gone back after one. My job in a bank is not physically strenuous. :-)

[Rafa3 14]

Also' date=' I only took two weeks off from work but could have gone back after one. My job in a bank is not physically strenuous. :-)[/quote']

I wonder if we have the same office, our requirements are pretty consistent. I'm in Mass , having surgery with Dr. Krugar at Tobey hospital in wareham

[pear425 32]

Most of this will depend on your insurance. Even the same insurance company has different requirements and exclusions in its policy (where is determined by your employer). The next part will depend on your surgeon and his/her requirements. Next will be your schedule and the surgeons availability and OR schedule. There is no one universal timeline for everybody. As far as time off and I can't imagine needing three to six weeks off for recovery (unless there are complications). Of course that will also depend on what kind of work you do. I personally needed 7 days but decided to take 10 after a trial day back. My honest opinion given what you have said is it is unlikely to have surgery in December or January if you don't meet with the surgeon until the end of November. You will get lots of answers here but it really will be different for each and every person. I would also say even though we all want to get the surgery done and over with you really need to be prepared on an emotional and physical level. Having the time to do all these things is essential.

[Cheryl_S 16]

Most of this will depend on your insurance. Even the same insurance company has different requirements and exclusions in its policy (where is determined by your employer). The next part will depend on your surgeon and his/her requirements. Next will be your schedule and the surgeons availability and OR schedule. There is no one universal timeline for everybody. As far as time off and I can't imagine needing three to six weeks off for recovery (unless there are complications). Of course that will also depend on what kind of work you do. I personally needed 7 days but decided to take 10 after a trial day back. My honest opinion given what you have said is it is unlikely to have surgery in December or January if you don't meet with the surgeon until the end of November. You will get lots of answers here but it really will be different for each and every person. I would also say even though we all want to get the surgery done and over with you really need to be prepared on an emotional and physical level. Having the time to do all these things is essential.

I agree with your last two sentences! I have always felt that pregnancy was nine months just to get you used to the idea of a baby and all the changes you go through. I think the same thing about wls. I started my process at the end of May, hoping to be done in the summer while the kids were out of school. That didn't happen due to insurance and surgeon requirements and my surgery is in two days. Still really nervous about having my insides all messed about, but def. more mentally prepared than back then.

[Doing It 4 Them 84]

My Dr requires a mandatory 4 week recovery period.

[terry1118 1,274]

I wonder if we have the same office' date=' our requirements are pretty consistent. I'm in Mass , having surgery with Dr. Krugar at Tobey hospital in wareham [/quote']

Same place. I had Dr Colacchio. :-)

Toby's such a small hospital so I was leery of it but my experience there was excellent! Pre-op staff were very considerate and explained everything in a way I could understand. They even made me laugh (no small feat when you're nervous). Post-op thee staff were caring, attentive, courteous, and quick to respond when needed. It was easily the most pleasant medical experience I ever had. You'll be well cared for. :-)

[Rafa3 14]

Same place. I had Dr Colacchio. :-) Toby's such a small hospital so I was leery of it but my experience there was excellent! Pre-op staff were very considerate and explained everything in a way I could understand. They even made me laugh (no small feat when you're nervous). Post-op thee staff were caring' date=' attentive, courteous, and quick to respond when needed. It was easily the most pleasant medical experience I ever had. You'll be well cared for. :-)[/quote']

My experience with them has been great so far. They submitted everything to my ins. on 10/4, so I should be hearing from them soon, I hope. Do you remember how long it took you from ins. Approval to surgery? I'm so anxious, it's driving me crazy kik

[terry1118 1,274]

Mine took about five business days. I have BCBSRI.

[terry1118 1,274]

My Dr requires a mandatory 4 week recovery period.

Mine routinely recommends 2-4 weeks, depending on what type of job you have. For a light duty job they'll allow you back in as little as one week w/some restrictions if you're doing well and off all meds. If your job is more physical closer to four weeks is recommended. Complications complicate things and can mean more time out. Some people may need longer to recover even if all goes well because everyone is different. Pain tolerances, health before surgery, pre-existing conditions, age - there are a lot of factors to consider. Then there are unforseen issues. I myself developed a miserable rash that covered my abdomen, lower back, upper arms and upper thighs. I saw several doctors who prescribed many creams and ointments, none of which helped. It was a mystery and chalked up to 'an allergic reaction to something related to the surgery' because it started two days post-op. I couldn't wear clothes that touched the rash because of the severe itch - I lived in a loose sundress for two weeks, before things started to ease up. It took four weeks to go away.