New Here, New Journey.

[Ana88 1]

Thought I would post and say hello everyone. I'm at the very beginning of my journey. I go for my first appointment on January 9th. I am very excited and nervous at the same time.

My name is Ana, I am 25, currently I am 305lbs, at my heaviest I was 320lbs. I have a daughter who just turned 6. I have been considering weight loss surgery for some time and I attended two different seminars before I made my first appointment.

Several of my co-workers have had bariatric surgery (most of them have the sleeve)...All have had amazing success. Now it's my turn..

Now here's where you guys, and gals, come in: what should I be expecting on my first visit? Advice for patience during.this whole process? I'm anxious and just ready to start my new life. My insurance company requires the 90 days of supervised dieting, so I know that's first.

Thanks in advance. Xx :]

[Cupcake 801]

Lady anna when I had my first appointment with the doctor we went over my Heath, nutrition, expectations and the procedure .

[magtart 603]

I already knew my insurance requirements when I went on the first appt.. I just talked to the Doctor briefly and he looked over my health records and recommended the sleeve, Yay! Then I got a some paperwork with their requirements and numbers to call for setting up the psych evaluation and the nutritionist visit. Once those were completed and sent to my insurance I was approved within 10 days or so. All in all it took about two months from first visit to surgery day.

Good luck!

Edited December 26, 2013 by magtart

[Ana88 1]

I already knew my insurance requirements when I went on the first diet. I just talked to the Doctor briefly and he looked over my health records and recommended the sleeve, Yay! Then I got a some paperwork with their requirements and numbers to call for setting up the psych evaluation and the nutritionist visit. Once those were completed and sent to my insurance I was approved within 10 days or so. All in all it took about two months from first visit to surgery day.

Good luck!

I have found a bariatric center with amazing surgeons and the dietitian and all right there in the same office. If they don't have what you need there (psych eval, sleep study, etc) they know where to send you. I couldn't have picked a better surgeon or office. I know my insurance requirements (I've been bugging them and the surgeon's office for definite requirements)......the most recent of my co-workers that was sleeved is about 1-2 months out. It took her a little over 4 months seminar to surgery. We have the same insurance but I don't want to get.my hopes up on that time.line. I know things can.change....

Edited December 26, 2013 by LadyAna88

[magtart 603]

I just chose my insurance company's local Bariatric Center of Excellence.

[Ana88 1]

I just chose my insurance company's local Bariatric Center of Excellence.

I work for a company that owns and runs hospitals. Of course they would only send me to their facilities and surgery centers. I was kinda limited on my choices, but I'm very pleased with the surgeon. I've seen her work. :]

[Nurse_B 270]

Welcome Ana!!

Congratulations on making the choice to become a healthier you! During my first visit, all of the surgeries my surgeon performs was explained to me, as well as the risks and complications. We talked about weight loss with each of them and the lifestyle changes. From there I decided which surgery was for me! The nurse then went through the pre op process and what was required of me. Make sure to write down questions you have, if I wouldn't have done that I would have forgotten a ton. This visit for me was a chance to "interview" the surgeon and the office, and decide if I was comfortable with everything. Let us know how it goes!!

[Ana88 1]

Thanks everyone for the replies and helpful words. :]

I had my first appointment today. I have a few things I have to do before the next visit.

My next appointment with the surgeon is March 12th. I have to do a sleep study, h.pylori blood test, upper GI, dietitian meeting/class (both), psych eval, also the 3 months of dieting my insurance requires. I did the h.pylori test today while I was at the hospital for the appointment. The Dietitian class and meeting along with the first month diet visit is already scheduled for January 30th. The Psych eval I have to call and set up (hopefully tomorrow I'll do that), the upper GI is going to be done at the hospital, they'll call me to set that up. The sleep study should be set up sometime next week, they're supposed to call me, but if I don't hear from them, I'll call.

My goal is to get all of these tests done during my 3 months of dieting so that when I go back to see the surgeon on March 12th it's all done and I can move on to the actual pre-op appointment.

I am very excited, trying to keep my head high and not let all this money that will by flying out of my pocket bring me down Thanks again for all the kind words and help <3

[Cupcake 801]

Thanks everyone for the replies and helpful words. :] I had my first appointment today. I have a few things I have to do before the next visit. My next appointment with the surgeon is March 12th. I have to do a sleep study, h.pylori blood test, upper GI, dietitian meeting/class (both), psych eval, also the 3 months of dieting my insurance requires. I did the h.pylori test today while I was at the hospital for the appointment. The Dietitian class and meeting along with the first month diet visit is already scheduled for January 30th. The Psych eval I have to call and set up (hopefully tomorrow I'll do that), the upper GI is going to be done at the hospital, they'll call me to set that up. The sleep study should be set up sometime next week, they're supposed to call me, but if I don't hear from them, I'll call. My goal is to get all of these tests done during my 3 months of dieting so that when I go back to see the surgeon on March 12th it's all done and I can move on to the actual pre-op appointment. I am very excited, trying to keep my head high and not let all this money that will by flying out of my pocket bring me down Thanks again for all the kind words and help <3

Your going to do great and congrats on your decision to be healthy .

[Ana88 1]

I'm about halfway to being able to submit to insurance now. I have 4 appointments left. Two more visits with my primary care as part of the 3 months of supervised dieting my insurance requires. Then my pulmonary visit and sleep study. I see the surgeon again on the 12th of March. I'm getting excited and a little nervous the more I get done, the closer I get. One step at a time.