Starting my Journey.. TODAY! first appt!

[dw40 6]

I had lots of requirements. I'm actually glad, although I was frustrated at times.

I had to go to dietician 2x, 6 months with my Primary care physicians nurse, Esophagus scope, clearance from sleep clinic - I didn't need a new study because my last was recent enough, a psychiatric clearance, 3 visits to the surgeon, lots of paperwork, blood work. I had to lose 10% of my weight with no gains. No drinking, smoking or drugs - not a problem for me - I think it's more important than the weight loss.

I am thankful because so many people drop out never start. Completing the requirements shows determination & preparedness. It scares me when I hear of low requirement clinics.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Every program is different. My nutritionist says that 3 -6 months is average time hen going through insurance although a year is not out the ordinary. As mentioned the requirements vary slightly from program to program. I did't have a pre-op diet but many others did. I wasn't required to lose weight prior to approval. I didn't have an EGD or esophagus scope, but I did have an Upper GI/barium swallow. I did 3 mths with the Bariatric program but did not have to meet with my primary.

Note taking is key. My program gave me a handbook that covers the entire process from pre to post op up to a year out. It has become my bible. I referenced it often especially those first few weeks post op. I would recommend anyone get a binder and keep everything organized and together.

Most importantly do not give up. If you are committed and ready for this then make it your goal and work towards it.

[jeniker3 19]

Reviewed my insurance and I will have to be doing 6 months of documented weight loss. So how do I go about doing this?

[tomi71 581]

Reviewed my insurance and I will have to be doing 6 months of documented weight loss. So how do I go about doing this?

Not sure how your insurance worked but my family doctor and all the other docs submitted weight reports. Does your insurer have a customer service # to call? Mine had nurses on call who helped guide me through the process. I'd call my insurer and ask.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Reviewed my insurance and I will have to be doing 6 months of documented weight loss. So how do I go about doing this?

Reviewed it with who? Will you be meeting with you primary or the bariatric team? The how should be planned out with whomever will be submitting your request to the insurance company.

[jeniker3 19]

I just search my insurance guidelines online. To see what is required in order to get the surgery. I have to have 6 months of documented weight loss most likely with my pcp. And have psychology eval. I have my first appointment with Dr on Jan 7th. I just want to be prepared for whatever may come.

[fab_not_fat 7]

From the day of my first appt with my surgeon to the day of my actual surgery which was last week-12/15/14 took about 4 months! I had to get a psychiatric evaluation, a upper GI scan, and appointment with a nutritionist. During these 3 months of getting these things done, I was going in every month to check back in with my surgeon and continued to lose weight and stay on track. The reason I say 4 months of my total journey is because I got my date the last wee of November and had to wait 3-weeks before my big day!

You may have a more speedy journey like mine, or you may have a longer one like my family friend did-hers took about a year and had to switch insurances half way through. She got her surgery on 12/3/14, and is so happy she did.

Then end result will be 100% worth it and when your down and about to give up, remember why you are doing it! Keep pushing!! Good luck today!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

From the day of my first appt with my surgeon to the day of my actual surgery which was last week-12/15/14 took about 4 months! I had to get a psychiatric evaluation, a upper GI scan, and appointment with a nutritionist. During these 3 months of getting these things done, I was going in every month to check back in with my surgeon and continued to lose weight and stay on track. The reason I say 4 months of my total journey is because I got my date the last wee of November and had to wait 3-weeks before my big day!

You may have a more speedy journey like mine, or you may have a longer one like my family friend did-hers took about a year and had to switch insurances half way through. She got her surgery on 12/3/14, and is so happy she did.

Then end result will be 100% worth it and when your down and about to give up, remember why you are doing it! Keep pushing!! Good luck today!

Yep my process took 4 mnths as well. My first appt with the surgeon was in May. My surgery was in September. I also had to get a chest xray, a pulmonary function test and had an IVC filter put in before surgery.

Edited December 24, 2014 by BLERDgirl

[jeniker3 19]

What is IVC filter?

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

IVC filter - It's a preventative measure against blood clots. Some people are put on blood thinners or have to give themselves injections. My surgeon choose the IVC filter instead. I do not have a history of clots and my veins were clear. (I had to have a ultrasound of my legs to verify this). However, I have a high BMI so it was done as a precaution. I am scheduled to have it removed on the 12th.

[smile121 66]

mine is probably going to take about 4 months as well, i have my first appt with the nutritionist tomorrow, then i have to check in with her for the next 3 months (31 days apart) i have to lose 10 lbs... write a letter stating all of my attempts at weight loss for the last 5 years. Get a letter of recommendation from my primary care, along with weight records for the past 5 years. A bunch of blood tests, EKG, and some pulmonary thing..lol. Psychiatric clearance, attend 2 support group meetings, and a partridge in a pear tree. lol.

It is a lot of work ahead of me, but i want to be prepared, this is a huge life change and i want to be sure that i take all of the steps and do it the right way. I NEVER EVER EVER want to be here again.. so if it takes 4 or 5 or 6 months, i will do it.

[tomi71 581]

mine is probably going to take about 4 months as well, i have my first appt with the nutritionist tomorrow, then i have to check in with her for the next 3 months (31 days apart) i have to lose 10 lbs... write a letter stating all of my attempts at weight loss for the last 5 years. Get a letter of recommendation from my primary care, along with weight records for the past 5 years. A bunch of blood tests, EKG, and some pulmonary thing..lol. Psychiatric clearance, attend 2 support group meetings, and a partridge in a pear tree. lol.

It is a lot of work ahead of me, but i want to be prepared, this is a huge life change and i want to be sure that i take all of the steps and do it the right way. I NEVER EVER EVER want to be here again.. so if it takes 4 or 5 or 6 months, i will do it.

You have the right attitude! Good luck & congratulations!

[La India Maldonado 0]

Hi. I am new to this page, I had my first appointment with my surgeon today 12/26/14, surgery has been scheduled for 3/4/15. I am super excited. Now the journey begins,. I had an EKG and chest X-ray done today, along with bloodwork.

They scheduled me for appoitments with a Nutritionist, Psychology, for an Esophaagram, and nurse counseling and medical clearance and Anesthisia. I was a bit overwhelmed but reliefed that it wasn't as bad as I expected. Good luck to everyone

[Elode 8,093]

@smile12 congrats! Write down those questions on paper so you won't forget!