At the very beginning, What can I expect?

[lovestohike 3]

Hello everyone
After weeks of thinking it over I am calling the doctor back tomorrow to set up my first consultation appointment.
I've spoken with my insurance company and the surgery is covered but an initial 7 month doctor supervised weight loss program is required.

I am a little nervous about the insurance approval process, especially knowing it will be a long process. I think it would help me mentally to have a realistic idea of what I have ahead of me.
Would a few of you that did the insurance process mind telling me about your pre-surgery experiences?
Also I'd love to just hear about your overall surgery experiences.

Thanks so much.

[Taltyana 6]

When I was 14 I went through all the loops to have the surgery but never went through with it. (This time I am.) But during that process for me, I'd meet with the doctor monthly to do weight check ups and I'd also meet with a nutritionist monthly. I did all of my testing early into the process so they knew if I needed to work on my heart or anything like that. I've had a heart murmur all my life so I also had to see a cardiologist as well.

I don't know how common of a thing it is but the first month I started, my doctor admitted me into the hospital for 1-2 weeks (can't remember which) to get me into ketosis safely and teach me how to eat on the ketogenic diet. After that and the testing it was just normal check ups etc until the pre-surgery time where I ultimately backed out. (Depression and being a stubborn teen makes you not wanna work on your body a whole lot.)

[2goldengirl 2,076]

Depending on the requirements of your surgeon and your health plan, and any medical issues you may have, you can expect a lot of testing in the coming months. I had to see a GI specialist and have an EGD, a pulmonologist and have a sleep study, after which I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and got a CPAP machine. I also had to have an EKG and some blood work. This was all in additition to seeing a Registered Dietician and a psychologist. These were all requirements of my surgeon.

If I hadn't done so already, I would also have needed a mammogram (I'm of the age where regular mammograms are recommended) and a TB test. Again, all surgeon's requirements, the health plan left everything up to my surgeon.

While you're doing your supervised diet, you have the chance to change some of your current habits for ones that will work better for you after your surgery. Good luck!

Oh, and I've never heard of anyone being hospitalized preop, FWIW.

Edited April 10, 2016 by 2goldengirl

[HanSolo1977 261]

Welcome!

Congrats on taking the first step. My mind was reeling when I first decided to go to an information session.

Everyone's path is slightly different because of medical requirements and insurance requirements.

My only advice as a preop is to just follow what's put out in front of you with the following in mind: the requirements are only to help you be successful. Those things that are tough only make post op easier.

Also know that you're not alone and we're here to help

[Djmohr 6,965]

@@lovestohike

Welcome and congratulations on making the decision to get healthy!

I am 19 months post op, down 147lbs just below goal. I had the surgery because I had many terrible comorbitities, I was sick and depressed at how I let my life get so out of control.

I started at 310lbs. I had type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, severe Gerd, anemia and stage 3 kidney disease.

I had to follow a six month supervised diet process.

I had many tests during this time. An EDG, stress test, ultrasound and many many labs. I met with a trainer and a nutritionist every month along with a couple of meetings with a bariatrician, Bariatric surgeon, my PCP, my nephrologist and my gi Doctor.

I had RNY gastric bypass because of my severe Gerd and diabetes. This procedure if successful can cure these diseases. I had my surgery and within 3 months all of my comorbitities were gone or in remission with the exception of apnea. This was resolved at the 12 month mark.

Immediately I began dropping lots of weight and also experienced lots of hair shedding. That went on from month 2 until my weight loss slowed way down at the 12 month mark. I got all my Protein and Water and my labs have been excellent. My body simply gets stressed and likes to shed. Incidentally my hair immediately began regrowth so although it was a little scary, it was no big deal. I will say my hair is coming in like crazy and the texture is more coarse and it's very curly. I had body before, now I have curls everywhere.

Having this surgery was the best thing I ever did for myself. Today I had to break down and buy some new clothing. I have been living in yoga pants and tank tops for the last year and I needed some real clothing.

I had the best time trying on clothes and colors I normally wouldn't even consider and they all looked fantastic on me. My husband couldn't believe how great I look in a sheath style dress. I look and feel beautiful!

When I was fat, I wouldn't look in a mirror or have my picture taken. Now I find I am always looking in a mirror, having my picture taken. I look fantastic in clothes!

Out of clothes I am a mess. 147lbs down I have loose skin everywhere and plan to have surgery some day to resolve it.

Best of luck to you and feel free to reach out with questions. I used a Bariatric center of excellence and they really are great at submitting what the insurance company needs so it gets approved. My paperwork went in a 9am and by 1pm I got a call from the surgeons office. I was approved and in surgery two weeks later!

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I agree with the advice to take everything a step at a time. Be sure and write everything down and ask lots of questions. If you don't understand something (for instance why you need a specific test) then ask questions until you understand. A couple of great questions to ask of everyone are:

"What are the next steps?; and

"What should I do?"

Be prepared to practice patience, polite persistence, and perseverance.