What to expect 1st surgeon appointment

[kerryberry16 10]

Hi,

I'm Kerry & I'm towards the start of my WL journey & having recently been to a group seminar to find out more about the types of surgery available on the NHS. I have decided that the bypass may be most suited to me however the surgeons opinion could sway this. I have my first appointment with the surgeon on 16th Aug. Just wondering what to expect really from this appointment & then going forward. Is there anything it would help for me to be aware of? I'm not really sure of the process, they told me its around a 6 month wait for the actual op so will I not see them again until pre op? I guess I could ask this at my surgeon apt but any info would be greatfully received.

Thanks everybody in advance.

Chronically ill, yet still chronically smiling!

[dustyd 21]

I first reached out to my surgeon and did orientation in January 2016. The first appointment with the surgeon was very fast and uninformative for me. After a quick 3-4 minutes with the surgeon, weight check and height check, I met with the insurance liaison. She gave me my requirements. After that pont, I worked it all the time and complied with everything as soon as it came up. I went to all the classes, etc and had a 3 month Doctor supervised weight loss attempt with my PCP. I had lots of blood work, upper GI, etc. Having said all that (just to say that nothing ever stalled for me) I have a surgery date of 8/17. It took 8 months for me to get through the entire process and requirements, get insurance approval and get a surgery date. Hope this helps.

Edited August 6, 2016 by dustyd

[dustyd 21]

Oh and sorry, yes I have only actually met my surgeon twice. The first appointment described above and at the end after I completed all of my requirements and she approved me for surgery and to be added to the schedule.

Edited August 6, 2016 by dustyd

[kerryberry16 10]

Hi Dustyd thank you for your reply. I hope your surgery goes well & your very successful with your WL! I think maybe your in a different country to me I'm in the UK? I guess the protocol isn't much different across the world really so thank you for the info. I've become obsessed with all things relating to the surgery ATM yet I probably have months to go! x

Chronically ill, yet still chronically smiling!

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

@@kerryberry16, you'll find lots of info around that will help you frame your questions to the surgeon and staff. Start with the "Resources" tab, above, and scroll the list of topics under its first opition, "Weight Loss Surgery Info." If the surgery practice offers support groups to patients, you may find it especially worthwhile to talk and ask in an in-person setting. The groups are intended to serve those who have had surgery and those who are exploring. G usually are facilitated by a staff member, others by the people themselves. Another option is to attend another/more group seminars, as by now you have questions that hadn't occurred to you the first time around.

[kerryberry16 10]

@@kerryberry16, you'll find lots of info around that will help you frame your questions to the surgeon and staff. Start with the "Resources" tab, above, and scroll the list of topics under its first opition, "Weight Loss Surgery Info." If the surgery practice offers support groups to patients, you may find it especially worthwhile to talk and ask in an in-person setting. The groups are intended to serve those who have had surgery and those who are exploring. G usually are facilitated by a staff member, others by the people themselves. Another option is to attend another/more group seminars, as by now you have questions that hadn't occurred to you the first time around.

Thank you for the response I will have a look at the info you suggested. I have contacted a local group about going along to discuss things with others that are in/ have been in my situation. I do have lots of things I want to ask & tend to have more questions everyday! Thank you

Chronically ill, yet still chronically smiling!

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

@@kerryberry16

If the surgeon you'd be using doesn't provide a support group, ask at other offices in your area. I'd think that, as in the U.S., they all welcome patients from other practices. I've heard only twice of practices somewhere in the U.S. that don't.

[kerryberry16 10]

@@kerryberry16

If the surgeon you'd be using doesn't provide a support group, ask at other offices in your area. I'd think that, as in the U.S., they all welcome patients from other practices. I've heard only twice of practices somewhere in the U.S. that don't.

Yeah I think they do as far as I'm aware. Once I see them on the 16th I'll make sure I ask. Thanks very much

Chronically ill, yet still chronically smiling!