Boy, this is a lot of appointments

[Seraya 46]

Hi all. I just had my initial consult with the surgeon last Thursday. I'm super excited to get things going and have made all my appointments before my follow up 3/16. I have to say though, as a working person, this is tough. Most of these professionals don't offer evening hours. I have to see 1) PCP for medical clearance/referral, 2) nutritionist, 3) psychologist, 4) exercise evaluation, 5) endoscopy, and then 6) surgeon follow up. It's a good thing I do admin time two mornings a week so I'll just come in late after the appointments. I did have to tell my boss though since there are just so many days. I told her I was having stomach problems and had to have some tests done. I'm not ready to tell people at work what I'm doing yet and this isn't exactly untrue. I just feel for people who don't have job flexibility and would have to keep taking vacation time. I'm super excited though that I have them all scheduled and I'm moving ahead.

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[Clarevoyant 347]

I had 22 appointments pre-op. It was ridiculous. Thankfully I was able to work from home those days which made it easier. Seems like a distant memory now though

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[Seraya 46]

Yikes ????. I've been reading some people's experience with insurance denials and it's starting to make me nervous. I'd hoped since my BMI qualifies me medically that once I got the appointments done it would be a done deal. Feeling a bit nervous now.

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[recreatingcate 132]

The funny thing to me is that every surgeon does it differently. The basics are usually the same, but I think it's funny how some practices want some things that maybe another doesn't.

What got me more than the appointments leading up to surgery is the "pre-op" appointments. I start a new job on Monday, and surgery is scheduled for 2/22, and I have three appointments, all on different days, for pre-op. So, blood work, a chest x-ray, paperwork. I had to go to HR at my new agency and tell them I needed to come in late to trainings three days and then need another three days for surgery (they already knew surgery was happening, but not this quick. Neither did I LOL). It's crazy. I understand it's to make sure everyone is safe and protected, but come on. How many times do you have to look at my TSH and CBC?!

[Clarevoyant 347]

Should be fine but ask insurance company for requirements in writing now just to be sure! Good luck! Best decision I ever made!

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[walklady 31]

Seraya, it is weird how the drs and insurance companies all do things so differently from one another. The only thing I have done so far is the seminar, consult w/the surgeon and my first visit with the nutritionist. I only see her once a month for six months then do all the others you mentioned. I didn't have to schedule all of those right away.

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[Seraya 46]

Yeah, the only thing I didn't do was call the insurance company. I need to do that. I made sure looking online that I have coverage but I'm hoping they don't require 6 months of supervised dieting. I've been dieting for 30 years and this is where I am.

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[kokofamfour 42]

I had three weigh ins at clinic, h-pylori test, egd, pcos, sleep study, support group, nutrition, psych, medication review

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[KGee88 8]

That's how I feel!! I have 90 days to submit everything for approval aka 3 months to do the program. Same appointments- Nutritional counseling , education counseling, family support counseling, physical activity, surgeon meet & greet, 6 support groups. My coordinator said that after May 3 we can submit and my last support group is May 4th. I'm in the same boat, told my boss but made a lot of morning appointments.

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[Seraya 46]

Wow, I only have to do 1 support group. I may do more though. A friend from college days is a Bariatric surgeon in another state and he really recommended it as a good way to get a feel for the doctor and program your working with.

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[kaypitre5 28]

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Edited February 6, 2017 by kaypitre5

[kaypitre5 28]

I Also thought this was a lot of appointments. I started the process on Jan 18th! Met with the surgeon and patient advocate. Patient advocate gave me a check list of things that has to be done by April 18th. My insurance require a 3 month weight management program (weigh in every 30 days for 90 days), 1 psychological visit, 1 nutritional visit. Surgeon requirements are Blood work, Endoscopy & cardiac clearance & to lose 5lbs by the end of the 90 days. I only completed the Egd on the 3rd & labs on 1/20. April 20th will make my 90 days & then they can submit everything to the insurance. Im hoping to get sleeved in May. That'll be a nice mothers day present. But Geeeshh this is a lot when your working a full time 9-5☺

[Terree 0]

I have been through the process starting last April. It is a lot of appointments but they are for your benefit. You should check with your Bariatric Doctor to see if you also need a mammogram as some Surgeons require it. Some insurance require progressive weight loss anywhere from 6 to 18 months so you really should check with them. It was/is hard but totally worth it. I am having the sleeve as I said on Wednesday and can't wait.

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