Question:
After the first intial visit with the surgeon what happens next?

I am going for my first appoinment and i want to know what happens after the first consult. like tests aprroval. Can anyone explain the process to me.    — Amanda P. (posted on July 16, 2001)

July 16, 2001
Here's how it went for me. From reading the various postings here I believe my experience is more or less typical. I didn't initiate the idea of the surgery; my PCP suggested it after looking at all the co-morbidities I was suffering. He referred me to Dr. Smith, who agreed I was a good candidate for the lap r-n-y. After the first consultation Dr. Smith's assistant petitioned my insurance company, and they turned me down based on the fact that I hadn't had a years' worth of "doctor-supervised" dieting. I went back to my PCP and explained the issue, and he wrote a letter to the insurance company. They accepted me after this. at that point I underwent a series of pre-operative testing:. a full blood workup, pulmonary testing, EKG, electrocardiogram, GB ultrasound, upper GI, and a psych eval. After I finished all of these they scheduled the surgery, and I'm currently waiting for the day to arrive.
   — BlueGray

July 16, 2001
After my 1st consult 5/25, my surgeon's office sent a leter of medical necessity to my ins (the same day of my appt since I knew I'd use this doc)then, 1 wk later I had an EDG (endoscope to ck the condition of my stomach for surgery), 1 wk later I was approved by ins, a few wks later, 7/10, I did my preop tests (EKG, blood work, chest xray, beathing test, took my BP etc) Today I am having to drink 4 liters of Colyte to clean and prep my bowels for surgery tomorrow morning 7/17. How fast and what tests you have done depend a lot on your surgeon's waiting list, your insurance company, and your comorbidities. Hope this helps. Good luck.
   — Cathy D.