Informational Seminar by Dr. Bara

I am just starting out and could use some help with a questin I have. I called the doctors office today to set up an appointment and Rachel said I should attend the Informational Seminar they are having on July 13 at the Rockyhill Marriot at 5:30 . She did not give me any other information like how much it cost?,how long seminar is? Do I need to bring anything? If any of dr. Barba's patients have done this and can help me I would greatly appreciate any input from you. Thanks in advance for the help.

When I went to the information seminar they sent me a packet of information before hand that had several forms I had to fill out, including my diet history, I had to bring that form along with a copy of my insurance card with me to the seminar and hand it in. The seminar doesn't cost anything and I think it lasted about 2 hours. They also recommended that you bring one support person - but no more because they usually don't have enough room. They used to have a sign-up policy so they would know how many people were going to show up and if there were too many they would have you go to the session the next month. They used to have them at the hospital so maybe now that they are moving them they have a different procedure.... What we were told is after the seminar that the nutrionist would contact us, we were instructed not to call them - (I broke the rules and called anyway). Maybe you should call back and ask if they are still mailing the information packets in advance or if they are perhaps changing their process. It doesn't sound right that they wouldn't want to at least know in advance how many people are planning to attend - but what do I know............... Best of Luck to you! Tammy

Might want to post question also on main message board. Sometimes people do not check their local one!

Kathi - Like Tammy, my session was at St Fran but I got the packet at the session. I was told I wouldn't get a call for an apt with the nutritionist until at least 10 days after they received the packet.. The auditorium at St Fran is quite a distance from the parking garage, and the chairs are too small. I remember that some people needed to ride a shuttle to get there. The Marriot probably has a better set-up. I wonder if Dr. Barba is thinking of opening a satelite office in that area. That would be more convenient for a lot of people. If you decide to have the surgery, start booking your tests right away. It takes awhile; you won't have your first consult with Dr. Barba until all your tests results are in. I hope all goes smoothly. Arline

Arline, Thank you very much for taking the time out to give me such good information. I was just wondering if you could give me some idea of the tests that need to be booked before the consult with Dr. Barba and also about how long from date of session to surgery date did you wait. I am very excited to get started. thank you again for any assistance you can give me. KathiM

Kathi- Sorry for the delay, I knew this would take awhile - here's the scoop: The packet you'll get at the meeting will include a list of test's you need to schedule, along with a list of providers associated with St. Fran who can do the tests. You can schedule with other providers if you want. The tests you'll need initially are: Psych eval, sleep apnea screening, lung function test, EKG and nutrition assessment/education meeting. When all your tests are finished, you'll see the nutritionist again about a month later. They'll expect you to lose some weight by then. You'll also need to bring a support person (e.g., husband, sister, friend, mother, whatever) for this 3 hr education session. Next, if all your tests come out ok, they'll schedule an apt. to finally see the surgeon. Sheesh! You won't be billed for tests right away. After your apt with the surgeon they will submit the paperwork to your insurer. If your insurance agrees to cover the procedure, they'll bill the insurance company. Not done yet! At the surgeon's visit, you'll be given a date for surgery. Also, at that time, they'll schedule an endoscopy. This takes three hours and you'll need to do a "clean out" the night before. They do this test on Friday so you can recover over the weekend - you need someone to drive you home after this test. Also, about a month before your surgery date, the nurse, Mary, will call to schedule a pre-surgery visit with her. This is a 3 hr education session. You will have to bring your support person to this session also. That's it, except for having the surgery. I started the process in February; my surgery is scheduled for July 19. More questions? Feel free to ask. Arline

Arline: Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions. All the information you have given me is most helpful for me. I have been very nervous to get started and this message board and the people on it have made this a little easier for me. I wish you much GOOD LUCK on your surgery date and I will be praying for you for a speedy recovery. God Bless you and keep you safe. Kathi