Overall process

Any hints on how to speed up this process. Couldn't get into a group until Jan 2004 for Dr. Barba. The office will give you absolutely zero info over the phone. I understand that one of the issues that holds up this process is getting appts with referring MD's (nutritionist, psych). If I could make my appts now, then at least I could get a jump on things. Also, I work two jobs. Is attendance at the support group meetings mandatory? I've also noticed many comments about help received with creating a profile. Is posting one's experience required? I'm a very private person and would prefer to keep this to myself.

Hi Jane - Welcome to the message boards. You can share as little or as much as you want to here. Nothing is mandatory. As for the process. It is intentionally long I think to give us time to be absolutely sure we want to proceed. I went on the waitlist with my surgeon in August and had to wait until November for the info session. So January doesn't sound too bad. I had absolutely no problem booking appts with the support staff and I actually only had to wait a few days for each one. The support group meeting attendance depends on your surgeon. Mine requires you to attend at least one. I attend them monthly, I find them informative and I like to hear other peoples experiences with this surgery. No one is forced to speak and its a pretty large crowd so you can just go and listen. One thing you can begin doing now is creating your diet history and list of comorbities. I actually went to Dr Valin's website and downloaded their form even though he isn't my doctor. But that will give you the basis of the information all the surgeons are looking for. Best of luck with your journey and if you'd like to discuss anything more please feel free to email me directly. Carla

Hi Jane, I just attended the information session for Dr. Barba on the 13th of November, and I had many of the same concerns you have about speeding up the process. I started looking into this in August and that was what my wait time looked like. I have scheduled my appointments for the consults leading up to Dr. Barba and the office has changed the procedure such that you can schedule your own appointments if you already have a doctor or have one in mind, but you have to see their nutrionist and she is the one who it takes a little longer to get in to see. She is one woman seeing all of Dr. Barba's practices patients. I got early February and MArch dates to see her. Once all of your appointments are met and you are found to be healthy and relatively sane then you get to see Dr. Barba or one of his associates. The office is trying to streamline the process but they don't necessarily want it to be shorter than a six month period so that patients are prepared for the changes that will follow. I am personally ok with this because I did not want to rush into this surgery I wanted to take a few months to think while I am going thru this process as well. I share the desire to change my life, but I also want to enjoy these last few months. There is a long scheduling process with Dr. Barba so you have an alternative to find another doctor, but realize that as quick as this process can get are you really ready. I also attended meetings for Dr. Aranow in Middletown and Dr. Valin in New Haven. Dr. Valin had the shortest time frame where waits went, but for me I found that driving to New Haven or Middletown for office visits and appointments did not work with my lifestyle. I wanted a doctor and hospital that was close enough that no matter what it was easy for me to get there. I live on the north end of Hartford, St. Francis and Dr. Barba are ideal for me. I also felt that I could gain little from a support group, but I have to tell you the energy in the room is unmatched to anything I have experienced. You are in a place where a free exchange of information is encouraged and supported. For the record I have only attended on support group meeting, but it was enjoyable to me. I went with a coworker who is post-op. There was no expectation that I would share my information, just a forum for questions and answers. Also I believe Dr. Barba's support group meeting is once a month, so while you work a hectic schedule if you attend one of these meetings you might actually want to attend others. Ok this has been my long winded 2 cents on what I knew about Dr. Barba and the info associated with his office. Good luck, Lynn

My process timeline ran like this: September 2001 - September 2002 - Researching and gathering information about the surgery. September 2002 - called for an appointment w/surgeon January 2003 - met surgeon for consultation February and March 2003 - appointments and testing April 2003 - got my insurance approval May 15th, 2003 - had my surgery Just be as prepared as possible when the time comes to meet with the surgeon. This site will help you do that. And everyone here is so helpful so if you need anything... just ask. I totally understand what you are saying about privacy. I tend to be a very quiet, private person too. However, if I can make a suggestion to you about your profile. If you choose not to post a profile on the website, please consider keeping a personal journal (or diary). It is very helpful to look back on where you've been and what you've been through during this process. Its helps to have records of milestones, dates, weights, feelings and such recorded that you can refer back to later. I also encourage you to try to attend some of the support group meetings. I was very nervous about attending my first one. But I really feel great after I've attended one. They are usually very motivating and helpful. The support at this site is great... but nothing like what you can get in person. If work makes it difficult... at least try to make it to them occassionally. Best Wishes... Kim

Hi Jane- Dr Barba will always have a long wait to get to see him because he is awesome! His staff makes the appointments with the dr's they want you to see, so you don't have to. The only way I was able to move things along was once I was mailed my list of appointments I would periodically call the different offices to check for cancellations. I actually moved my timeline up approx. 2 months by doing this. As far as profiling is concerned I have one but do not keep it updated. Alot of people use an alias. I also kept the surgery to myself. My husband is the only one who know. Good luck to you and I am sure you will think Dr. Barba was worth the wait.