Dr. Barba's Patient

Hi Everyone, I'm a patient of Dr. Barba and have had psych eval, pulmonary, sleep test, cardiac and nutrition consult. I have to lose one pound before next thursday and then all my consults are done. I only lost one pound and was suppose to lose two for the nutrition appointment. I am very worried about losing this one pound, I don't know why because it should be easy. Anyway... I have heard that the next step is an appointment with the surgeon. I am very excited about getting closer to surgery, but also very stressed that this process seems to be taking so long. I was wondering if someone could tell me what usually happens next? How long to actually see the surgeon, other testing involved, and usual time to wait for surgery after approval from surgeon? Any experiences you can share would be very helpful.... I am just looking for a general idea so I can relax a little

Hi Amy I am not Dr Barba's patient but it is worth to go support group and listen other pre op people and post op people and their experience which should help you little relax. I am glad to hear you completed all tests ( you beat me!) I have one more test to go on August 5th SMILE! Hope to meet you on tuesday at support group in Norwich. Kathy K

Sorry for hijacking this thread but Kathy K - Did you ever go get weighed with Dr Aranow?? -Deb

Yes, I lost 9 pounds last friday at Dr A. office but will go back again before surgery. Kathy k

Amy, I am pre-op, will be a patient of Dr. Bell's, but have done a great amount of research. Everything I have read, seen posted, people talked to, seems like the whole process seems to take anywhere from 8-12 months. I started the process in April, I am hoping to have surgery by Dec. If it is earlier, yaaa for me! Anyway, patience seems to be a factor in this process.

Wow, I think I would have blown my brains out if my process too me 8-12 months. Everything for me, with Dr. Tran, took 6 weeks! Patience is definitely a factor. I am crossing my fingers for you on December or earlier! Tara

Tara, Wow, only 6 weeks! I think you broke a record with him! Everyone I have talked to has said it takes several months. At least none of them has blown their brains out! (I don't think). I think it took 6 weeks to get the psych eval done.

I've broken a couple of records with Dr. Tran. To date, I was his "smallest" pre-op patient. My appointments were so quick it was amazing. In one week I did the Pulmo, Cardio and Nutritionist. 2 weeks later was the Psych. I had already done a sleep study a few times and they accepted that information, so I didn't have to do it again. When I got the call with the surgery date, it was one month away. The psych appointment fell in that time, as well as another appointment with the Pulmo because he is also my PCP. I just remember I had NO time to worry about anything. It happened real fast! Next thing I knew, it was surgery day! Tara

Hi Amy I am also a patient of Dr. Barba. I am having lap RNY next Thursday, July 29. I started this process last November. When you see the nutritionist for the second time, you HAVE to have lost the weight you were told to lose. Otherwise, you will not be able to make an appointment with a surgeon. You will have to wait atleast another month and go back to the nutrionist. I had to lose 3 pounds and ended up losing 7. At that point in February, I was given the ok to call to make an appt. with a surgeon. I then had to wait again - first available appt. was for April 20. After I saw the doctor on April 20, I was told I would hear back in two weeks with a surgery date. I had to wait a month. My surgery date was 10 weeks from that time. It is an extremely long process and starts to wear on you after awhile. Just hang in there - it will happen! Leslie

Hey Amy, You asked the question of my lifetime!!!! I am a patient of Dr Barba's as well. Just last Thursday finished my 2nd nutrionist appt/class with Melissa who by the way is FANTASTIC!!!!! Lost the required weight and now an waiting. I called the office today to see if I call them or they call me. Actually Melissa said they will call us within 2 weeks but I thought be proactive and call. They took my name and # and are supposed to call me. So now the waiting begins. All the other appts were scheduled with sych ease and for sure quick!!! Good luck!!! Carrie