So many questions....

Ok everyone, I have about a gazillion questions, but Ill start with just one. I am so anxious to get this ball rolling. I have looked high and low and can't figure out what this PMRI thing is? I usually try to figure these things out but, for the life of me, I'm lost. I get the idea, but need just a few itty bitty details. Such as, is this an insurance covered thing? I've seen references to it costing anywhere from twenty bucks to over a thousand. A thousand is doable, seeing as that I am just starting this whole process, but if it comes down to that, I'mma gonna be needing to start putting that money aside, like, NOW. I am seeing Dr. Peters. I assume it's mandatory, right?

Hi Kimberly, Welcome to the Delaware board! PMRI is Preventive Medicine & Rehabilitation Institute ( Intersection Rt 52 and 100 in Wilmington ) that is where we go ( most of us ) for pre-op clearances involving the nutritional end of things, that's the Lifeskills Class. Seeing the Dr. for psychological clearance, a dr. or nurse practitioner etc. You will also need a clearance from a cardiologist and probably a pulmonologist too. They will give you all this info when you see the surgeon. The costs vary, I went through PMRI and still do for follow-ups but have been told that there is also a program at St. Francis. My insurance reimbursed me at 80% for my PMRI visits altho I had to file it myself. Check with your insurance company and find out what's covered. My surgeon is Dr. Irgau, however I have met Dr. Peters and found him to be a really nice guy and I'm sure a wonderful surgeon as Dr's Irgau and Wynn wouldn't have it any other way! Good luck to you in your decision and don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have, there is always someone who can help! Linda PS. There is a PMRI support group meeting Saturday morning at 10:00 AM, maybe you can come to that. 10-11 am, cost is $5.00

Thank you. I'm just trying to get a feel for what's ahead of me. It's all so very scary, but exciting as well. I think Saturday morning is opening season of softball for my daughter. Are your meetings always generally on Saturday mornings? Also, is family welcomed, or is it just generally for the patients? My husband has gone from being completely disinterested (still supportive, but just letting me do my thing. Told me when I made up my mind that this is what I wanted, he'd jump right on board with me.), to wanting to know everything. He's even coming to my first doctor visit with me. Big progress for him!