We're making progress!

Leslie and I both made our consult appts today w/ Dr G's office. I know we'll meet with his PA and a dietitian... what do we actually do at this appt? I'm just so thrilled that the appt is made! One tiny step closer.

Hi Amy, I just had my initial consult on Tuesday with Angie the P.A and Lois the dietician. We got there and I filled out some papers, and read some info they gave me in a folder. (Also check out the scrap book in the waiting room, very good) Then the nurse calls you back weighs you and takes your vitals. Then she will confirm what meds your taking and any allergies. Then Angie came in and talked with my husband and I about the surg. She stresses this surg. is a last resort when all else has failed. She talks about the surg. recovery, time in hospital, clear liquids, she also looked over my blood sugars to make sure they were not to high. I am sure alot of the visit depends on what questions you have and also the comorbidities that you have. Then Lois came in with more papers and we went over the different diet phases and she shows you products you can use. Also she goes over vitamin/minerals that you will have to take. There will be alot of info gone over. We were there about 2hours. Take someone with you if you can, it helps to remember everything. I took my husband because he will be helping me during my recovery and I wanted him to know what to expect ect..... I had all my stuff from my primary care provider copied and gave it to them that day. It will depend on your insurance what you need to have done. I have to have an EGD. I am doing that next Thursday. I am not sure on my other pre_op tests. I will know the rest when and if I get approval. I spoke with Rebecca who is the bariatric coder in the office, today. She was getting ready to submit my info for approval. It will probably be 2-3 weeks before I know if I am approved or not. Then I am not sure how soon you get a surg.date from approval. Shelli

CONGRATS! Keep us posted! Hugs Carolyn

Well you're on your way! You think it's such a long time and now when I look back at it, it really did go by quickly. Everything Shelli said is what happens. To the T. After I had my scope done, they submitted all my info to insurance and it took 5 days to get approval (BCBS). Then I had to go in for my pre-op testing which all was done at Sartori about a week later. Then it takes them a week to read your results and get back to you with a surgery date. When Jenny called me she actually asked me when I wanted to have surgery done. So essentially I picked the date. I'm almost 4 weeks out and today I feel better than I have in awhile. I go back to work Wed part time and then on the 18th full time. I called the dr's office and asked if this much time off work was normal and she said that some people take more time off, it all depends on the person and the recovery. So this has been the only surprise for me. I had to go on short term disability because I just couldn't not get paid anymore!!! I'll be thinking about you! Good luck, Jen

Congrats!! Soon you be on the losing side too. LoriW