Dr. Oliphant

Hello, I am new here, but have been going through the WLS process for about 10 months. I'm finally approved and meet with Dr. Oliphant on Sept. 24th. I have done the 6 month diet, seen the phych and nutritionist. Is there anything else I will have to do, or will we schedule the surgery when I meet with him? Thanks!! Mendy

Hi Mendy - Have you actually been approved by your insurance co?  The process is different depending upon each surgeon. I actually met with my surgeon first then he guided me as to what hoops I had to jump thru.. EKG, Stress Test, Heart Cathedarization, Chest X-Ray, Bloodwork,  Nutritionist, Phsyc Eval, complete phys including pap & mamograhm, sign off by my family doc.. 5 year history of weight problems required by insurance. Good Luck to you!  Keep us posted on your progress. Christina

I have been approved by insurance, my PCP guided me through that process before I could even make an appointment with the surgeon. I'm just getting nervous/excited at the thought that this might be happening. I'd like to know what to expect. I have heard that some people have to have a sleep study done - what is that??

Congratulations on your approval.. Sounds like you should be getting a date soon after your appointment with your surgeon.

 

As far as the sleep study.  To be honest, I'm not sure what the surgeon basis this on.  I did not have to have a study however, my husband is going thru the process to have wls and our surgeon required him to have the study.  He had to stay overnight at Provena Mercy's Sleep Study Facility.  My husband said it was like a plush hotel and they hook up all these wires to you and monitor your sleeping pattern.   They are looking for repeated stops of breathing or shallow breathing.  If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, they require you to sleep with a machine called a CPAP Machine which is used overnight and helps keep the airways open. 

 

Here is a link to more info on the subject.

 

http://provigil.com/patient/disorders/apnea.aspx?s_cid=sleep%20apnea|516084780 Christina

Hi there! Dr. Oliphant is my surgeon and boy are you lucky!  He's been a real life saver for me, and he's not only an awesome surgeon but a great person.  If you have questions please don't be afraid to ask him or his staff.   What he will most likely do is go over with you what you may have already learned, they also have a tape to watch about GBS too.  He takes the surgery very seriously and will make sure that you are as well informed as you need to be. Congrats!