Now begins the waiting...

I attended Dr. Shina's seminar today and had the consult... and now begins the waiting! I went ahead and scheduled my labs for Thursday but can't schedule my nutrionist and psyche appointment until 15 days; which meals probably another two weeks after that for the actual appointment. Once Dr. Shina's office receives those results, they'll file with insurance (United Healthcare). I'm ready to have this surgery!!! Two questions... 1) How long was it for you from the time you attended the seminar/consult until you had the surgery? 2) Has anyone chosen to have a filter put in to prevent pulmonary embolisms? Dr. Shina wants me to check it out since my sister recently had a blood clot. Thanks! Kim

Hey Kim, I had my seminar with Dr Shina on Oct 4 2004 and was approved Jan 10 2005. Of course my insurance co delayed as long as they could. I chose to have open rny and a filter. I'd never had a blood clot before and just getting the filter made me feel safer. I think its great that Dr Shina offers this option to his patients. The waiting is very hard and frustrating. Just keep in mind that this will happen and it won't be as long as u think! Hugs and if u want to chat or if u have questions email me anytime at [email protected] or IM me on my messenger [email protected] Hugs Ange

Thanks, Ange. I really liked Dr. Shina. He throws it out there without hesitation and I appreciate that about people! Hopefully the clock will tick faster and it will be here before I know it! Kim

Yes he does and after surgery each time u see him for a check up he will sit down and take his time talking to u. After care is very important to him. Before u know it your surgery will be here & u will be thinking wow, that was fast! Hugs Ange

Hi Kim! I had my consult with Dr. Shina on August 15th and was called today 30 Aug from the Bariatric Center at Norton's downtown to schedule my psych and nutrition evals next Wednesday, 6 Sep. It is all rolling along on track, I believe. I am hoping that I can have my surgery BEFORE Thanksgiving. I plan to have a filter put in before my surgery, since my Mom has had blood clots after surgery. I have had seven prior surgeries, but never had blood clots, but I want to be safe this time, since I am bigger than I have ever been. Are you going to the next Support Meeting the last Tuesday night of the month at 7:30 pm? Hope to see you there! Kathy V

So Norton's called you to schedule the appointment? That's awesome. I'm just so ready to have this surgery that I want everything to move faster. Keep me posted on your surgery date. Good luck! I think I want the filter, too. Anything to make it safer. I have two beautiful children that I want to spend many more years with. I'm going to put the support meeting on my calendar and hopefully start in September. I really appreciate all of your support! Kim

Hi Kim!! Yes, Norton's downtown called me to set up the appointments with them. Which a little different than almost three years ago when I was planning on the lapband. They made appointments with specialist, but they were in different parts of the city and not right there at their bariatric center. I am exactly like you and SO READY for this surgery! I wish I could have the lap gastric bypass done tomorrow. I want to get it all over with and on my way to a healthier life. I look forward to seeing you at the next Support meeting. Did I mention that the support group went to was the Norton Suburban hospital place and not downtown? I heard so many interesting things while there. Kathy