What does the internist talk about?

I'm sooo excited!! I went to the seminar last night and I'm ready to have surgery NOW! I filled out my packet that night and turned it in this morning. I think they were kind of surprised. Apparantly I'm the first one to turn one in from that seminar. Well, the receptionist looked at her appointments and has actually gotten me in for my first appointment THIS Tuesday, September 30!! Is this quick or what? I have prayed so much on this and everything seems to be going smoothly so I know it's right!! I'll be seeing the dietician and the internist. My question is what will we do that first visit. Will there be tests or just talking? I'm going to Dr. Nighbert, Steiner and Greenlee at St. Joseph. I loved those guys. They were sooo nice and informative and really put me at ease! Thanks in advance for your answers. Laura Johns

CONGRATULATIONS...I SHARE YOUR EXCITEMENT. I REMEMBER I NEVER THOUGHT THE DAY WOULD COME. WHEN YOU SEE YOUR SURGEON TALK TO HIM ABOUT THE POSSIBILITIES OF A LARGE STOMA.... I WISH I HAD. THE SURGERY IS GREAT. I AM ONE OF THE SLOW LOSERS, BUT IT'S COMING OFF... YOU WILL NEVER FEEL BETTER ONCE THAT WEIGHT STARTS COMING OFF. I REMEMBER LOSING 18LBS THE FIRST WEEK. CONGRATS AGAIN AND GOOD LUCK

I have been at the hospital with my son for a few days and didn't see your post till this morning. Your meeting with the internist will consist of him going over your packet with you and asking you questions about what you have written down. How you have answered the questions about your medical history is what he will use to determine what pre-op tests you will need. he is the one that orders them. The nurse will check your b/p and temp and weigh you. Your weight that day is the one that goes in to the ins. company. After your pre-op testing is done whichever surgeon you see will submit your letter of medical necessity to the ins. Probably within four or five days after your appt with the internist, you will get a letter with a schedule of all your appts. They try to do most of them on the same day. The psych doctor is a honey. No sweat there!!!!!. The dietician appt, Amanda will talk to you about the pre and post op diet, vits and etc. She will probably put you on a liver shrinking diet. She will ask you to try a protein drink that they have. It costs 42. a month. They do not make any money from this. That is their cost and she will tell you to try it and if you cant drink it, that's okay but they do want you to try it. After surgery, you can use any drink, anywhere you want to. I get mine at walmart. I use these same surgeons. Dr. Steiner did mine and I just love him. Dr. Nighbert and Dr. Greelee have been doing surgury for about forty years for nigbert and about twenty for greenless. They are fantastic surgeons with great reputations. I am a nurse and have cared for many of their patients. They can save peoples lives when no one else can. You will be very happy. If I can answer any more questions feel free to email me. Hugs, Delores