Evaluation appointment question.
My coworkers maiden name was Cooney...They will ask you questions about your weight and weigh you and measure you too. Most places require you to see a Nutritionist andn have a Psych evaluation and a bunch of test before you even see the surgeon. I know...because I am still in early stages of the whole thing. Good luck to you !
Hi Kelly
I saw that your surgeon is Dr. Partridge. She's mine too. Here's the run-down on the 4 hour consult:
You'll see the psychologist - I saw her first but I think it varies - there are always several people w/the same appt times and they just shuffle them around between specialists. So - psychologist for about 45 mins... just talking, and she took notes. Pretty simple and easy.
Then the Nutritionist for prob. another 45 mins. She'll ask what you have done since the New Patient Orientation to change your diet/exercise habits. I was honest and said nothing (was planning on starting after the consult) and ended having to come back in a month and show them the changes I'd made before they would OK me for the surgery. She also asks you what you understand about the surgery, like what they do to your anatomy, etc. I knew but I guess if I didn't have a clue she would have explained it to me.
Then the nurse. They make you walk down the hall to the elevator and back and then check your pulse, weight, take your pic, measure you, etc.
Last you see the surgeon. You do a bit of waiting in the waiting room between specialists and by the time you see Dr P she will have discussed you with the others. When all is said and done you are sent to the lab for bloodwork. If they think you're a good candidate for the surgery they will give you a green book filled with info that you must not lose under penalty of death (just kidding, but they do say your surgery will be postponed if you don't have it when you need it - they use it to keep track of your appts, testing, payments, etc)
In my case I went to my orientation meeting in Aug, had my consult in Nov, went back in Dec to be approved, had a check up in Jan and I had gained a couple lbs., went back in Feb and I was back to my Dec weight, now I have pretesting next Thurs and surgery a week from Monday (March). It's definitely a long process but the time is good as it gives you time to think about what you're doing and if it's the right thing for you.
Sorry so long, but I always wanted to know all the details beforehand! Let me know if you have any more questions.
Kathleen
Hi Kelly,
Kathleen summed things up pretty well so I can't say that I can think of anything to add about the consult. The staff in the office are great and you meet people at all different stages of their wls journey in the waiting room. The meetings are very helpful in knowing what to expect from surgery as well.
Good luck.
~Cher