UMASS Pre-Surgical Skills Classes...

HI there. I am starting my Pre-Surgical Skills Class (PSSC) at the beginning of February. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions? I am unsure what to expect.

Also, once you have completed PSSC how long (in your experience) does it take to get a surgery date and or surgery?

Thank you so much.  :)

Kindly,
Robyn

The pre-surgical skills are a breeze. Listen to what they are telling you as it is all very informative.

A little advice, you will get a date faster if you DO NOT GAIN, but lose during the 4 weeks of classes. If you gain, you have to go back for weigh-ins, and dietitician visits, and this tends to slow the process down.

Dawn

Thank you so much for writing back. I really appreciate your infomaiton!  I saw your tracker at the bottom of your post, it looks like you have done great!!

I was just curious, your name says "twins mom", so I am assuming you are a mom of young children. How did you handle your recovery from surgery with young children?

Thanks!

(I have a 5 year old.)

Kindly,
Robyn

I was told by Dr. Kelly's office it would be close to a year before I would have surgery... He is really booked up!! I was told that back in Oct.. I've lost weight fine too...Why was I told that???????? I was going to cancel my appt next week for the first in take next week...because of that.... So were they just saying that?? I have good insurance too. Alizka

I was told at the UMASS info sessions that from your first appointment with them, that it can take a year. I started working with UMASS in May last year... and then I waited 3 months to get my frst intake appoinment. So I think a year sounds about right. If you have questions about the timeline, you should contact them. Good Luck!

I started all my appointments with UMass in October or November of 2007, had my pre-surgical skills groups in April - though I had to make one up which did lengthen the process a little.  I was initially scheduled for surgery in July but had to reschedule because I was going out of state for a wedding and they thought it would be best if I was in state during my initial recovery period, so I had surgery October 6th, about a year after I started the entire process.

I really learned alot from the skills groups and thought they were super informative.  As long as you're adhering to a plan prior to surgery, Weigh****chers worked for me and helped me drop 50lbs, and losing weight during the classes and your pre-op appts they're going to be happy. 

Also when I was scheduling my appt with the surgeon they asked if I had a preference, which I didn't, and they recommended Dr. Czerniach b/c they said Dr. Kelley had a little bit more of a wait.  Not sure if you have a preference for surgeons, but I had a great expereience with Dr. Czerniach and he was wonderful - even checking me out when I was there with questions for my follow up nutrition appts.

Hello, 
     
       I just wanted to thank you both for your help...I called Dr. Kelly's again..I was told Because of all the stomach surgery's I had, 4 c-sections alone... plus 3 others..that I would have no choice but to have Dr. Kelly. There is no way I would have surgery before Feb 2010.. and I started with him Oct 2008... 
    
      So I was looking into another surgeon. I am 90% sure I found one!! I only say 90% because I want to make sure after I talk one on one with him and he See's all my test and records that he feels comfortable doing surgery on me. Other wise I would say 100% for sure!!!! 
     
      I went to 2 of his support groups so far. I really like him a lot too. I also like so many of the people who go to his support group too. I found several new friends there. And the best part is that this surgeon is so  much closer to me too, as are my new friends.
 
     That is not to put down Dr. Kelly!! I know he is a fantastic surgeon too! And any one who goes to him will be in great hands too.

     But due to so many medical bills we already have from my husband who is recovering from Pancreatic cancer We can not afford his program fee. And also how far away Dr. Kelly is from us...if my husband is not having a good day or he was wiped out... he would not be able to drive and see me in the hospital. I have no one else here.. All my family are back in Western Pa or New Jersey...Thank you both for your great help... God Bless Alizka

hello!

i also am going thru the program at umass.  i had my intake with dr. gitkind (sp?) on dec 5th - he told me to expect a surgery date in 6 months.  i have my behavioral this thursday and then the nutritionist intake beginning in feb.  i will also be at the group support next thurs too.
someone (not going thru umass) told me i have got another year to go - i can't imagine it will take that long.  i am hoping by the summer...hoping!

kat

Hi Kat!

I started way back in May.... for the information sessions, then I had to wait 3 months for my first intake appointment with Dr. Gitkind. Anyway, I was unable to attend the pre-surgical skills classes in December and January, so now I am scheduled for February! I can't wait to get rolling again.  I will be at the support group next week as well. Maybe I will see you there!

I would love to keep in touch with you as it sounds like we will be on a similar timeline.  Good Luck with your intake appointments.

Kindly,
Robyn