I am Scared......Any advise will be welcome

Hi Everyone, I hope this post finds everyone well...I have some questions that I can not seem to find the answers to. Friday my Dr. called me and said he is writing me a referral letter to a Gastric Bypass Surgeon...I live in Va. But surgery will be in Salisbury Maryland. My Questions are what happens next..How long will it take? I have no insurance and can not afford any so where do I go with that whole thing. I just don't know what to expect and I am scared....Any and all advise would be great.....Thank you so much....Jodi in Va.

Hi Jodi If your referral is for Dr Sofronski or Dr Bovard at Delmarva Bariatric Center you will be in excellent hands. They are both wonderful doctors. Best wishes on your WLS journey. Hugs, Mo

Hi Jodi, Have you called the surgeon's office yet and asked them these questions? If you are paying out of pocket I'm sure your waiting time would be less considering you don't have to wait for approval. Most surgeons have you come in for an informational seminar first before even taking you on as a patient. BTW, why is your PCP sending you to Salisbury? There are other surgeons who are more local to you. Not saying that isn't a good choice but just wondering. My surgeon is Dr. Afram out of DC and I have no complaints. I work close to DC so he is convenient for my follow-ups. Just be sure to take everything into consideration before making the leap! Don't get me wrong...I LOVE what I have done and wouldn't trade it for anything....I just did as much research as possible for over a year before making the final decision and doing it and I am still learning things every day. Take care and keep us posted....I hope I helped even a little!! ~Heather

Hi Jodi, This is the first time I have posted; I am new to this site, but have been researching this journey for a couple of years. I had insurance but they wouldn't pay. I got tired of waiting and decided to go 'self-pay'. Since I was going self-pay, the best mattered, not the price. I chose Dr. Schweitzer out of Bayview. His professionalism and knowledge is second to none. When I called last month and said I was ready, they scheduled me for May 10th for the RNY surgery. He was so great and I did so well, that I came home on the 11th of May. Yeah, that's right -- just a little over 24 hrs. and I've never felt better. I had some minor discomfort coming out of surgery, but that went away quick. I went to his office today and got my drain removed. I'm already down 11 lbs. from Thursday. And even better, since you have to pay in advance, Johns Hopkins at Bayview is sending me a refund in the mail because of my short stay.

I have the same surgeon as you. I have my surgery may 24th!! YEAH!!! I'm glad all went well for you. I hope I do as well. Phyllis

Hi Jodi, I want to wish you all the best. If you don't have insurance then you will have to pay for the surgery. I hope and pray everything works out for you. If you are self pay you can go to any surgeon that you would like to go. Keep us posted Cira