GBMC'S Program

HI all! This is my first post and oh how exciting. I was just wondering about GBMC'S Program. I am meeting with Dr Von Rueden for My first consult. Already went to the info session. I am in perfect health other then the Weight! lol But I was wondering what the time period was from your initial consultation to your surgery date? Do they make you lose weight prior to surgery? Thanks again-Rachel

Rachel - Welcome! I had my first consultation with the Great DVR on 3/23/05, and was given a surgery date of August 2, 2005, which allowed me to have one "last" summer vacation (hahaha), and have all of my testing done. The time absolutely flew by, my surgery went great, and DVR, his staff and the staff at GBMC were phenomenal. It also helped that I have BCBC Blue Choice (HMO), and literally, had instant approval. I was on a six month "supervised" weight loss program with Sloane, the nutritionist, and ended up losing about 10-15 pounds, which they were happy with. They just want to see that you can be committed to being compliant and following their regimen. In fact, I'm leaving early today for my 9 mos. checkup with him. I won't lie and say it's all been a piece of cake, but the time has really gone quickly, and I couldn't be happier with the results. My only regret is not doing this 10 years ago. I've gotta run to get to my appt., but feel free to email me if you have any other questions, concerns, etc. Good luck, you're in good hands with DVR!

Did they require you to have a sleep study?Thanks for messaging me by the way.

Yep, two of them, as a matter of fact. I had mine done at Franklin Square, they have a great program, almost like a hotel. I say almost because it was absolutely the worst night's sleep I've ever gotten. You're hooked up to all kind of electrodes (nothing hurts), and it's just awkward. The staff couldn't have been nicer. I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea, which I kind of suspected, so had to come back for a CPAP titration, where they actually hook you up to the machine for part/most of the night. Bad night's sleep then, too! They have a tv and vcr, but it just wasn't home, ya know. I received my CPAP in July and used it twice - no matter how small the mask, I just couldn't get used to it. However, after surgery, I know my sleep apnea's gone, because I don't fall asleep sitting in traffic, at stop lights, in a chair, during seminars, and most importantly, on the Beltway. That was always pretty scary! I WILL not, ever have another one, I don't care what they say. Hope I didn't discourage you, it is a necessary evil, and a small thing in the whole scheme of things. Take care, Teresa

Wow, So they make you have a sleep study even though you have never had any problems with that? Thanks again

Rachel - Actually, not sure if it was DVR's office or Blue Choice's requirement, but like I said, I kind of did have problems - constantly tired, even after 10-12 hours of sleep, falling asleep in traffic (moving and stopped!), snoring (at least that's what Molly the Beagle says), high blood pressure, which can often be related to sleep apnea, etc. So, yes, based on the symptoms, I did have problems, but I'm happy to report that after losing 130 pounds, I'm now just tired from being so busy. I do find that I have more energy, but I also expend much more, just because I'm able. Anyway, hope this all helps and doesn't scare you away. BTW, if you haven't gone to one of his support group meetings, I highly recommend it. Not sure when the May meeting is, I'll have to check their website. Also, like I said, I work out at FSHC's Medical Fitness program, which was a lifesaver for me. The staff is phenomenal, and it's so ungym-like, I always feel comfortable. They have some requirements, too, before you can join the program, like a stress test and some other tests, but their equipment is very size friendly. I never could work out at a gym before because I was too large for some of the equipment. Now that I probably can go to a gym, I choose to stay at FSHC. Hope this helps, maybe we can get together and hash all this out in person! Take care, and HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!! Teresa

GBMC's program is good but it seems to be expanding almost too quickly for them to manage well. I suggest you be clear with them about your preferences as far as who you see during your visits or you may end up with newer staff- not Dr. VonRueden- seeing you. Getting into an info session for me took the longest time. I called in June and hey did not have an opening until Sept 2005. (that was when the info sessions were limited to a few dozen people). My first consult was in October 2005 and I had the surgery 1/17/06. They do put you on a pre-op diet that is somewhat like a low carb diet. I lost next to nothing on that plan. It was only for about two weeks though. Given their business is booming- it might be a longer period of time to before a surgery date is available now as compared to a few months ago when I had mine. I would ask them next time you go---what month are they now scheduling the surgery dates for (they seem to only schedule it once you are approved by insurance and done pre-op tests.) Some of the pre op tests that were required for me a few months ago seem to no longer be required. The GBMC COMP website gives some of those details on the "message to physicians" area. I suggest you contact your own insurance comapny about approval process too as their billing office staff seemed a bit slow to get things rolling when I was waiting for approval. In fact, I never got my voicemails answered by the billing staff person- and I was leaving messges a few times a week. Not sure if that billing person even works there anymore. I had a sleep study done about 3-4 years ago- that was good enough for them (especially since it did not show i had apnea or other respiratory problems). If you do have apnea- they will probably require a more recent sleep study. They psych eval is a requirement with his office and while they told me the insurance company required it---I checked with my insurance company and they did not. DVR's staff then clarified that THEY require it even if insurance company doesn't. I have heard some people paying out of pocket for the psych eval (over $200). Luckily i went to a psychologist that has done these pre-op psych evals a lot and he knew how to bill my insurance to get paid. I had to pay only 20% which ended up being about $20. Feel free to email me if you have any more questions about DVR's office, surgery etc. Good Luck Karen

Hi Rachel, I am waiting on a date for surgery at GBMC with VonReuden, I beleive you were at the seminar that I went to. I finished all of my test a few weeks ago and am waiting on insurance approval. I know that the time is getting close and even though I am very excited I am scared to death, it's probably best to stay off of the memorial site it just scared me even more. My daughter is also having WLS but she opted for the Lap Band feeling it was much safer even though a little slower. Bust of luck on your approval hope we can go through this journey together.