Question

Hey guys I finally decided to take the first step and i made an appt. with my doctor to discuss getting this surgery. Im kinda scared to talk about it with her but she knows my background and pregnancy history the best but shes tall and skinny and makes me feel like she doesnt understand where im coming from but oh well ill get through it. My question is, how long does it usually take to get into surgery once i get the okay from her? or better yet what are the steps? And thirdly has anyone from Family Practice in Bangor been through this? Thanks, Jenna

Once you PCP submits your paperwork to the surgical program and you attned the preop class and support group, the process takes about 6-8 months. What I did was had a lot of information to show my doctor that told her that I knew what I was getting into to, and that I knew it wasn't going to be an easy fix. She didn't understand the whole concept of gastric bypass, but she did support me. I asked for my referral in June, went to preop August 1st, and had surgery on Jan. 30th. Bangor has one of the better and fastest programs. Hope that helps... ~Heather

Hi Jenna, good for you. I know it is so hard to talk to smaller people but hopefully your doc. will be sensative about it. Heather is right, Bangor has a much shorter waiting list then other's I have seen in the state. I started off on Dr. Cobean's list, which was 18 months long at the time, then moved to Dr. Toder and back to Dr. Cobean because a slot had opened up and he is so much closer for me. I have one suggestion that I make STRONGLY. When you see your Primary Care Doc. explain to her that you want to begin on a 6 month weight management program right away if you haven't already done something like that in the past year. Better yet, get a referrel to a dietician and go through a dietician (one that is NOT related to a baratric surgery program) I know so many insurance companies are denying because people need to have 6 months of a doctor monitored weight management program within a year of applying for the surgery. So, you can get your 6 months in while you are waiting for you appts. and going through the classes and meetings. Good Luck. I have been on this run around for 2 years so if you have any questions you can email me anytime. [email protected] sam

Dear Jenna: I just had the surgery a couple of weeks ago. I decided to have the surgery last summer. I got an appointment with Dr. Aslam on October 8th and had the surgery January 23rd. I investigated doctors all over New England and he has the best record. The doctors in Bangor only staple they do not put stitches in also and that really worried me. Doctor Aslam has never lost a patient on the operating table and that made me feel good and he has only lost on patient due to a blood clot. He takes so many extra precautions that in a way it is a pain but seventeen days later I am glad that he does things the way he does. Any questions email me at [email protected]. By the way I would do it all over again.

Hi: I started the process last April through research. I called Lynn in May and had orientation in June. Had my dietian meeting, meeting with the shrink for testing and then the physical therapist all in July and August. I met with Dr. Toder in late September and could have been scheduled for mid-November but because of work, asked for early December. I had laprosic RYN on Dec. 4. In on Thursday, out on Saturday. Now, two weeks short of three months, I am down 42 pounds. My suggestion is to make sure you have the facts, attend support groups on the first Friday of the month from 4 to 6, the second Wednesday (this Wednesday from 5 to 7) and the third Saturday of the month from 1 to 3. All held at Mason Hall at EMMC. I learn so much each and every time I attend a meeting. Call Lynn and have her send you the information on Gastric Bypass. It is helpful to have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 plus---which is 100 pounds over weight. You should also know that you need to show that you have tried dieting for a number of years and explain what diets, i.e., Atkins, Weigh****chers, Liquid only, Mayo, the list is endless. I did not ask my primary MD--I explained why I wanted him to refer me, why I felt it was time and necessary(acid reflux disease, joint paint, problems with blood pressure, choestrol, etc....YOu can even have Lynn fax things to your Doctor's office explaining everything. First step is to call Lynn Bolduc at EMMC--can't remember the phone # at this moment--but call the Nutrition/Diabetic Office on Union Street. Tell her what you want and why and get set up for orientation meeting--ask about support groups. Good luck, Jane

I remember when I finally got up enough nerve to talk to my pcp about having surgery! He wasn't in favor of it, but would support me in my decision. Now that I have lost 98 pounds, he said I have completely changed his mind about wls!!