Just starting the process, already frustrated by the waiting

My name is Angie and I'm just starting the process.  I plan to have either the sleeve or RNY because I need the restriction.   

I attended the informational session on Feb 1.  I had the Digital Bariatrics history complete Feb 2.  My Bariatric Referral Form was signed and faxed over by my PCP on Feb 8.  I called my surgeon's office (Dr. Verseman) on Feb 9 to schedule a consultation, but had to leave a message.  It's now 2 days later and I haven't received a call back. 

Is there something else I should be doing?  Should I contact the psychiatrist or dietician? 

How long should I wait before I call again?  I do not want to be "one of those patients".   l feel like I'm just waiting and then waiting some more.   

Any guidance? 

Thank you. 

Hi Angie -

Congratulations on taking the big step to have WLS.  And welcome to the MI Forum.  :-)

I know how hard it is to wait once you've made the decision to have surgery.  The average waiting period for pre-approval is about 18 months... so the schedule you've listed above is super fast for how many steps you've already accomplished.  It's going to take time and the hard part is trying to be patient while the wheels turn in this process. 

Have you already called your insurance company to get the specifics for coverage for surgery?  If not, that's a good place to start today.  Here's some things to ask:

** Is bariatric surgery covered?  Which surgeries exactly are covered?  (Lap Band, RNY, Sleeve, DS) -- even if you don't think you're interested in 1 or 2 of them, find out about all the options, you never know when you might change your mind and you want to be armed with as much information as possible from the very beginning.

*** What criteria must be met for insurance approval?  BMI over 40 or BMI over 35 with co-morbidities.  Psych eval.  Sleep study.  PCP clearance.  Heart clearance.  3, 6 or 12 month doctor supervised diet history.  5 years of documented obesity.  All those things are normal from insurance companies and then your surgeon might have more.  So make sure you have a complete and total list.

** Once you get verbal confirmation that your surgery is covered and what you need to do --- get ALL that in writing.  It might take a few weeks to get it in the mail, but it's better to have that hard copy proof in your hands.  Then use that as your checklist for everything you need to get done.


In the meantime... while you wait ... read, read, read and then read some more.  If you haven't already, get the book WLS For Dummies - lots of valuable information.  I have a list of books in my WLS Library that you might be interested in.  Also, read as many OH profiles as you can.  See someone who looks interesting on the forums?  Click their name and see if they shared their WLS story in their profile.  You're welcome to start with my blog - Journey to a Healthier Me - I started it on the day that I decided to have surgery and have kept it going for the past 3+ years.  When you think you can't read any more... keep reading.  The more educated you are, the better success you'll have after surgery. 

Pam

Pam - Thank you very much!  I've bookmarked your blog & website; you are such a wealth of information!!! 

I'm going to my library tomorrow armed with your list of must reads to find some new information. 

I've already created a binder, because I'm such a Type A personality.   

It's great to have this forum to voice concerns, etc. 

I appreciate your post!!

Angie

 My best advice is to just take a deep breath. I was in your shoes a month or so ago. No matter how hard you push or how much you want it, it's going to take a while. 

Curb your expectations and realize that it won't happen overnight. Once I did that, I was able to wait those 2-3 days without hearing from the Dr's office without freaking out. It's hard, but it's reality.

Just look at it this way

when you wake up from surgery you will still have��to watch the scale and wait for the lbs to melt away and some times its not as fast as you may think but they will if�you use your tool the proper way and follow the rules. But I can assure you You won't wake up minus all that excess weight and at goal.

The waiting part of it is just another step in your journey. Probably one of the most important ones. It is the one where �you commit your mind to the process, by learning, and practicing and asking question.� So when your surgery day finally is set , You will truly know that this time you have the knowledge and tools to succeed. And in about 18 months after that day You will be a brand new you.



You can click on any ones name if it is blue under there avatar and see their profile too.
You can do that and add me as a friend if you wish.
If you keep your settings at private then when you meet all these great MI OH peope tou hey won't be able to add you as a friend.

Welcome to the Losers Journey!

Hi Angie.  I sent you a PM last night...just wanted to give you a heads up in case you didn't notice.