The next Buchwald seminar - I'm going

any newbies on board that might be going???

 

I just signed up - I think it's the 3rd wednesday of the month - I'm just waiting to get confirmation of date/time/place tomorrow!

I'm going to see if he'll approve me for the DS but we'll see I guess.

I'm also getting a complete written copy of my insurance benefits as I never got one and the only thing I heard about WLS NOT being covered is over the phone and from what I hear - I need to see it in writing as they can really say anything over the phone...

so guys who were here before- bear with me as I re-join the roller coaster ride again!!

 

It's kind of fun!  Takes several hours though. Buchwald does all the various WL surgeries.  As long as you can tell him why you want what you want, you'll get it.  He truly is 1 stop shopping.  His insurance person, Dannette is very good.  Just let her go and she will take care of everything. Buchwald is not a hand holder.  He expects you to know your stuff.  He is a tiny man with a wicked sarcastic sense of humor.  And there's no ridiculous weightloss requirement pre-op either.  I asked about that and he said if I could lose weight; I wouldn't be there!  He does truly believe obesity is a disease and not a character flaw.

Ditto what Patti said Peach! Plan on about 4 hours for sure. Here's what you can expect once Danette calls you to confirm that Wed. appointment. Get there early. I was there at 7 and there were already about 6 people ahead of me (and my appt. was 7:15). The appt. time didn't seem to matter IMO. The girls checking you in were not quite ready, but did there best to get everyone checked in quickly. Bring something to drink, something to read, something to listen to, and if you didn't eat breakfast, do bring a granola bar or something. It's a long day. The chairs are oversize & pretty comfy. There's a place to hang your coat. Make sure you bring all your forms filled out in advance. Bring any supporting documents you have (like your previous psych eval, PCP records, etc.). You'll meet with his nurse. She'll weigh you, measure your waist, take BP, that sort of thing. Then you'll wait until everyone has gone through that. Once everyone is done, they'll take you upstairs for the info. session. One of the dieticians will go through the eating after surgery and answer those types of questions. (keep in mind, this is somewhat RNY geared, at least it was the day I was there; I had to ask specific DS eating questions - come prepared with your questions) Then Dr. B. will come in and talk about the 3 different types of surgeries. He draws each one out on the white board. He answers questions, but none specific to your case. Save those for your 1-on-1. He's funny & you'll appreciate his sense of humor, but also, his knowledge re: obesity and bariatric surgery. Then you'll go back down to the surgery clinic and you will get called back in what seemed like the order you arrived in the morning. If you've already seen the nurse and stuff, it's fairly quick. The dieitican will meet with you 1-on-1 and so will Dr. B. Be prepared to just answer his questions as he takes notes and be prepared to explain why you want DS. He'll tell you if he agrees with you or not. He'll give you Danette's card and he'll tell you to call her the next day to set up your next appointment. Any questions, just PM me.

Hang on-it has already been a roller coaster ride for you-and you are back in the saddle.....good luck, I really hope this time you will be able to go all the way!!!  Yay!! lynn