Another Newbie

HI! My name is Richelle. I live in Boonville, but work at the VA hospital in Colubmbia. I'm 36 and married to a wonderful man, Jim Ray. We have 4 kids at home 3 teenage girls and and 8-year-old son. I went to the seminar this past week and I can't believe how quickly things are moving. My husband and kids have jumped on board and now understanding this will make us all happier and healthier!! I've already seen my primary doctor, had my labs done and my psych consult is next week. I have FEHB Blue Choice insurance, but haven't submitted for approval yet. My surgeon will be Dr. de la Torre at Missouri Bariatric Services. I'm so glad that this kind of support is out there. Looking forward to getting to know all of you in my NEW family!

welcome Richelle we are glad to have you on board. Hope you get your approval soon and can move onto the rest of the journey. Again welcome and hope to see you posting a lot. Jan

Hi Richelle, Glad you're making this journey with me!! Things are moving much faster for you than they did for me in the beginning. (To anyone else reading this Richelle is my co-worker and, most importantly, my friend.) This group of "losers" and "soon to be losers" is so wonderful. Glad we could join them.

Richelle First off welcome to the Missouri Board. It is always so good to see new people posting. I had Dr. Scott as my primary surgeon and Dr. De la Torre was the assisting surgeon. There are several people on this board that has went thro Missouri Bariatric Services. There are a bunch of great doctors there. Sounds like you have a surgery date before you know it. Congrats on how far you have come. And we all look foward to hearing from you when you get your date. And getting to know you also. Congrats Melissa

Richelle K, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am really glad to see that there are a few of the so to be losers, closer to where I live. I am very happy for you, and know that there is alot of supporter here whenever you need it. Welcome Aboard Kathleen

I will be going through Missouri Bariatric Services too. I go to the seminar on Feb. 24th. I go to my PCP on Feb. 20th so he will do his part then. He's all for it. I've been seeing him monthlu for weight related issues for some time. Can't wait to find out more of what MBS need from me to get the ball rolling. If you have any tips to help me get the ball rolling before my seminar let me know!

Well I would go ahead and do the psych eval. but I need to know who to go to and such. I guess I could check with my insurance. And I need to know what all MBS wants as in documentation from the one who evaluates me. I has one done about 2 years ago when I was pursuing the surgery before. How long after the seminar did you get an apointment? Have you had your appointment yet? Let me know how long it is form your appoinment tell your surgery date. I'm so exsited for us! You'll have to come see me in the hospital since I will be 2 hours from home only my husband will be able to visit.

Hi Erin. Tips for your psych eval - Get a list of psychologists from your insurance to see who you can go to, then call the psychologist and ask if they "do psychological evaluations for bariatric surgery, if they have or are willing there is a guideline that MBS will fax them letting them know what is required in the eval. Hope this helps. Good luck!! Melissa

Thanks so much Melissa. I will print off a list of psychologist from my insurance and cal around tomorrow. Thanks so much again!