Can someone please tell me the process ahead of me?

I would love to know what's ahead in the coming months...sort of like a timeline of what to expect.  Can anyone fill me in?

Currently, I am waiting for my info packet from Hickory Surgical Clinic to fill out and mail back.  Is there any info I can be gathering now to make it faster to fill out when it gets here? 

I do know that once they receive my completed packet back, they will schedule me for a 3-hour info session.  I am assuming this is a group session?  What happens from there?

Thanks so much in advance! 

Hey Shauna:

It all depends on your doc.  Most require a psychiatric or psychological evaluation and blood work.   Some require an endoscopy.  Depending on your medical history, they may want other test.  

I know prior to mine, I wanted to make sure i was in top shape with no lurking medical issues so my PCP referred me to a cardiologist to make sure the ticker was ok.  I also had a colonoscopy as I was a few years overdue for it anyway.

My first appt to the surgeon's office was in October or November and I had my surgery by February so from beginning to end, only 3 or 4 months.  But again, this depends a lot on your surgeon.

This whole thing has taught me (well tried to teach me) patience. Once you get your package, it may all be spelled out in there for you on what the requirements and expectations are.

Another thing is some surgeons require 2 weeks of liquids (protein) only before surgery while others just limit your diet of carbs.  I did the 2 weeks of Carnation Instant Breakfast and it wasn't as bad as it sounds.   I just spaced the 6 shakes out 2 1/2 hours so i never got starving.

Take care and good luck,

Pam

Pam,  Thank you for your reply!  :)  

I do know that Hickory Surgical does require a psych eval.  They said they can refer me to a Dr. Carr in Asheville since that will be closer, which is nice.  

I was told by this clinic that the entire process, from start to surgery, is supposed to take only about 4-6 months.  I was actually amazed at how fast it can all happen!  Patience shouldn't be a problem.  :)  We are, however, trying to prepare our budget (co-pays, saving for surgery, etc.), schedules (appointments, surgery, recovery), and minds for what will take place over that period of time.  Is it like having a weekly appointment somewhere, or is it more like an appointment every month or two?  I understand when you say a lot may hinge on medical history!

I have read that Hickory Surgical does also require 10 days of the liquid protein diet to prepare the liver for surgery and the person for their new "eating plan" post-surgery.  I've done Slim-Fast so many times, I consider myself a pro, so I shouldn't have any trouble!  ;)

Hey I did the first steps with Frye until I found out my insurance wouldnt pay. Go ahead and fill the packet out I believe I faxed mine back. You need to make sure your insurance will pay first off. Get your medical records from the past five years for Frye to have. You have to get a complete physical from your dr. with blood work especially thyroid panel, and get an appointment with a bariatric Psycologist. These are steps that make things run smoother. I have to do all this over due to the fact that I just got aproved through my Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and they wont pay for Frye so I have to go to Charlotte. Good luck. The packet is very long and you need to fill it out when you have plenty of time, its very long.  no your session i believe is the seminair they want you to attend that goes over every thing about the surgeries.

Natt,  Thanks for all the info.  :)  I'm so sorry that you went through the initial steps with Hickory before realizing you had to go another route.  Hopefully Charlotte will all go quickly and smoothly for you!

I picked up a yellow slip in my P.O. Box today.  Hoping it's the info packet from the clinic...too large to fit in the box.  Ha!  I will know tomorrow.  :) 

I do know that our insurance will pay.  The clinic is a BCBSNC Center of Excellence so, the way I understand it, I won't even have to *wait* on approval, as long as the surgeon approves me. 

I will call my dr.'s office tomorrow morning to start working on getting the past 5 years of medical records.  I'm currently waiting on blood work results from an annual physical I had 2 weeks ago.  Hopefully they did all the panels I will need, including thyroid. 

I think I will also call the psychologist the clinic mentioned tomorrow to see how long a waiting list he has.

Thanks again for your reply and especially for the suggestion to fax the info back to the clinic!  :)  Can hardly wait to attend the seminar!  GOOD LUCK to you as well!