Set up my first appointment today

 I set up my appointment today with Dr. Pirrello for July 28.  I am excited and HOPE that I am a candidate.  I work in racing, so I either need to get the surgery done before mid-September, or wait until next year.  I don't think I can take off the time during the busy season to get it done.

I also have made the appt for the psych testing, my primary care doctor ( a new one for me--mine is not a supporter of gastric bypass ), and the nutritionist appt.  I am working on gathering my medical records also.  I have BCBSNC and they require 5 years of weight history documented in doctor's notes.  

I do have a couple of questions that maybe you can answer:

1)  How long after my last appt (nutritionist on August 11****il I might be able to schedule the surgery?  Is my September date feasible?

2)  I have had an endoscopy in April 2007 ( I have a history of Reflux).  Do you think Dr. P will require me to have another one?

3)  Anything else you think I should be preparing for?  

Thanks!  I love reading these forums .  : )

ETA:  I meant my appt with Dr. P is July 28, not August as I originally posted

Hi Kay  :)  I am also insured by BCBSNC and am going to a clinic in Hickory.  I just got things underway myself.  It sounds like you are on the right track.  I don't have answers to your question since I'm new to this as well, but I wanted to wish you the best!  Hope you'll continue to share your progress!

Unfortunately, I had to delete this post due to privacy concerns.

1.  It depends on how long it take your insurance carrier to respond.  It also depends on how many surguries your surgeon has scheduled ahead of you.  September  may be a stretch.

2.  If he can get the information from that exam maybe not, just ask him.

3.  Be patient, the process takes time.  I had my first appointment 4/23/08 and surgery is schedule for 8/26/08.

Good Luck

The sooner you get the list done the sooner you get the surgery. I had Dr. B at the same office  and you will get a list of things to turn in. You may want to call the office about the list so you can get some turned in before your meeting. I do know they are always running behind on wls cause so many people are coming in for the surgery esprcially Dr. B. I started the priocess June of 07 and did not get surgery till Dec 13 of 07. But I had a few road blocks.....some go a lot faster than my situation. I love the girls in the office but keep on top of things and make sure all is reaching the office. You have to check in frequently to keep things rolling. I have heard a lot of good things about Dr. P. Hope it all works smoothly for you..
Myrtis