Just starting out

Hi folks,

I'm just starting out in terms of looking into WLS and want some advice. I live in the Raliegh, NC area and wanted to know which local WLS centers and specific surgeons people might recommend.

How long does it typically take from initially contacting a center to go through the screening process and scheduling a surgery?  I ask because we've already reached our insurance out of pocket maximum and I was hoping to take advantage of that and have my surgery this year. Is that realistic if I got started soon?

Is there any advice in general that people can offer when going through this process?

Thanks

David

Lots of surgeons in your area! My sister actually went to Pinehurst - Dr. Mitchell and had the RNY. She loved him. I'm on the other side of NC and going to a surgeon in Charlotte.

There is a link at the top of this page, right under the Search bas  "bariatric surgeons" , it will give you a list and you can narrow it done to the type of surgery. And people have left post about the surgeons on it as well.

Its a good place to start.

UNC also have a great program as well 9199668436

Hi!  Welcome and congratulations on beginning your journey!
I don't know about the Raleigh area, as I had my surgery in Charlotte, but I do know that the time frame can vary.  I went to the seminar in February, and had my surgery in July, so I'd say around six months for the process, if you don't have to do a supervised diet before you get your surgery.
Just hang in there and be patient.  The end result is well worth the wait!  Good luck!

Hi David and welcome to the NC forum.
I have found that once we make up our minds to have surgery we would like it to happen quickly but in most cases that dosent happen for all of us.
Once you find the wls program and surgeon there will be required test you will need to have and then all the results will be sent to your insurance company for approval.
Personally I found the waiting part the worst of it all but it has been so worth it to me.
I went with UNC to have my RNY and I am delighted with the type of surgery I chose and my surgeon.
You may also want to join many of us on July 18th in Raleigh at The Golden Coral on Millbrook Road at 10am you will be amongst people who have had surgery or are looking into it.
I will attach the link so you can read about the Meetup on the 18th.

http://www.meetup.com/NC-WLS/

Hope to see you on the 18th.
                                                         Annie

I am just starting the first appointments for my wls.  (nut and psych in July) and plan on having everything done at UNC.  Other than the fact that I work here, I picked UNC because

ONE:  It's a top notch trauma center, so in the million to one chance that something goes wrong, your taken care of.  (No moving to another hosp.)

Two:  I have several friends who have had very successful RNY's here.

Three: They take most insurances.

Four:  Karen Colton, the RN Navigator for the WLS physicians, is wonderful.  She will ask as many questions as you put out, without making you feel dumb.

Five:  UNC has everything you need here, for all your pre-op requirements.  (nut and psych)

Also, My aunt had RNY at Duke in May of '08, and to date has lost 115 pounds, with no problems. 

So you have several options. 

Good Luck



 

My process was lightening fast but I was in Michigan at the time. It's allll up to your insurance. Mine didn't require any sort of pre-op documentation of weight loss efforts or a psych eval. I just had to get letters from my PCP and then qualified by my BMI. Now.. BEFORE I got the ball rolling, I spent about a year researching all my options, which I HIGHLY recommend. I think that way you'll find the right surgery for you.

I went to a seminar in February, met my surgeon on 3/16 and was banded on 4/4/07! So that wait game all depends on your insurance and what they make you do.  Good luck with your search!  Oh, and I'm a patient of Dr. Voellinger now here in Charlotte... love them there, great staff!

The good news is that there are many surgeons in this area - the bad news is you've got to pick only one! I used Dr. Mitchell in Pinehurst and can't say enough great things about him, his office, or the hospital there. I had surgery almost two years ago, and at that time it took me about 5 months from the time I sent my info in to surgery date. From what I understand now the wait time is shorter, since fewer people are having wls due to the economy and job losses.
Dr Mitchell has a support group that meets in Raleigh on the 2nd Monday evening of every month, in addition to the support group in Pinehurst. The next meeting is July 13th at 6:30 at the Embassy Suites across from Crabtree. He also hosts information sessions on the 2nd Monday at the hotel - it starts at 6:00.

Thanks for all of the replies and my appologies for not responding to them until now.

I have BlueCross/BlueShield and I think they are one of the carriers who do not require a 6 month medical weighloss program prior to surgery.  Has anyone else gone through BCBS and needed the medical weighloss plan 1st?

I'm also curious if there is a difference with going through places like Duke and UNC versus using a private company like Bariatric Specialists of NC. I assume the private places still do the surgeries at one of the local hospitals wouldnt they?

Thanks

David