New Here, Investigating.. lots of Questions!

Hey Folks!!

This may be a duplicate message... I'm unsure at the moment how to work through this site.  I posted I think on the Main board? Maybe....

Well,   Anyway.....  HEY!!  How are you all?

I think my Dream of not being overweight needs action.  Unfortunately I'm not very sucessful dieting and on my own.  years and years have passed,  seems I mostly gain! haha,

Well so case in point.... Gonna get busy finding out stuff about surgery..... 

Wondering how long from start to finish does it take?? Meaning,  I'm going to go to the mandatory meeting......  get started... gather info....   how long will they make you wait before surgery can be done?

I'm the type that once I make up my mind I'll want to continue on and get moving with it!! :)

I welcome any advice.   Surgery scares me,  sure... but death by being overweight in a family of heart disease and Diabetes is also scary.

I'm eager to listen to any/all advice.

Thanks!

~A

It all depends on many things.  I went to the meeting in Feb/Mar for Atlantic Surgery group, Dr's Gens, Looser, & Pacculi.  Once I filled out my paper work and submitted it to Nurse at the WLS Clinic (Nancy) I got my first appt the beginning of April.  This is when you go over your questionnaire, pick your surgery type and surgeon, and do your first weigh in.  Nancy will then tell you how much you have to lose (10% of your excess weight) and set you up with your next appt.  She will also give you your blue book on your first appt so you can start completing the steps you need to before she sees you again.  Appt with Physical Therapy, 2 appt's with nutritionist, attend wls group meeting.  After you have completed all the above then she will set you up with pre-op labs: upper GI, ultra sound, Cardio, and blood work (I did all mine in one morning -- about 1 1/2 hours).  Once you are set up with the pre-op you can call the Surgeon's office to make an appt.  The first appt the surgeon goes over the type of surgery you have picked out and answers any questions you have.  Next everything is submitted to insurance and once  you have your approval then you make the 2nd appt with the Dr and they can usually give  you your surgery date at the same time. 
That said my 2nd appt is Aug 11 with Dr Gens, pre-op on 8/18, and surger 8/26.  If you read the book it will tell you everything else you need.
It helps if your PCP is agreeable to the surgery otherwise you made to find one who is. 
This is only my experience it is not gospel.  If you are not going through Portmouth Regional Hosp and using Atlantic Surgery then your requirements may be different.

Good l

Welcome Ashira!
I had my surgery at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.  The process took me 3 mos. from start to finish, but they say it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 mos. at the earliest.  First, I met with the internist, who took my weight, bp, etc. and then explained about the 2 types of surgery they perform (rny and lap-band).  She also told me how much weight I had to lose pre-op and what I should be eating.  Then I met with the nut, who kind of reinforced what the internist told me.  Then I met witih the psych, who gave me a little test and talked about my other requirements.  I also had to have a sleep study done (and I was diagnosed with sleep apnea).  I had to read a book (I chose Weight Loss Surgery by Barbara Thompson, which was very good).  I also had to review a web site regarding all of the risks associated with surgery and then download a certificate to document that I had done that.  Then there were 5 weeks of behavior modification classes that I had to attend.  I had another meeting with the psych, nut, and I also had to attend two exercise support groups and one each of the gastric bypass support group and lap-band support group.  After all that was done, I had my lab work done and met with the surgeon.  At first, I kind of resented that we are forced to jump through all those hoops in order to have the surgery, but now I get it.  The preparation is key to success.
Depending on where you go, your requirements may be different.  I have to say that I really loved Tufts though.

Hello Ashira and welcome,
   I think it is great that you are taking time to research and to fully explore all options and programs.  This is such an intense and demanding process that you owe it to yourself to be sure you are at peace with these decisions.  There - my 0.02 on that!  As you can see there is a range of time frames.  The time it takes you to lose the required weight can be a very big factor or not much of one at all.  Also, much depends on how willing you are to maybe take the time off from work for the many pre-op apts.  I wasn't very willing at all.  I demanded end of the day apts and sometimes had to wait several weeks to get them.  So, my proocess was slowed by that but I was OK with it.  I began my program in Jan and my surgery is set for Sept 16th.  A great thing for all of us is the number of really good programs in NH, MA, and ME.  At least on this board, I never read anything but high praise so I consider us pretty lucky in that regard.  Good luck and it's great to have you here on the board.  Treading

Hi Treading!  I didn't realize you had your date, CONGRATS!!!  Did you end up going with Dr. Gens??  Hubby's surgery is Sept 15 so you guys are practically date twins!!!

Hi cindy!  Yes, DH and I will be surgery biddies.  That's great.  Yes, I decided on Gens.  He is a talker and I find that the best match for me in medical situations.  I will see him again in mid-August and I am looking forward to it just since he is such a pleasure to gab with.  How exciting for you to have DH becoming a bandster.  So nice to chat.  Treading

I started looking into the process in January, after talking with a friend's sister who had lap band surgery.  I talked to my PCP, and other professionals, and then signed up for the information meeting on April 1.  I had issues with my insurance at first, but was able to work through them, but I did not want to go any further until I did so.  I met with Nancy the beginning of May, and by the end of June had done all of my requirements.  I met with Dr. Gens (who I think is terrific) for the first time the very end of June, then again the middle of July.  My surgery is scheduled for August 15.  I was also very motivated, so it only took me 6 weeks to lose the required weight.  I have lost more since, but have struggled some (having the "last supper" syndrome!).  I have always been able to lose weight, I lost 85 pounds 8 years ago, kept it off for two years....that was about the 4th time I had lost a significant amount of weight, so I know exactly where you are coming from.  I have attended 3 support group meetings, and find that most of my information has come from people at the meetings.  Everyone I have met has been awesome, and are willing to talk to you about everything associated with the surgery.  They are your best resource.  Anyway, welcome, and hopefully we will read about your success soon.