;) Newbie Questions!

Hi Everyone! I am a 23 year old college student and have been overweight my entire life, and have finally decided that WLS is my only option now and after much thought and research I am comfortably happy with that decision. I dont want to sound ignorant or anything but I have talked with my PCP and she gave me the go ahead and even did further research for my to chose a surgeon, now here is my issue.... She, my PCP, said that I needed to fill out a packet for University Hospital (where I will have surgery) and then make and apt for a consultation (hopefully first week of March) with the surgeon and schedule a date for surgery then (im hoping early may). Ok to me that does not sound complicated and then I have been reading on the board all these other things that people have to do and go through. Can someone please give me a rough outline of what to expect from say the day I send my packet back to the hospital and the day i go in for surgery? I have no comorbids and im in great health (except the weight). Thanks so much! Oh one more thing, If anyone has been to a surgeon at University can you tell me who and what you thought! THanks a ton! Stephanie Laugh like no one can hear you Love like you have never been hurt Dance like no one is watching

CONGRATS on your decsion. first off be patient all good things come slow. remember you have had a weight problem for a long time. my sched. of tests took about 5 weeks to complete. there are alot of tests to be done even if you are healthy. this is for your safety. and of course the insurance co. takes time to approve you. don't worry it does go fast once the tests are started because you have so many appointments. I'm sure that most places require most of the same tests. you will have an upper gi test to make sure there are no ulcers or other gi problems, you may have to have a sleep study,a stress test,lots of blood work, a venous doppler study of your legs (for blood clots), chest x-ray,a therapist( may be needed for insurance co.) just to make sure that your ready for a life altering surgery. some doc's require more. you will be told all of what you need the first time you see your doc. good luck!

Hi, I have been seeing Dr. Cunningham since March 2003, after I had done tons of research on my own. It took me 5 weeks to get my first appointment. There is a lot more than just going to see the doctor, labs, xrays etc, however I did just get a date of April 6 for my surgery. I have never been in university hospital, I work for community general and have the opportunity to talk to the surgical residents who come from university and they all highly recommend dr. cunningham. I am nervous about being in university, but hopefully with Gods help, i can get in and out with no complications. The support group is interesting, but I am not sure how I feel about them. Stephanie G.

Congrats on your decision to give yourself this gift. I had my surgery Dec 1st and had my 6 week followup today. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself. Most doctors require a consult with a psychiatris and a nutritionist. They will want blood work and possible some other test (pulmonary, cardiac, ect) depending on your situation. The insurance companies require you to have a BMI of 40 to qualify, or a BMI of 35 with other co-morbidities. Some insurance companies require 6 months of supervised dieting before they will approve surgery. Most of the doctors that do bariatric surgery will tell you at your first appointment what you will need to do. Good luck on your journey and keep reading these boards. They are the best people and will always try to help you answer your questions like they did for me Kathi

Hello Stephanie, I had Dr. Howard Simon at University Hospital. My surgery was September 9,2004. I have had to complications at all. I am down 70 pounds and I feel great. Dr. Simon and his staff is really great. Have you filled out your questionare yet. When you call the office they will send you a questionare to fill out about your dieting history and health history , then they give you an appointment around 4-6 weeks after they recieve the questionare back. Usually you have to have atleast 3 appointments with them, with showing a weight loss and a change in your eating habits. MY firtst appointment was in April, they didn't send my paperwork to the insurance company until the end of June. I was approved right away with my insurance company. But I also had diabetes, did you notice I said had, I was off my meds the day before surgery and haven't had to take them since. Sugar levels are normal. Feel free to email me with any questions you have I will try to answer them. [email protected] Good Luck on Your Journey, Shirley