UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Hey Everyone~ Just trying to get my thoughts together and I wanted to take a quick painless poll..... WHo has had surgery at Upstate and how long did it take from your consultation to your surgery date. Im a college student and Im having my consult. on spring break (3/1) and need to have surgery early May because Im going back to school end of June. They told me today it doesnt look possible so Im quite down but just wanted to really get some numbers here! Thanks for your help! Stephanie

Hi Stephanie, The chances are slim to none for May, however I know they are adding a new surgeon to the group. However, this group is very stringent in their program, it is usually a minimum of 2-3 months (appointments) before they will even submit to your insurance company for approval. You will have to attend an information session also. The reason for the 2-3 visits allows you to get in some vital changes that are necessary before surgery, and also to get the necessary testing you may need. All patients in this group are required to have at the minimum blood work, an EKG, and a psychiatric evaluation. They will also require you to lose some weight prior to surgery. This shows your commitment to the program by utilizing the new habits they would like you adopt, such as slow chewing (20-30 times), waiting 2-5 minutes between bites, and no fluids with your meals. Stephanie I started in December (actually November), lost 14 lbs, but have to have an Endoscopy done this week before they will submit my paperwork. I understand your situation as I am a professional photographer and my busy season begins in April. I am now resolved to the fact that even if my insurance paper work is submitted by the end of next week and is approved the following week, that I probably won't be scheduled until April or May, as most of the surgeons are scheduling 2 months out right now. I know how important college is for you, but if you want this surgery, work with the program, follow the rules, start changing your habits now, and maybe you can have it done by early summer. The NP from the office was telling us yesterday that a DJ had laparoscopic surgery on a Monday, went home Wednesday and was back on the radio on Thursday. Just don't get too down right now. Wait and see what happens. In the end it will be worth the wait. Especially if you are prepared. Good luck. Debra

Hi, Stephanie, Debra gave you a great answer and great advice. The doctors and insurance companies aren't always able to go by our schedule. Start the process now, and go to school, work, whatever - live your life and the time for your surgery will come. If you get a chance, look at profiles of people on this site - many detail the time and work they put into getting the surgery. My journey took a while for a variety of reasons - but here I am 160 lbs. lighter! Here's a link to my profile if you're interested. The later parts are mostly copy & paste of info from this site for my own interest, but the first sections detail my effort and time. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=S1000926118 Good luck, Jo