what to expect

I have my first apt on June 3rd.  I haven't been weighed, or anything.   I think I will have to lose some weight .....does anyone know how they calculate that?  Also, I was wondering what else to expect,  how long will it take, who will I see?  And the biggest question of all how long does it usually take to get everything done??? I am a self pay, I heard that is a shorter time?? True?? I just want an idea of how long it will take to get a date....or one to shoot for!  Thanks Guys!!

How much you have to lose is based on your BMI.  It will either be 5% or 10% of your body weight.  Losing the weight will take longer (probably) than all the other testing and stuff.  Follow the diet they give you religiously and the weight WILL come off.  It is a tough one.  Kind of makes weigh****chers look like a pig out feast!  But, it is so worth it. I kind of like the view freom the loser's bench today! Denise

Morg, Let's see if I can remember all this. You will first be weighed and have your vitals taken. You will then see Dr. Broussard and he will talk to you about the best surgery for you as well as a jillion other questions. That day they should schedule you for an appointment with the nutritionists, exercise and fitness,  Dr. Keller , Possible sleep study, EKG, and lab work. The time for a self pay to get scheduled depends on how quickly you get everything done. I've seen it take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 plus months. I had to lose around 10% of my weight. Some people they ask to lose around 5%. It all really depends on your BMI. I hope this helps. If you have any other questions just ask, and I will try to answer or find the answer for you. Best of luck, Rita

I was a self-pay as well.  I started the whole process last October, but didn't really get serious about it till the end of January.  It was about 2 and a half months for me once I kept all my appts with specialists for testing and such and lost the weight.  I do have co-morbities that made my clearances take longer than some other people, I think. 

I had the same question.  I have been going to WW since Jan and besides having me come back every two weeks, I am just spinning my wheels.  Not been scheduled and I am self pay too but my insurance has been paying all the visits and all my  testing.  I am starting to wonder if that is why they don't schedule me.  Maybe it is time to find another doctor.  :(

I went for my first appt the very end of March. Started my pre-op diet to lose 10% on April 1st.  I have surgery scheduled for July 2nd.  I am self pay.  If I did not have a knee surgery in the middle of this I could have already been sleeved by now.  But the knee injury and then surgery meant I couldn't exercise and the weight didn't come off as fast.  So, basically the pre-op diet is the hardest part and depending on how quickly you get the weight off, then that is how quickly you get surgery.  Oh, and get all the appts scheduled quickly and go to support meetings so you will move along in the process quickly.

I agree, my first app was in Feb, I had to lose 10% or 30 pounds, I fudged some so it took me 3 months to do it. I am self pay for the doc, hospital and ansth, but my insurance covered lab, dr. keller and the rest. Dr. B is pretty set on not giving a date until you are within 5 pounds of his goal. Good luck and keep the faith, cause they aren't lying, his diet is tough.

My first appointment with Dr. Walton was on January 22nd.  I had all the other appointments set within  a few days and spent all day with those folks.  I also had to see the cardiologist.  I had to loose 5% and had my head ready.  I wanted so bad to get this done and on my road to weight loss.  The nutritionist set me up with the "strick" diet plan that works!!!  They know what they're doing there.  I lost what I was suppose to and more.  There was no problem in setting my surgery date early at that point...even when I still needed to loose 20 pounds!  I just knew if I didn't loose it it would be reschedled.  It helped keep me focused and on tract looking towards that date.  Be VERY SURE to drink all the water and eat nothing that is on your plan.  The dieticians know what they're doing.   I was a self pay so I'm sure that helps so there is no waiting on insurance etc.  My insurance however did pay for my lab work...be sure and run it though the primary doctor or facility.  Mine would not pay having it done at WW.  Good luck!  Debbie

Oh, I forgot to mention that my first appointment with Dr. Walton was on January 22nd and my surgery date was March 12th!  I thought that was pretty fast.  Debbie