Questions at consult

Hi, I have an appointment on Monday to speak with Dr Tersigni about WLS. I have a list of questions that I want to ask and was just wondering if any of you could maybe help out with them. Anything that you wished that you had asked at your consult? This may sound silly, but I have ben putting this off and am almost afraid to go because I don't want my insurance to deny it because I will be so dissappointed. I have double coverage but both have told me over the phone that it isn't covered and the doctor's office hasn't had anybody else that has these insurances. Thanks so Much!! Amy

Hi Amy! I'm down here in Medford! Some of the things I wish I had asked that I didn't understand until about a month post-op were: 1) Will the pouch be transected from the stomach? (completely separated) 2) How big will my pouch be? Does it vary from person to person? 3) How big will the stoma be? How will I know if there is a problem with too large a stoma or too much constriction? 4) How much will my pouch relax and expand over time? 2 months? 6 months? A year? 5) What is a seroma and how is it different from a wound infection? 6) With soft foods, does that mean foods that mush down easily or do they have to be pureed to begin with? Are crackers okay? 7) How much can I expect to lose over time, and when should I be concerned if I am not losing quickly enough? 8) If you are having an open procedure, I would ask if there are any exercises that are prohibited for a certain amount of time. I have heard some people say with open they aren't to do sit ups or crunches for 2 years, and some people say ever...due to the risk of a hernia. 9) And on that line: What does a hernia feel like? How can I avoid them? I think that's about it for now. I will post more if I think of anything else later... Dina

Thanks so much! I am nervous because I am just so afraid of being turned down. I really, really want this. I injured my back working in a plywood mill and had surgery almost 3 years ago and have gained at least 50 pounds since my surgery. I am in a lot of pain and exercising is hard to do because of it. Thanks again for your help and for always being so supportive to everyone and answering people's questions! Amy

Wow - that back injury has to wreak havoc on you. Losing the weight should really help - then maybe you can do physical therapy and have it helped on a more permanent basis! Dina

YEAH! I am really excited for you, too. I am at the same stage as you with the consult (mine is Tuesday) and I also have a slight over-excitement issue. I keep bouncing back-and-forth between being really excited and preping myself for serious dissapointment. On May 1st my insurance company changed their policy from being against WLS to a case-by-case approval process. I will keep my fingers crossed for you!!! -Wendy

Who is your consult with? I have been very moody and crabby this past week or so. I just am prepared to battle with the insurances. I hope that it goes well for you! Amy

I just had my initial consultation with Dr. Tersigni last Wednesday. I don't have any questions to add but I did want to let you know that everyone at the office was great. After he and the nurse went over everything I didn't have any questions, they did a very thorough job. Good luck to you with your WLS journey! I am waiting for insurance approval right now. If you need any advice/help/support, let me know! Georgette

Does the doctor decide what type of surgery that he thinks will be best for you? I really do not know which way would be the best way to go. I am glad that you like Dr Tersigni! My doctor recomended him over the local surgeon, so I am going there. I have also talked to a few people that he has done surgery on. I am sure that I will not sleep a lot tonight! Amy