new here[ how long from dr to knife]

Hi i haven't seen a doctor yet . About how long is it from the first doctor visit to surgery. And what does the shrink want to hear and how long do u see him. Thanks Brian

hi brian.. welcome to the fold.. everyone's situation is different. it took me 4 years to finally get to the knife, but from my first appointment with dr. roye, to actually getting surgery, was a year. i had major insurnce battles to contend with- so my story's a bit abnormal. i think most people go through the process in about 9 months or so? it can take a long time get through all of the testing, especially the sleep study's.. but if you're proactive with them, you can get cancelled appt's and move your date closer.. once you're done with all the testing, it can take a month or so to get the appt with the surgeon, and then after that.. it's usually about a 2 month wait to your actual surgery date. as far as the psychologist.. just be honest with them. what they are really looking for are people with binging/pursing issues. but if you do any of those, tell them. they can work with you. good luck! kristen*

Thanks i had a sleep study done allready so thats done i guess i got to get the rest done Brian

Hi Brian, Welcome!!! I have only been here a week but I can tell u everyone here is great and this has been a great help. After attending my initial seminar with Dr. Deiter Pohl at Roger Williams in Providence I hesitated to make my Dr's appointments. Don't get them done as soon as possible. it is important to know that your insurance will support your surgery so call them directly. Blue Cross gave me the parameters under which they would cover very easily. I saw a program on TV that indicated that you must be your own patient advocate ( allong with getting that great advice here ) and they recomended getting a copy of your Doctors Letter to your surgeon and a copy of every report each doctor issues. To make your visit conditional on your getting copies. Things get lost and or filed without sending them and this costs you time. I agree with Kristen that what I have learned here and from others I have talked to that the time veries depending on your situation but if you are your own advocate and things proceed without complications the adverage is 6 months. I will be done with my appointments on November 8th and will call daily for cancelations to push up my surgeon meeting as I am determined to get this done as soon as possible. Best of luck and keep us informed. Tom

thanks im looking forward to getting this done.And dont know a thing Brian

Hi Brian!! and welcome! Just wanted to suggest a shrink to go to. Out of the list they give you over at RI hospital of who you can use for these procedures, I (highly!!!) recommend Dr. Friedman over on the East Side. You will have to come up with $300, like all the others on the list (something to do with a part of it not being covered by insurance), BUT.... unlike the other shrinks, Dr Friedman only sees you one time for about 2 hours (if that) and it's done! And, RI hospital excepts this. The others, on the other hand, have you go to 2 sessions??? I think... I just wanted it over with...lol GOOD LUCK TO YOU! L.