First Baby Step

I did the first babystep:  I visited my GP (General Physician) and discussed WLS. 

He referred me to Dr. Pohl (I've seen the name on here and I'm researching him but if anyone can give me info/advice/opinion about him, I'd love it!) and I'm calling Dr. Pohl tomorrow to see when his next seminar is.  I've got a lot of questions to ask. 

I also got a good dietician referral and neurosurgeon referral.  Now just to get the Pschy referral and I think I'm set ... with regards to doctors, anyway.

I called my insurance company a few weeks ago and confirmed that I am covered but my GP stated I should ask specific questions to make sure.  He gave me a list and I'll do that tomorrow.

Baby steps...just taking baby steps.

~kelly jo

Kelly Jo:

Congrats on getting to this point!  I know a lot of it is finally just getting to a certain point, and then you make a decision to just "do it".  Hopefully, you'll be able to get to a seminar soon.  It'll seem like forever, but the time will go by fast, especially as you continue your research.

Just a word of caution -- don't make any appointments with any other practitioners (neuro, dietician, psych****il you see what Dr. Pohl's requirements are.  For me, I had to make my pre op appointments with certain practitioners my surgeon gave me a choice of.  Unfortunately, it wasn't "pick who you want".  I'm thinking Dr. P. might be that way, and I wouldn't want you to waste time, or money, if I'm correct.  Actually, I'm thinking that one of Dr. P.'s patients will probably post later one with "the scoop".

Good luck to you -- hope to see you around here!

Congrtulations Kelly jo on making the first step!  Thats the biggest step of all.   I went to Dr. Giovanni.  She is in the same office as Dr. Pohl.  So I know they work the same.  Go to the seminar first before you go to any other specialists.  They will give you a packet that will have all the pre-op requirements.  It will have a list of tests that you will have to have done.  There will be suggestions of who they deal with including nutritionists.  If you have had any of the tests done that is listed within the past year, you can have that physician submit the results and you will probably not have to take it again.  But the seminar answers all your questions and if not, they take  questions from you.  Its a long seminar but really good.  And of course, there is this forum.  We are always here and ready to help if we can.  The seminars are either the first Thursday or the second Thursday of every month at Roger Williams Hosp. in the Kay Auditorium.  Good luck!  Happy journey!  Keep us posted on your developments.  I hope this helps.  Eldy

Kelly, make sure you take your time and pick the right surgeon thats right for you,best wishes

Congrats Kelly on taking that first big step, remember we are all hear to answer any questions you have along the way.

Romeo

Good for you Kelly Jo!! That is a big first step and you should be very proud of yourself. Dr. Pohl is a wonderful surgeon. My PC referred me to him too, but eventually I ended up going with Dr. Giovanni, who is Dr. Pohl's partner. My PC doc told me if he needed this surgery, Dr. Pohl is who he would go to. That was good enough for me!

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!!

Liza

Thanks for all the well wishes!  I am thrilled to be a newbie here and receive so much support! ~blushes~

Debbie---your word of caution was right on!  I got the scoop from Eldy (here) and Dr. Pohl's office and I'm glad I didn't do additional appointments or legwork before hitting the seminar.  THANKS!!

Eldy---Thanks for the 'scoop'!  I phoned Dr. Pohl's office and found out that the seminars are the 2nd Wednesday of the month.  Next one is scheduled for May 13. I'll be there with bells on!

Rhody---you sound like my husband!  ~smiles~  I have called a few other offices and found out the times of their seminars; I plan on taking the next few months to research and meet each of them to get a sense of who I trust and like.  Thanks for the word of caution!

Romeo---Thanks for the well wishes, as well!  I feel comfortable enough to ask questions and secure in knowing I'm going to get good advice.   Oh, and How about them Sox?!?!?  ~grins~

Liza---My GP told me the same thing!  He's referred me to several other specialists and I've loved every single one that I've met.  (I hope I didn't just jinx myself ~laughs~)  GP always uses the analogy "This is the doctor that I'd send my mother to." 

Just to give you all an update:

The first baby step turned into a 2nd baby step as I called Dr. Pohl's office and was told I would have to attend a seminar first.  I didn't get the name of the gal I spoke with (which is VERY unusual for me) but she was very nice and answered my questions.  Maybe not with answers *I* wanted to hear but nonetheless, they were answered.  ~smiles~  I will be attending the seminar at Roger Williams Hospital on May 13 at 6pm and I will be filling out the attendance form - she stressed this several times!

I also called the pre-approval department for my insurance company and spoke with a very nice lady about my insurance coverage.  I left all the details and someone was to phone me back this afternoon but didn't.  I'll phone tomorrow morning to confirm that I am covered.  Once I get confirmation of approval, I'll feel better.  I'm pretty certain I'm covered since my last phone call to them was a few weeks ago and I was told I was -"You have a great insurance plan...can I work for your company?" is what the customer service rep asked.  ~laughing~

I started tracking what I eat, again.  I had gotten away from it for the past month or so but starting back and watching what I eat now has me more motivated than ever to change now before surgery so I won't have a hard time afterwords.  I researched protein choices and shakes this evening.  I'll start trying a few...maybe I'll find one I can't live without!

I'll end my little novel here.  I just want to thank you all again for being so supportive.  It means a lot to me.

~kelly jo