Hello all I've been a lurking newbe!!!
Hello everyone,
I feel as though I already know most of you just from reading the post. I am 27y/o and about two weeks ago I made the disicion to have this surgery, after my PcP told me that I have six bulging disc and I have developed a small bit of a hump between my shoulders. I have stuggled with my wieght my whole life and currently at 300lbs I have gotten as high as 320 but have been trying hard to lose. I had lost down to 275 but gained 25 back in a matter of a few weeks. I can't wait for the surgery I am so ready for this change. I attend my siminar Nov 11 @ vandy and see the Nurse P on the 14th things have been moving quite quickly for me. does anyone have any advice for me? Can you tell me what to expect from Vandy? I look forward to hjearing back from all of you and I want to Wave HI to my Nieghbor just over the Hollar in Lobelville Missy!!! I am in Nunnelly!!!!
Hi Shelly,
I had my surgery at Vandy with Dr. Richards. I attended the informational seminar the week of Thanksgiving last year. After the seminar I completed some paperwork and submitted it to the Vandy Center of Nutrition/ Dr. Hadi's office. That was about mid Dec. Because of the holidays, I did not have an appointment with Dr. Hadi until Jan 13th. That went fine and he ordered quite a few test, evaluated my health (mini physical), and said I was a good candidate for the surgery. Then I spoke with several people in the office (the nurse, insurance person, and nutritionist). I met with them briefly to explain their role. I learned that I had to complete a 3 month nutrition program or a 6 month Dr. supervised program for insurance requirements. I chose the 3 month. During the 3 months I met with the nutritionist, my PCP and completed all the test, lab work, and whatever request Dr. Hadi needed (depending on any comorbidities or possible issues you may have). After the 3 months I went back to Dr. Hadi for clearance. My information was submitted to the sugeons office for review/approval. I had to get a letter from my PCP reccomending surgery (that was the hardest part for me because he wasn't the most cooperative person). It was then submitted to my insurance company and I received approval in about 5 days. It took my letter a few more days (4) to arrive. They scheduled my surgery for a month after I received my letter from the insurance company (June 6th, 2005). My final test was an EDG ordered by Dr. Richards office. Went through pre-op testing (lab work and the basic checks) Met with Dr. Richards and his Nurse Practitioner. I had to meet with the nutritions 2 more times prior to surgery. That's pretty much a summary of my experience. All experiences are not the same and definitely all insurance requirements are'nt the same. But at least you have one experience to give you some idea. Best Wishes and congratulations on your decision to have WLS. You will find lots of info on this site and no question is a dumb question. Feel free to ask me any questions. If I know I will share.
Lisa
I had my surgery at Vandy with Dr. Richards. I attended the informational seminar the week of Thanksgiving last year. After the seminar I completed some paperwork and submitted it to the Vandy Center of Nutrition/ Dr. Hadi's office. That was about mid Dec. Because of the holidays, I did not have an appointment with Dr. Hadi until Jan 13th. That went fine and he ordered quite a few test, evaluated my health (mini physical), and said I was a good candidate for the surgery. Then I spoke with several people in the office (the nurse, insurance person, and nutritionist). I met with them briefly to explain their role. I learned that I had to complete a 3 month nutrition program or a 6 month Dr. supervised program for insurance requirements. I chose the 3 month. During the 3 months I met with the nutritionist, my PCP and completed all the test, lab work, and whatever request Dr. Hadi needed (depending on any comorbidities or possible issues you may have). After the 3 months I went back to Dr. Hadi for clearance. My information was submitted to the sugeons office for review/approval. I had to get a letter from my PCP reccomending surgery (that was the hardest part for me because he wasn't the most cooperative person). It was then submitted to my insurance company and I received approval in about 5 days. It took my letter a few more days (4) to arrive. They scheduled my surgery for a month after I received my letter from the insurance company (June 6th, 2005). My final test was an EDG ordered by Dr. Richards office. Went through pre-op testing (lab work and the basic checks) Met with Dr. Richards and his Nurse Practitioner. I had to meet with the nutritions 2 more times prior to surgery. That's pretty much a summary of my experience. All experiences are not the same and definitely all insurance requirements are'nt the same. But at least you have one experience to give you some idea. Best Wishes and congratulations on your decision to have WLS. You will find lots of info on this site and no question is a dumb question. Feel free to ask me any questions. If I know I will share.
Lisa 
Hi Shelly, and welcome. Iwould say the first thing you need to do is decide where you want to have surgery and by what Dr. You will need a medical necessity letter from your PCP. That's step one. Contact the surgeons office to find out when is their seminar, and support group. Ask what tests have to be done before you see the surgeon. If you have sleep apnea or not sure, your PCP can schedule that for you. You will need letter of necessity from all your Dr.'s plus records. what kind of insurance do you have? You will need to check and see if they cover bariatric surgery and what criteria they require to be approved. Most require a 6 month Dr. supervised diet and weigh in. If you have a hiatal hernia you will need that checked and a clearance from that dr. Same with heart and lung. I would check with the surgeon's office and with your insurance, get this stuff all done prior to scheduling your consult with the surgeon. This way you will have all the paperwork ready to turn into the surgeon, and then baring no exclusions in your insurance, your records will be sent to the insurance company. Keep us posted, and don't be shy when asking a question. We all are here for the same reasons. May God travel with you on your new Journey. kathy
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Thanks to the both of you for your info. I have Medicare and Medicaid insurance I called them yesterday to see if I needed any prior approval and they said no, then I called my PCP and asked if they where going to send in a letter of recommendation and they told me Dr. Hibbs had already Faxed it to them. So yippy all that is done. about the sleep thing I don't think I have it but I have never had a test. I just know that I am so tired of being tired!!! Ever feel that way? I am so ready for this change and I know it will take a lot of sacrifice but it will be worth it in the long run. I hope that I don't have to wait to long for the surgery but if I do at least I know I am doing the right thing for me.
bye for now,
Shell
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