Anyone ever Have gastric bypass in la crosse at Guderson Lutheran?

I am going for my appointments on the 7 th with Matthew T. Baker MD I am not sure what to do or what would prevent me for getting approved, I am so scared.

Yup.. I'm a little over 2 weeks out. I had Dr Khatari. The appointments are a breeze. A lot of nutritional info... you're asked often "Do you really want to do this?". I started looking into this on 12/17/05 and had surgery on 8/15. They aren't going to grill you and try to disqualify you.. they want to make sure you're doing it for the right reasons, and want to be sure you'll be able to follow through on the back end. Something to look forward to for sure. Just as an FYI.. I've been home for 16 days and have lost 25 pounds! Never hungry!! I just eat when I'm supposed to and try to get everything in. Good luck

I was scared that they were going to say, "Oh you've been fat all your life and now you want the easy way out, GO home and excersize". Nothing works, I diet, exercize and all and I end up gaining, My Bmi is 47.5 right now and I have pre diabites and trouble breathing whenI lay down, I am prepared for this and am sure this is what will be best for me. I hope the appointment on the 7th goes fine, I see a nutritionist, Physican asst, and the surgeon, Did you have all of these? HOw much after this appointment is the surgery? I know the waiting period is diff for everyone but what was it for you?

I went for the 'informational meeting' back on December 17 2005. It took about 4 months for insurance to get me approved... only becuase they didn't know what we were asking (long story). Approval came in March....Surgery date was 8/15/2006. After this first appointment, you'll have a couple of more meets with the nutritionist over the next couple of months. Now the hard part is waiting.. try not to think about it too much. They won't give you an exact date until about 1 month before the date.. which they won't have UNTIL a month before They are very good at what they do, they treat you right.. they don't judge.. I personally had Dr Khatari, to me.. the wait was worth it.. he is the most experienced, since he's been doing it the longest. That meant more to me than a quick date.

Also... this is NOT the easy way out.. I don't care what anyone says... they don't know if they've never been in your shoes. And yes.. I had the same... You'll be meeting with Chris.. the PA... the nutritionist..one of two ladies... and then either Baker or Khatari.

I have my psych eval on the 4th and then another dieticion appt, Then it all gets sent to the insurance company, That is when the fun part starts:the waiting game.

Hi.... I just read your post.. I was going thru older ones. This is funny. Myself, and a woman in Stewartville are also going to Dr. Baker at Gunderson Lutheran!!!!! How far have you made it so far?? They are really great there. I am now just waiting for insurance approval. Let me know if theres anything you want to know that I may be able to help with. By the way. I was thinking about trying to form a support group here, for non mayo gastric bypass patients... would you be intrested? Thanks Diane

Sorry this is so late, I am new and was going through old posts. My best friend had surgery a year and a half ago with Dr. Khatari. She had to wait a full year and loose 30 pounds. I am going to do mine in Madison. I started my stuff in June and am now having surgery Dec 5. My insurance came back in 2 days. I know that my best friend was very satisfied with everyone in Gunderson. I have doctored there my whole life until I moved. My dad had open heart surgery there. They are a very good hospital. You will be in good hands.