Newbie again...

Dana, Here's what I had to go through: Leter of Neccesity and referral from PCP,(insurance requires this), Blood work, ultrasound of stomach, an E.K.G., Psychiatric consult, endoscopy(upper GI) and gastroenterologist consult , sleep study and pulmonary functions test, dietician consult, chest xray, stress test and cardiac functions test, full physical by surgeon's nurse practicioner, must attend a support group meeting, all before I saw the surgeon. If anything showed up on any test, that required additional testing, that had to be done also before seeing the surgeon. Then the insurance company requires additional documentation, like six month to twelve month diet history,and depending on the insurance company that diet history may have to include any or all of these: be physcian supervised, have dietician consults, must include behavior modification. There is a lot to gettting ready for this surgery, the quickest I have ever heard of anyone getting this surgery, is 3 months after starting. That person was ex-military and was pre-approved by his military insurance beforehe even started. For most people it's 6 months to a year, and for some it's even longer. I'm not trying to scare you off, I just want you to know what you're in for.

Dana, I see you live in Tampa, I help run a support group in Clearwater, If you would like to come and maybe get some questions answered, you are more than welcome. The support group meets next Saturday, July 10th at Morton Plant Hospital, from 10:00 to noon in the Tuttle auditorium. please come and bring your wife, Hopefuly we can answer any questions you have.

Thank you, Steve! I'm not sure that I'll make the upcoming meeting, but I imagine you'll see us roll in sooner or later. You've been a big help. Obviously you've had your surgery, so how do you like it? What stands out in your mind as the biggest change? Dana Oh, by the way, Steve and everyone else. I run an online company and in the past when I've posted to different forums, my posts commonly come up in the search results when people look for my company. Very frustrating. Wanting a little privacy, I've used the name Dana Blaskoe here, but so as not to be misleading, my name is actually D/a/n/i/e/l B/l/a/s/c/o, but please just keep using Dana and don't type out my name. I would rather if my clients not read all about my obesity issues when searching for my company. Thanks all!

Dana, I love it, I'm 12 weeks out and down 80 pounds. The only thing I would change, is I would have had the surgery sooner. 80 pounds lighter makes it easier to walk, stand, ride my bike,ride my motorcycle, easier to anything. It makes it easier and less painfull. Good luck, we meet every 2nd Saturday and every 4th Wednesday night from 6:00 to 8:00, all at the same place, come join us anytime.

Man oh man, Steve, kudos to you! That's just GREAT! I want this SO badly. I feel like I can get a new lease on life with this surgery. Is the post-op diet expensive? I heard mention of protein drinks/bars and I worry that our relative lack of income may be a problem. Is it possible to plan a post-op diet consisting of normal food items or is protein substitutes and vitamins the only way?

Dana, you do not have to do protein shakes and bars, some people don't do them, but you do have to get your protein in. It's easier with shakes and bars, but not neccesary. For the most part i do not do bars, I just do 1 shake a day in the morning, and I get 40 shakes out of a container costing $25.00. So it's not too bad.Good luck.