Looking for people's thoughts on UMASS

Hi there... I started researching weightloss surgery back in January this year. I went to both information sessions at UMASS in April. They called me last month to schedule my first "intake" appointment for September 10th. Ugh... what a long wait for a phone call, only to now wait again for my appointment.

Anyway... I am currently waiting for my appointment. I am just curious what people's experiences have been with UMASS? From the first "intake" appointment till surgery.... how long did it take for you to have your surgery? Did you have to wait this long for your first "intake" appointment?

I am trying to be paitent, but this is taking forever.  Does anyone have any "do's and don'ts" that I should know about when working with UMASS?

Thank you so much.

RazzyRobyn

Hello!  I had my surgery at UMass.  I believe that I went to my information sessions back in July or August.  I had my first intake appt with Dr. Gitkind on 9/17/07.  The whole process from start to finish took me about 8 months.  After your first appt with Dr. Gitkind, you will be scheduled to see a nutritionist and a behavioral specialist (Psych).  From there, you will be set up for your Pre-Surgical Skills Group Classess.  There are 4 classes ... 1 per week.  Your goal during these 4 weeks of classes will be to lose weight.  At the end of your classes, if your weight is less than your weight from the 1st initial appt with Dr. Gitkind, you will be moved on to see the Behavioral Spec. one last time.  She will write your readiness letter for surgery and send it to the surgeon.  If you gain weight, you will have to see the nutritionist until that weight is lost.  Once the surgeon receives your readiness letter, you will be set up for a consult appt with the surgeon/NP.  My surgery date was scheduled approx 1-2 months after the consult appt.  It is definitely a long process, but honestly ... as long as I thought the process was, it definitely went by fast.  I felt well prepared for the surgery and lifestyle changes ahead of me.  I hope this helps.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  
 

Thanks so much for the great information. I really appreciate it! I actually do not have any further questions (at the moment).  Thank you.

Kindly,
Robyn

Im not going through UMASS but I went to an informational meeting through fallon/med city and I dont have my first intake until Sept 23rd. I think Massachusetts just has a great deal of obese people!!

But dont worry about the service there for sure!!  I just had a left thyroid lobectomy on thursday and let me tell you .... I was treated like a QUEEN!! I recovered in the bariatric unit and I was actually in the same room with someone who had just had the surgery. Any time I hit the button they were there within seconds, they listened to my concerns and were really great. I felt really comfortable with the staff and my surgeon, so I think UMASS is really worth the wait!!

Good luck!!  :) The time will go by quicker than you expect!! :)

Thanks so much for the positive post! That's great to hear!! Good luck with your intake appointment at Med City!

Robyn