answer ?? please!!

ok i have a few questions..

 

i am waiting to have gastric bypass. I started this process june 2008. I have done all my classes and meetings. and have a appt tues with surgeon at umass. this is my consoltation appt. Is this the last appt? is there gonna be more.. do i make my surgery appt after i see him?

i wish i could spell his name...its something like czienach....any body have him that can answer these ?? i know he will tell me everything but im curious and would like to know ..

 

did you have to go on a liquid diet before surgery? if so how long?

did you only see him once before surgery?

when do you have tests done if you need them.?

i haven't had any and not sure if i do..

thanks.....

Hi Marcie -
some of these questions should be able to be easily answered by the staff at Umass.   I didn't go to Umass so can't help on alot of these questions - at NWH, they require a sleep apnea study - which take time to set up and do.    Best of luck with everything.  I'm sure you'll get the ansswer you need from this board.

I had Dr. Czerniach in October 2008.  I didn't do a liquid diet before surgery.  My last appointment before surgery was with my surgeon - after all my tests and classes, which is generally how it is at UMass.  They'll send out your paperwork to the insurance company and you'll get a letter with a date.  At least that's how it worked for me.  Hope that helps!  I loved Dr. Czerniach, so nice and answered all of my questions, no matter how dumb they sounded!

Get comfortable asking the questions here. Also, ask at the surgeon's office.

I went to NWH. I can call and get answers when I need to.


Linda

Hi Marcie,

My surgeon was also Dr. Czerniach at UMass.  I had my RNY Gastric Bypass surgery on 3/24/08.  Once you have your consulation appt with Dr. Czerniach, they will be submitting your paperwork to your insurance company for approval.  Depending on your insurance, you should hear back within 2 weeks.  I have BC/BS and heard back after 1 week.  I actually received a phone call from the Weight Center with my surgery date before I received my approval letter in the mail.  I did not have to go on a liquid diet before the surgery.  I'm not sure if everyone follows the same protocol, but I did have to be on liquids only for the day before my surgery only. 
I only saw Dr. Czerniach at my consult appt.  The next time I saw him was the day of my surgery.  You will have a pre-testing appointment 1 week before your surgery date. 

I was suppose to have Dr. Kelly at UMASS. But when I was told it would be close a year for surgery!! From my first consult.. I was like wow how far away is that.. I was suppose to the guy you are seeing first.. then had to go through his program, which cost $500.00 out of pocket... meaning your insurance does not pay one cent of it...

I found another surgeon much closer to me, and he is very nice, and a very wonderful surgeon too. And Guess what?? No out of pocket fees to see his people!!! Good luck you'll get sooner or later.. They tell you 6-8 months but I know at least 5 people who went to UMASS and they all told me it was closer to a year...I'm not saying they weren't happy now..If you can afford him go for it...I wish you the best.. Alizka