New Here Many Questions

Hi, my sister and I are looking into surgery, well we have started the process, paid the 500 dollars and are now gettinng the tests done. We both just found out we have gallstones so I am concerned about having two surgeries is this needed? I want to have the surgery ASAP.. How long was the process from start to finish? What was the out of pocket costs? How long did you take of work? We are having then RNY lapascopicly (sp) I will await some answers.. Shannon

Shannon, It depends where you having the surgery how long the process is. Since you paid $500 already, you obviously have your surgeon. I had mine in Wareham. It was 3 months from the time I attended the seminar till surgery. This included all tests, psych eval and nutritionist. You can ask your surgeon how long the process will take. They have a very good idea; the office staff usually does too. I do not know about the gallbladder. Mine was fine so I didn't have to worry about that. I was out of work for 4 weeks. I felt fine, I was dealing with fatigue. I feel I could have returned to shorter hours at 3 weeks. Most people that I talked to took 3 weeks off. Every company is different. Since I work for a big company, I dealt with an outside party who handled my FMLA case and short term disability. Good luck, Maura

I don't have any specific answers to offer since I had a different surgery from the one you are pursuing but I wanted to welcome you to the board and wish you (and your sister) much success in your respective journeys. Caeli

Hi, and welcome! The enitre process for me from the date I decided to actually have the surgery to the day I was given a surgial date was under 2 months, however, I was seeing the docotors and the clinic staff for 9 months total. I basically chose my own date of May 25 because that is when I am going to be done with the semester. I think if you are persistant you should be able to find a doctor that will work with you. As far as the gallstones go, I wound up in the ER before I found out I have several. I spoke to my surgeon and he said that when he is actually in there he will look at the gallbladder and see if it looks healthy. I am hoping it is good because I dont want any added complications from a second surgery. What did your surgeon say about the gallstones??? Also, I am only taking off about 2 weeks from work, I can not miss any more as there is no one to cover but I am going to be doing a MUCH lighter load, I hope Im ok, I think, you should take as much time off as you can afford and your job will allow. After this surgery there are tons of things our bodies are going through, not to mention just the HEALING! I think ultimatly though, it is a personal decision that you and your doctor must discuss and decide upon. Hope my ramblings help, Ellen

Hi Shannon, Rapid weight loss (as with the RNY) is associated with gallbladder removal so you might consider discussing that with your surgeon. I am wondering why you have to pay $500? Is your insurance covering your surgery? You shouldn't have to pay anymore than your copays, etc.

Hi, I am responding to a few things. The private emails telling me to stay away from beth israel are not very helpful... Thank you for welcomming me to the board. I spoke to the medical director and yes they will remove our gallbladders at the time of surgery. I also thought everyone paid 500.00 up front for a fee to the program am I wrong? My sister and I both paid that. I do have plenty more question but I should be working so i will work for a bit and then return... Thank You for all of the advise!

Shannon, do you think the $500.00 may be your deductible? Otherwise, I can't help you there. I do want to tell you that I did have my gallbladder removed at the same time as my Lap RNY and I have had no problems at all. It makes sense to have it done since he is in there anyway instead of having to have two surgeries. it will be removed laproscopaply. I am 9 days post-op and doing great!!! I wish you and your sister the best of luck and my prayers will be with you!!! (((Hugs))) Holly O.

It has nothing to do with our deductible Its just a program fee. We have not even been approved by our insurance. 9 days post op OHHH I wish that were me, I have no patience with this process!!! I would go tommorow if I could. How was the PAIN, please be honest this is my biggest fear. Having my sister have the surgery with me should be awesome we are both very excited... How long had you been in the hospital? Are you still in any pain? do they give you meds for pain? What hurts? I mean if they are not cutting my stomache open is the pain insde? I cant wait to hear your answers.......

I am 2 months post op. The actual pain really lasts about a day. It is really discomfort after that; very hard to describe. I only had morphine pump for one day. Injection pain med after that and nausea med. I was very nauseous in the hospital! When I got home I was very uncomfortable and had a hard time getting in and out of bed - no ab muscles then. About day 6 I started with "gas" pains. They hurt so bad; out of everything that is most of what I remember as far as pain goes. I was sent home with liquid percocet. I only took it at night to help me sleep and once for the gas pains. I was discharged on my second post-op day @ 4:00 p I also had to pay about $500. It was for the psychiatrist and pre-op support groups because they will not go through ins. companies. My surgeon did not charge a fee, just the regular visit appts that got paid by ins. It took about a full 6 weeks to get all of my energy back. Lots of fatigue for a while. I must say I feel wonderful now and more happy every day that I had the surgery. Best wishes to you and your sister on your endeavors! Keep us updated1 Maura

I am going back to Boston next week so I will ask about the 500? You must be right about the psych and nutrition charge? They did not even try to get it through insurance, oh well i will check. Thank you for telling about the pain, I am so glad I am here and have all you people to talk to. Its more helpful than you know. So 3 weeks ago we went to Beth Israel for our first visit with the RN and medical director, we had our labs and EKG also that day. Once we got home to Nantucket my DR here scheduled our breathing test, gallbladder ultra sound, and echo gram? we have the echo left, On tuesday we see the nutrionist and 2 weeks later the psych exam and group. OK so whats left, why do they ask the insurance company at the end??? I want to know now. Ok Im rambeling Thanks Again Everyone