How Much Longer Will I have To Wait?

When I first decided to have bariatric surgery I didn't know that the process from beginning to end was going to be soooo long. When I talked to my PCP about it, he told me it was going to be a long process, but not to worry. I went to the seminar back in May, I saw the surgeon in June, I saw the psychiatrist, nutritionist, pulmonologist, and had all my tests done in July. I had the sleep test done in August, I saw the pulmonologist at the end of August, my PCP cleared me for surgery, my pulmonologist cleared me for surgery. I'm bouncing off the walls because I'm thinking that all is right with the world and I'm off to have the surgery done. I called the surgeon's office to set up another appointment and I'm told they have to review my chart to see if everything's in. I'm told they will call me. They did, and I'm told that they never received the EKG report and that I must call the place where I had it done so they can fax it to the doctor. I immediately call and they fax the report over to the doctor's. Today I received a call from the surgeon's to tell me that, unfortunately, I have to go to a cardiologist to have a clearance from him. What's up with this? Does this mean that they found abnormalities when they did the EKG? The secretary told me to call her as soon as I set up the appointment with the cardiologist so she can fax him my report. I immediately call the place the secretary referred me to, they take down all the necessary information such as my name, birthdate, insurance, blah blah blah. I won't be able to see the cardiologist until October 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If it wasn't because I truly want to have this surgery done I would've quit a while back. As of right now, my concern is what is it that they found that they feel it's necessary for me to see a cardiologist. Will I ever have this surgery done? Nereida

hi nereida i'm kinda suprised that they didnt' send you to the cardiologist in the begining -- cardio is pretty standard with all the surgeons -- don't worry about going  -- it's just precautionary -- like pulmonary is  and yes, for some it is a long wait  -- and some people have road blocks -- and just the timing of appointments -- and what time of year certain dr offices are more busy  can you find another cardiologist who could possibly get you in sooner?? can your PCP recommend someone else?? just a suggestion :)  take it easy -- use the wait to your advantage -- i know, easy for me to say since i'm already post -op -- my husband and i had our appointments the same day for consultation -- november 17, 2005 -- his surgery was may 22, 2006 -- mine was november 22, 2006 -- different insurance companies, different medical problems came up -- bottom line, we both had surgery -- use this time to educate yourself some more -- go to support meetings - there is always more to learn -- i learn something every day from someone who has posted something -- or a newspaper article  good luck to you -- and remember that we are all here pushing for you to get to where you want to be :)  take care roberta

Hi, I understand your frustration.  All of us had to go through hoops in order to get the surgery.  I don't beleive they found anything unusual on your test.  All surgeons want you to see 5 specialists, a nutritionist, a psychiatrist, a pulmonary doctor, a cardiologist, and a stomach doctor, each of these doctors will send you for testing.  I beleive they just want  the cardiologist to clear you for the surgery.   Usually the cardiologist will send you for a stress test, then make his decision.   Did you see a stomach doctor yet?  The name that they call him I have a hard time pronouncing Gastroentorologist, not sure I spelled it right either.  He will send you also for a test to check and see if your throat and your stomach and intestines are okay.   Once you get cleared from all 5 doctors, Then your surgeon should submit it to your Insurance company for approval.  If you didn't see a stomach doctor yet, I think you need to speak with your surgeons office and find out whether you need to see a stomach doctor also, so you can set that up in the meantime while your waiting to see the cardiologist.   It shouldn't be long after that, Just take one day at a time.  I really don't know what else to say but you got to do what you got to do if you want this surgery bad enough.  Let me know what happens and I pray everything turns out good for you.  I just want to let you know that when I took my stress test for my cardiologist he thought he saw something wrong on my test and wanted me to come in the next morning and talk to him.  I couldn't sleep all night.  When I went the next morning I was so nervous he said he wasn't 100% sure but he thought they may be a blockage in one of my arteries in my heart.  So the next week I had to go for another test, a catherization, I was so nervous again and guess what I was fine no blockages.  So I was then approved by the cardiologist for surgery.  The test that I took was a test that no one in this world would want to take.  It was life threatening that is all I will tell you.  So now do you understand why I understand your frustration.  Be blessed today and tommorow and for yesterday.  It is in God's time that you will have the surgery not your time.  God bless You. Melissa

Nereida: EKG are tempramental tests.  If the connector get**** you could get a bad reading.  They will probably do a ECho Cardiogram and you will get the clearance at that point.  I had bad EKG readings on both my surgeries and had to have a chemical stress test for the first.  It is precautionary and it is better to find out what they need to keep you alive once you are under sedation then to find out while you are under.   It normally takes about 1 year for the entire process as most insurance companies require a 6 month pre-op diet.  You are rapidly approaching the end of this part of your journey.  Hang in there, October will be before you know it.  In the mean time do as Roberta suggested in her post.  Get prepared.  Try and lose as much as you can as it makes it easier during the surgery. Good luck to you.  We will all be waiting on the loser's bench for you to join us. Jeanne

Hi Nereida Every insurance company and doctor's office have different requirements, but just as a heads up and since someone else mentioned it and I didn't see it mentioned in your post, call the surgeon's office to make sure they are not also going to require an ERD test, which is and endoscopy of your esphougas (sp?) and stomach and done by a gastroentologist, this way you don't get hit with yet another thing to hold up your process.  Some of the tests are based on age, since I am over 50 I had to have a stress test cardio clearance, but where I had things done, they gave me a list of all the clearances I needed the day of consult and then, of course, I had to make calls to make sure the results went where they were supposed to (the surgeon's offices) because what I ran into a lot was people that don't follow instructions on where and who is to receive information. . . The hoops we must go through to achieve the desired results are what they are, but how we deal with them to me is somewhat of an indication of our dedication to making this change in our lives, good luck and stay on top of things, it will all come together, trust me I have had my moments of frustration along this path!

Laureen,

 

You could write a book on the HOOPS that have to be jumped in this process.  Your response is excellent.

 

 

Jeanne

The hoops we must go through to achieve the desired results are what they are, but how we deal with them to me is somewhat of an indication of our dedication to making this change in our lives, beautiful comment Laureen!!!   hugs roberta

It does take some time to get all of your ducks in a row. Dr. O is anal about having everything done correctly. I know that it is a bit of a pain in the butt but in the long run ... wouldn't you want him to be sure about everthing BEFORE the surgery? You made a great choice in doctors. I had a great experience with DR.O Good luck and keep the faith it is all worth it in the end!

I thank everyone who's responded so far. I've had ALL the tests done. I went to AtlantiCare in Atlantic City and had my EKG, echocardiogram, blood work, pulmonary test done, I had to drink that nasty, chalky substance so they could get a picture of my digestive system, I had to have an MRI of my left leg being that I had DVT (blood clots) in my left leg when I had my second child. I've followed the doctor's orders to a tee, but it's so frustrating. In the meantime, my husband's been pestering me about the surgery. He doesn't want me to have the gastric bypass, he wants me to do the lap band. I think I'll be going with the lap band, not because he's pestering me about it but because there are financial issues involved. I know there's a light at the end of this long, dark tunnel. Thanks, everyone Nereida