Newbie here!

I really love all of the info I am getting from all of you. It has really helped me and I thank you. My question is this..can anyone tell me what happens on the first visit with the surgeon? I am scheduled Wed. with Dr. Noel Williams at Univ of Pa. I have called the office twice and was told "basically conversation." Hmm, 3-4 hours of conversation? Is this true? Thank you for your help! Erin

I had to fill out a really detailed medical history, meet with the nutritionist (fondly called the NUT on these boards),  review the food basics for the rest of my life, talk with the surgeon about the type of surgery I wanted, while he did a review of the types he offered,  talk to the office girl about the insurance, etc.      Good Luck,,,    what type of WLS are you looking at?    Mary C

Thank you Mary! That really helps a lot. I'm looking at RNY. Congrats on your weight loss by the way!

Erin, I am not using your surgeon, but I can tell you that the other reply is what happened w/ me the first time I saw mine, as well.  Going over your options, your medical history, nutritionist, etc.  I did NOT see an insurance person at my hospital but that was OK as they sent me a letter shortly after. Good luck let us know how it goes and welcome to the boards!! Pam

I appreciate your response, Pam. It's unreal how you get more info from the boards than you do from the doctor's office! Good luck on your upcoming surgery. Your surgeon was my first choice, but they don't take my insurance :(

Hi Erin, I had my surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital which is part of the U of P system.  If they run the programs similiarly you will do all of your paperwork and then meet in a round table discussion with the surgeon, nutrionist and then the office coordinator/manager.  They will each cover their part.  It will be general as no one will have the same insurance, goals etc. You then wil meet with the nutrionist and finally the surgeon.  The nut will go over some general stuff and the surgeon will examine you, usually looking at your stomach, legs and make his recommendations for pre-op test, such as pulmonary, cardiac, psyh eval.  He or the nut will then tell you what you have to follow whether it be a 3 - 6 month diet, the answer to that will depend on your size, insurance requirements and the surgical protical.   Then you start doing what you have to do to get approval or ready for surgery. My co-worker had Noel 4 years ago and had lost 250 lbs. in his 18 months.  His follow-ups were always with one of Noels associates.   To put your mind further at ease, Noel was one of the first docs in the area to perform bariactric surgery and many of the docs have learned from him.  YOU ARE IN GREAT HANDS. If you have any further questions, even though I didn't go to U of P please feel free to PM me. Good luck. Jeanne

Thanks, Jeanne for the positive feedback on Dr. Williams. It really helps! Also thank you for the details. Now it's not so much "fear of the unknown."

Erin, Have nothing more to add, as what you've been told is pretty standard it seems among the surgeons who do this surgery, but wanted to welcome you to the boards and also tell you that someone I know also had nothing but great things to say about your surgeon!  Oh and curiousity has me, what insurance do you carry? Good luck at your consult and if you haven't already done so, use the profile part of this site to blog your journey. . . Looking forward to your impressions later in the week.

Laureen, Thanks for the welcome! I have Horizon Blue Cross HMO. When I first contacted Barix they said they took my insurance and scheduled an appt. After calling my insurance company, they couldn't find any of the docs on their list. I called Barix back & another girl in the office said they didn't take my insurance after all. I was upset, but I know Dr. Williams is a great surgeon. We'll see after Wed!

hi erin welcome aboard!!  i have the same surgical team as Jeanne so i'm not going to repeat what she said :)  this will be a group informational meeting -- that is why it is so long -- when you go for your 1st real appointment there is a list of questions that you should ask -- i can post them when you need them --i'm just too lazy and tired to look for them now -- sorry -- that is NOT like me   best of luck with your decisions :)  Roberta