Had my initial consultation today...

With Dr. Stelmack at BTC in Columbus. I really liked him, as he's very matter-of-fact and up front about the risks and benefits and what to expect. He did require an EKG, sleep study and psych. eval before he'll sign off. About those requirements...I don't currently have a PCP, as we moved in July and I haven't gotten a new doctor yet. Can I just call the local hospital and get these tests scheduled? Anyone know about how long it will take to get them done once I call? What about the psych. eval...how do I go about finding someone to do that? I am a nervous wreck about the sleep study. I rarely am able to sleep anywhere but in my own bed, and the thought of trying to sleep while being hooked up and watched is freaking me out a bit. Thanks for listening...I'm sure I'll have a million questions! Susan

Hi Susan, Typically you need a doctors orders to get those types of tests done at the hospital. The Dr. who is doing my surgery arranged for me to have the tests done, and the psych eval also. Did they say they would let you know or anything or are they leaving it up to you? As for the sleep study, they only need a few hours of sleep time and usually if you lay there long enough you will fall asleep long enough for them to get a reading on you. They usually try to make it seem like a comfy room to help you out because I think most people are nervous and afraid they won't sleep, so don't sweat that part of it. Hang in there and good luck to you!!! barb

Barb, I did get a form from the surgeon that he told me to take to my PCP that lists the tests I need, since I'm preparing for surgery. It does have his signature on it. I told him that I don't currently have one, and he suggested I find a new one, but I don't feel comfortable finding a PCP I don't know, and then asking him/her to order tests. Susan

yeah i don't blame you for that.....trust is everything when it comes to a doctor.......hoping you find a solution real soon!!!!!! good luck

I looked in my local phone book for a sleep clinic and was referred to one. I, too, do not sleep well in strange places, but did sleep enough for them to get a good reading. As for the psych. evaluation, I called my insurance (UHC) and they referred me to someone who was qualified to do the evaluation. Timing depends on scheduling and with the holidays coming up, it may take a while. Good luck in your journey.

Hi Susan, my PCP suggested a doctor in the Westerville area (northeast of Columbus) and he then recommended the actual clinic I would be going to. That clinic is on Rt. 23 just north of I-270. If you can't find one in Marion, that might be a good option for you. If you would like the dr's. name and phone number, email me and I'll be happy to give it to you. Good luck. Denise

Hi Susan! Too bad you weren't closer to the east side of Columbus, my PCP is the best! Maybe call your insurance company and get a list of covered doctors in your area. Then ask around, people you know or people at work and see who they are going to. That is how I found Dr. Milks and I tell you I wouldn't go to anyone else. There are at least 6 people that I work with that go to him, so I knew he came highly recommended. One of the ladies I work with didn't have a PCP when she started her journey either and the one she chose really didn't believe in wls so he made her do additional supervised diets and it took 6-8 months longer than it did with me since I had a Dr. that not only believes in wls, but was great at documenting my weight and weight loss attempts over the past 6.5 years. It really made my application and approval process a lot easier. So when you call one...ask the doctor how he/she feels about wls. Best of luck to you! Pam

Susan, My WLS on 1-4-01, was at the Barix Clinic in OH. My surgeon is now at the Barix Clinic in PA. Because of that, I switched to wonderful Dr. Trace Curry, here in Cincinnati, Ohio. I go to him for all my post-op needs. Love, Sandy Pierce

I had my surgery done at Barix on Nov 10th. They are Awesome. I had a pcp but called Barix and they referred me to the sleep and phys. drs.-I think if they already work with the Barix things will go faster. I would try to get these scheduled asap as they take the longest to do. I also had problems sleeping, just let them know and they can give you meds. that night so you will be able to sleep. I'm sure you will have a great journey with them. If you have any problems e-mail me and I will give you the name etc. of some very helpful people there.

Well, I made some phone calls today. I found out I can get the EKG done at the hospital on a walk-in basis, I made an appointment with a psych. for Christmas Eve (ugh!) and I will go in next week to take the written assessment, and I have to see the dr. associated with the local sleep clinic before they'll do the study. The soonest they could get me in is January 6. So...some progress made. I just wonder how long it will be after I see the doctor until I can get the sleep study out of the way. Susan