OHSU

Hi everyone and Merry Christmas!! I just wanted to update that I did go to the information session for OHSU on Dec. 3rd and my new insurance (united healthcare) kicks in on Jan 1st!  I already have an appt with my new PCP and I have my paperwork filled out mostly for the program at OHSU.  My question is, how do you get tested for Sleep Apnea? I know I have it, but have not been technically diagnosed by a medical professional yet.  My dad has it very bad and I snore so loud I could wake the dead.  I wake myself up constantly!  Another question is who did you go to for your psychological eval?  I am having a heck of a time finding someone.  Do I need to try to get this scheduled now? Or will OHSU help me in getting that done? One more thing, if you went to OHSU, how long before surgery did you have to start the 1200 calorie diet and if you could possibly give suggestions of what to eat in a typical day.  I am truly horrible at dieting so I need all the help I can get!  I need any information anyone can offer that has to do with OHSU and their program.  Thanks so much and I hope you all have a wonderful holiday!!

Hi and Merry Christmas to you! I just finished all of the testing requirements through OHSU and and waiting patiently for all of the paperwork from these tests to make it in to the office and get scheduled for an appointment with a surgeon. It took about a month to get my first appointment at OHSU after I sent in the paperwork. That appointment is with the nutritionist and nurse practitioner. The dietitian talks about diet requirements ( I was told there would be no pre-surgery diet however she obviously wants you to eat healthily and with common sense before hand. She also tells you what life will be like after your surgery. The visit with the nurse practitioner is to gather your medical history, she does an h pilori test (a stomach condition that can cause ulcers) and tells you which of the tests you will need. I didnt need a sleep apnea test but did have to have an upper GI, motility test, acid test, blood test, and psych evaluation. The nurse practitioner set most of these up for me and gave me a list of psychologists to call for that test. Good luck! and my best advice is to wait until you get that first appointment but when the nurse practitioner gives you the list of tests get on the scheduling quickly as possible because there are times when it feels like forever. I went to my orientation in August, finished all of my tests three weeks ago and am still waiting for all of the paperwork to get in so that I can see a surgeon. It is not a fast process. Tina

The best way to be tested for sleep apnea is to go thru an overnite sleep study.  Your NP will put out a referral to the sleep disorders clinic at OHSU at your initial appointment.  Your initial appointment at the sleep disorders clinic will be a consultation to see if you actually need a sleep study.  I had my sleep study done over a week ago at a nearby hotel and will be going back to the main campus at OHSU for a follow-up appointment in early January. As for the psych evaluation, I asked my NP for a referral to a psych.  However, I think I will ask my PCP for a referral as well and see if I can get one done at OHSU. As for the 1,200-calorie diet, you should get started on it as soon as you can after your appointment with your nutritionist.  I have been on it for nearly 3 months and have cheated on occasion.  The diet guidelines will be given to you at your initial appointment with the nutritionist. Best of luck!

Ok im confused-Vicki you have a surgeon listed on your details but you haven't finished all of the tests yet? I have not been assigned a surgeon. How did you get one? :) or as Violet said on Willie Wonka and the Chocolate factory, "I want an oompa loompa. I want one now!" :) Tina

Ok im confused-Vicki you have a surgeon listed on your details but you haven't finished all of the tests yet? I have not been assigned a surgeon. How did you get one? Very simple.  The NP assigns surgeons based on patients' decisions of their surgery, usually at the initial appointment.  On occasion, patients themselves decide on the surgeon.   The surgeon in question is the only one in the clinic who does DS. The only test pending for me is the psych evaluation.  I just got the names of psych services from both the NP and my PCP's office earlier this week but haven't called to make an appt yet. Violet said on Willie Wonka and the Chocolate factory, "I want an oompa loompa. I want one now!" :) Too funny!!! That's not how it went at the clinic!  

bummer-i am waiting for lapband-but no one gave me a surgeon name :( ....Maybe when my psych evaluation results get sent in. Iv'e been waiting for almost 3 weeks for the report to go. Tina

I believe that all three surgeons at the clinic do lapbands, so that's probably the reason you have yet to be assigned one. Sometimes it takes time for reports to find their way to the NP. Best of luck!

My cell phone had a message from the psych. She said that since they were not scheduling surgeries until February now :( She was going to wait to send in my report after the New Year. I kind of think that sucks because i still want to get in line and putting off the report puts me at the back of that line (at least this is how I assume it happens). Anyway i guess i will start thinking of surgery as a birthday present :) im 44 in Feb. Tina

Hello Ladies, I had my surgery on March 7th at OHSU. Yes you do need to do a 1200 calorie diet. They will talk to you about it at your first appointment with the surgeon. I know it is difficult to lose weight pre-op, but it is definately worth it!!! If you have any more questions I can help with feel free to send me a message. OHSU is awesome, I was treated with incredible care. I am so happy for this life- changing surgery. Good Luck to you both. Christina