Initial meeting with bariatric surgeon

Well, I have been thinking about this for about 3 years. I have started the process and backed out because I was losing weight on my own. But sadly, I have gain back all the weight I lost. So, I finally did it and decided that enough is enough. I decided I was going to go through with it once and for all. Yesterday I had my initial consultation with my bariatric surgeon...... and I have decided that I am going to op for the RNY as opposed to the sleeve.

But I still have a way to go- per my insurance requirements I have to meet with the nutritionist for 12 consecutive months and I have my first meeting on Monday. I am also being set up to meet with a behavioral health specialist- date is pending.

But I am excited even though its a ways off- I have the support of my husband and the few people I have chosen to tell about it ( plan on telling more, but not until I get closer to surgery). I am also mentally prepared to pay about $7000 out of pocket expenses for the surgery alone. That doesnt include the behavioral health specialist costs or my nutritionist.  My nutritionist visit is $75 for first visit and $30 each time after that......sadly, doesnt apply towards my $5000 deductible because they dont bill my insurance.

I do have to lose a little bit of weight first to get my BMI to 60..... so I have to lose about 70 pounds...but I have 12 months to get that done. But after my meeting with the nutritionist on Monday, I will start working on that.. so my first goal will be to get to 350 lbs.

Looking forward to the rest of 2017  :)

Hi and welcome! I assume you are in the US? 12 months is the longest I've heard so far for nutritionist monitoring, but Since you have to lose some weight anyway- no big deal. Sorry your facing such high expenses- but I'll say if you stick with it, have surgery and follow the guidelines it'll be the best investment in you you'll ever make. 

I started with a BMI >50, so know it's possible. Easy-- nope-- with it-yes!! Have you thought about what types of dietary changes you'll make to lose the 60? Nutritionist can be  hot or cold-- f you get a cold one they may fill you with foolish advice. Check out the daily menu threads- they'll give you great insight on what people are eating at all sorts of stages. 

Welcome to the boards!

When I started the process I was nearly 500 lbs and by the time I had my first consult I was 484 lbs. I wish you good luck with the process, waiting for the final approval from the insurance company can be very frustrating but hang in there you will get through it. Now that you have a plan from your nutritionist(NUT, you will see people using these initials for nutritionist), I'm sure you will do great!

Welcome to OH!   Congratulations on deciding to have WLS and on the life changing journey you are about to embark on.   You will find a lot of support here and a lot of great people who have walked in your shoes.   I myself am 16 years out.  Battling some regain after 12.5 years of maintenance, but I would do this surgery again in a heartbeat.  

I look forward to reading about your journey and progress to getting the RNY, be sure to keep us updated on how things are going.  

Nik

Congratulations! You're doing a great thing for yourself!

Welcome to the boards. You have made a good decision. As for expense, I understand perfectly. My insurance did not cover any weight loss programs or procedures at all so I had to wait until I had saved up enough to have the surgery. It was well worth it. Waiting a year is not a bad thing. It will give you time to work on the mental aspects of this procedure and lifestyle change we all go through. For me, the "mind part" is the hardest to handle.

Good luck on your journey and I hope you join us for your journey!

Ceci

Welcome!  Take full advantage of the time you have and learn as much as you can.  You will find a wealth of knowledge here.  My first consult was in October 2015 and surgery was early June 2016.  I really needed those 6 months to get my head ready and to fully research what surgery choice was the best for me.  Best wishes.