Vandy Patients....A Little Help Please!

Okay,I have started pre-op testing, but I have one or two questions to ask. When do I schedule my psych exam and when do I go to support group meetings. I have my cardio consultation this Friday and my EGD for the 21st of this month. I am already scheduled for my nutritional consultation and the first meeting after that as well. I was told that I would be informed and scheduled for the 3rd meeting with the nutritionist but that leaves the psych exam and the support group meetings. My new surgeon is Dr. Richards. I feel so much like a  headless chicken right now that it's really not funny, but then again it is.
If any of you know how I go about these two things please let me know. I'm also wondering when I'm supposed to see Christian again as well, because I really did forget to ask them. Perhaps I will call for another appointment with Christian after I have the first two appointments out of the way, since he was in a meeting Monday and I didn't get to talk to him. It just makes sense to me how about ya'll!

Thanks in advance for any help you guys/gals can give.



Diane J.

Hello Diane,  I just had my surgery with Dr. Richards about 4 weeks ago.  I had to set up my psych exam, Christian should have given you a list of Dr. that your insurance will cover.  I only had to see Christin once.  Didn't have to have any other testing done.  Alos in your folder from the seminar you should have been given support group meeting list and when they meet- once again that is up to you when you go.  As far as the last nutriton meeting I had to call and get my scheduled- I thought I was complete and they informed me differently.  My advise to you is get copies of everything and keep it in a folder, keep checking with them to make sure you have everything you need.  If I can be of any more help just let me know. Melissa

Hello Melissa,

Yes, I did get a list of support groups that meet as well as the list of Psychologists that are available, I do have the yellow folder...lol. I was just wondering if I had to do it myself and since I know I do I will get started on scheduling and getting to the meetings.  I am seeing a Jennifer Angus for the nutritional meetings. I'm supposing you did as well. I am so thankful for someone that has just had surgery at the same hospital and especially with the same surgeon. Thank you so very much!

Diane

I scheduled my own psych exam also. I got a list of drs covered from my insurance company. I just went to the support group meetings when I could. I used to go on Fridays at noon. The more you go the better for you. Some people had  been going for a year before surgery. I went for about 6 months off and on, but that was not a requirement for me. Sometimes Christian was in the support meetings and the nutritionist will be there almost all the time. They will schedule your 3rd nutritionist meeting for you. I didn't see Christian anymore before surgery either. I met him and Dr. Melvin at the same time and then I saw Dr. Melvin before surgery after I got approved. Let me know if you need anymore info. Marie

I am so lucky to have you as well as Melissa! Oh I can not believe how lucky I am. Thank you so very much. So, I will just call and get my psych exam scheduled. I can get to more support group meetings than just 2 or 3 I think the more the better as well. Thank you again Marie! I will surely ask if I need any more info.


Diane

I agree with the others.  It is never too early to start going to support groups.  Just look for some in your area, they don't have to be the ones sponsored by your dr. good luck on you journey. darlene

Hi Diane. I would go ahead and schedule the psych exam and the go to the support group meetings now. That way, you will have them out of the way and once you get sone with the other tests and appointments, you can get submitted for approval. You will probably not see Christian agian right now. When you are done with all of your appointments and tests, you need to contact Jennifer Ginnings and make sure she has everything and she will get your file ready to be submitted for insurance. You do nto have to see Christian agian since he already seen you and gave you the go ahead. I am excited for you.

Agree with everyone so far.  Best way to get a hold of Jennfier Ginnings is by her email- she her self has agreed to that.  I agree withteh support group meetings as far as you don't have to stay with Vanderbuilt- this is my own personal opion, I was not impressed with them at all.  One meeting turned out to be more of a grip session about women wanting to leave thier husband since they have lost thier weight.  I have found more support here and withthe linch bunch groups than I did at Vanderbuilt.  But I went to my two to get them signed off.. Once agian this was my experiecne with them only. 

Hello Everybody,

I called today and scheduled my psych exam. It is Feburary the 8th and I'm considering going to Murfreesboro for their support group meetings. It's so close I may just be able to attend them every week or every other week. I will check their schedule and see when they will be meeting. It is so nice to know that I can 
count on you guys/gals.

Thanks Misty! I'm just as excited about this whole thing it's almost unbelieveable.

Thank you all so much for the tips! I'm greatful for ya'll, you just don't know!



Diane