Question:
What can I expect at my first consultation with my surgeon at BTC?

I have my first consultation tomorrow and I'm wondering what to expect. Will I get a complete physical, or just get weighed? Will I be weighed with my clothes on? I ask because I'm borderline & I'm thinking about putting on some ankle weights or putting quarters in my pockets just to be sure. What do you think? Will I get caught? What if I am a couple lbs. too light? (never had to worry about that before :-)) Thanks!    — M G. (posted on September 11, 2002)

September 11, 2002
When I had my consultation at BTC's office in Schaumburg, IL I first met with a counselor (all counselors have had surgery) who did an entire medical history and asked me many questions about "co-morbidities" and my diet history. Before my appointment I created a diet history with start date/weight and end weight. They will also ask you about physician-supervised weight loss programs since many insurance companies require this before approval. In addition, they will ask you about all medications you take and the dosage; I also took a list of these along with me. Then, after the counselor spends this time with you and does your history a physician will meet with you and discuss the surgery and BTC's philosophies. As for the weighing, you will be weighed with clothes and shoes on and they will ask your height; I am 5'3-1/2" so I think I got rounded down to 5'3" so I wasn't quite as borderline. Best of luck; they are wonderful people at BTC.
   — Mary U.

September 11, 2002
I know someone that was borderline and went with ankle weights on. It worked for her but just make sure you wear extra long pants to cover them cuz when you sit down they might show. GOOD LUCK~~~ Donna Rutherford Open RNY 7/5/02..-53#
   — DRutherford

September 11, 2002
You will only get weighed as previous post stated, however, you will need to fill out lengthy paperwork to state any co-morbidites. Do you have any?? I must say and please don't take this the wrong way, but I think its a disgrace to even think about putting extra weight ankles on just to get approved for this surgery. I hope you have done all of your homework and research about this surgery. Its not a magic pill, it's a life altering decision as well as protocall for people who are severely or morbidly obese.
   — Janine L.

September 11, 2002
I just wanted to reply to those who think I was considering ankle weights as a way to cheat because I'm not really obese. Thank you for your concern, but my BMI is exactly 40 according to my home scale. I was simply considering 1lb. weights to be sure I didn't get on the Dr.'s scale and find my self only a couple lbs. under. And although they are not YET severe, I do have multiple co-morbidities. Believe me, I realize the gravity of this. Rather than wait until I've gained even more weight & have even more severe co-morbidities I'm going to do something about my disease. If I had a small cancerous tumor you wouldn't tell me to wait until it got larger to have it removed would you? - Melissa
   — M G.