Question:
How do I choose a date?

I am approved for Lap RNY. My doctor has given me a choice of two dates, Dec 10th, and Jan 10th. I am torn between the two, do I go for it sooner with the holidays so soon after? Or do I wait until the new year when everything is calmer? I really don't want to wait, but what if something goes wrong? But if I wait, what if my insurance co changes their minds with the new policy at the first of the year? Any advice would help, thanks    — Linda S. (posted on November 23, 1999)

November 23, 1999
Mine is on Dec. 6. I am very anxious to have it done. It will be my x-mas present to me. I would be too nervous waiting until the New Year, I have been waiting 11 weeks so far and am really, really anxious. If I would have to pick a date for you, I would say - go for it! Good Luck!
   — kathy E.

November 23, 1999
I was told that I'd have to wait until January. Then today the doctor called and it's December 8th. Wow! Actually, I'm glad. It's a good way to end the year/millennium. The only bad thing is I'll miss my 3 year olds son's pre-school Christmas pageant, but he and I will have great times ahead!
   — Morgan B.

November 23, 1999
My doctor set my surgery for 12/15, but still waiting on approval from insurance. I want it to be over with so I can get on with my new life. Thank God I found this place and hopefully with God's help I will be approved soon. I want it done as soon as possible and face the new year with something to look forward to. If you have no big worries, take the early date.
   — Jen L.

November 23, 1999
I am scheduled for Dec 16th and it works out great for me, I work in the schools part-time and with the surgery done then I will have a full 3 weeks + before I go back to school and I plan to be smaller in that time! Since I have been approved for the surgery I have begun to think of food in terms of the post-op diet and portion sizes, so I can hardly wait to get on with things. I started the whole process in motion with a visit to my PCP in July so I guess I am ready. Good luck with your choice - whatever it is! If you haven't heard anything about insurance company changes by now - I don't expect there will be any - besides, you should be pre-approved, and policy changes shouldn't affect that. Good luck - I plan to spend 2000 getting smaller and healthier! I wish the same for you.
   — Judith D.

November 23, 1999
I am scheduled for LAP RNY on December 20, 1999. I would take the earlier date - by the later date - you will be one month post-op!! I am waiting for insurance approval - My Dr. is going to submit next week. GOOD LUCK!
   — Chani B.

November 23, 1999
If your insurance is anything like mine and most others, you have a certain amount of deductables. If you wait until after the 1st of the year you will be responsible for the entire amount of deductible. If you have already met you individual and family deductable amounts for this year, that will be less out of pocket you will be responsible for. Also, going with lap surgery, you should recover more quickly than with open, and you will do fine with the holidays, I was worried about Thanksgiving and eating and such, but I feel comfortable with the holiday dinner coming up. I had my surgery on the 9th of November. I pretty much know what I can eat and even though I will use a saucer instead of a dinner plate, I think that is okay. Good luck. Janice
   — Janice M.

November 24, 1999
I personally would go with the earlier date for two reasons. One because of the deductible issue if that exists with your insurance and 2) because let it be your millenium gift to yourself. With the LAP you will be fine and can enjoy the holidays.
   — Toni K.