Question:
What to expect for first visit with WLS

I am scheduled for my first visit with the Doctor and am getting nervous. Not sure what to expect. Can anyone give me some ideas on what is going to happen on my first consultation visit? Thanks to anyone that will help.    — Alisha R. (posted on July 20, 2004)

July 20, 2004
I can tell you my experience...When I arrived at the doctors office I filled out a bunch of paperwork and then they had me and my husband watch a film about the surgery. The movie did not actually show the surgery being performed but was of the doctor explaining the surgery along with the benefits and risks. Then we went into an examining room, the doctor came in and explained the surgery that she does, why she does this particular surgery versus other types and answered questions. She spent a good hour and a half with me and my husband. That was about it. Hopes this helps! Don't be nervous and good luck!
   — tdickson

July 20, 2004
My doctor's office required an informational meeting prior to the first appointment. My husband and I did that. Then on the actual first visit, I filled out a bunch of forms and a medical history. My doctor went over it with me and asked me a bunch of questions to determine all my co-morbidities and answered all my questions. Then he told me I qualified and was a good candidate and said they'd submit my paperwork to the insurance company for approval. That's what took forever. Make sure you have a diet history compiled. Most insurance companies are requiring that now, and most require a given number of weeks of physician supervised dieting in the past year. If you have all that done prior to the appointment and can give it to them at that time, you'll shorten your wait.
   — Cathy S.

July 20, 2004
7/20/04 My first visit was great! I signed in, was given many forms to fill out and all the usual stuff you do at doctor's office when you are a new patient. After that, Jennifer (staff) gave us a pamphlet to read. After reading pamphlet, we then asked her questions. She answered all that she could, then our surgeon came in. He spent about an hour going over every thing. We asked millions of questions as a group (4 of us all together). Then we were taken to a room and spoke to our surgeon individually. He spent about 45 minutes with me getting all my medical info, family history, etc. Then he checked my abdomen because I had open gallbladder surgery 1990. Wanted to be sure abdomen was okay to do lap. Then he had his nurse come back to sit me up with appointments for other consults because of my co-morbs. Be sure to have detailed diet history - best to have some doctor's letters about past medically supervised diets, if possible. Have letter typed out explaining why having this surgery is important to you and what losing weight will do to improve your way of life. If you have been on Weight Watchers, LA Weight Loss, etc. get copies of their documents. This helps! After going to outside consult (if you need too) be persistant in getting them to fax results ASAP to your surgeon. The sooner this stuff gets to your surgeon the sooner they can send it to your insurance company. After your surgeon gets all your info to insurance - check with your surgeon weekly. Good Luck and much success!
   — MsFish

July 21, 2004
Don't be nervous now! This visit if informational and to see if you really qualify. There are a few procedures to choice from & your doctor should tell you what approach he/she might take. Final decisions are yours, you will be more tired of paperwork than anything else. SO CALM DOWN
   — Anna M.