Question:
Why all the jumping through these hoops?
It upsets me about all the hoop jumping the EMMC weight loss program in Bangor Maine makes you jump through. I understand and am more then happy to go to a pre-op education class and support group meetings. However, having to meet with a psychologist, physical therapist and dietitian before meeting with the surgeon is way too much. Wouldn't mind so much if I could get in to talk with the surgeon while I'm also meeting with these other people. I mean it seems like I'm getting nowhere real fast. Janet — Janet L. (posted on May 31, 2005)
May 31, 2005
Why all of the jumping through the hoops? Because that is what that
program requires. Different bariatric programs have different
requirements. If you don't like the requirements of the program that you
are in, you can always look for a different program that you may like
better....JR
— John Rushton
May 31, 2005
I went through Maine Medical Bariatric Program in Portland, ME. Anyone
going through this program has to meet with the dietician and a clinical
social worker twice along with meeting with the surgeon twice. I believe
alot of programs are asking for more work from "us" to make sure
that we will comply with the changes we have to make. Maybe if the social
worker or dietician feels that a person is not ready to make the changes
that they will want to see you a few more times before wasting the
suregon's time. Also, many insurances are asking for the person to do
more things before submitting for the insurance approval. As this surgery
has become more and more popular, the waiting lists get longer and longer.
Good luck with with your journey. The wait is worth it. I waited for 2
years for my surgeon but was so glad that I did. From 336/180/150.
— Sue F.
May 31, 2005
Janet,
First, I know that most of the "hoop-jumping" is to meet
insurance and physicians requirements. Your first blessing is that at least
your insurance approves WLS some don't or are starting not to.
Second, What I am about to say may not mean very much now, but it may after
you have surgery. I too had a problem with all the steps necessary but now
I totally understand why they were created the way they were. Each step you
go through helps prepare you for the "after" WLS life. My
biggest pet peeve was the psych appointment and now I realize that is was
also my most important challenge. I can honestly say that if I was a
suicidal type of person - I would have gone over the edge. I am not that
type but if I was my psych doctor would have known and prevented me from
having this surgery - for good reason. This is just one example, there are
many more, but I think this one has the biggest visual impact that may help
you understand a bit better. This surgery has taken me to hades and back -
twice - and I am only 5 weeks out but it still is the best decision I have
ever made. Please look at the pre-op challenges as a military tactic to
get you prepared for war - with yourself - (due to the addiction withdrawls
and such) and unlike other wars there will be no casualties with this one -
if you pay attention closely to your training and challenges then you will
FEEL the ultimate victory. Well, I hope I helped in some way for you -
Good Luck,
Kelly
— Kelly MzKelz Valdez
May 31, 2005
Hey Janet - take a deep breath! This jumping through hoops is a great
precursor to the body changing, life changing procedure you are looking to
have done. Things feel crazy now and they are only going to get more
crazy. I don't understand why you can't meet with the surgeon, but
different systems do different things. Don't rush it, take it as it comes,
it is all a blessing from God.
Dave
Open RNY-distal:4/15/05:500:415.8
— David B.
May 31, 2005
Janet- Relax once you get through all the testing you'll get an
appointment. I felt the same way about going through Dartmouth Hitchcock
Medical Center in NH. There's a reason they want you to do all these tests
first. One of them is to see how committed you'll be after the surgery.
Good Luck
— HeidiXOXO
June 1, 2005
Chill out! Alot of surgeons don't want to waste time on someone that
thinks that Gastric Bypass is just a short cut to getting thin. It takes
hard work and determination. They give you a tool, but want to make sure
that you are going to be willing to use it correctly. They want to be sure
that you are a person that is going into this whole thing with open eyes
and an open mind and ready to make a life change. Not just ready to jump
on a surical table and expect the doctor to do the rest. That is why all
of the consultations. Believe me, it is all worth it. This is coming from
a person that has lost over 140 pounds and is a Support Group Leader. Just
follow there rules and use the tools and you will be so happy with your
results.
— jk_harris
June 1, 2005
Janet, I too agree with the hoop jumping. Well, except for the physical
therapist. Why do they want that?<br><br>I agree that the
psycological appointment is very important. I was not required to meet
with one and wish that I had. In fact I wish all surgeons would require
that not only the patient, but the patients family attend. The emotional
ride is far more dramatic that you realize. And it doesn't just effect
you, but your spouse, children, parents and so on. I strongly agree with
meeting with a nutritionist prior to as well. Look at it from the doctor's
perspective. He can inform you about something or rely on you to find it
on the internet. Doctors are not stupid, they know we all hang out here,
and quite honestly, the misinformation dished out on this site alone is
frightning. Think about it, if you were the doc wouldn't you want to make
sure the patient was correctly informed.<br><br>I know you are
frustrated, I know you want to just have this surgery and be free....but
Janet, you have to take time. This takes a long time. It took me 10
months and I only had to meet with a nutritionist. You say you are happy
to go to pre-op education classes....well hun...that's what these are.
Good luck, and keep your head up.
— RebeccaP
June 2, 2005
I agree with the whole process. I live in Hawaii and with the Kaiser Health
Plan they require a year waiting list, then you have to have 4 behaviorist
classes, 2-3 individual sessions with the behaviorist, 4 group nutrition
classes, 3 visits with the BMD, 1 visit with the suregon, 1 visit with the
physical therapist which is for teaching you ways to exercise, then several
sessions with the support group before you get a surgery date. It is a
lifestyle and mind set change and doing it this way is more sucessfull.
— forensic
June 2, 2005
janet,
i also had my surgery at EMMC on May 1, 2001. There a couple of hoops you
are jumping that I didn't have to back then. However, it was worth it to
me. The results are far worth jumping anything in my opinion. RNY by Dr.
Clough. I have a profile on here somewhere under my name. It has been a
while since I posted though. Good luck to you. Just be patient. (no pun
intended). There are those that have not even gotten this far and are
extremely discouraged. heidi cyr
— heidi C.
June 4, 2005
Sorry you feel that you have had to jump through hoops. Most of us, myself
included have had to do all these things. They are for our benefit, mainly
to make sure that we don't wittingly or unwittly sabotage your efforts to
make this surgery work. Also to "hit the deck running" staight
after surgery is great help to get the WL ball rolling. We are in controll
and know exactly what to do, because we have been taught by the people you
Dr. wants you to see.
Hold on and soon you will be ready to have your surgery, armed and
confident in the knowledge that you will have accumulated beforehand. Keep
up meeting with the consumers of your surgery at your support group. make
it an absolute priority to attend after you come home from hospital.
Studies have shown that those who do are very successful.
Good luck and all the best for your future.
— Lise K.
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