I feel guilty it's been so easy... - ThinnerTimes

CeeCee · 01-19-2007, 04:45 PM

...but maybe it's a regional thing? I feel I have to apologize for this, but I seem to be cruisin' through the whole process! (Compared to the West coast)

11/17/06 1st meeting w/surgeon
12/7/06 pschiatric evaluation
12/19/06 dietician (documented weight loss attempts)
1/19/06 2nd appt w/surgeon

Today he told me it looks like a "GO", it will take approx. 1 wk to get approval from "The Blues" as he called them- BCBSRI. He said surgery will likely be end of this month, beginning of next. No "lose 10 %" or liquid diet, etc. No group anything that I'm obliged to attend. I am going to a small, but excellent hospital, and this guy is their "relatively" new Chief of Surgery. Now, I have 3 co-morbidities that are already being treated, otherwise I'm healthy as a horse! Downside: it will be open RNY- he is looking for a lap surgeon to assist, but said I could wait if I wanted to- June, maybe. Now, my wedding is in Oct- I want to be healed and out of the danger zone! (Sort of...) There is another dr in RI who has been around forever, it can take a yr to go through his whole program, I've heard. So- I'm on the fast track- which sounds soooo different from everyone else. And yes, my dr has credentials!
Feedback? Opinions?

gottaloseit · 01-19-2007, 05:40 PM

I am in California and I too was shocked at how fast I got mine done. I asked PCP about it September 1, went to seminar Sept 11, had appointment with surgeon in Mid October, Surgery in November. I had a laproscopic so I was happy about that. No "lose 10%" no nutritionist, no mental evaluation, nothing. I am feeling blessed I just didn't want to boast when others were having a hard time. Good for you!

eyesthatkissu · 01-19-2007, 05:42 PM

Well..... looks like you are definately on the fast track. I'm sure he has credentials lol... what are his statistics? How many has he performed? I'm sure things will be fine... as long as you have done the work and research. Does he offer a support group to deal with all the emotional issues that come with surgery?

CeeCee · 01-19-2007, 06:08 PM

My dr. has lots of credentials, recently published, but not too much buzz in RI as he just moved here approx. 1.75 yrs ago from NY. I give him credit- he's done more open than Lap, so the fact that he won't do Lap until he has hired an associate speaks well, I think. Oh yeah, he told me his mortality rate today- I tried not to crawl under my chair an hide-it's not high.... He was very confident that open recupe time is not really much more than lap, if at all. My PCP is highly impressed with him- she went to a seminar he spoke at. Eat where the truckdrivers eat, go with the surgeon your own doctor prefers.

Gina in NY · 01-19-2007, 06:42 PM

I had no problem with open at all.

And the fast track is great but make sure you still have as much info as possible. Here in NY, the insurance companies are adopting the requirements of the bariatric program I went through because all the education seminars, nutrition stuff etc. increases the long term success rates.

I'm sure that since you're here, you know all you need to know, but put together your own group of support people. You need a few folks around to help you when it gets tough.

Congrats on everything - especially your wedding!

brittany · 01-19-2007, 07:14 PM

Mine was much like yours! I started the process on July 5th and had surgery on September 7th, I could of had it sooner but I felt like I needed to give a two week notice at work before I left. I was shocked at how fast it was BUT while I was waiting those two weeks it seemed like FOREVER!!! I was just thinking that you will have to wait a while to buy your wedding dress because you have no idea what size you'll be! You may even need to have some of it taken up at the last moment!!! THAT IS SO EXCITING!

Duckie · 01-19-2007, 09:52 PM

COOOOOL! Hey neighbor! I'm right down rte. 146. As the others have said, research your surgeon. How many GB surgeries has he done? Any deaths? Complications? Know your doc! GOOD LUCK and keep us posted.

porshh951 · 01-19-2007, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CeeCee

...but maybe it's a regional thing? I feel I have to apologize for this, but I seem to be cruisin' through the whole process! (Compared to the West coast)

11/17/06 1st meeting w/surgeon
12/7/06 pschiatric evaluation
12/19/06 dietician (documented weight loss attempts)
1/19/06 2nd appt w/surgeon

Today he told me it looks like a "GO", it will take approx. 1 wk to get approval from "The Blues" as he called them- BCBSRI. He said surgery will likely be end of this month, beginning of next. No "lose 10 %" or liquid diet, etc. No group anything that I'm obliged to attend. I am going to a small, but excellent hospital, and this guy is their "relatively" new Chief of Surgery. Now, I have 3 co-morbidities that are already being treated, otherwise I'm healthy as a horse! Downside: it will be open RNY- he is looking for a lap surgeon to assist, but said I could wait if I wanted to- June, maybe. Now, my wedding is in Oct- I want to be healed and out of the danger zone! (Sort of...) There is another dr in RI who has been around forever, it can take a yr to go through his whole program, I've heard. So- I'm on the fast track- which sounds soooo different from everyone else. And yes, my dr has credentials!
Feedback? Opinions?

Don't feel bad at all. It just means you're insurance and everything is good. You went to the right docs who knew what they were doing. I got aproved and my final apointment set for surgery in 3 weeks. The entire process only took 3 weeks with all the testing and everything.

Thank you're stars you are getting it done so quickly because others struggle. Don't take it for granted.

Congrats!!

desmccoy · 01-20-2007, 05:35 AM

I think alot of the time we all have to go through a long process. ( which I am glad for so no hard fellings) is that our insurance companies want us too. My insurance won't cover me unless I go through a whole process because they only allow so many a year. so They have to do some weeding. My surgeon also requires it because he wants to make sure we will be successful. Because once you have the surgery once you can not have it again. So, when deciding be sure to take everything into consideration. Congradulations!!!!!!!

maria · 01-20-2007, 07:57 AM

Hey fellow Mainer ! Didn't think I would find someone from "away" on here !