Haven't been to a meeting yet, but hope to be there soon - ThinnerTimes

mybushabear · 07-16-2004, 07:16 PM

I have my appointment with Dr. Potts this Monday and was surprised I got an appointment so soon. Thought I had to meet with the RN first but if I can skip a step here or there I'm happy about it. It's been since last December that I've waited to get to this point. I do want to attend some meetings but I keep forgetting about them. I'm not that much of a "seasoned' veteran yet as to what to and how to do things. I love reading what everyone writes and have learned so much. One day I hope to meet some of you. Is there an average time after seeing the doctor that things really get rolling? As always, any help or adivce is appreciated
Thanks in advance
Cindy

stakeda · 07-17-2004, 08:52 AM

Cindy,

For me, I saw Kelly first. She gave me a list of tests to complete prior to my chart heading for dictation. At that point, it was up to me. The testing took a couple of months. But, I thought my primary care doctor was forwarding any and all results to Dr. Callery's office. Unfortunately, she wasn't. So I wasted a couple of months waiting to hear back from Dr. Callery's office. Finally, I called and Alicia informed me that tests were missing. Luckily, I was smart enough to keep copies of all of the results in my binder. So, I faxed them over to her. Within 24 hours, my chart went to dictation. Within a couple of weeks it went to the insurance company for approval. Insurance companies have 30 days to respond with an answer. I was denied. My insurance company claimed that my employer didn't contract to have GBP included. Fortunately, this was not correct. I called my H/R department and they had me approved within 24 hours. Leslie, Office Manager @ Dr. Callery's, called to tell me it was approved and scheduled my surgery within 2 weeks. From there, I was in a whirlwind of preparation. Before I knew it, I was at my pre-op appointment with Dr. Callery. And within a few days, I was in Recovery at Pomerado.

This is just my story. I know it differs for everyone. Hope this helps.

Good luck!

Christina · 07-17-2004, 10:22 PM

Cindy,

First of all .. Welcome to our little group of losers!!!

As far as the appointment goes, is this your consult?? Dr. Potts does his own consults, pre-ops and whatnot. Kelly and Dr. Callery work together for those types of things. Seriously take this time that you have right now and really research the surgery as much as you can. I know you said you were waiting since December, but that truly isn't that long. I can say that now that I am on the "other side" a lot easier... lol I know it seems like a lifetime but this is your life and you should know the surgery inside and out by the time you have it. It's a lifetime thing..

Anyway please do go to any and all support groups that you can. You can click on the calendar section of this forum and find all of the support groups listed. You are required to attend the nutritional seminar and the pre-op support group. I did both at least twice prior to surgery as well as all the other groups that I could find. I still go because I feel it is important. If it were not for the support groups and the people at them, there is no way that I would be doing as great as I am today. There is a special bond that we all share weather we like it or not.. lol Nobody understands us and what we are going through like we do. (I hope that made sense..

) You must stay in touch with the support in order to succeed.. that is my philosophy anyway..

Good luck on your upcoming surgery .. you will do great..

mybushabear · 07-19-2004, 06:30 PM

I just need to have some blood work done and of course see the "mind" doctor and one ultrasound. My doctor had me do a lot of testing before I even got to the referral stage. So, I'm hoping within two months or so I shall be on my way to being a smaller person.
Yes, I have been researching this for a long time. Well over a year. I know a lot of people who have had the surgery and I have really thought about it for a while. It was just in December I went to my first seminar - through Sharp. So I am well aware of the life changes I have to make.
Dr. Potts said I do have to attend some of the classes so will be at my first one next Wednesday and then the 1st Thursday of August. I would like to be at more and will try my best to do so. Right now I am so excited. It is just one step higher to the surgery.
It does help reading everyones questions, comments or whatever. I will take all the help/advice I can get.
Thanks and take care
Cindy

Karen Wright · 07-19-2004, 10:16 PM

Cindy,

Glad the appt went well. Isn't Dr. Potts a nice man? Keep up the good work....it will be here before you know it!