Hi Everyone!! I'm new here and have a few questions : ) - ThinnerTimes

Nettie · 02-08-2006, 06:39 PM

First I'll introduce myself. My name is Nanette and I'm 28 years old, well I'll be 28 in a few weeks. I live in Raleigh NC with my 2 girls, ages 7 yrs (8 in a few weeks) and 5 yrs, my hubby of 9 years and our 2 dogs. I've been struggling with my weight for the past 8 years. I'm currently at 240 and counting up. I had a full hysterectomy after the birth of my second daughter, 5 years ago. Since then my metabolism has come to a screeching halt. I've been wanting GBS for several years now, but wasn't fully ready to take that first step. Now, I'm more then ready. I mentioned it to my primary doctor about 6 months ago and she wouldn't have any part of it. She said it's too dangerous and she's seen way to many horror stories come from it.

I want to be able to run and play with my kids while they are young. I want them to be able to enjoy their mom and not always be the observer.
I've tried more diets, pills, shakes and "programs" then I care to ever remember.

SSSSOOOOOO, my questions are.....

1. What is the first step in this process? I know I need a referal from my PD, but first I have to find a doctor that will give me the ok. Where do I go from there?

2. What can I expect in the months before and after surgery?

3. What other expenses are involved? (ie: nutrionist ect...)

Thank you sooo much!!!
Nanette

momronda2k · 02-08-2006, 07:38 PM

Hi Nanette, welcome
1. What is the first step in this process? I know I need a referal from my PD, but first I have to find a doctor that will give me the ok. Where do I go from there? If you can change your PCP mid year, before making a decision call the office and ask if they do GBS referrals and/or are supportive of GBS.

2. What can I expect in the months before and after surgery? Blood tests, and other kind of testing. If you have a good GBS surgeon, you will have a few classes to take on what to expect before/during/after surgery, and a nutrition class. Some Dr.'s require strict diets before surgery. Depends on the surgeon.

3. What other expenses are involved? (ie: nutrionist ect...) Depends on your co-pay. I think most GBS surgeons offer nutrition classes as part of the process.

Good luck
Ronda
Dr. Callery, Lap RNY 11/28/06
307/257/150ish

coptergirl · 02-08-2006, 09:42 PM

Hi Nanette - Welcome to the forum family!!

1. What is the first step in this process? I know I need a referal from my PD, but first I have to find a doctor that will give me the ok. Where do I go from there? I agree that you might want to change your PCP to one who is supportive of the surgery - another option if you're stuck would be to go into the office, and have information for your doctor like success stories, stats, your weight loss attempts, how you feel due to the weight, and that you qualify (have your weight and BMI ready)
2. What can I expect in the months before and after surgery? Lots of testing and waiting: labs, ultrasound, upper GI, sleep study, support groups, psych evaluation, insirance approval - it can be frusterating and time consuming, but the end result is so worth it ( I am just relaxing til surgery day now).
3. What other expenses are involved? (ie: nutrionist ect...) Depends on your doc and your insurance. I had to pay for my nutritionist, but insurance covers my visits and other testing...

I wish you the very best of luck on your journey!

LizardQueen · 02-09-2006, 08:27 AM

Hi Nanette! Welcome! I had a hysterectomy at 24 and that is when a lot of my weight gain issues began too.
First, find a supportive PCP to refer you and help with the ins approval.
Second, tests, tests, and more tests. Plus, waiting for ins approval will drive anybody looney.
Thied, whatever your ins doesn't cover. My doc had a initial surgery consult fee of about $300 that had to be paid on the first visit. This covered ins paperwork, a visit with the bariatric nurse coordinator pre op and once in the hospital, 3 visits with the nutritionist-pre op, 2 weeks post op, and 6 weeks post op. I was also given a binder with tons of info in it out of that money. I had to pay for my psych eval out of pocket which was around $200 or so (I think). After ins my hospital fees were $716, Doc fees about $400, and testing ran me about $500 out of pocket.
I hope this helps you out!

karenwd · 02-09-2006, 03:36 PM

Hi Nanette!

I am Karen and live about 1-1/2 hours from you in Danville, VA. I had gastric bypass at Durham Regional through the Duke Weight Loss Surgery Center on January 24 of this year. I would highly recommend you going through Duke. It is recognized as a Center of Excellence for gastric bypass surgery.

You will need a referral from your physician, if your insurance requires it. You can attend one of the seminars at Duke WLS Center and sign up to have the surgery. You will then be given an appointment for your initial consultation. You will have to have a variety of tests done. They have in-house psychologists and a nutritionist that you will also meet with. If you are interested in knowing more about their program, contact me privately at kwdooley@adelphia.net and I will give you as much information as I can, including out-of-pocket fees you may incur.

The whole process for me included an initial consultation and physical, meeting with the nutritionist, and a visit with the psychologist. Then, my file went to surgeon's review and on to insurance for approval. Once I got a surgery date, I had to go back to the clinic to meet my surgeon. After that, I had to go back another time to attend a group session that consisted of one of the surgeons going over all the paperwork and consent, a group psychc session, and pre-admission testing at the hospital. Then, the next step was surgery. The entire process can take 2 to 3 months.

I am only a little over two weeks out of surgery and am doing great. I am not far enough along to give you a lot of information, but I will say that the men and women here at Thinner Times have been my mentors throughout this entire process. As a group, there is so much knowledge and wisdom here that you will be able to find out just about anything you need or want to know.

I wish you the best in making your decision and would be happy to chat with you should you want to talk via e-mail or phone.

Mavisavis · 02-09-2006, 06:37 PM

I just wanted to welcome you to the board. I too would find another doc. In the meantime I would check into your insurance policy to see what they say on the surgery and what you need. Mine required a 5 yr history of BMI 40 or above, a Psych eval, and documented attempts at weight loss in the past 2 years. If you really want this sometimes you just have to keep forging ahead and jumping through hoops. Good luck!

Nettie · 02-10-2006, 08:01 AM

Thank you all for the warm welcomes and information. My mind is racing with questions!! LOL!! karenwd, I will be sending you an email later today. The past few days have been so busy, I'm sorry I haven't replied back sooner.

Good luck to everyone on their jurouney.
Thanks again!!!
Nanette