Initial Consult - ThinnerTimes

Hrairoo · 05-26-2005, 07:44 AM

Good Morning, Newbie here again... just wanted to share that Dr Calery's office called and I have my initial consult on June 10... fingers crossed! I am nervous and anxious all at the same time. My husband wants to know if he should come with me to the consult, I didn't think he needed to (since he would have to take unpaid time off work) but wanted to get some feedback from the more knowledgable folks on this board. Will I want him there for my initial consult?

watergirl · 05-26-2005, 07:51 AM

Kelly would like for all buddies to come to everything.

With that being said, I came alone because my buddy did not want me to have the surgery. Long story short, he turned around. Attended all the mandatory meetings with me and was very supportive.

Hrairoo · 05-26-2005, 08:08 AM

Watergirl, Thanks for the info, I think my husband wants to be there, but I hate for him to loose three hours of pay for an initial consult which I assume is just a bunch of paperwork and a list of lab tests... or am I wrong?

Also, I noticed in another post you said you got approved in a week by Aetna, I have Aetna too and was wondering if you had HMO/PPO and what your experience was like?

Thanks!!!!!!

Jeanie · 05-26-2005, 08:38 AM

I didn't have my buddy with me for the first meeting, and it was no big deal. It's more important for them to be there for your pre-op meeting. Good luck to you. Keep us posted.

watergirl · 05-26-2005, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hrairoo

Watergirl, Thanks for the info, I think my husband wants to be there, but I hate for him to loose three hours of pay for an initial consult which I assume is just a bunch of paperwork and a list of lab tests... or am I wrong?

Also, I noticed in another post you said you got approved in a week by Aetna, I have Aetna too and was wondering if you had HMO/PPO and what your experience was like?

Thanks!!!!!!

You are correct on the initial consult. You get the blue (I think it's white now) binder and a list of all the labs you need to get done. You've done your homework you have young skywalker. Sorry, just saw StarWars.

I had Aetna HMO - my experience was uneventful. I called them (yes, I'm impatient) on a Friday and found out before Callery's office that I was approved! They approved in less than one week from when Dr. C's office sent in my paperwork. They paid for everything, I just paid my co-pays.

I've got all positive thoughts coming your way that it's that way for you too! Good Luck!

Bypassingme619 · 05-26-2005, 09:21 AM

Either way Hrairoo good luck on your journey. Your well on your way to becoming a LOSER. My prayers are with you.

Watergirl you are right the folders are white now.

watergirl · 05-26-2005, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bypassingme619

Either way Hrairoo good luck on your journey. Your well on your way to becoming a LOSER. My prayers are with you.

Watergirl you are right the folders are white now.

Thanks for clarity Denise! Always like to make sure I'm passing on correct information.

LizardQueen · 05-26-2005, 10:33 AM

Good luck! I went to all my pre ops without my dear hubby (couldn't afford for both of us to miss work). My oldest daughter (12 almost 13) went with me for everything except the sleep study. She is a great kid and even had some great questions for the doc and reminded me of some of the ones I forgot. She even took notes! She probably knows as much about my wls as I do. Sorry, proud Mommy on the war path! Anyway, it is great to have someone there, but I am sure you could make do on your own. Have your hubby write down any questions, concerns he has and take them with you and write down the docs responses. Just a thought!

Amber

kristyann · 05-26-2005, 10:54 AM

My mother came with me to the very first informational seminar, and that was just because it was a long drive, at night, and I didn't want to drive home alone afterwards. I have since gone to all of my appointments alone. Everything from the first visit with the surgeons office(nurse practitioner), nutritionist, PT, lab work ups, ultrasounds, psychiatric eval as well as the surgical consult. Everything was fine, I just suggest making a list of questions and actually writing them down that way you don't forget any of the important ones. Good luck and keep us posted.

Gladitsme · 05-26-2005, 01:54 PM

Kelly told me to be sure my husband, John, came to everything with me or it wouldn't count. So, he's been there every time.