BlessedTwice

Hello,
My bariatric consultant was back from vacation and called me today. He said that my referral letter had been faxed and that every thing looked good. She was waiting for my paperwork. I was afraid that it would get lost in the shuffle so I wanted to wait to send it when I knew the fax was there. I ran to the PO after talking with her.

She told me that it depended on my surgeon whether or not she needed an additional letter from the PCP stating that I was of good health to have the surgery. The way she talked but would not tell me either way since its up to the surgeon if he /she wants this letter, that if you did not have comorbidies and were healthy except for being Morbidly obese and a BMI of 40+ then they don't always require this. She also said that sometimes the PCP will just write a letter and fax it in without needing a physical done, some want to do a physical first.

I have a BMI of 40.8 ao I'm hoping I won't require extra tests except for the Psych Evaluation. I have BCBS of MI PPO. Am I getting ahead of myself if I schedule my Psych Eval right after I get teh call and schedule my First Consultation and Appointment with the Nutritionist, which are follwed by each other. I'm traveling out of town for the appointments except for my psych Eval, which I can get done in my city.

I'm obviously going to talk this over with the Bariatric Consultant when she called me the end of next week.

I'm just wondering what all of you think. What are your stories and how long was it from begining to surgery day? They are also getting a new Surgeon in January he has done the Lap Bands for 2+ years and has had alot of training. He will be taking patients right away. I'm going to do some research and see of I can find anyone who has used him for their surgeries, then decide which of the four to choose. They are schedueling Surgeries into February already. She said it normally takes 2-6 months...YIKES....Six months


Thank you all for your help with my PCP Problem. The BC thought I should wait to switch Doctors to see what the surgeon needed and go from there. I might only need to call and request a letter...I'm hoping I don't need even that, if I do or God forbid need a physical I will just grit my teeth and do what I have to in order to get the surgery.


Thanks Again,
Brenda

Toony

Just hang on Brenda... sounds like your B.C. is a great advocate and advisor... I won't hurt to scout out some other PCP's who are more supportive and savvy about bypass patients...

My paperwork was submitted Nov. 3... got verbal approval on Dec. 10, paperwork on the 14th. They had to "fix" that paperwork and the correct stuff arrived today --- I'm set up for surgery on February 5, 2008... YAY!!!

I started with the group in July... so from start to surgery --- 6 months! I think that's pretty typical...

Katie

__________________
TOONYbear/Katie
Lucky Duck Sack Club Member No. 7


Lap RNY: FAT TUESDAY! 02/05/08
300.1 / 252.0 at 14 wks (-48.1 pounds)
My Weight Loss Blog: http://ktoon.blogspot.com/

BlessedTwice

Thanks Toony,

I have already decided on two other PCP's. I'm hoping my first choice will take new patients. I'm going to follow the BC's advice and wait and see what I need and go from there. But I'm definately done with my PCP. I'm considering writing the medical board also.
Thank Again,
Brenda