[mommamichelle]

Hi everyone,
Next week Monday (Sept 10) I go to my WLS orientation in the morning and for my pre-surgery consult in the afternoon. I filled out a lengthy questionnaire about all sorts of things, which was fine, except for the part about documented weight loss. I have never done the Weight Watchers/ Jenny Craig or really anything else that could be documented. I have tried calorie restrictive things on my own, which worked for a while and then I would gain the weight back. I did do South Beach for six months, which my body responded well to between weight loss and eating lower and better carbs made my stomach feel better. But like most weight loss things, my dieting came to an eventual stop.
How much documentation is desired? I realize each MD would have his or her own guidelines, but did anyone have just a little bit, and it was still ok? I am nervous that he will say, “No, you haven’t tried hard enough.” And I will be exactly where I am today. I am completely prepared for a, “Let’s lose some weight and start exercising before we schedule the surgery,” but a flat out, “No,” would be very hard to take.
I also have a reoccurring thought that he will say, “Let’s do this next week,” because my insurance requires only “If it is medically necessary,” and I weigh at least 348lbs, which puts me in that category. That nagging thought is like being naked at high school. How quickly can the approval process go?
Also on a different topic but still related, I am a mom of two young children. My 9 year old is very mature and I have told her of my plans and what it would entail if I were approved for the surgery. My five year old, is still a little young to understand, all’s she knows is that I am going to the doctor’s all day on Monday, and I am sure she has forgotten by now. I have having a dilemma of childcare, because I homeschool. I am not concerned with my post-op care, but my pre-op care. How many doctor’s appointments are there before? How long do they last? I want to make sure I follow all of the steps needed. I have already experienced a situation with my mom that leaves me really uncomfortable about future asking if she can watch my girls (that is a whole other thread). My husband is wonderful and we have just decided to really make this happened between him and I, and to a lesser extent our children. What does the pre-op schedule entail?
Thanks everyone for your wisdom,
Michelle

[jiffypop]

oh geez michelle - so many questions, and i have so few REAL answers!!!! and the best thing i can tell you is to ask your doc LOTS of questions. first off, about the diet history - if you ever told a doc about it, it counts. if you've bought exercise equipment or joined a gym, it counts. if you bought, say, exercise tapes or diet books, that MIGHT count as well. you'll just have to talk with your doc about the rules and the best way for YOU to meet the requirements.

as for the pre-op appts. it varies from doc to doc. but bottom line, you'll have plenty of notice - it takes anywhere from 2-4 weeks to get appts with some specialists in some parts of the country [and now that i've written that, let's watch you line up appts back to back to back!!!! ]

and the referrals generally depend on your health. i had to go to a pulmonologist, cardiologist, and a vascular disease specialist, but most people don't. at the minimum, expect to see a nutritionist and a psychologist. again, your doc will tell you next week what has to happen.

keep breathing!!!! don't panic just yet. you CAN get through this. HONEST!!!!