cmandrews13

Okay, so my PCP referral came through on Saturday for the bariatric surgeon and I had to work on my patience to wait until Monday to call for an appointment. The surgeon had an opening on Wednesday morning, so I am headed there tomorrow to do my intake appointment. The nurse said it will take 2-3 hours. Can anyone help me with what to expect?? I am so nervous, I don't want to mess it up somehow. I know I am a "good" candidate (High BMI, T2D), and I want to have the surgery so badly. I am just afraid of being turned down. Anyone have any tips, or even words of encouragement??? I haven't told anyone about this journey yet, so I am sort of out here alone. Thanks!!

Hello everyone. I wasn't sure where I was supposed to do an introduction, so I am just dropping it in here. I met with my PCP on Friday and she approved a referral for the bariatric surgeon in our medical group. I am waiting for the referral in the mail to schedule an appointment with him. From there, not sure how long everything will take, but I am hoping for a surgery date less than 6 months from now. Does that seem reasonable for anyone with experience? I have been lurking and reading messages for a few days now, so I am glad to be here. Thank you!

It went great!! Found out some super good news about my insurance and even got my psych appt done the same day! Hoping for a surgery date in May!!

So I met with the surgeon's office today. Had the first meeting with the dietician, filled out the gigantic pile of paperwork and met with the doctor. Got some super amazing news from the coordinator of the program, which is not only does my insurance pay for the psych eval ($200), but also pays the program fees for the meetings and everything ($600). I was blown away. Then the super awesome amazing news - while my insurance carrier normally requires a documented 6 month dietitian/food class, my particular group does not. So that requirement is waived. On top of all that, when I went to check out and make my psych eval appointment, the nurse said - "Can you do today? Like in 15 minutes? She has an opening and she is right across the street." I said "sure!" and off I went. So in one day, I got my first appointment, first dietitian meeting, most of the paperwork and the psych eval done. Basically, I just have to attend one informational class/workshop/meeting and I am good to go! I feel like I at the wheel of a speeding train! As far as the debate, I had pretty much decided on Sleeve. I didn't like the idea of the bypass and I knew there were more complications with that procedure. But I do have Type 2 Diabetes and the RNY is this particular surgeon's gold standard for bariatric surgery. They said ultimately it is up to me, but now I am not sure. Anyone have any thoughts one way or the other? I am 44 years old, have approximately 150-170 lbs to lose and plan to live at least another 50 years. So for me it's mostly about the long term effects and while I know there is way more data about RNY, I just get skeeved out at the idea of re-routing my guts.

I am still early, EARLY in the process, but have so many questions and fears. My primary one is SKIN. With all that rapid weight loss, how can you keep your skin taut and keep it from sagging/bagging? I am at my absolute heaviest right now and I have never had a super rapid weight loss, just the usual yo-yo stuff in the past. I am 44, which adds to my fear that my skin won't bounce back as quickly from the weight loss. Any thoughts, suggestions, recommendations? Thank you!!!

Thank you both for responding. I have heard that physical exercise does help the skin to be more elastic.