I am considering Dr. Nicholson as my surgeon to do my band to sleeve revision. I'm a self-pay patient from out of state. I've heard good things and he would be an alternative to going out of the country.

I have a specific period of time that I would be able to get surgery since I'm a teacher. I could either do it during this summer, during Christmas break, or next summer. I really don't want to wait until next summer but I'm thinking that this summer might be unrealistic. I've asked his coordinator when they are scheduling patients but she hasn't answered me. I was wondering how quickly they were able to schedule your surgery. I was also wondering what you had to before surgery if you did not go through insurance.

Thanks!

I was a self pay patient, not with this doctor but my process wasn't very long because they did not have to go through insurance. You will just have to get testing done, and if everything goes well with that, they can schedule you. Good luck!

Thanks for that information! How long was your preop diet with Dr. Nick?

I am having the VSG at the end of the month.......insurance just approved....it has been a long process...having it in New York City ...at Mount Sinai Hospital with Dr. Daniel Herron......I thought about going to Mexico however, I changed my mind after

doing due diligence and decided that it was best to find a trained surgeon who had serious Post Graduate training and a Fellowship....the doctors in Mexico clearly, do not.....and there is no recourse...... wishing you all the best in your procedure and all the best for good health..... R

I was self pay with Dr. Nick. I had surgery on 6/25. I had my pre-op appointment with him in late May and when I asked when they were making surgical appointments she said June. I had a lot going on in June, so I requested that date. Depending on when school starts and how much recovery you need, it may not be too late. Personally, I would say you need at least two full weeks off post op. I am almost 3 weeks out and would not want to have to teach yet. Although, I am a bit of a wimp. Also you will be on liquids only (no jell-o, pudding, yogurt even) for 3 weeks post op, so you may be weak for those 3 weeks.

I didn't have to do anything pre-surgery other than the 2 week pre-op diet and pre-op testing. As an out of town patient, I did my pre-op the day before surgery. (Although I am healthy, so my only pre-op was blood work and an EKG, some people have to have more done and I don't know if that can be done the day before). My surgery was on a Tuesday, they put me up in a hotel on Sunday and Monday. I had surgery on Tuesday and stayed two nights (Tues, Wed) They put me up in the hotel Thursday night as well. I decided to stay until Monday for my own peace of mind.

I am considering Dr. Nicholson as my surgeon to do my band to sleeve revision. I'm a self-pay patient from out of state. I've heard good things and he would be an alternative to going out of the country.

I have a specific period of time that I would be able to get surgery since I'm a teacher. I could either do it during this summer' date=' during Christmas break, or next summer. I really don't want to wait until next summer but I'm thinking that this summer might be unrealistic. I've asked his coordinator when they are scheduling patients but she hasn't answered me. I was wondering how quickly they were able to schedule your surgery. I was also wondering what you had to before surgery if you did not go through insurance.

Thanks![/quote']

I'm just curious how everything worked out for you. I have an appt with Dr. Nick on 8/8 and wondering how soon I can schedule surgery. Already had EGD but assuming I will have to have EKG and blood work.

I did not use Dr. Nick but I did have a consult with him, I was also self pay and at the time he could have gotten me in to surgery in 2 weeks. I used Dr. Davidson just because I had a friend who used him with great results and he was 1,500 dollars cheaper than Dr. Nick.

I used a different surgeon in the same area and I, too, am self pay. From the time I made my first phone call, had my consult, some labs, a scope, a stress test, an EKG, and then had my sleeve-I think barely four weeks had passed. I'm quite sure it's because there was no insurance involved!