Hello all!

I'm Jamie. I'm a 32 year old therapist living in NYC. After weeks and weeks of deliberation, research and talking to people close to me, I decided that I'm going to call the surgeon that was recommended to me for a consultation. I don't know if the sleeve is what he will definitely recommend, but it seems to be the option that makes the most sense to me. Things might change though.

I'm pretty overwhelmed, and I'm wondering if anyone has advice for the beginning of the journey-questions to ask? Things that you wish you had done or that you did do?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Edited November 7, 201411 yr by jjyogalove

I'm 31 and in Brooklyn. I started the process in September at NYU. Where are you thinking of going?

Hi. I'm 37 from north jersey. I'm pre op so I'm in somewhat the same boat. Only recommendation is to go..do it... I waited until I was 100% mentally ready and it turns out my ins co requires 6 months of weight loss classes. I wish I had stated the process while I was still figuring out everything. You can always Change procedure type or back out if you don't feel prepared. But at least the clock starts. I was totally ready May 2014 and I'm not scheduled until dec 9.

My PCP recommended Barry Schwack…..do you mind if I ask who your surgeon is going to be? (If you know)

I'm waiting on another recommendation from my GI dr too.

That's who my surgeon is. He's been super patient with me when I asked 3 million questions and has a great bedside manner. I think you'll like him!

JustJaime-my name is Jamie too :-)

Oh wow-thats a pain! I can understand the insurance co wanting you to make sure you are emotionally prepared and educated, but geez…..Dec 9th is right around the corner though!

Does the doctor, or the psych that does the eval require you to go to any kind of support group meetings?

Edited November 7, 201411 yr by jjyogalove

That makes me feel so much better-I'm so nervous. I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight knowing I'm calling tomorrow! How much time was there between when you started the process and when you're scheduled for surgery?

Edited November 7, 201411 yr by jjyogalove

My insurance requires 3 months of the doctor-supervised program. NYU required that I saw a psych and have an endoscopy done. They recommend docs for each if you don't already have one. I've done the psych which was simple- some intake questionnaire and an hour of talking. He basically just ensures you don't have a binge eating disorder or abuse food eating emotionally too often. I see the GI doc 2 weeks from now. My insurance also required a reco from my PCP but it looks like you've already got that covered. No one has indicated that there are any mandatory support group sessions, but you do have to take an orientation before they will schedule the initial appointment - but you can do it online!

As for a timeline - I took the seminar in late August and called the next day for the appointment, which was almost a month out. I'm not scheduled for surgery yet. I think his surgical coordinator doesn't schedule you until you've done all your insurance prerequisites, but I may be mistaken. I expect a date in jan or early feb, since my last weigh in is on dec 23.

His first name is Bradley btw - sounds the same!

As part of the process I did have to go through a psych eval. I also have to do monthly weight-loss classes for six months. I had to go for an endoscopy as well. I started the whole process in May 2014 with my first consultation with the doctor. So it was an almost 8 month process for me bc of the insurance requirements.

@@jjyogalove were you able to do the seminar and schedule an appointment?

hello Jamie I had my intial consulation in January of 2014 and I am scheduled for surgery next Monday

I saw a nutrionist for 6 months had a pysch eval saw a cardioligist and a host of other test the nutrionist suggested that i start exercising right away and to start taking chewable vitamins along with a high protein low carb dietand to squeeze in protein drinks to find the ones I would like

I wish I had taken off more weight and exercised more before my surgery, my only suggestion to you is that I would follow the recommendations of the professional closely. Good luck with everything

WELCOME!

@BloomingLotus-yup, I'm scheduled for January 5th…so excited/nervous!

@prettyblackdress-thanks so much for the advice and GL!!