I go for my first consult on July 7th. I am a bit nervous for all the requirements needed before surgery. I just filled out the psychological papers and I still have the large stack for medical questions.

What types of things did others have to do and for how long before surgery? Anyone with Cigna insurance? Just curious of what steps you had to take.

It took me about 10 months to finally get a surgery date. Unfortunately I work for a hospital and with their insurance you are forced to stay within their facilities, forcing me to way long periods of time for some appointments.

Requirement wise I had to fulfill the following:

-weight loss of 5% of body weight

-night oxygen saturation study

-2 support groups

-2 dietary appointments

-psych evaluation

-multiple appointments with a bariatric nurse practitioner

-multiple appointments with my surgeon

-pre operative class

-chest X-ray

-ekg

-blood work

I think that covers it all!

Don't get discouraged by everything you have to do before surgery, it is all for a good purpose and helps fully prepare you.

Best of luck!

10 months is so long to wait! Yikes.

Some people do it quicker and some slower than myself. Also every program is different. It felt like a long time when I was Initially told 6-12 months, but it went by quickly because of all the appointments, and it truly gave me the time to feel like I am fully prepared for what is to come.

Have you had any negative effects? I worry about the dumping. I had my gallbladder removed quite awhile back and had 2 years of gastro issues from it

My first consult is July 7th too. Actually, I had a brief phone consult but my "in person" one is July 7th. Surgery is August 25th. Good luck with your consult!

Thank you! :-) good luck to you as well!

Today is my appointment. Any suggestions on what to ask?

Hope all went well for you and that you feel better now the consult is over and you know what is expected of you.

How did your consultation go alviar? Mine went well. I got to play with a sample lap-band and now know where all my incisions will be etc. The surgeon patiently answered all my silly questions. I am feeling good about the whole thing. I hope your consult was equally successful. ☺

Mine was great too! We decided that the sleeve is probably a better option for me. Now all the waiting and hard work starts

Do you have a surgery date? I asked about the sleeve vs band and apparently I don't qualify for a sleeve as my bmi isn't high enough, but I am a perfect candidate for the lap band. Imagine that...he said I was obese but small in the gastric surgery world. At least I am small somewhere! ????

No surgery date yet.

That's awesome to hear isn't it? You're too small :-)