Hi all! My PCP has given me the green light to schedule my appointment with my Bariatric surgeon.

I wish my PCP would have told me I could have done this two months ago, but I think she was waiting on my labs.

I'm super excited about scheduling my appointment. Any sleevers in Tampa?

Can someone share what the bariatric surgeon visits are like?

I know I have a long road ahead of me. I need 6 months nutritional counseling but I'm excited to get this ball going.

Thanks!

Gigi

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Congrats on starting the process. I elected to go the self-pay route because of how long insurance companies make you wait, so my entire process was only about a month and a half from first appointment to surgery, and some of that was due to my scheduling, or it may have been done quicker....BUT...

Quicker is not always better!!

I spent quite a bit of time doing my own research, spending hours on here and elsewhere so I felt that I was ready to go when it was time. Being that you're just starting the process, don't allow insurance delays (if they happen) to frustrate you. Use this time to really dial in your diet and research on what will help you be the most successful post-op.

The good thing is that most bariatric teams have dedicated nutritionists that are available to you even when not in the office, either by phone or email, or both. Use that. Ask questions. This is the best time for you to work on your diet so that your pre-op and post-op diets will be much easier as you already will know what to do.

Best of luck to you on your journey!!!

@@smg thanks so much. I considered self pay since I wanted to have plastic surgery but after a few consults I realized I wasn't at my ideal weight and my BMI was too high for plastics. I'm def using this community as a tool. It's always great to hear from other people and their experiences. I'm looking forward to each step of the process.

I've waited 30 years to get to an ideal weight, I'm sure I can wait another 6 months when did you have your procedure and how are you doing?

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@@GigiLane I had my procedure on April 15th and so far, I'm doing great. I'm feeling better than I have in years, of course being 52 pounds lighter helps that a great deal, and I'm able to get out and be active without getting exhausted almost immediately and no knee pain!

I know I'm still at the beginning of my post-op journey but things like riding a bike, taking a walk, or going for a swim have been so much easier and, even though I'm still a ways off from where I want to be, my confidence has increase tenfold.

So far, so good!

@@GigiLane I am in Tampa. I am almost at the end of my 6 month visit before I am approved by my insurance for the surgery. I opted to go directly with the bariatric surgeon as I thought it would be easier to eliminate the middle man (pcp) If all goes well should have my surgery by end of June. Good luck to you and your journey!

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@@les08 oh my goodness another Tampa person!! What surgeon did you go with? So excited for you!! I too am going with my surgeon. I meet with him on August 2! I went with dr Dietrich.

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Congratulations..... I was in your shoes and it went by quickly. I am 6 days post op now and taking it day by day it will happen faster than you know

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@@veramunoz how are you doing and feeling??

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