Finally have a consult scheduled!!

Arin · November 9, 2007

Ok, I am so excited to report that I finally have my first round of consultations scheduled!! I am going in on MONDAY morning to see the nutritionist, then I will see the program coordinator mid-day, and then I will have my psych evaluation that afternoon! I am so happy. I feel like my life is about to change forever, it is finally here:)

Can anyone tell me what the first consultations are like? Especially the psych eval, for some reason I am worried about that one the most, no clue why. I am also curious how it works from here. Will I have to wait forever to see the surgeon for my first appointment with him? Thankfully, I have spoken to my insurance at great lengths to see what is covered and how things work on their end, and it seems like it will be WONDERFUL. I know insurance and wonderful in the same sentence, what can I say? I am very excited:D

LiveLoveLaugh · November 9, 2007

I noticed when I went for my appointment they like to hear that we eat large meals at each sitting not that you graze all day. The head doctor LOL will feel you might eat all day in small nibbles all day and that the lap Band won't work for you. Since once you have a little room you fill it up again only to have no lose.

Let them know when you do eat your a volume eatter. :hungry: :hungry: :hungry:

The Lap Band is supose to help us large portion people to cut way, way way down. :omg:

Lori Ann · November 9, 2007

I think everyone worries about the psych evaluation for some reason....fear of the unknown I think. Mine was very detailed...I had to answer about 560 questions...all true/false....multiple choice. They ask a lot of history questions...but you will be fine, just like all of us have been. Don't worry about it, but be honest. They want to make sure you are ready for this life changing event. My doctor wouldn't tell me if I passed or not, but of course, I did....and I know the excitement you are feeling....this is the best thing I could have ever done for myself. I had to see a nutritionist like you, a psych doctor, a pulmonologist, go to a support class one time (with other lapbanders), get a clearance letter from my primary doctor, see the surgeon and then everything was submitted to my insurance company. It took 3 weeks for approval. I have Horizon BCBS of New Jersey PPO. I had a couple of cormobidities, my bmi was 41, high blood pressure and diabetes. I am off all medication and no longer have high blood pressure, no longer take metformin for the diabetes and my sugar never goes over 90. You are in for the time of your life.....it will never be the same again....nor do you want it to be. Good Luck....keep us posted and remember patience is the hardest thing to endure while waiting for approval.

Arin · November 9, 2007

Thanks guys:) I know I shouldnt worry, but I think it is the fear of the unknown! Thanks for the input. My insurance requires the nutritional eval, psych eval, Primary care refferal, and thats about it. I am 24, diabetes, high cholesterol, BP is ok right now, but getting worse, with a BMI of 37 or 38 (seems to be different on the different charts, its a rounding thing). The program requires all of the things the insurance requires, as well as two support meetings BEFORE surgery, and the committment for lifetime supprt meetings (they will settle for two after, but I am happy to go). I feel like I am on my way, and I love it. I am going to my first support meeting tomorrow, and I will have attended two more by the end of the month. I have one to go to in the town I will be having surgery in, and the town I actually live in, so that is nice. I am trying to stay extremely organized so that I can make sure I have all of my ducks in a row, and I dont miss anything along the way. Thanks for listening to me go on and on...I know you know how I feel though. So excited:)

Bobp · November 10, 2007

Arin

The last thing the APRN who did my psych eval said to me was, "This is a wonderful thing you are doing for yourself."

(note the word for yourself). Most of us never do much for oursleves. Her words have carried me through caridiac eval, 6 months of nutrition counseling, Primary Doctor referal , upper GI etc, I have border-line diabetis, sleep apnea and high blood pressure. I am now on day 10 of 20 day liquid diet for pre-op.

Her words have carried me through since April inlcuding over 50 lbs of pre-surgery weight loss and I am now 11 days from getting my band.

Anyway, the pscyh eval is to make sure you understand what you are doing. Implanting something into your body is serious and some people cant handle it. The other thing it is for is to be sure you are doing it for the right reasons. Health is what it is all about.

Good Luck

lonestar5212 · November 10, 2007

Arin - I am just at the beginning of my journey also. Had my psyc. eval. last Wed. I was very nervous also, but it turned out to be very simple. I actually relaxed quite a bit once the interview began, and ending up enjoying the session. He told me at the end that he felt I was an excellent candidate, so all is well. You will do just fine.