Why is it that the consultation only 30 minutes long? My consultation is coming up and they only have me scheduled for 30 minutes what does that mean?

Before my consultation I had to fill out a medical history questionnaire. My Dr. then just went through that with me and told me about the surgery choices I had and a little about the post op diet and expected weight loss. I was there for about 30 mins.

Did they ever go over like what test they wanted you to do before also before surgery

Yes. After I saw him I then went with my coordinator and she gave me the list of tests that he required me to have done and also to schedule my monthly nut visits.

Edited March 19, 20197 yr by justmetj

My visit was shorter than that because I had already filled out all of the extensive paperwork, chosen which surgery I wanted, and the nurse coordinator had reviewed my file. The surgeon just checked my overall health, answered any questions, and told me what pre-surgery tests and clearances I would need.

The initial consultation is just that, a consultation. The doctor reviews your history and you discuss options. Depending on the direction the 2 of you agree to go, you'll start with the pre-op testing and treatment.

Like the above posters, I had to fill out a comprehensive health history evaluation ahead of the appointment. I think I really only spent about 10 or 15 minutes with the doctor, who reviewed my health history and even had my insurance requirements in front of her. She really didn't even do an examination. I left the office with plans to proceed with upper GI, psych evaluation, and nutritional counseling.

The surgeons office had emailed me a bunch of paperwork to fill out ahead of time otherwise they wanted me to come in earlier to fill it out. My consultation was about an hour, we discussed past attempts at weight loss, current/previous health problems and surgeries, discussed mostly the sleeve & RNY because I'm against the band, went through a presentation that he gives with statistics and such, and then discussed what surgery I want and the path to getting there. It was a lot of information and being that I was uber prepared it wasn't nearly as overwhelming as it could've been. My surgeons only requirement is an EGD, the rest of the requirements come from my insurance company.

I made a list of questions that I wanted to ask and he answered all of them without my having to really ask them. The best thing you can do is research and educate yourself. Your surgeon or their office will do a lot of education as well but being prepared yourself is invaluable.