Hello!

All new to this site, so forgive me if these questions has been asked over and over again, but I couldn't find it with the search function.

I'm going to a private hospital this Tuesday (30th of June) to have my initial doctor-nurse-dietician meeting. I don't know how it is in your countries, but here I was turned down by the public health because of past psychiatric problems and now I've turned to the private sector instead. I was wondering what to expect of this first meeting. I've been told by the hospital that they will need to check for hernias by palpating the belly and also something about my legs having to be felt as well.

I'm meeting my surgeon, the OP nurses and the dietician that will do the initial plan for diet and for follow up and then get my surgery date.
I've been told that this meeting on Tuesday will be around 3 hours long.

1) What would you wear for this exam? I'm comfortable in almost anything.

2) What questions should I ask, if they don't cover them? What did you want to know at this first meeting?

3) On the hospitals website it says that weight loss pre-OP is not necessary in all cases, can anybody shed a light on that?

4) What should I expect from the first meeting in general? I'm very nervous, because it's a big and EXPENSIVE decision.

Just be calm... also is your username a deliberate spelling

Wear something loose and comfortable since you'll be asked to pull it up for the exam. I recently had my first tests (it's different in the US) and they did an ultrasound of my legs to check the veins for clots/ potential clotting issues. For me they also did an upper GI (esophagus to stomach) Xray to make sure I had no swallowing issues either and an EKG. There will be blood work too. You'll meet the surgeon who will go over surgery options with you. My Dr wanted me to be up to date on my pap smear and mammogram. Re: pre-op: every program is different, they'll talk about it there. Don't be scared, it must be upsetting being declined by the public health service for past mental health issues, that doesn't seem right but I don't know Denmark's health system at all, but generally private practice is not so stringent on prerequisites. Skåål!

2 hours ago, MIKEYY84 said:

Just be calm... also is your username a deliberate spelling

Yes It's a port-manteau of my real first name and "metamorphosis"

1 hour ago, Suzi_the_Q said:

Wear something loose and comfortable since you'll be asked to pull it up for the exam. I recently had my first tests (it's different in the US) and they did an ultrasound of my legs to check the veins for clots/ potential clotting issues. For me they also did an upper GI (esophagus to stomach) Xray to make sure I had no swallowing issues either and an EKG. There will be blood work too. You'll meet the surgeon who will go over surgery options with you. My Dr wanted me to be up to date on my pap smear and mammogram. Re: pre-op: every program is different, they'll talk about it there. Don't be scared, it must be upsetting being declined by the public health service for past mental health issues, that doesn't seem right but I don't know Denmark's health system at all, but generally private practice is not so stringent on prerequisites. Skåål!

Thank you so much! I had the blood work done about a week ago at a local, public hospital that the private one works together with, but there will for sure be an EKG done - I hadn't thought about that.

It was very upsetting being declined, but I won't let that get me down.

And skål to you too!

Haha that's cool sorry whenever I see spelling or grammar mistakes my brain goes wild

Research papers have documented the fact that psychiatric problems (unless schizophrenia or other psychotic history) ARE NOT a factor in success/failure in bariatric surgery. The big issue is food addiction and if you tend to eat when stressed, bored, depressed or manic. I don't know why so many using psychiatric history to deny surgery when literature is clear it is not relevant.

8 hours ago, Mettemorphose said:

It was very upsetting being declined, but I won't let that get me down.

I wasn't covered by my insurance company and had to pay for my surgery too. It's disappointing, but I think that it shows your/our commitment to our health to not let that deter us. Also, I feel very fortunate that I was able to pay for it myself, because while it wasn't easy, it was possible and I know not everyone has this choice.

4 hours ago, over65 said:

Research papers have documented the fact that psychiatric problems (unless schizophrenia or other psychotic history) ARE NOT a factor in success/failure in bariatric surgery. The big issue is food addiction and if you tend to eat when stressed, bored, depressed or manic. I don't know why so many using psychiatric history to deny surgery when literature is clear it is not relevant.

Well, without getting too much into it, I have a history of having a few "micro-psychotic" incidents and that is why I was declined. I am well-medicated today and haven't had any episodes for over 2 (!!) years. But as far as I've researched there is minimal risk for me, since I am well-treated.

2 hours ago, Heather13 said:

I wasn't covered by my insurance company and had to pay for my surgery too. It's disappointing, but I think that it shows your/our commitment to our health to not let that deter us. Also, I feel very fortunate that I was able to pay for it myself, because while it wasn't easy, it was possible and I know not everyone has this choice.

Unfortunately I don't have a job, that I could have a health-insurance through because I am a student still. But I have a good father, who will lend me the money (is this the correct term in English??) so I don't have to deal with a bank and interest and everything