Well yesterday was my consultation and I have to say that I am a bit overwhelmed. There’s so much that needs to be done that it really is somewhat scary. Is it possible to get all the necessary appointments, then for those appointments get the referrals. WOW.. I know I can do it I just have to put my mind to it and I can get it done but getting there is a lot of hard work.

I met with the doctor on a Friday and had my surgery one day shy of two weeks later. These are the appointments I needed:

1. Nutritionist (in the surgeon's office) I lucked out and was able to see her right after my consultation with the surgeon. (Day 1)

2. Psychological evaluation: I was able to see her the following Tuesday. (Day 5)

3. General Physician: The surgeon's office wanted his approval, plus they suggested I get as many labs done there as I could. I was able to get in the Friday after my consultation and got all of my labs done there, saving me some money. Plus, I was able to use some labs I had done over the summer. (Day 8)

4. Hospital pre-op visit: I got in the Monday before surgery. (Day 11)

5. Surgeon pre-op visit: I saw him the day the Tuesday before surgery. (Day 12)

6. Surgery (Day 13)

I teach at community college so I can't easily take off from work but I do have some free time during the day and I don't work on Fridays. I was lucky that I was able to fit the appointments in during my free time or Friday. I was most worried about the labs and thought I would spend the day going from one lab to another so I was quite pleased that I could get them all done at my GP's office.

I know that some folks have more tests and evaluations to get done that I did but they often have more time, too.

Good luck!