Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

Okay...here's what I've done so far. I went to my family doctor. He said I was a great candidate and suggested surgeons. He also said I would need some labs done before I met with the surgeon. I got my labs done, and my thyroid was out of whack. I've been on meds, and now my thyroid is under control (with medicine). I just got those results back today. I only talked to the nurse, and she sounded a little confused, but I reminded her of what he said. My questions are these: Are there any other tests that I should have done BEFORE meeting with the surgeon? Who schedules the appointment with the surgeon, me or my family doctor? I know a lot of this depends on insurance. I have Heritage Select with United Healthcare. If anyone has any ideas, please post.

Thanks!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm not sure how the insurance thing works. I was self pay. But I found my own surgeon and made an appointment with him. Then after my first consulation, the nurse set up my tests. Which included blood work, EKG, and chest xray. I haven't heard of doing any testing before meeting with the surgeon, but for insurance companies it could be different. And every doctor has different requirements.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My Internist recommended a surgical group that did NOT take my insurance. So I called around and found a group that did. From there I fulfilled what my surgeon needed. His office scheduled my preop tests etc. So you need to find a surgeon (or surgeons if you want to pick from a group) who accept your insurance and proceed from there.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have BC/BS HMO and I have been meeting all their requirements just so I can have the opportunity to meet with a surgeon that the insurance company selects for me.

I had to complete 6-months documented doctor supervised weight loss plus complete and pass a psych eval. After that, the insurance company apporved me to go to the Alta Bates weight loss clinic, which is 85 miles away from my home.

From there, Alta Bates has the following requirements, two seperate orientation classes, one pre-op orientation class, a history form, and a meeting with the surgeon.

The surgeon will decide what tests, I need next and will determine in consult with me, if I am a good candidate for surgery. Thus, far, I have not had any tests yet, because I don't meet the surgeon until 10/08/08.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

let me tell you if i would have known, i could have had my psych done earlier i would have. my pcp recomended a doctor she fax all my records over. then the office sent me a packet firms i had to fill out.i did 6 months dietian classes, sept3rd was my last class. so the dietian fax my papers over to the doctors office. i,m sitting waiting for them to call, wrong so i gave them a week an decided to call she said she had everything except my psych papers. if i had only known to do it a head of time.but it,s next week so is my stress test my pcp are giving those to me friday morning. so call the office an ask what pre-op tests they require.good luck sorry for the long post.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Theweightisover2024🙌💪

      Question for anyone, how did you get your mind right before surgery? Like as far as eating better foods and just doing better in general? I'm having a really hard time with this. Any help is appreciated 🙏❤️
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I had about 6 months between deciding to do surgery and getting scheduled. I came across the book The Pound of Cure by Dr. Matthew Weiner, a bariatric surgeon in Arizona, and started to implement some of the changes he recommended (and lost 13 lbs in the process without ever feeling deprived). The book is very simple, and the focus is on whole, plant based foods, but within reason. It's not an all or nothing approach, or going vegan or something, but focuses on improvement and aiming for getting it right 80-90% of the time. His suggestions are divided into 12 sections that you can tackle over time, perhaps one per month for a year if a person is just trying to improve nutrition and build good habits. They range from things like cutting out artificial sweetener or eating more beans to eating a pound of vegetables per day. I found it really effective pre-surgery and it's an eating style I will be working to get back to as I am further out from surgery and have more capacity. Small changes you can sustain will do the most for building good habits for life.

    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      Just for fun last week, I ran two 5Ks in two days, something I would have never done in the past! Next goal is a 10K before the end of this month.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Teriesa

      Hi everyone, I wrote back in May about having no strength. I still get totally exhausted just walking from room to room, it’s so bad I’m using a walker with wheels of all things. I had the gastric sleeve Jan. 24th. I’m doing exactly what the programs says, except protein shakes. I have different meats and protein bars daily, including vitamins daily. I do drink my fluids as well.  I go in for IV hydration 4 days a week and feel ok just til evening.  So far as of Jan 1st I’ve dropped 76 lbs. I just want to enjoy the weight lose. Any suggestions or has anyone else gone thru this??  Doctor says just increase calorie intake, still the same. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Stone Art By SKL

      Decorative Wall Cladding & Panels | Stone Art By SKL
      Elevate your space with Stone Art By SKL's decorative wall claddings & panels. Explore premium designs for timeless elegance.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Losing my hair in clumps and still dealing with "stomach" issues from gallbladder removal surgery. On the positive side I'm doing better about meeting protein and water goals and taking my vitamins, so yay? 🤷‍♀️
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×