Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.

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/ Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

First Consultation on Monday

morechanges
morechanges
It's been a long 2 weeks waiting for this appointment but it's almost here! I am meeting my surgeon on Monday morning for my initial consultation. All I know is to expect it to last 30-60 minutes. I'd love any feedback with ideas of what to expect. What happened at your consultation?

Is this where it will all really start or will other appointments have to be made to make things "official?" I have to do a 90 day doctor supervised diet and exercise program for insurance to approve me and I'd like for Monday to count as day 1. Is that a realistic expectation?

Thanks for your input!
farmgirl392
farmgirl392
How exciting!

I suggest that you make a list of questions for your surgeon. You might also ask you family what their concerns are so that you can ask their questions as well. Initially, you just want to learn as much as you can about your specific health factors and how the surgery may impact them.

If your insurance is like mine, you'll have several months or preparation to go through, and that period will give you time to begin to learn about the lifestyle you'll need to adopt.
Lcat4
Lcat4
Wonderful! My consultation involved time with multiple people. The surgeon who explained each surgery option and his recommendation for me. It just confirmed my own research that RNY was best for me. I went armed with lots of questions which he really respected. Then I met with the doctor who does all the maintenance and follow up. Then I saw the nutritionist and financial person. Then I went to a group orientation meeting where I got a book for the whole program and people could ask more questions. I like that they have made the book available online. My appointment took a good half day. It is a Bariatric Center of Excellence so they have a great system. They scheduled me for my stomach scope test that Saturday. The ball started rolling quickly and it was a whirlwind of appointments after that. I didn't have to do a pre diet program because I had already been to Jenny Craig again and shed 40 pounds on my own. That is all I could ever shed with that program . I didn't have to do a psychological consult because I had already persued counseling in anticipation of making this choice. Keep educating yourself and go armed with questions!
MNMama
MNMama
Congrats on beginning your journey.
My first meeting was an info presentation to the group. Then I had to fill out a bunch of papers, have my doctor fill out some more, then return them to the bariatric team.
I found out, attending 2 different, no charge, information meetings how important it is to select a Center of Excellence. My CofE program had a 2% or less complication and less than 1% mortality rate over the last 10 years, the other had a 6% complication and 2.5% mortality rate over the last 5 years span. Definitely pays to find a CofE.