RE: Re: Starting on the path to the MGB..STEP S

[Guest guest]

michelle (newbabyhope)-- this is the list I was referring to. I just

called it my " to do " list since it was so well layed out in detail. It

might help...I'm checking them off as I go.

> ----------

> From: stevie@...[sMTP:stevie@...]

> Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 1999 10:57AM

> To: MiniGastricBypassonelist

> Subject: Re: Starting on the path to the

> MGB..STEPS

>

> From: stevie@... (Stevie)

>

> Once you are ready to really start considering the surgery, I suggest

> you do what you've

> done-get the patient info pack from Debbbie. Inside it is a list of

> steps to take to have

> the surgery. Follow those. But the short version (from someone who has

> been there):

>

> 1) Schedule an appointment with your PCP to discuss the surgery. MAKE

> SURE TO BRING ALONG A

> COPY OF DR R'S MANUAL TO LEAVE WITH THEM IN CASE THEY HAVE ANY FEARS!

> Some folks had an

> inital meeting with their PCP to discuss the surgery where others went

> ahead and scheduled a

> physical and discussed it during the physical.

>

> I did the 2 appointments-only because a physical takes about an hour

> of the docs time and I

> wanted her full attention on the subject of the surgery. (In my case,

> it really helped

> alwing her to take the book home. Now she keeps it on hand for new

> patients she sees who she

> might suggest the surgery to!)

>

> But, here's a little " SECRET " I learned about getting in to see the

> PCP sooner than later

> for that physcial appt-many of which are scheduled MONTHS in advance!

> When you call the

> nurse or appt sec'y, tell them it's for a pre-surgery physical-not a

> random run of the mill

> employment physical,e tc. And they actually get you in MUCH quicker!

>

>

> 2) If you don't have a psych right now, get one and make an apt for an

> evaluation.All you

> need them to do is an MBII test, or a depression screening type test

> or just meet with them

> enough times to be able to evaluate you and your reasons-if they are

> realistic and sound for

> undergoing such a major procedure.

>

> 3. Schedule a 1st time clinic Sat appt with Dr R in Durham, NC. (If

> you are out of state, he

> has different rules-all explained on the website or in the handbook

> that's coming)

>

> 4. Start calling or emailing 10 or more post op pateints and ask them

> anything and

> everything about the surgery. (It's a requirement, but will really

> help you)

>

> 5. Get the support of at least one other person who can travel with

> you. Show them the

> handbook and let them have it for a day or so to read it and see. (A

> family memeber is

> preferred, and Dr R doesn't like those who don't tell family

> members-like spouses, kids,

> parents, etc-why they are going to the hospital..In fact, he has

> REFUSED surgery on somone

> in the past (Deb Hill) because she did not tell her family what she

> was going in for.

> Also, it is a requirement tohave a support person write a letter to Dr

> R.

>

> 6. Set a date if you think insurance will pay-allowing them at least a

> month to approve

> you-and look around or call for hotels in the NC area if you will be

> coming from out of twn.

> (People on this list will have helpful opinions for you).

>

> 7. Make an appt with your OB-GYN-a complete physical as well..Again,

> tell them it's for

> upcoming surgery so they can fit you in quickly.

>

> 8. Start making contigency plans for being away from work or home

> during your " planned "

> surgery. (Check sick leave, alert your boss what you are up

> to..surgery is all they need to

> know...etc.)

>

> 9. Start working on your patient letter and patient info form (which

> contains your diet and

> medical and family histories). info on both are on the www.clos.net

> website. TRY TO COMPLETE

> THE PATIENT INFORMATION FORM IN ADVANCE OF THE CLINIC VIST OR YOU WILL

> SPEND THE FIRST HOUR

> OR SO OF CLINIC FILLING IT OUT AND YOU MIGHT FORGET A LOT OF

> CONDIIONS< DIETS< ETC THAT MAY

> BE CRUCIAL IN YOUR INSURANCE FINDING FAVOR IN YOUR CASE!!! Keep in

> mind thta Debbie takes

> these forms from you at clinic and enters them AS IS in the computer

> and Dr R sends an

> insurance request letter from THAT info! It is VERY IMPORTANT TO MAKE

> IT COMPLETE!!!! PLus,

> what a pain to sit there and fill out forms at clinic!

>

> I printed mine out, plus downloaded it and emailed it-to save Debbie

> some typing-and made it

> look " pretty " for insurance, etc. I also made a copy for my PCP and my

> own files so I would

> have a good medical info history if I needed it.

>

>

> 10. Clean your house! LOL! The most stress I went through was

> getting my house in order

> so that my support people-like mom and friends-could find things like

> dog food and glasses,

> etc while they were in my house and I was in the hospital and for wen

> I got back and they

> wanted to get me things. Last thing I needed and a wanted was my mom

> banging cabinets asking

> every other minute " where do you keep your glasses?, etc. "

>

> 11. Get your hair " fixed " in advance of the surgery as many reports

> have said processing is

> NOT a good idea for a hile after surgery-especially when hair is so

> fragile it may fall out

> in a few months. So, if you dye your hair, I would do it ahead of

> time. Same goes with a

> perm or anyting like that. My haiedresser said perms are no-nos for a

> while after surgery

> and anesthesia, but coloring was ok. It's up to you.

>

> 12. Take some pictures of yourself NOW!!! You may hate the camera

> right now, but you will be

> sorry later if you don't have good " before and after " shots to show

> folks how well you've

> done! Get brave! I took a roll of bathing suit and clothes shots that

> I will lock away until

> needed someday!

>

> 13. Can't think of any else right off the bat, but I know there are

> tons..(Someone will

> surely add something once Ipost this anyway), but in the meantime,

> just get ready to have a

> new life!

>

> Good luck!

>

>

>

> Stevie and her wild man, Beau...

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>

> > From: suni4ever@...

> >

> > Hi everybody! My name is Tara and I've decided to take the plunge

> and go for the MGB.

> Does anyone remember approx.

> how long it took from the beginning

> > of the process until you were actually going in for the procedure?

>

> > Tricare? I don't even know how to bring this up to the PCM's there

> since it seems like a

> > lifetime to get an appo!intment for anything other than an

> emergency.

>

>

>

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