I am wondering if anyone is going through the WLS process @ Beth israel WLS program or has recently gone through it. I am in the process and would love to get some first hand patient info.

I did! Wouldn't have traded it for the world!  Loved everything about my experience! Feel free to send me a message with any ?s!

  So happy to hear that! Who was your doctor? Do u go to any of the support meetings? I go tomorrow to meet with the surgean Dr. Daniel Jones. I am very nervous but yet very happy. I wish that weight loss was something I could have conquered on my own but wasn't and so here I am. How soon from ur meet with the surgean did they schedule ur surgery? I hope it's soon but I can't imagine it happening any sooner than March. What do you think? Thank you for being so helpful by letting me ask you all these questions.

Happy to answer whatever I can!  Dr. Jones was my surgeon - he was excellent and I was VERY pleased with my choice.  I couldn't imagine having another surgeon although I know they're all great at BIDMC.  Good luck with your meeting!  If you're at the point of meeting with Dr. J, I imagine you've done your nutrition classes, met with Sue and the nurses, etc.  The entire program was excellent. 

I had a bit of delay from the time I met with Dr. J until surgery as my insurance deniel my surgery...so, I had to appeal.  But, all in all, from the time I was approved to surgery date, it was just about a month.  WELL worth the wait in my opinion though!  My surgery stay was also great...all the staff were so helpful and kind.  I really don't have anything bad or critical to say at all.  From start to fini**** was a great experience!  I go back in a month for my one year follow up and I can't wait to see everyone!  I haven't had a chance to get back for any of the support groups but I just may once the weather warms up!  I did, however, go to the preop required meetings...went to even more than I had to because I enjoyed them so much! 

Again, good luck tomorrow...hope you get your surgery date soon!

 Hi Mrs. Clause-- U were right Dr.Jones was very pleasant. I got my surgery date. 2/13/12 pending insurance approval which his secretary feels shouldn't be a problem. Harvard has a 24 hr response! I am very excited but scared and nervous! If you can think of anything I should def. have in hosp or post at home please suggest! Thx

WOW!  Congrats on getting your date - and that's a really quick one!!!  YAY for you! 

As for what to have at the hospital or home...I really found that I didn't need much at the hospital.  A robe would be helpful as you will be taking walks in the hallways - and, slippers are good too.  Other than that, they take good care of you!  For home, a bed wedge was very helpful for me with sleeping for the first several weeks.  A pillow (to hold against your stomach on the ride home) was helpful too.

Other than that...a couple cans of broth, instant SF pudding/jello for after surgery...but, don't go too crazy and buy too much as your tastes may change. 

Wishing you all the best - you'll be in great hands, I'm sure!  What surgery are you having?

Best of luck to you!

 Yes, it was quick! Caught me by surprise too. I am having GBS. I am very excited, nervous and scared!--Thanks will keep you posted!

 Hi there,

I'm brandy new and have my very first appointment to meet with a nurse named Elaine at BID on 3/16.  So brandy, BRANDY new.  I've been reading lots of posts though and a gazillion questions come to mind.  Mrs Claus, I'm curious - you said yours was held up because your insurance denied it the first time and you had to appeal.  Do you mind if I ask what insurance you were dealing with and why the denied you the first time?  On paper I meet all the criteria for my insurance company (BCBS) but that's one of my fears.

 Hi Brandy! Elaine is really nice! She is really knowledgable and gave me many tips to get on my way. My first appt. was Jan.3 and I had my surgery Feb. 13. So for me it went very quickly. Apparently my insurance is very good and gave me no problems. I am glad that I had researched the WLS for about 2 years and had begun taste testing diff. shakes and stuff. So I was ready. It normally doesn't take this quick but sometimes it does. I am happy it worked like this for me bcuz it worked well for me, my work, my family and the dr.s. Everything just fell into place and I new it was meant to be. I am 7 days out and 12 lbs down. Everyday I feel stronger and stronger. So I know things are healing as they should be. If you have any questions feel free to ask. I had so many and sometimes didn't have anyone to answer them right away and felt frustrated. I can not guarantee that I will have the answer but I can try!

Hey! Hi! Actually it's Jamie, lol. I meant Brandy New like Brand New but using unnecessarily flowery language. :) Sounds like you're doing great!! I've been thinking about it just in my head for ages, and started doing online research back in October or November. Just had a sleep study and got a diagnosis of sleep apnea, paving the way with my insurance company in theory - we shall see. Which surgery did you have - I think it said GBS in your earlier post - gastric bypass?

Hey Jamie!  No BCBS but I do remember Dr J and Dr H telling me that BCBS is pretty easy to get through  - even for VSG which was my surgery of choice.  You will really like Elaine...she's awesome!  She can be a tough cookie but it's for our own good!!! Honestly, EVERYONE involved in the WLS program at BIDMC was excellent...right up to the nurses during recovery!  The sleep apnea diagnosis will certainly help when looking to your ins co for WLS. 

Best of luck to you - please keep us posted on how you make out!

Hi there!
Great to hear that BIDMC is a good place.  This is going to be my first hospital experience ever.  I've been fortunate in that way and so have no idea what to expect.  
I was checking out your blog, it's great!
Thanks for the hellos, and I'll be sure to check in as things progress!

 I had my surgery there last year as well.. I love most of the program, love my surgeon Dr. Schneider.  I went for one support meeting after the surgery but really didn't feel I got enough out of it to take the drive into Boston after a long day at work.  Feel free to pm me if you have any questions.  good luck!

 Thanks a lot!

Hi there.
Where are you in the process? Have you met with Sue or the nutritionist? Elaine is great! great sense of humor.
In my case i was referred to therapy for 6 months so that was my big holdup. i was P'Oed at first but glad i went thru the therapy. It has helped alot and i am continuing with it. Support is crucial!

I have BCBS and it was just a matter of days for approval. I got my date the same day I met Dr. Jones.

 Hi!  I have my very first appointment a week from today.  I'm excited!  I'm already a therapy-girl on a regular basis so I hope that will be acceptable.  :)

I'm lucky I have a supportive husband and some supportive friends!

Just checking in - I had my first appointment and it went well.  Got scheduled for just about all of the next round of appointments in one day - next Monday!  Going to have blood drawn, the ultrasound, echocardiogram (since I'm a former phen-fen user, bummer), Dr. H, nutritionist and social worker all in one day.  It's going to be a long one! 

 That is exactly how I did it! That means you will be on the other side soon! Good Luck and let me know if you have any questions!!!

Hi there!

It's been a while coming but I finally have a surgery date with Dr. Andrews on 8/14.  Also got my approval letter from my insurance company yesterday (happy dance)!

Looking forward to getting on the other side of this!

 That is great! Keep me posted any questions u might have feel free to ask!