Step one - done

Mar 26, 2010

On 3/25/10, I attended the Bariatric Weight Loss Seminar at Highland Hospital, Rochester, NY with Dr. William O'Malley. Very informational, Dr. O'Malley did not come off as standoffish, but he was very matter of fact, and answered all questions precisely and with clear answers.

The WL Seminar focused on 2 surgeries: the Lap Band and the RNY.  I am considering the Duodenal Switch at this time & Dr. O'Malley does do the surgery.  After the seminar I was able to ask him about the "average" common channel lenth that he uses - 100cm - which is what I was hoping for.

Next I need to call my insurance company and find out if I need a referral to Highland Hospital's Nutrition Service as well as to one of their recommended psychologists for the eval.  Then I schedule an appointment with the NUT, and with my choice of their recommended psychologist.  Once that is completed I schedule my first one - on - one appointment with Dr. O'Malley.

My insurance does require a 6 month record of diet attempts, they do not have to be consequtive, but I do need at least one month of medically monitored dieting, and also need to lose 5% to be eligible for surgery. I have all that except for the 5%, that is about 15 - 16 lbs. Dr. O'Malley does not require any weight loss prior to surgery, however the will take my weight at my first NUT appointment & that becomes my "official" pre-surgery weight for insurance purposes - Dr. O'Malley just requires that I do not gain any weight from that point.

It's starting to come together, but I am still questioning if I am doing the right thing.

I worry about being a reasonably healthy, albit morbidly obese woman, with no co-morbidities (at risk for them, yes, but do not currently have them.). ; to becoming a post weight loss surgical patient who has voluntarily chosen to put myself at further risk.
*sigh*

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