Question:
1st appointment, 4-6 hours long?

My PCM sent the referral to Genreal Surgery at Wilford Hall Medical Center. I have my first appointment on May 1, 2003, they told me to bring my records and plan on being there 4-6 hours? What are they going to do?    — Shari M. (posted on April 22, 2003)

April 21, 2003
Shari, the first appointment is usually the longest one you will have with your doctor. My first apointment was about four hours. When I first got there, there were about 15 others. We all had to get out all the information we filled out and signed as well as our drivers licenses and insurance cards. The staff made copies of everything while we waited, so there was about 30 minutes. Then we went to a conference room where the head nurse gave us a ton of information and answered some questions before the doctor came in. Once the doctor arrived he gave a presentation to show exactly what happens during surgery, went over all the risks and complications, his stats on the procedures ect. That was about 3 hours. Finally we all went back into the office to get weighed and check our BMI's. The doctor then came around to talk to us individually to answer any questions. So as you can see it is alot of stuff going on. Take a pen and paper and enjoy being around others who are going through it with ya. Good Luck! May 9, 2003~Open RNY....Only 17 days to go!!!
   — Sylvia E.