Question:
question about order

Hi i wanted to know this, i am going to Dr. Capella's seminar on jan 7, after this i assume i make an appointment where i fill out a ton of paperwork, after this will i get approved followed by a surgery date then pre op testing or the other way around? can someone please explain this to me im sort of confused.    — Shorty S. (posted on January 3, 2003)

January 3, 2003
All surgeons do things differently, so I would suggest calling them on Monday to make sure. In my case, I called the office and was booked for the next orientation (with the nurse and the nutritionist). I was sent a booklet and all of the paperwork before the orientation and gave it to the nurse then. I was to call back within the next couple of days to set up the consultation with the surgeon. I was shocked that I was able to get the appointment two weeks from then! I could have then had my surgery within the next few weeks if I wanted to (after the insurance approval), but I opted to wait several months due to my job. I had my pre-ops done the week before surgery....Now my brother is trying to have surgery through a different doctor and its completely different. He began his journey in October, already had the pre-op testing done and yet still has not been giving a consult date- they are telling him it won't be until at least March! He had already been seeing a nutritionist so he didn't have to go through that, but did have to see a psychologist prior. I did too, but not until AFTER my consult. I would think it would be best for all involved to do the orientation (paperwork filled out prior), then the surgeon consult and then all of the added stuff like head doctor appointment, etc........I found out I was approved within two weeks (would have probably been quicker if they could have faxed it in instead of through snail mail) and got the official surgery date that very day though I had already told them when I wanted it way beforehand. I was lucky that my surgeon would work around when I needed the date because MANY surgeons will not....Anyways, call the office Monday to ease your mind. We have enough anxiety with the surgery steps...save it for the insurance approval stage!! Best of luck to you!!....Karen (lap RNY- 9/20/02- down 90 pounds!!)
   — karmiausnic