Question Regarding Nortons Bariatric Program

I finally have an initial appointment (all paperwork has been submitted), for those of you who have already been through the process, what can I expect after the first appointment? I have Medicare and they are approving weight loss surgeries. I want to have the laprascopic gastric bypass done. Anyone know the qualifications for that? My primary physician wants me to have Dr. Allen do the surgery, I went to a seminar at which Dr. Rodriguez(sp???) spoke at. Any help is greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

Janice, I go to Nortons Monday the 22 it will be my first trip. I am also on medicare. I went to the Nov 1 st seminar but doctor Tanner spoke. I want to use Dr. Allen as my dr. told me to ask for him. I will be glad to let you know what is done. I will see the psych, and talk about nutrition, and about 20 min movie that I have been told. You should hear soon. good luck . writ me anytime .

Janice, There isn't much to the first appointment at Norton's. You will do some paperwork with the clerk, see the nurse to weigh, have a psychological evaluation (mine took about 15 minutes), watch a short film (maybe 20-30 minutes) and see a dietitian. It seems like I was there about two hours. I am not sure about Medicare requirements as I used insurance. Personally I used Dr. Shina for my surgeon but have heard good things about Dr. Allen. Good luck. -Steve

Steve, what happens after the first appointment? Have you gotten beyond that stage? I am just really wondering what all happens with this. Many thanks!

Janice, I am not sure what will happen next for you. In my case attended the seminar/consult on 7/25 and was approved on 7/28. On July 31st my doctor's office called and scheduled me for consultations with a cardiologist, pulmonologist, and a vascular surgeon. They also scheduled me for my pre-op bloodwork as well as an EKG, chest x-ray, and gallbladder ultrasound. These appointments were scheduled on three different days. I then had an IVC filter put in on 9/6 and had surgery on 9/8. As you can see, once I was approved things moved swiftly. Like I said though I am not familiar with Medicare and their requirements so things may be different for you.

Janice, did your regular doctor schedule your tests? Are these tests required? I ahve spoken with my doctor, and attended the seminar on 1/03 at Norton's. I am working on my 6 months of physician assisted dieting. Do I go ahead and have him schedule tests now, or wait till I after my first appointment and insurance approval? Medicare and medicade both require you have 6 months of doctor supervised attempted weight loss.

I had attended the seminar (took both my boys who sat there and ate candy the whole time). Nortons was waiting at that time to get approved by Medicare which they finally did. I will have my first visit at the bariatric center in the morning at 8:00 and will find out more. I have not had any tests yet and assume the Bariatric Center will schedule those, not my PCP but I could be wrong. My PCP sent a letter documenting my attempts at losing weight ( I only joined WW 12 times over the years). The bad thing for me was that my PCP lost all their patients med records from before April 2006 due to computer malfunction and there was no back up records. They did send a letter advising this to the Center. I will know more after the meeting in the morning and will post more after that.