Duke Weight Loss CenterQuestions?

Can someone tell me who used them for their surgery the timeline after you submit your application until you have your surgery and the different steps of the process. I live out of state and wanted to know about how many trips to NC I will have to make before I get my surgery.

Hi--I just had my sx last Wednesday.  I live locally, and started in December with the initial seminar.  That's your first step, and they're usually on Friday afternoons.  I believe once you do that, and submit your application, they'll try and do as much as possible in the fewest amount of trips possible.  I would suggest contacting the office.  They have had some turnover in their administrative office, but they do still answer the questions, etc.  Best time to call is probably later in the week (like a Wed or Thurs).  They might also review some of this on their website (not sure), but you could check and see. Good luck!!  Jennifer

Hi,  I went for the free seminar in March and filled out my application when I got home online.  I finally have my first appointment July,2.  You usually have to go to three different visits before the actual surgery.  If you google Duke University Health Systems: Weight Loss Surgery and click on the third Duke University it will bring up their website.  I have to google it every time because for some unknown reason when I type in the http address it will not let me in.  There you will find all the answers probably to your questions.  I hope this helps.  Connie

Hi -

I had my surgery through Duke last year and my husband is going through the process this year. It looks like it takes about 2 to 3 months to get your first appointment once you submit your application, but don't worry this is not 'wasted' time. Once they get your application the nurse clinician will review it and will put together a letter that will indicate which test and documentation that they would like you to have done. Go ahead and work with your pcp to get these done. Get copies of all of your test results, reports, and any other documentation you need for your appointment. Have your pcp fax over copies to Duke, but as Jennifer said they are having some issues with the admistrative office and as my husband and I found, it's best to have copies of all of your paperwork just in case. That way you won't be stalled while they 'find it' or have to have it all faxed in again. If you have it, you can just give it to them to add to your records ... just like the girl scout motto says, 'always be prepared' ...lol. Once you have your initial appointment, if they don't need you to do any additional tests, then they will have the notes from the RNP, Psych and Nut transcribed and that information gets put with your other medical records that were sent by your pcp and it's put together for the insurance specialist. The insurance specialist reviews it to make sure the 'package' is complete and submits it to your insurance. The insurance company has guidelines as to how long they can/will take to review and respond. this is where patience is required because it can take anywhere from a couple of days to a month to get an answer. Once you get an approval you'll get a surgery date scheduled. before you go in for surgery you will come back into the office and have another appointment with the team; you'll meet your surgeon at that time, meet with the nutritionist in a group setting and with the psych in a group setting. The same day you will go over to the hospital and take care of pre-op labs and paperwork. The following week you will have your surgery!

I hope that helps.

Barb