Venting a little

I had an appointment with my NP to go over all the requisition for blood work and ect... yesterday, she was suppose to have sent my referral at last weeks appointment. But when I got there, it was my Dr. that took me and the forms weren't filled out!  We went through it together and he was very supportive and attentive on the questionnaire process.  He was suppose to fax it in yesterday after our appointment. :)

I guess better late than never!! :) How long does it take before the Registry contacts you or sends you anything??

Thanks for listening! :)

So frustrating!! Call today and follow up to make sure it's done. Heck, you could even ask them to email or fax you a copy of the form and the fax transmission. My doctor gave me a copy.

Does the Registry actually sends confirmation of receipt the same day?

No. I meant the confirmation that the fax machine spits out for successful transmission. 

at least it's done now! Not sure how long it will be, things have changed in the almost two years since i was referred.

 I was refered on March 15, I called myself at 8 weeks post referal because they don't send any confirmation of receipt.  I was at the June 21 orientation.  My surgery is set for Sept 12.  My process was really quick as I only needed a sleep study over and above the regular appointments - dietician, RN, social worker, Surgeon x 2, Internist x 2.  Best of luck.

How do you know what other appointments you are going to be required to do above the regular ones??  If you have any health related diagnosis?

 If you are already diagnosed with diabetes (controlled/uncontrolled), heart (circulation issues, heart attack, arrythmias, increased B/P), lung (COPD, asthma, sleep apnea) , kidney (dialysis, pre-dialysis) issues expect to be seeing specialists to ensure your body is ready for this major surgery.

Also when seeing the social worker, RN or dietician they may reccomend that you have a psychiatric consult.  There are many valid reasons we are obese (over eating, binge eating, emotional eating etc).  If these aren't addressed prior to surgery, we are setting ourselves up for failure.  

Be honest with all the professionals you are dealing with, it may cause a few week/ month delay.  However its only ourselves we are cheating from success.  I was very lucky not to have any weight related issues - other than mobility that needed to be checked.

I hope that your journey is quick.

At HRRH I counted 10 steps:

1. Orientation class
2. RN
3. Social Worker - May Repeat
4. Dietician - May repeat
5. Internist --> Sleep Study
6. Surgeon
7. Surgery Class
8. Pre Surgery Blood work, RN, Anesthetist, Chest Xray (Same Day)
9. Surgeon Again
10 Surgery

They explain it all at the orientation class. You want to get into the orientation class ASAP to start the ball rolling, so I WOULD call the center to confirm they received your referral and / or if it was approved.