First appointment...what to expect

I had canceled my original appointment and when I rescheduled it was a 4 week wait....the wait is just about over.  My appointment is this Wednesday.  What happens on the first appointment?   I am also struggling with my "To Whom it May Concern" letter.  I am completely overwhelmed with this.  I was not overweight as a child, so writing about that is out; I feel my letter is too short.  I do have my PCP's notes with the recommendations.  The other thing I am worried about it UHC said they need 5 years of weight history and was very vague on that.  I called them from the beginning and they said I can start the process myself first with the 5 years of weight history.  Help!

Normally you go in , they take your vitals , weigh you . From there you talk to the surgeon . He will ask you your history . He wil want to know your medical history , your comorbities if you have any . He will talk to you about the surgery types , how they work , what your options are .  He may ask you what you know about weightloss surgery . If he is a good surgeon , he will tell you his mortality rate . He will tell you the complications . So many things go on at these first time appointments.  Now here is where it gets serious . You need to understand you are the consumer here . This doctor will possibly be the one re-arrainging your stomach and giving you a tool for life . You need to be prepared to ask him questions as well .  AFTERCARE  NUTRICIONAL REQUIREMENTS  BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT PREPARATION  OPEN ?  LAP ?  Surgery Types  STAFF  HIS AVAILABILTY TO YOU IN CASE OF EMERGENCY  HOSPITAL STAY  LIVER BIOPSY ?  WEIGHTLOSS BEFORE SURGERY REQUIREMENTS  Will he see you for life ?  It has been a while and I am sure others will have more to add . But please remember to make sure you feel comfortable with him , and you feel prepared .  As for your letter , you need to write from your heart . Tell them how being Obese makes you feel , how it affects your health . What surgery will do for you emotionally , physically and mentally . Lay it out there for them .  Give them things you cannot do now , but want to do with having this surgery .  Let them know you want to live and how it will save your life .  Just be honest .. and share who you are right now ..  I hope this helps .  Take care, keep us posted .. We Care ..  Natalie  

Natalie pretty much got everything I could think of.  Start a list of questions you have to bring with you.  The 5 years of weight history you will probably need more information from UHC to figure out what they want, it could be as simple as records from your Doctor with your weight noted.  As for your letter, include family history of comorbidities that you are at risk of getting.  You can do this.  Fight for your life.

Thanks so much for your responses.  I had my appointment yesterday and it was easy!  I am not sure what i was nervous about.  I am now waiting for approval....does it really take 4 weeks.  I had the bacteria in my stomach so i am on the treatment for that and have a follow up for 6 weeks.  So now i am just playing the waiting game..