It's been a month since i started this process. Surgical Center of Louisiana does things a bit different. They get your approval prior to doing anything else. At that time i submitted my 5 year weight history. It took about 2 weeks to get insurance approval. On July 9th, i got my consultation letter. My 1st consultation was scheduled for 7/17 & My copay for my consultation was $21.00 since i had already met my deductible for the year. My down payment for my surgery is $260.45.
During the consultation my weight was 244.5 with a BMI of 46.2, I'm 5ft 1. I met Dr. Matthew French and he was a breath of fresh air (and handsome). I didn't have many questions for him as I had already been researching this for over a year. I concluded my consult with him agreeing that i would be a great candidate and was left with some pre-op diet requirements and some things i needed to submit to their office before i could get an approval code from the insurance company.
The "homework" that was required was Blood work, a psych test, medical clearance from my primary care and my medical records which were already sent and confirmed to them. I did my psych test in the office that same day and that was $50. I completed all of my remaining patient homework within 3 days of receiving it. In addition to that i was advised to start my pre-op diet and begin taking vitamins.
I decided not to start my pre-op diet immediately. I called the office to verify that everything had been received and I honestly got a little frustrated when no one called me with a surgery date. After about a week I was fed up and demanded that someone follow up with me because I had completed my requirements and felt i was getting the runaround. That same day my advocate Danielle called me and told me everything was received and scheduled my consent signing for 8/7, at which time i will sign my consents, pay my down payment and get my surgery date! She also stated that based on scheduling my surgery date would probably be 7/17.
I began my pre-op diet on yesterday. I am allowed 2 protein shakes and 2 boxed meals per day (i.e. Lean Cuisine etc. under 300 cal). Although it was my first day on the pre-op diet i did not feel hungry. I never have been an over-eater so the small portions are fine with me. At about 4pm on day one i began to get the most excruciating migraine i have ever had. I am also not someone who gets headaches. This feels/felt like death. A day later i still have that same headache. I'm comforted knowing that this is normal but it still hurts like hell. Additionally, THE VITAMINS ARE HUGE!! I was told to take a daily multivitamin with B+ complex. I purchased women's 1-a-day and there is no way i can take those. I had to chop one vitamin into 4 sections to get one down. I have never been good at swallowing pills but this just took the cake.
Anyway.. that's my update.... will have another Friday after i sign my consents!!
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