Referrals to Pacific Bariatrics

[Guest guest]

Yes, , the letter saying you are referred to PB is the same as the approval letter. You will also get a letter saying you are approved for treatment by Hills Physicians Group in San Diego -- which is another name for Pacific Bariatrics. At least, I got both letters, and it was confusing.

Go to www.pacificbariatrics.com (or call them) and find out when the next PB seminar is in your area...and go to it!! That will really help speed things up, especially since you've already been approved. The ball doesn't start rolling until you actually go to the seminar. They will eventually tell you that, but I'd go ASAP. Then you can get the lab and ultrasound out of the way quickly, too. Complete their paperwork immediately and *fax* it to them. The quicker they get your paperwork and lab tests, the quicker they will schedule you for your pre-op appointments.

For the day of your pre-op appointments, they'll fly you to San Diego and schedule 3 appointments -- psychologist, internist, and surgeon. Be prepared for a lot of running around that day -- I had to take five separate taxis. Then they fly you back home after the last appointment.

Each surgeon has different requirements regarding pre-op weight loss. It's not necessarily the 10% that Kaiser requires. Some of the surgeons want you to lose 10%, and others don't have you lose any. I would imagine that it is also a patient-by-patient determination, as well. I was not told I had to lose any weight, but I was told that if I *gained* weight my surgery would be postponed. I'm losing a little anyway, because I know the surgery will be easier on me if I've lost some ahead of time.

After the pre-op appointments, it totally depends on your doctor and what type of surgery you're getting (i.e. open or lap RNY). The average *used* to be two months after your pre-ops until surgery. Not anymore. My pre-op appointments were February 4, and I am not scheduled until June 26. If I were getting it lap instead of open, my surgery would be in August! Yikes!

So...I'm trying not to get discouraged, and trying to focus on the fact that at least the process is moving forward. I am concentrating on protein drinks, walking, vitamins, and water while I'm waiting. ;-)

By the way, congratulations on your approval!

Laurie W.

Re: Nutrition consult

Dear Laurie,

Yippee! I received a notice today that I was "referred" to Pacific Bariatric. Does that mean I am "approved". What does that mean as far as a time line? I was told to contact them. Will they require the weight loss. I am at a BMI of 40 and have been waiting on a large weight loss, as I am afraid they will would disqualify me if I lost too much. What comes next? If anyone can give me an idea of what comes next, I would be very interested.

I can't believe they are saying OK!!!!!!!!!!!