Question:
Why all the jumping through these hoops?

It upsets me about all the hoop jumping the EMMC weight loss program in Bangor Maine makes you jump through. I understand and am more then happy to go to a pre-op education class and support group meetings. However, having to meet with a psychologist, physical therapist and dietitian before meeting with the surgeon is way too much. Wouldn't mind so much if I could get in to talk with the surgeon while I'm also meeting with these other people. I mean it seems like I'm getting nowhere real fast. Janet    — Janet L. (posted on May 31, 2005)

May 31, 2005
Why all of the jumping through the hoops? Because that is what that program requires. Different bariatric programs have different requirements. If you don't like the requirements of the program that you are in, you can always look for a different program that you may like better....JR
   — John Rushton

May 31, 2005
I went through Maine Medical Bariatric Program in Portland, ME. Anyone going through this program has to meet with the dietician and a clinical social worker twice along with meeting with the surgeon twice. I believe alot of programs are asking for more work from "us" to make sure that we will comply with the changes we have to make. Maybe if the social worker or dietician feels that a person is not ready to make the changes that they will want to see you a few more times before wasting the suregon's time. Also, many insurances are asking for the person to do more things before submitting for the insurance approval. As this surgery has become more and more popular, the waiting lists get longer and longer. Good luck with with your journey. The wait is worth it. I waited for 2 years for my surgeon but was so glad that I did. From 336/180/150.
   — Sue F.

May 31, 2005
Janet, First, I know that most of the "hoop-jumping" is to meet insurance and physicians requirements. Your first blessing is that at least your insurance approves WLS some don't or are starting not to. Second, What I am about to say may not mean very much now, but it may after you have surgery. I too had a problem with all the steps necessary but now I totally understand why they were created the way they were. Each step you go through helps prepare you for the "after" WLS life. My biggest pet peeve was the psych appointment and now I realize that is was also my most important challenge. I can honestly say that if I was a suicidal type of person - I would have gone over the edge. I am not that type but if I was my psych doctor would have known and prevented me from having this surgery - for good reason. This is just one example, there are many more, but I think this one has the biggest visual impact that may help you understand a bit better. This surgery has taken me to hades and back - twice - and I am only 5 weeks out but it still is the best decision I have ever made. Please look at the pre-op challenges as a military tactic to get you prepared for war - with yourself - (due to the addiction withdrawls and such) and unlike other wars there will be no casualties with this one - if you pay attention closely to your training and challenges then you will FEEL the ultimate victory. Well, I hope I helped in some way for you - Good Luck, Kelly
   — Kelly MzKelz Valdez

May 31, 2005
Hey Janet - take a deep breath! This jumping through hoops is a great precursor to the body changing, life changing procedure you are looking to have done. Things feel crazy now and they are only going to get more crazy. I don't understand why you can't meet with the surgeon, but different systems do different things. Don't rush it, take it as it comes, it is all a blessing from God. Dave Open RNY-distal:4/15/05:500:415.8
   — David B.

May 31, 2005
Janet- Relax once you get through all the testing you'll get an appointment. I felt the same way about going through Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in NH. There's a reason they want you to do all these tests first. One of them is to see how committed you'll be after the surgery. Good Luck
   — HeidiXOXO

June 1, 2005
Chill out! Alot of surgeons don't want to waste time on someone that thinks that Gastric Bypass is just a short cut to getting thin. It takes hard work and determination. They give you a tool, but want to make sure that you are going to be willing to use it correctly. They want to be sure that you are a person that is going into this whole thing with open eyes and an open mind and ready to make a life change. Not just ready to jump on a surical table and expect the doctor to do the rest. That is why all of the consultations. Believe me, it is all worth it. This is coming from a person that has lost over 140 pounds and is a Support Group Leader. Just follow there rules and use the tools and you will be so happy with your results.
   — jk_harris

June 1, 2005
Janet, I too agree with the hoop jumping. Well, except for the physical therapist. Why do they want that?<br><br>I agree that the psycological appointment is very important. I was not required to meet with one and wish that I had. In fact I wish all surgeons would require that not only the patient, but the patients family attend. The emotional ride is far more dramatic that you realize. And it doesn't just effect you, but your spouse, children, parents and so on. I strongly agree with meeting with a nutritionist prior to as well. Look at it from the doctor's perspective. He can inform you about something or rely on you to find it on the internet. Doctors are not stupid, they know we all hang out here, and quite honestly, the misinformation dished out on this site alone is frightning. Think about it, if you were the doc wouldn't you want to make sure the patient was correctly informed.<br><br>I know you are frustrated, I know you want to just have this surgery and be free....but Janet, you have to take time. This takes a long time. It took me 10 months and I only had to meet with a nutritionist. You say you are happy to go to pre-op education classes....well hun...that's what these are. Good luck, and keep your head up.
   — RebeccaP

June 2, 2005
I agree with the whole process. I live in Hawaii and with the Kaiser Health Plan they require a year waiting list, then you have to have 4 behaviorist classes, 2-3 individual sessions with the behaviorist, 4 group nutrition classes, 3 visits with the BMD, 1 visit with the suregon, 1 visit with the physical therapist which is for teaching you ways to exercise, then several sessions with the support group before you get a surgery date. It is a lifestyle and mind set change and doing it this way is more sucessfull.
   — forensic

June 2, 2005
janet, i also had my surgery at EMMC on May 1, 2001. There a couple of hoops you are jumping that I didn't have to back then. However, it was worth it to me. The results are far worth jumping anything in my opinion. RNY by Dr. Clough. I have a profile on here somewhere under my name. It has been a while since I posted though. Good luck to you. Just be patient. (no pun intended). There are those that have not even gotten this far and are extremely discouraged. heidi cyr
   — heidi C.

June 4, 2005
Sorry you feel that you have had to jump through hoops. Most of us, myself included have had to do all these things. They are for our benefit, mainly to make sure that we don't wittingly or unwittly sabotage your efforts to make this surgery work. Also to "hit the deck running" staight after surgery is great help to get the WL ball rolling. We are in controll and know exactly what to do, because we have been taught by the people you Dr. wants you to see. Hold on and soon you will be ready to have your surgery, armed and confident in the knowledge that you will have accumulated beforehand. Keep up meeting with the consumers of your surgery at your support group. make it an absolute priority to attend after you come home from hospital. Studies have shown that those who do are very successful. Good luck and all the best for your future.
   — Lise K.

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