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POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS

Finally Had my Consult with Dr. Marc Rickford - Washington, D.C.

ORIGINAL POST

Consult went great. Dr. Rickford is very nice and...

cocobella21
Consult went great. Dr. Rickford is very nice and very clear about the procedure. My insurance requires a 6 month waiting period but I am going to verify that. I start nutrition class in March and I am required to take 6 of them prior to surgery. I am really excited and will keep you updated with my journey.

cocobella21's provider

Marc S. Rickford, MD

Marc S. Rickford, MD

Board Certified General Surgeon

Replies (14)

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February 16, 2016

Hi there, and welcome! Thanks so much for sharing your story with us in this great community. I don't know if you've already explored our forums, so I thought I'd share this popular discussion with you. I hope you'll find it interesting. Good luck with your journey. I can't wait to read your updates :)

Top 10 Tips For Before and After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

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February 17, 2016
I'm actually going to have my first consult tomorrow evening. I'm pretty excited and I read that most insurances require a 6-12 month nutrition class. I hope mines is six month wait. Can you tell me what to expect once I go tomorrow?
February 17, 2016
Its a breeze. They will have you fill out new patient paperwork, pay your copay, take your height, weight, bp, temp and measure your waist, ask questions about your medical history, eating habits etc, you will meet Dr. Rickford's assistant and then he will come in. After he speaks with you about the surgery you have chosen, you will meet with the the person who handles the insurance approvals and sets you up for your nutrition classes. She will also give you some paperwork with thinks that you need to do prior to surgery. Everyone is super nice! Im excited for you. Let me know how it goes. xoxo
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February 17, 2016
No one said anything to me about a co-pay. Should I take some $$ just in case? My insurance is medicaid.
February 17, 2016
I think you will be fine then; I dont think you have one. I have Carefirst. Maybe just call and ask to be on the safe side :)
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February 23, 2016
Hey, I do have a question. Do you know how often those nutritional classes are and are there morning sessions and evening sessions?
February 23, 2016
They have them in the morning and afternoon. For me, I have to take 6 classes 30 days apart bc of my insurance. My first class is in March in the afternoon. How did your consult go?
February 23, 2016
They didn't scheduled your 1st one and tell you what your insurance requires?
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February 27, 2016
I actually have my consult on this upcoming Tuesday, though I was told I was going to have it that evening of the seminar.
I was told I have to take six months nutrition class and attend a weight loss support group. Not sure if its a two in one type of thing (I sure hope it is). I will have to lose weight first, I'll find out on Tuesday. I had to get a referral before the consult, I got one for up to 12 visits. If I need more I'd have to get another referral. I'm so ready, I keep saying to myself theres no need on buying new clothes because I won't have any use for them soon.
February 27, 2016
Ok great! I'm telling myself the same thing. Omg! Can't wait either. Hurry up 6 months!
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February 27, 2016
I have been thinking about beginning to save now for future plastic surgery. I don't know how my body will react to the sudden weight loss. If everything on my body decide just to "hang" I'll be ready for that mommy makeover next winter. Hopefully all will be well.
February 27, 2016
I'm with you. I want some work done as well. I'm going to wait 12-18 months and then see where I'm at. This journey is going to be amazing!
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February 18, 2016
Congrats on deciding to become healthier. You will learn so much during those 6 months of nutritional classes. It will go by quickly! Sounds like a bummer right now, but you will be more prepared for surgery and the pre and post diets.
February 18, 2016
Thanks Puppy's Mom!! I really appreciate the encouragement!
UPDATED FROM cocobella21

A little update...

cocobella21
Hi all! i havent been on here in a while. Just wanted to update you with my progress. I have my last class (pre-op) at the end of this month and have my appointments lined uo for medical clearances. I didnt know i couldve been making appointments during the 5 months i was attending my nutrional classes, but no worries. I have made hald of my appointments pretty easily and they are all coming up. Im looking foward to surgery. Im hoping I can schedule it for September or October.

Replies (4)

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August 29, 2016
Hey, I done had my surgery not too long ago.
August 29, 2016
yay! how are you feeling?
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August 29, 2016
I'm feeling good, I'm just soooo hungry.
August 30, 2016
Really??? OMG. How are you coping with the hunger?
UPDATED FROM cocobella21

Pre-Op Liquid Diet

cocobella21
Hello All! its been a while. I have a tentative surgery date of 12/19/16. I started my liquid diet today. Its hard to keep up, but im getting it all in. I cant wait! If anyone has any tips, please feel free to post! xoxo

Replies (1)

April 12, 2017
How are you doing now