GEMS medical aid approved my gastric bypass surgery| got it done at Mediclinic Bloem

I had my first appointment for approval on the 29th of Jan then after that it was a journey of getting my medical aid to approve.

In preparation for my gastric bypass journey, I had to undergo a series of important medical consultations and procedures over two days.

On Tuesday, 18 February, my day began at 7:15 AM with a gastroscopy performed by Dr EC Streicher at the Day Hospital at Mediclinic. This was a day procedure done under sedation, so I wasn’t allowed to eat or drink anything from 10 PM the night before and I couldn’t drive for six hours afterward.

Later that day, at 12:15 PM, I had to go for an ultrasound and X-rays at Van Dyk and Partners, the radiology unit on the hospital’s ground floor near Casualties. Again, I had to remain nil by mouth—no food or drink—for at least five hours before the scans. It’s very important they completed both scans, and I had to bring along the scan request form for them.

Immediately afterward, at 1:00 PM, I met with Ilsabe Spoelstra, a dietitian based on the sixth floor of the hospital building. This consultation was crucial for preparing me nutritionally and mentally for life after surgery.

Once my radiology appointments were done, I also had to visit Lancet Laboratories in the doctor’s building (room 1, ground floor) for blood tests, still while remaining nil by mouth.

On Wednesday, 19 February, I had two more key appointments. At 2:00 PM, I saw Dr Gert Van Niekerk, a clinical psychologist, at Bloem Well in Langenhoven Park. This was to ensure I was psychologically ready for the procedure. Then, at 4:15 PM, I consulted with Dr Philip Hutton, a physician, at Suite 203 in the Mediclinic doctor’s building, to complete the medical clearance.

After receiving all the necessary reports from these specialists, my medical team would then schedule appointments with the anaesthetist and a final pre-operative consultation with Dr Streicher.

It’s been a thorough process, but every step was vital in ensuring my safety and readiness for surgery.