Maddie

With 2 weeks left to go, that is exactly what I wanted to hear! Thanks and gratz on the great progress.

Best of luck, we are all pulling for you.

Gratz on getting a date! That's awesome.

I have been so elated the last few weeks anticipating getting sleeved on 6/4/10. But, today I met the devil who was cleverly disguised as a cardiologist. I showed up to his office for a nuclear stress test. (My back problems prevent me from doing the treadmill.) I was taken back where they weighed me, and took my blood pressure. Shortly after that, a tech came in to do an EKG. After just a few minutes the devil came in. The first clue was that as he introduced himself and I to him, he never made eye contact or shook hands. He blurted out, "your blood pressure is out of control and the meds you are taking are all wrong for you". A bit shocked, I sat there and then he asked, "do you have high cholesterol?" I answered yes. Then he went on a rant as to the meds I should be on for that. I tried to explain that my liver enzymes were elevated and my PCP wanted to wait 2 months and test me again before adding Lipitor to my regime. Then he got huffy again and said that didn't make any sense. He listned to my heart and loudly said "your lungs are shot!". Then he asked if I smoked. I told him I had quite 5 days ago. He went on to ask several questions about my breathing etc. When I mentioned having asthma for years. He cut me off and said "no you don't, you have COPD". He was scaring the hell out of me. Saying everything my regular dr has me doing is wrong and that I have been completely misdiagnosed. Then he told me I needed more blood work, including a blood gas study, a pulminary function test, a chest xray and that he was sending me to the hospital to get it all done this afternoon! My head was spinning and I burst into tears and asked if I was going to be able to have surgery. To which he quickly snapped, "didn't I just say that we needed more tests." Holy Crap, I felt like a kid being told off by the principal or something. So, I go and get all the stuff done. Funny thing...the respiratory guy tells me that my test looked good. Also, after he gets the results of the blood gas, he asked if I used oxygen at home. I told him no and asked why. He said "because your oxygen levels are fine." Now, here is the problem. I have an appt with Dr Dementia next Tuesday. At this time, we will go over my test results and he will decide if I can have a stress test. I feel like I am trapped. If I go to another cardio dr to get the stress test, I'm not sure if my surgeon will go for it, as he is the one who recommended Dr Evil. If I wait till I see Dr Evil again, IF he won't do the stress test, I am left with a little over a week to find, schedule and get a stress test with a new dr. OMG

Went to the new cardiologist today and what a difference. When he listened to my chest, he said it sounded fine! My EKG was normal too. So, they did the nuclear stress test on me. I have to wait a day or two for the results. My only concern is that a few times during the test, my pressure dropped pretty low and they told me to cough to bring it up. I think this happened 5 times. I don't know if that's normal or if something is wrong. I'm a little nervous about that. I still have a fear of something stopping me from getting my surgery. Other than that, it was a great visit to the dr. YAY! Thanks again for all of your comments and suggestions.

Gratz. I'm so glad you are doing well and losing weight. From what I have read, it's common for the weight lose to slow down around 3 weeks. Hang in there, if you are following the guidelines you will lose. Good luck.

LMAO, I don't start pre-op diet for a few weeks and am dreading it. Thanks for the encouragement. (I'm joking) Hang in there, you can do it and it's so worth it.

I know what you mean. I had so much inner turmoil before I found this place. Now, I have so much more peace about what I am about to do.

Best of luck with your surgery and recovery. Let us know how you're doing.

Sorry for the pain in the butt by the ins company. I really hope they come through for you. I am having to self pay. It's a big thing, because we don't have much money. But, this weight is contributing to many of my current health issues. So, it's not really an option from where I sit.

First, let me congratulate you on getting a date. That is very exciting news. Secondly, sorry to hear your boss is a Scrooge. Back when I was still working, I had a similar thing happen. My dr advised me to take 1 month medical leave, when I told the HR person, I was told pretty much the same as you. That employees should only take off for emergencies. I reminded her that I had benefits which included sick time. So, she had no right to argue. She backed down but still tried to make me feel guilty. What you have to remember, is that this isn't just about weight loss. It's about getting healthy and extending your life expectancy. My company didn't fall apart when I took time off and neither will yours. Take care of yourself and do what is right for you.

Sounds like you couldn't have asked for much more. It's very comforting to hear of others good experiences as my date get closer. I was wondering though, did they take out your gallbladder because you wanted them too, or had you had problems with it?

Christie, I can't tell you just how excited I am for you. You are so well prepared, and have the rigth mind set, you're going to sail through this. I am really looking forward to updates. Best of luck to you and your hubby. Oh and I saw you are taking your DS. Duh, why hadn't I thought of that lol. But, mine is packed now!

Welcome to the forum, and gratz on getting your date. I was in the same boat as you, but being here and learning from other members helped me decide on the sleeve instead of the band. Best of luck to you on your journey.

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions. I spoke with my dr this morning and was referred to a new cardiologist for a stress test on Thursday. BTW, I did have all the tests done that the other dr asked for and will get that info to the new dr. I agree that I need to be in top form for surgery and don't want to risk anything.

I'll call my dr in the morning. Thanks, I was so upset, I couldn't think straight. I went into full panic mode.

You look GREAT! Love the dress. Best of luck with your continued success.

WoW Rob, you are doing so good. Congrats to you. Keep up the good work.

Woo Hoo, Gratz!

I couldn't help but laugh when I read what your mother said, and what she used to say to you about "looking pretty if you lost some weight". Were you and I raised by the same woman? HAHA I sounds to me like no matter what your decision is, that it will be an informed one. Best of luck on your journey.

Jerry I am really excited for you and Christie (and her hubby). I'm 3 weeks out I can't imagine how nerve wracking it is at 3 days out. Hang in there, you'll do great. You have such a good attitude and desire to do well, which is such a big part of how well you will do. Good luck Jerry.

Thanks Tiff, that helped me understand.

I notice that several members here watch their carb count closely after surgery. I was wondering why that is. Is it just to lose weight faster? Because if I went on a low carb diet for 6-12 months, I would lose lots of weight even without the sleeve.

Welcome and gratz on the weight loss.