Maddie

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

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.

Awesome, thanks!

5 days is nothing, haha. I have started packing my bag and I'm 3 weeks out.

Jerry, I am so excited for you and the others as your date is so close. You have such a good attitude I'm sure you will do great. Best of luck.

My dr said 60-90cc which is 2-3 oz.

I have the Magic Bullet, but my hubby is the one who uses it. He thinks it's great. But, then again getting to use something inside that goes "VROOOOM" makes him happy.

Great post. It really made me think. You are so right, thanks for sharing.

I too had originally planned on getting the band. But, after lots of research, I found it's not so great and definitely not risk free. Plus, if the band was so great, how come so many get revisions from the band to the sleeve?

Thanks for the update. It's wonderful to hear that you are home and doing well. Take care and keep us posted.

Gratz! That is exactly the attitude you need to have. I'm proud of you too and thanks for the inspiration.

Your own pillow if that is a big deal to you, it is to me.

Lip balm is a biggie as your mouth will and lips will be very dry.

Comfy Slippers for walking.

Loose clothes to wear home.

That's amazing! Good for you pushing for the appeal. Gratz. Best of luck.

That is soooo cool! I love it, LOL.

YAY! Gratz Coach. Feel better soon.

Nicely put Christie, and ty. I too have lost control! lol

I know that it's best to change what I can before surgery, and maybe I am just rationalizing to suit myself. But, I have to do Clear liquids for 1 week pre-op, so I am having what I want now. Saying goodbye to all my faves.

To be honest, it's given me some peace. I was a mess just after I got my date as I felt I was going to lose my best friend. Now, as I have each meal, I savor it! But, when I'm done that's it. I'm not having my fave desert everyday because I'm near surgery, I just had it once. Just like my other faves.

I'm not going to try to fool anyone, lol. My last dinner before Clear Liquids, I'm going to a place where I always eat too much. I mean there is no way I'm having hamburger helper as my last meal.

I agree that change is difficult for everyone and that most people do resist it. If the nagging, etc continues, perhaps a reminder that you are adjusting just as they are and it's not easy on you either. It can't be undone and you are facing a healthier future, what could be more important.

If your feet and legs were swelling that could explain it. Even if the swelling went down, often times, Water "moves" around your body before you get rid of it. So, you may give it a few more days before getting too discouraged.

Gratz!!! I'm happy for you. I get sleeved 3 days after you. I'll look forward to your progress. Best of luck.

I know it's normal to be scared but I feel bad that you are doing this alone. Just remember that you will be in good hands and that you will be back home in no time. I wish you the very best.

I don't mean to sound rude here ...but it's difficult to address your post without responding to your first statement. You can't separate the issues. You are asking members of this forum, some of whom are medical professionals, how to incorporate illegal drugs into your rehabilitation.