Michelle1977

The EGD isn't a big deal really. I had mine done on the 16th. I have had it done before (a couple of years ago I had some stomach issues). You go in, they put the IV in, they take you back, give you the meds, and you are out. Next thing you know you're waking up in recovery. I think mine took 15 or 20 minutes tops (actual procedure time). I was at the hospital about 2 1/2 hours because of the paperwork, prep time and recovery time. The worst part of the whole thing is that the nurse missed the veins in both my hand and arm on my right arm. So I have midsize bruises (not small but not huge). She had someone else try my left arm (and they got it the first try). I was kind of groggy for a few hours but was able to work from home just fine.

I have no idea about the surgery date. They told me beforehand that they wouldn't schedule the surgery date until the approval was received. I also knew that I'd be scheduling the surgery date when I had my 2nd consult. I am also wondering (like you) how long I'll have to wait before the actual day of surgery.

A couple of week's ago I did my sleep study. Turns out that I have mild sleep apnea. I went back last Monday (the 14th) for the 2nd sleep test with the CPAP machine. I lasted the minimum 6 hours that I had to be there. I basically came close to having a panic attack. At first it was fine with the mask. The pressure wasn't much and I was able to breath. As I slept the lady kept increasing the air pressure (she told me she'd be doing this). I felt like I was sufficating. Every time she's increase the pressure I'd get that feeling and I would take the mask off. It was like I couldn't breath with the mask on (she only let me try the over the nose mask and the full face mask). I HATED that confining feeling and sufficiating feeling. On the questionaire that I had to fill out before I left it had the question "If you used a CPAP during tonight's study, would you use one at home if told to?" I put NO in capital letters. Well, I was on vacation this week and when I got home I checked my answering machine. Turns out that the doctor does want me to get a CPAP machine. Uh no. I don't really even want to go thru the motions. If I go get that machine I am NOT going to use it. I had the worst night's sleep EVER that night. I about had a panic attack that night and I don't want to have to go thru that every night. I'd never get any sleep. So should I just go thru the motions, get the box, and not use it? Or not waste my time? Do you think it'll be a show stopper with the doctor? Any advice would be appreciated.

I received a call from my Dr's office this morning saying that they finally got my approval! I scheduled my 2nd consulation for next Thursday. After that appointment I have to attend an information meeting that is required. While at my appointment I will schedule my surgery date! Woohoo! Btw, I'm totally getting nervous now.

I have BCBS of Tx. It took a couple of weeks for my Dr office to even submit for approval (they send them in bundles of 15 to 20 requests). It took 2 weeks for the insurance to get it and send back the approval to my Dr. I got the call this morning that they finally have the approval. I called in the Ins Comp last week and they told me about the approval. I met all the requirements though.

I know exactly how you are feeling! I just found out this morning that I was finally approved (well, the insurance company finally told the Dr office I was approved). Super nervous now!!!! We are all here for you if you need us!

I have had all the tests! Had the psych eval and nutrition eval. Did the stress test, endoscopy, and 2 sleep studies (diagnosed w/ mild sleep apnea). Called insurance last week and they said my request was approved since I meet the requirements. But the insurance company still haven't told the doctor I was approved! The doctor won't schedule the surgery without the approval. Trying to be patient but it is sure hard!

@Mini Me - I mix the protein shake with water then I add in 1 TB PB2 w/ chocolate. There are 2 kinds of PB2. Regular PB2 and PB2 w/ chocolate. The chocolate in the 2nd PB just takes a little of the bitterness away (it is not like nutella or anything like that).

Adding PB2 to chocolate protein shakes are also super tasty! I LOVE PB2!

I'm going to have to think about the same thing (seeing that I am also on Synthroid). If you come up with a plan I'd love to hear it!

I have BCBS of Tx. It all depends on your policy. My policy does require company's and my out of pocket max to be met. So it isn't 100% but it isn't much. My policy does not require a 6 month supervised diet. You may want to call your insurance company and ask them the questions in regards to your policy. I do have to have pre authorization for the surgery and you have to meet specific BMI requirements.

I have noticed some of that as well. I have decided to not tell anyone else (a few friends and a few family members know). I got a couple of negative reactions and don't want to hear any more.

Congrats! You will do great!

Thanks everyone! I passed the evaluation. She had me fill out 6 different questionnaires (probably around 200 questions). We talked about my eating behaviors, eating history, family history, anxiety issues (since I do have anxiety), why I want the surgery, expectations, the surgery itself, etc... Then I had to complete another 65 question survey that basically repeated a series of questions but worded in a different way. My usual pattern is to over think things. I went in there with an open mind and everything worked out. Whew! That is a huge relief!

Thanks everyone! I appreciate it!

I have my psych eval tomorrow afternoon. Can anyone share their experience with their psych eval? What should I expect? What kind of questions do they ask? The doctor mentioned that I'll have to do some sort of questionnaire. Did any of you have to do that? What was on it? I am nervous about it. I always get nervous when there is the possibility of failing something (even though I probably have nothing to worry about). Thanks for your help!!! Michelle

I am right there with you! My doctor (and all doctors are different) has some required tests (sleep apnea, stress test, endoscopy). My insurance requries a nutritional evaluation and a psych evaluation. I have everything scheduled and they will be done in just over a week's time. Then I'll be able to schedule the surgery. I can't wait! This is definitely not the easy way out! And I am right there with you. Since I had my appointment on Dec 7 I have gained 7 pounds. I'm surprised it isn't more. I'd like to get a few of those pounds off before meeting with the surgeon again. I'm there for you!

Well written

I wanted to thank everyone for this post. I am super excited about my upcoming surgery. The date isn't scheduled yet but I'm approved with my insurance company. I'm hoping it can be at the end of January or sometime early February (I have a vacation coming up and don't want to do anything before then). I started to tell people recently about the surgery. I guess I don't know what I was expecting. I was hoping for a little more support than what I am getting. My husband is super supportive. I have a few friends that are super supportive. My sister isn't happy with the decision but said that she would support me whatever decision I make. My mother, on the other hand, is NOT supportive. She is rather mad about the whole thing. Had the nerve to tell me to close my mouth and stop putting food in it. That actually has been getting me down all day (just told her last night). I wanted her to know about it so that when I start dropping the weight (and when I eat differently at her house) that she understood why. I am now regretting telling her. From now one I'm not going to tell anyone else. I really don't want to hear it. I've made the decision for a long life and not an early death (I was eating myself to the grave).

I am having the same issue as you. My sister says that she doesn't agree with the surgery but will be supportive. All of my friends are supportive. I told my parents tonight. My dad was cool with it. My mother kept trying to talk me out of it. She told me to just keep my mouth closed and not put so much food in it. She has never been supportive of anything I have done. I wanted to go ahead and tell them in case I slipped and mentioned it. I may not bring it up again until after it is already done. I just don't want to hear it. If you are anything like me this was not a quick or easy decision. Why can't people just express their feelings but be supportive of our decision.