MommaZ

What I asked myself was ~ would I have a perfectly healthy kidney removed to improve the chances of survival for someone I love? (yes) Then why wouldn't I remove part of a healthy stomach to improve my chance of survival?

I hope it's a short wait for approval!!!

For me, it isn't really an option. Had my visit with the vascular surgeon today and he said my surgeon won't do my surgery without it - due to my history. I had a problem with a high number of PE's a few years ago while I was battling Leukemia. I was on Lovenox for almost a year, and will most likely go on it for awhile after surgery. Since the biggest risk of clots is in those who've had them before, and I had such a large amount of them, I'm very high risk. I'm actually a bit relieved, as clots are something I was really concerned about. But your info is great! And you're so right - it's always best to question and not just go with the flow. I've never heard anyone say they researched an important matter too much!!

I have an appointment with the vascular surgeon tomorrow... was wondering if anyone else has had/will have filters placed before surgery?

Glad to see there's so many of us on this end! I had my 1st visit with the surgeon on 7/11. I've already had my 1st NUT visit and the program required visit with an exercise physiologist. I have a busy August with my psych eval, 2nd NUT visit, Cardiologist appointment and appointment with the vascular surgeon. I'm not sure how many NUT visits I'll need to do. Anthem requires 6 months of a documented weight loss regimen, but it doesn't specify medically supervised. I have a binder from my attempt at losing last year where I documented daily calories, steps, weight, etc. for 8 months. My program coordinator asked for a copy of it to include when they submit my request in Sept after my 3rd (program required) NUT visit. If they accept it, I hope to have surgery in Oct or Nov. If they deny me, I'll have to wait until Jan. or Feb. I feel like I'm in limbo!!

I'm still early in my journey and I know how you feel!! I want it NOW! Patience isn't my strong point.

Congratulations!!!

Kykittie1967 ~ That's great! October isn't far away at all.

I hope your visit went well! Are you considering self-pay because of insurance requirements?

You already have a surgery date? Are you self-pay? October will be here before you know it!!

Congratulations!! One more item off the checklist for you. I have mine next month. What kinds of questions were you asked?

I know what you mean!! I wanted to jump up and down and giggle like a madwoman and cry like a baby at the same time!! I settled for a crazy scream (got a concerned look from the lady exiting a car nearby!) and I high fived a concrete post! Glad to "meet" someone just starting out too

Are you going to Mexico?

He's Dr. Kerlakian in Cincinnati, OH. How did yours go?

It started out rough with a 2 hr wait (he was stuck in surgery - it happens ) but the folks in the office were awesome and the surgeon was terrific. I'll be getting started with my exercise and nutritional visits this Thurs and a support group meeting next week. I'm so excited to finally be on this journey!!

Thanks so much Valentina!! I have a wonderfully supportive family, so I feel very lucky. Can't imagine having to do something so life changing alone. I know if I have to wait 6 months, it will be for the best and I'll take advantage of the opportunities available to even better prepare. But, I'm also no spring chicken and I've wasted enough of my life being fat & unhealthy! I'm ready now!!

I have my surgeon consult tomorrow afternoon. I am so ready to get this party started!! Best case scenario : he says things are in order, all I need to do is my pre-op visits with psych, excercise physiologist and nutritionist - and then submit to insurance! Worst case: (Besides "you can't have the surgery" of course!) is 6 months of visits/weight loss program, etc Either way, I'm hoping to have at least a ballpark idea of when my 're-birthday' will be. Sooo excited!!!!

I had leukemia - just celebrated 5 yrs in remission in April!! Still have 5 yrs of testing until I'm considered "clear", but so far so good. I think as long as the surgeon is aware of your history, you'll be just fine. I'm sure they encounter all kinds of issues and have ways of working around them.

I'm 52 and a cancer survivor as well ~ I figure if I keep waiting, I'll only be an older fat woman. Rather be a skinnier, healthier 53

Me too!! A little nervous but sooooooo excited!!