As many of you may not know, my name is Frank. I started my journey the day before Thanksgiving in 2012. I am using Dr. Michael Green, @ Live by Loosing. I am currently on Social Security Disability, due to my sleep apnea, lymphedema, borderline diabetes, hypertension, and severe asthma. I had to wait for 18 months in order to get Medicare. Once I got my Medicare I started my journey. I have went through numerous dr.s appointments, physical therapy, nutritional visits, Doppler's, all kinds of specialist.... my starting weight was 525 pounds. I am currently down to 503, on my own... by giving up sodas, and sweets. I am married, and have 7 children to look after, so we always have a busy lifestyle. My weight and sickness always holds me back from things they want to do, or simple things.... around the house. ........After many Dr's visits, and down to my last one, I had the EDG, I had flew through all medical clearances with flying colors, (except for being put on a CPAP Machine), I get the test results of my Biopsy, which showed I had H Pylori in my stomach.... (bacteria that causes ulcers, can be treated with 2 weeks of antibiotics), this was a huge blow because it was March 8th, and my surgery was scheduled for March 18th. Now I have to be on antibiotics for 2 weeks... this puts a delay in my surgery date... pushing it back to March 28th. On March 12th, I go in for my final check up, and Kristin the PA said everything was clear, I should be a go for March 28th, I was super excited. My antibiotics for the H Pylori are completed on March 22nd. Dr. Green does his surgeries at Medical Plaza on Thursdays. So, since March 12th, we have been waiting on approval/date conformation, but no word.... on March 18th, my wife gets a call asking if we have a Pulmonologist that I attend to, my wife told her no, that my PCP prescribes my asthma rx's. March 19th, I find out my file is on Ins. Desk!!! I am super excited, (PA said Medicare , they mostly just have to have all paperwork, and verify it is active ins. on the day of surgery, which don't have to be submitted for approval) which was nice to know! Then BOOM!!!! Back to Pre-Op, now because one of my specialist says I have shortness of breathe I have to have a Pulmonologist Clearance! Short of breathe??? Really, I am 500 pounds, & have asthma.. of course I am short of breathe!! We have now waited all day yesterday & today for them to call and no reply... my wife got tired of waiting and Googled many Pulmonologist Dr.s in Fort Worth, to try to get me in as soon as possible.... she called about 12, who all said they was 4-8 weeks out for new patients, which was way to long.. she kept trying... then she called one, and was able to get me in on 3/27, she explained the situation, and found out I need a certain test from them in order to get clearance.... so the kind lady set me an appointment for the test for 3/25... so my results would be back by 3/27 for Clearance for an April 4th Sleeve Date!!!! Finally @ 5:05 today, the Pre-Op calls me back, saying they can get me in on April 4th, to get the test..(which would postpone my surgery til April 11th). I let her know my wife had already taken care of it, and gave her all info I thought she needed. Is anyone else having this problem, where you feel like you are just being pushed further and further away...?That's how I feel.... so close..., but then something else comes up... ! Its really aggravating, because I could have seen this Pulmonologist a while back, if I knew I needed to get a clearance, and I could have had my EDG earlier (incase of having H pylori & 2 weeks of Antibiotics)before my final check up with the PA, to avoid being pushed further back. I have been pushed back 3 weeks now, all at the last minute!!! Any thoughts??

Oh wow, that is incredibly frustrating!!! I know you can't help but feel like it's never gonna happen when you keep getting pushed back further and further! I'm so sorry you're going through all of that. I was frustrated at having to change my date 3 times just due to my husband's work schedule. It was over 2 months away, so adding an additional 2 weeks felt like torture. And I haven't even had to deal with half of what they've put you through.

I know it's frustrating and no one would blame you for being aggravated. But you have a wife and seven kids (and I'm tired with 2 lol) and if these extra steps can even give you a 1% chance at a healthier and less risky surgery, it's worth every minute of the delay!! You will be sleeved and you will be a healthier, happier dad and husband... Just a little later than planned. But try not to let it get to you too much (I know, easier said than done). Your time is coming!!! Keep pushing through. You are so blessed to have a wife fighting so hard for you! Take the extra steps, as unnecessary as they may seem, to ensure the least risky surgery possible!!

In the meantime... vent away buddy!!! I totally understand

I know I would be a mess. Even though I have my date scheduled for the 29th of this month and I have been cleared, I am still fearful that something will come up and the surgery will be postponed.

However, with that being said I am self pay and now that I have my surgery paid for by actually handing over the check I have a great since of relief because I know that it may get postponed but IT WILL HAPPEN! Hold on...CHANGE IS COMING!

Hang in there! As frustrating as this is, and any of us would be as frustrated as you at all of these delays and preparations, your time for surgery is coming. Once we have decided to get the surgery, we all want it then. In a relatively short time, however, you will be sleeved and this frustration will be pushed to a far corner of your memory. My best to you. Keep us informed.

Hey food_vs_life....welcome to march 29!

There's stevie07, me, cindysc, prettyinpink and pantela...and albertagirl on the 31st...and then all us march sleeved will be done!

Sent from my iPhone using VST

Thanks.. just had to vent!!

I feel for you. I had to wait two years until Medicare covered the sleeve for my surgery which is on April 10th. Just breathe and know all of the test are necessary to ensure a good outcome from the surgery. You'll be sleeved soon and You'll have the comfort of knowing all the bases have been covered. Good luck to you!

Thanks Monday is my test for Pulmologist.. will give an update on Wed.

Thanks guys... got my last clearance today!!

Test is clear... just waiting on pre op.!

Hang in there brother, it will happen in due time.