I found this site on a google search because I am looking for something to calm my nerves some. I'll start out by introducing myself. I am a 40 year old, disabled, morbidly obese man. I am a high functioning autistic and I have lost weight before but gained it all back and then some. I was driving a bus until I became disabled due to my weight and adult onset diabetes. I can no longer qualify for a medical card and I feel at my worst. Generally, I do not handle the extreme sensory stimulation of doctors and hospitals but I have no choice in the matter. I am on a high dose of insulin with oral medications so my PCP feels that this has become pretty urgent. Tomorrow is my first pre-surgery appointment at Penn Presbyterian Hospital. I went to an information session at the beginning of last month, but sadly, I remember little of what to expect. I do not scare easily but I sure am in a tizzy right now.

Hi BlackCatMatt! Although I was quite nervous for my first consult with the surgeon, I found there was no reason at all to be anxious. Mine involved completing introductory paperwork and questionnaires, meeting the surgeon and having the opportunity to ask him questions (after he asked several of me), a short physical exam by the surgeon, and then the chance to meet with the dietitian and patient navigator. They both provided me with packets of information on the clearances I would need to have for the surgery and basic information about the pre-op and post-op diet phases. The surgeon told me I was a good candidate, strongly recommended one surgery for me over others (RNY), and recommended (but did not require) that I lose 20-30 pounds prior to surgery. All in all, it was a good and reassuring experience.

If you have some time tonight, write down your questions if you haven't already--I am glad that I brought a list with me. I also brought a friend--it was helpful to have a support person there, and she also asked a few questions. No big deal to go by yourself, but I was happy she could attend with me.

I wish you the best of luck! I also have diabetes and take a high dose of insulin, and healing or at least better controlling diabetes (in addition to improving my mobility) is a main motivation for the surgery. Many folks on here have had resolution of their diabetes, which is very encouraging.

Thank you for the response. I believe I will write down some questions for the surgeon and his staff.

Hi there! I'm a special Education teacher and have a daughter with High Functioning Autism. Do headphones work for you? (with or without music) If I was trying to avoid someone from being overstimulated, I would try that first.

Congratulations on moving forward with your surgery even though you are uncomfortable. It's really tough when you are at odds with your brain! I wish you the best of luck!

My first visit came and went. Sadly, it looks like the surgery may not happen until February. In the mean time, I have a myriad of things to do. The good news is that I have a recent stress test, sleep apnea study, and I have been super-duper compliant with the sleep apnea machine. After my appointment, I went ahead and got the EKG and all the blood work done. The next appointment is for the Upper GI and Abdominal Studies on Nov. 2nd. The bad news is my A1C is all kinds of outta whack and I have to get it down to 8% or below in order to undergo the surgery. This will be the hardest because for me to deal with because I don't cook - previous attempts at it resulted in nearly taking a finger off and under- or over-cooking. I also eat to deal with deep depression. The journey to get to surgery will not be easy.