Ok, a LOT!

Went to a "class" today about the procedure, ins requirements etc. Paid my $200 "fee" so I guess I'm officially on the way to Lapland.

I lef there a little overwhelmed and a lot frustrated with all of the preoperative testing they require. I have worked with these doctors for a long time and although I knew there would be testing I had no idea there would be so much. It's in my best interest, I KNOW, but I want this over with now.

Seeing as I am (and it seemed all of insurers listed are too) in the "need a six month medically supervised weightloss attempt with an APPROVED" diet and weigh ins with progres notes.....I will just go along and make the appointments and hopefully five minths from now I can finally gave this procedure!

According to their rec's I do not need the colonsocopy or sleep study(although the pulmonologist could still order one).

The tests so far needed are:

Blood tests

Venous duplex (should be done last before surgery)

Pulmonology eval

Cardiology eval

Abdominal sono

Psych eval

Nutritional eval

GI eval AND EGD (for everyone)

Surgical consult

PMD eval and clearance

Support group meeting

As I understood it they will not even submit for approval until the 6 month sup diet is recorded and obtained.

I have loads of time.

Yeah for me!:biggrin:

I have a plan. While some do not advocate making numered/pounds goals, it works well with me.

I would like to lose between 30 and 50 pounds in these next 5 months.

Lord knows I will still be in the range "acceptable" for the surgery.

Something I did notice. It seemed as though the NP (and her printed literature) almost disuaded people from the DS.

"OH" and I am apparently an inch shorter than I have been my entire adult life(doubtful) and weigh 7 pounds more than I did yesterday (per their equipement). I elected to keep my sneakers on. I ama realist, the sneaker weight isn't going to make me either jump off a bridge or jump for joy however I KNOW they are not 7 pouns sneakers!:smile:

Mary,

Cheer up, the tests are for your own good. I'm glad my doctor required so many tests, and yes, it is overwhelming. Try to get them done one at a time, eventually the list is done.

I had to pay a $500.00 fee. I'm really in for the big time. Anyway, I was able to schedule every one of my tests in one morning. Call the hospital and see if they can schedule everything at once. Good Luck

Just a thought, but this process (sometimes) should take a while. Surgery is a huge step in the right direction to getting better, but hurrying things along is not necessarily for the best...I suggest taking a deep breath, focusing on what you want and then take it one step at a time until you get there...best wishes