JanM

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Met with Dr. Eibes today for the first time. He said he has everything he needs and will file the request of preauthorization tomorrow. The nurse said they often hear back in one week. The only negatives were that I may have to do a 3 month supervised diet as I haven't done one in the past two years and I have to get cardiac clearance since I am over 50. I have a cardiac stress test scheduled for Friday morning. I almost dread that more than surgery. I hear the test is unpleasant. It will be worth it if I get to surgery sooner. Keeping my fingers crossed that I will have a surgery date by this time next month!

 

I went to the 2 hour pre-op class required by Dr. Eibes. I was very impressed with him and his program. One of the things I was dreading was having a nasogastric tube after surgery and he doesn't place them unless needed. Yeah! He still hasn't scheduled his first surgery - has 40 people waiting for insurance approval. Once he gets started the wait will be 3-6 months so I am glad I am getting in now. I see him Tuesday for my consultation so hopefully it won't be long after that he submits my prior auth request! I am thankful for those on the Iowa forum who encouraged me to see Dr. Eibes.

A funny thing happened at the class. My husband is about 90 lbs. overweight but of course, men never think they are as overweight as women. He went with me and one of the older ladies attending (older than 52!) asked if we were having surgery together! It stunned me so I was speechless for a minute but then I said no, he was just along for support. As soon as we got away from the crowd we both had a good laugh about it.

I checked while I was at the office and they said they had received my psych eval, nutrition eval and the referral information from my GP so I hope things move swiftly after Tuesday!

After waiting for months for my appointment with Dr. Kermode, I CANCELLED! I had been having this hesitant feeling about him as I mentioned. I called and I am attending the class Dr. Eibes requires and personally teaches on 2/3/06 and I will then see him on 2/7/06. I am thrilled about this. His office staff seemed so pleasant and efficient, unlike Dr. Kermode's. One of my nurses is going to be Dr. Eibes first surgeries at IMMC. Dr. Kermode's office on the other hand has been less than helpful and chaotic. I asked that they send me a copy of my pysch eval and nutrition eval as well as the paperwork from my primary care physician and they refused. I am having to call each office and have them resend the information to Dr. Eibes. This feels like the right decision.

Four days until my appointment with my surgeon! It seems like it has taken forever to get to this point. I hope by the end of next week I will have a surgery date. I have not had any second thoughts. Every time I look at the picture of myself I am trying to get on my profile it affirms I have made the right choice. One of the things I thought of the other day was that by summer, I could be riding my bicycle again. I love to ride my bicycle but for the past few years it has been to hard to peddle (and keep my butt on the seat). I am sure there will be more discoveries of things I can do again in the months after surgery. Will post after my appointment Friday.