Jump Start

As far as appointments before surgery, are there any appts that I should get a jump start on.  I realize that nutritionist appts and surgeon appts are controlled by the hosp but are there any other appts that i should schedule on my own to speed up the process; like will they require a recent pap smear, a recent mammogram?  Any other suggestions on appts that I can schedule on my own.  I had a sleep study done in Jan and am currently on a CPAP machine.  I hope that I will be able to lose that as my weight drops although I have not had much problem using it.  It has worked wonders for me!  I would appreciate any and all suggestions on appts that anyone can offer.  Thanks to all of you that has responded and continue to give such GREAT ADVICE.  This board is such a wonderful tool.  Thanks to all of you.    Susan  :) 

Susan ,  Every doctor has a differnt pre- op proticol . For me , I had to have a gyn exam, mammogram . and cardiac work up . I would suggest that if you have not had a gyn or mammorgram in over a year . To go ahead and get one . You really want to be in the best health ever when going into this surgery . No matter what type you are having . Not to mention ,it shows your surgeon that you are ready and fit for your DAY !!  Congrats on getting to the first leg of your journey !!  If you need anything else, do not hesitate to write .  Natalie

Good for you for being proactive!  Yes, with Portsmouth Naval you need a current (within a year) PAP and manmmogram if your age/history dictates that. You may not need your CPAP after surgery as the weight comes off. I think its best to do a couple of things. Educate yourself and change behaviors. Meaning, if you are a soda drinker, smoker, junk foodie etc. stop/cut back.  Have you gotten any protein samples yet?  I like www.unjury.com, www.bariatriceating.com and www.bumblebeecottage.net

Welcome Susan!!!!  Can't really answer your questions.  Each surgeon & insurance company requires different things.  I really didn't have too much that I had to do.

Your appts will depend your your doctors office, but I would suggest that you start doing your homework on having some protein choices ready for you when you come out of surgery.  I suggest getting as many serving samples as you can find online or in sometimes you can find them in the shops (Vitamin Shoppe has a relatively big RTD area where you can buy one of everything).  Also, I bought myself a calendar and journal to jot down all my stats (weights, when I start/stop taking certain drugs, etc).  I found that it was very helpful to jot down in my journal my daily food, protein, viatmin and water intake.  That also helped when I did my followup appt with the nutritionist so we could look closer at other foods I could try and if I was meeting the goals for portion size and amount of protein intake per day.  I hope this helps a bit, on the non-medical "homework" items.  :)