Alan Kava
I am 44 yrs old and have been disabled due to my weight and I am trying to get back in control of my life. I was a Marine Engineer and worked on ships on the ocean, I won't ever sail again I know due to COPD, but I would like to be able to do the simple things I used to like to do again. Like walking, playing golf, hunting. I have severe sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, COPD plus other commorbitities that will probably be helped by having this done. I had 2 more stents put in Sept. and cardiologist wants me on Plavix for a year so I figured to get the ball rolling now. He strongly recommend this surgery as did my PCP.
12-26-2005: Called and setup appt. for orientation at MMPC.
01-09-2006: Went to MMPC orientation. Didn't learn much more than I had learned from this website, but did get my next appts made with the internist, psych and surgical consult. I did learn that I may not have to wait that long as they can do the surgery if I am on Plavix, which is good. I would like to have it done before summer.
01-21-2006: Was supposed to have appt. with internist on the 19th but was cancelled by the Dr due to family emergency. I was bummed now I have to wait 2 more weeks for that one. I am still on for the surgeon consult and behaviorist this coming week, hopefully no more delays.
01-26-2006: Had consult with surgeon and appt with behaviorist. Dr. says it should be no problem for me to have surgery as long as my cardiologist will clear me. I am hoping he will let me go off the plavix a short time to get this done. Behaviorist also told me that he saw nothing to keep me from having it either. I do need to lose 30 lbs so he can do it lap., and to quit smoking which I have been in the process of for the last couple of weeks.
02-01-2006: Had appt. with Internist all seemed to go well also I was down 3 lbs.. He said he saw no medical problem that would keep me off the table. I need to get blood work done, that looks like the only testing I will need. After the results of blood work comes in they will schedule surgery and final preop appts. I am hoping for next month.
