andrea S.
First Surgery Consult last night!
May 04, 2011
I have made the decision to get the gastric bypass and I plan on blogging my entire experience including what each steps involves and how my life is going in response to everything.
My initial interest was in the Lap Band but after attending a seminar I diecided on gastric bypass. I filled out a 24 page registration packet and requested my 2 year weight history from my regular doctor. Once I sent this off I waited for a call to make my appointment.
Once I arrived I filled out quite a bit more paperwork and of course paid the copay and the normal dr stuff. I was pleasantly surprised at how beautiful the office was!! It is also designed keeping in mind that everyone isn't a size 2!!! The chairs are larger and more comortable for bigger people.
When I went back the RN did my weight on a HUGE scaled in the floor kind of like the Biggest Loser scale. We did my height as well- apparently I am 1/4 inch smaller than I thought- maybe the fat is dragging me down!! lol She calculated my BMI and my excess weight and told me how much I could lose according to the "average" numbers. My favorite part was when they told me my "ideal" weight is 134. I am 5'5 3/4 and I think if I end up that small people will be trying to force feed me- I have a big frame to begin with. Oh well...... Of course did a blood pressure and pulse and listened to my lungs
Dr Alfred Trang is the surgeon I chose. I love him already- he explains everything on my level, has a sense of humor and is very detailed in his explanations. He even encourages me to ask questions. We discussed the process, benefits, risks, preop testing, what to expect etc. There were no surprises there!!
I have Aetna so I will be doing a 3 months multidisciplinary program so I can get authorized for surgery. They will cover 80% if I am approved. I will be going every 2 weeks to the office and seeing a variety of specialists (psychologist, nutrionist and exercise physiologist). My weight will be tracked during this program and I will begin a diet and exercise program. Essentially I will be losing weight and building my endurance before I even get surgery.
During this whole process I have researched my heart out and gathered information from everywhere you could imagine. I haven't found one thing that makes me reconsider. I am super excited to start my journey. I know it will be hard work but it will be so worth it!!
More to come.....
