birdgherl

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Pre-op appointment is tomorrow at 8 am. I am very excited, and only a little nervous. My friends and family are very supportive so I am grateful for that. I went to a pre-op group at Barix and I was completely blown away by the results I saw. There were many post-ops there who shared their stories with us. I was comforted to know that no one regrets it, and they are all healthy! I hear only the horror stories from people who are afraid of the surgery. A friend who is a nurse tells me all about what shows up in the ER. Everyone seems to have a friend of a friend of a ...who knows something I should know. I take it all with a grain of salt. I am confident in Dr. Pupkova, and have received a lot of feedback from her patients. 

Looking forward to tomorrow and hoping all goes well...

I have a date!!! I spoke with Peggy yesterday and I will have surgery (barring any problems with pre-op appointment) on July 10th!

I was very nervous once it was scheduled, rethinking my decision etc. But today when I went to see a client, they had to take my picture for a guest badge, and I almost died!! The picture on my profile is over a year old, and the last photo I agreed to let anyone take until today (which wasn't exactly voluntary!). I am about 50-60 lbs heavier now, and let me tell you, it shows in that photo. I asked to keep a copy so I can refer to it months from now and see how far I have come. Needless to say, I do not doubt this decision any longer!

I am also very grateful to the PA board members. You are so kind and supportive and I cannot wait to meet you all!

Word to the wise....be very vigilant about your follow up regarding doctor's reports. My cardiologist told me that he signed off 3 weeks ago and I found out that Barix never received anything!! It all happens the way it is supposed to so I am fine with it now. 

I am already making changes in preparation. I have started drinking Atkins protein shakes a few times a day. I am also trying out the Lindora brand so I will report on that also. They were recommended by a friend who has the surgey about 1 year ago. I noticed that if I am craving sugar, I have one of those and my sweet tooth is satisfied without making me feel lousy, and more importantly, without messing with my insulin levels, so I don't continue to crave and crave and crave.

Sister Jan's surgery is today and I am totally thrilled for her! Looking forward to seeing her at the clinical for post op support some day soon!

I spoke with Barix Clinic and I am just waiting....waiting....

Dr. Pupkova has to look at my file, sign off and then send to another office where they finalize insurance costs and approval with 20 questions. THEN....to scheduling.

I am impatient, of course. I have a friend who had the surgery a year ago and she is really enjoying her new life. I am excited to be there!

Lots of developments since my last post! My psyche eval has been sent in. I have had my first cardiac appointment. Doc was very encouraging. My EKG is normal. He is sending me for an ECHO (April 27) and then I am clear. He is Jonathan Gold in Newtown (at St. Mary's) and I liked him very much and can recommend him. 

I have a follow-up to discuss the results of my sleep study tomorrow and then my endoscopy on Friday.

The best news....my insurance was approved within 1 week!!! I have IBX Personal Choice PPO.

I am really thrilled to get this moving. I have had some difficulty with eating lately as I am under a tremendous amount of stress so it's a good time to practice new habits!

I heard from Julie at the Barix Clincs that my claim has been submitted so we are waiting to hear what they say. I have Personal Choice PPO and I understand that it is about average as far as approvals are concerned.

I have the rest of my tests scheduled as follows:

March 27 - Psyche evaluation
April 2 - Cardiac consult
April 6 - Endoscopy

I am working on slowly incorporating what I will need to do forever. I have stopped all carbonated beverages, and have cut caffeine drastically. Only decaf or tea in the am. Working on getting more water in. Also am taking a multi and calcium once per day.

Had the sleep study done. This is a crazy test! It takes about 30 minutes for the tech to hook you up with all of the leads. But the tech was very nice and made me feel comfortable. I didn't sleep all that well but he said that he didn't see any evidence of apnea which is a relief!! I do have to wait for the doctor's official report in 2 wks though. 

I used ISN Sleep Center in Lawrenceville, NJ and would recommend it to anyone who needs to get this test done. 

This is basically what it looks like. Lots of wires!

Spoke with my PC this am and had the CBC and the H. Pylori bloodwork. She is very supportive of me having the surgery. So far, so good!

I spent the morning at Barix Clincs. Met as a group and then individually with Dr. Pupkova. She is confident and informative. I am really excited after the appointment. She says I will do great and gives me a hug!

I went back and immediately made all of my pre-cert appointments.