Getting Started

Oct 24, 2006

10/12/06 I had my first consultation with Dr. Wade Barker.  He seemed competent.  I was nervous, of course.  His nutritionist is a very colorful older man.  He seems sweet.  I enjoy older people.  They have a lot of wisdom to share if you are attentive.  He explained to me the importance of pre-op exercise, and gave me a specific regimen.  He told me an interesting little story about how the first astronauts were given exercises to do.  In the zero gravity, though, they did no good.  When they returned to terra firma, it was discovered that they had lost both bone and muscle mass.  The next batch of astronauts was equipped with some sort of springs for resistance, and the same exercises did yield benefit, with no bone or muscle mass loss.  All of this to say that it is very important to do resistance exercises both before and after surgery so as not to loose precious bone or muscle mass.  
  I am unsure whether my insurance (Great West) will cover the surgery or not.  My fantabulous husband and I have decided that I am going to go forward, regardless.  My health is worth the money.  If they cover it, I am required to have 6 months of supervised dieting.  If not, I hope to have surgery in January.  When I called them directly, I was advised that they do not cover any bariatric surgeries at all.  When Dr. Barker's office called, they were told it was a covered benefit.  It seems a toss-up as to where the truth lies.  Only time will tell, I suppose.  Obviously, I pray it is covered, as that will save us a large chunk of money.  There is a comforting peace in knowing regardless of their participation, I will be on my way to a healthier happier me sooner than later.  
   Dr. Barker has outlined 3 things I have to do, regardless of insurance participation, prior to surgery.   I have my sleep study on Thursday,
11/2/06.  My father had sleep apnea, so it's a definite possibility that I do as well.  I sleep well, as far as I know.  I don't nod off during the day the way he did.  We shall see.  I also need to schedule an appointment with the cardiologist he recommended.  Additionally, I get to have a scope done!  yay...  I had an upper GI about 10 years ago, and that was horrible.  I am hoping this will be less traumatic than that was.  My next appointment with Dr. Barker is 11/13/06. 

 


About Me
Little Elm, TX
Location
42.1
BMI
RNY
Surgery
07/31/2008
Surgery Date
Sep 29, 2006
Member Since

Friends 28

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