Michael Carnevale
August 11, 2006
Today I took the first step toward improving both my health and the quality of my life. I had my first appointment to meet Dr. Dean Roye and discuss options for Gastric Bypass Surgery. He explained the risks and the available options. For me, the only appropriate option in his eyes is an open Roux EN-Y Gastric Bypass. I left his office feeling both informed and nervous awaiting to hear from Blue Cross regarding approval for surgery. Dr. Roye seemed convinced that the approval would not be a problem. I will know the result within 3 weeks.
September 1, 2006
I have not heard from Dr. Roye's office yet so today I called them. I was told that Blue Cross has approved my surgery. Whoo-Hoo. I will be receiving my pre-op packet in the mail soon.
November 1, 2006
All of my preliminary testing is done and today I saw Dr. Roye. The process moved very quickly because I did not need to have my sleep study done. I already had been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and I use CPAP at home. The doctor reviewed my results and he is prepared to proceed with surgery, The only concern is that one of my clotting factors are off. He said that will not prevent surgery but he will need to keep me on a blood thinner for 6 weeks postop. I am not going to lie, the news about the clotting factor scared me. He said that on the blood thinner my risk for a clot is not elevated, We discussed my surgery date and we decided to do it on December 12th at RI Hospital. That is just under 6 weeks away. I am both nervous and excited. Nervous about the risks and everything that I need to get done before surgery. Knowing that I will be in no condition to go shopping for Christmas, I need to plan these things prior to surgery. I am also nervous about the people around me and the fact that they are concerned about my safety and the risk of me having the surgery. I just try to tell everyone that walking around daily weighing above 400lbs. carries it's own share of risks. I asked my friends and family to support me and back my decision even if they don't completely agree with it. Then the excited part comes in. It sounds funny to say but I am so excited about becoming a "LOSER". I can't wait for the weight to start to come off. I want to get to the point where I can exercise and feel better about me. I want to do things I have not been able to do for so long. Things like going to the beach with friends and family, vacationing without all of the stress that goes along with that, and most of all being comfortable with me. I can't wait to go shopping for clothes in the mall. I also can't wait to say good bye to Casual Male XL and all the big and tall stores I needed to shop in for most of my life . I want to be normal and I will do whatever it takes to get me there.
