I am only sharing the details of my hurdles to say it is still worth it. Few of you will feel that you are living through a bad version of the movie "Groundhog Day'. How fortunate for me to be retired and not still be working for what was in store. I am sure most people get a list of appointments for tests, go to them and meet their proposed surgery date just as my friend did 5 years ago. But if you get discouraged by mishaps just keep the faith and do not let anyone or anything discourage you.
Months before my surgery there were no doubts, second thoughts, fears or questions because with all of your help, I was prepared. My June 29th date got canceled because the cardiologist still had not cleared me. There was no time to go into a funk because they kept me busy.
My GP said the cardio would take a week from the consultation to run tests and clear me; it took them 7 weeks for them to schedule and preform my regular tests then sending me off to another specialist for additional testing adding 2 more weeks. At the consult he scared me saying I needed the addition test to be sure that I would not have a heart attack on the table and to limit my activity so that I did not have a heart attach while waiting for surgery. My insurance refused to cover the test saying it was unnecessary. I went back to my GP requesting a referral to my husbands' Cardiologist (who accused me of DR shopping) and told me I was lucky to have good insurance).
Three weeks later I was cleared. Then over the next three weeks I was notified that the surgeon did not have any record of my blood work and later no physiologist clearance. Again it was my responsibility to make the calls to have them resent. I did not care whether it was my GP's office or surgeon' s office that dropped the ball, all I cared was that I got my new date. If the surgeon had made all the appointments instead of requiring my GP to do it it might have been less complicated. It reconfirmed what I had read online about the surgeon's office.
Neither the companies I worked for nor the DHS in 3 states would never have allowed me to poorly manage the child care centers offices I directed in any such a manner.
Still it continued. The hospital called to tell me "my procedure", (in all fairness the reception was not clear) was scheduled in two days and that I had to be there the next day to register. Only on arriving at the hospital Thurs morning to register (and asking) was I told that it was not my gastric sleeve but that my surgeon was doing another pre-op test (required only after finally reviewing my previous gastro history).
After registration I was sent directly to a a pre-op ( explaining my surgery)/ pre & post op nutrition class where I was given my surgery date for the following Wed. From Thursday to Wed is not much time for a pre op diet.
At this point I sat down and rechecked all my saved correspondence to confirm that I had understood their correspondence properly and that I was not "off my perch"
After the procedure the, next day, I was given an office appointment on Mon for test results and final clearance. There I learned my surgery was in fact the next day, Tue and not Wed as written.
Still I get to the hospital Tue at 9 AM determined not to let office mishaps get in the way. By 7PM, I was told that there had been an emergency surgery and that my surgery would have to wait until the next day, so "go home". They were all very nice about it and I had had good care all day.
Wed morning, I arrived at 5:30 AM the first on the surgery list. It went well with an additional hernia repair at the same time. I was home in 32 hours.
Surgery was 2 weeks ago Wed. I am doing well so far. Already I am seeing minor positive health changes since the surgery. My weight loss is 23.8 lbs. I feel I am still adjusting to the zero caffeine/sugar consumption and limited calories.
It is balancing act to consume all my water and protein because I always feel full. Any suggestions? Perhaps when I am not napping as much, I will be awake more, giving me more time to sip more. How right you all were about the lack of cravings and cooking for my husband sometimes make me a bit queasy.
As after my previous knee surgeries., with lack of appetite I have had a sensory taste bud cleansing, making me acutely aware of the taste of everything I consume. Artificial sweeteners, colorings and flavorings in prepared protein shakes and water drinks, even Jell-O, are a challenge. I just have to get back to making these things myself instead of relying on premade even though I had shopped carefully pre-surgery.
Thanks for willing to share your journeys, each as unique as each of you and the bodies that God gave us. I would not have made it this far without all of you.
