My pre-op requirements have all been completed since my initial surgical consult in June 2007. In addition to attending 2 weight loss support groups, I had to get cardiac clearance, pulmonary clearance, stress test, psychiatric clearance, sleep apnea evaluation and treatment for at least 6 months prior to surgery (with the C-pap machine) and I was required to lose 10% of my starting body weight prior to surgery. I have surpassed the required 36 lbs and lost 53lbs since June 07. Two weeks prior to surgery I have to get vascular clearance on my legs to rule out blood clots, and have an endoscopy to rule out esophagal damage (from reflux) and I have to see the anesthesiologist who will determine what meds I need altered, or what meds I must stop taking prior to surgery, and if there are any re-evaluations he feels I need clearance for, then he will have them done the day I go see them. I can imagine they may want to redo my bloodwork to see how my cholesterol & sugar levels are. I also have high blood pressure, so they need a clearance from my primary doctor prior to surgery. My levels were through the roof for cholesterol, sugar, and bp. Now with being on meds for bp, pre-diabetes and high cholesterol AND the weight loss, my last run of blood work was AWESOME. I am certain when blood work is done again that my levels will be even lower. I am in such better shape physically and mentally since I decided this was the path I chose for my life. Yes alot of tests, alot of co-pays, alot of headaches and scheduling conflicts. But when all is said and done, it will be worth it, for all of us. Congratulations on your upcoming surgery and I wish you all the best. Doirinne Cohoes (Albany) NY

Finally I have a date! February 3rd. Fter SRVG, VBG, POVH. Hernias, too. Suffer from severe GERD. Please pray for me. This op has a much higher risk rate.

Just posting to see how many other Feb. 12th's there are on here. I saw a couple. I can't wait to get the surgery so I can move on w/ my life. 1 month and 3 days left. HURRY!

Hi Ladies! That's my date too! I can't wait! Do you guys have to do a pre-surgery diet? I have to do 4 weeks of super low carb. Yuck! I have ordered samples of vitamins and protien drinks so that I can figure out what I like before the surgery. What are both of you doing to get ready? Gabrielle

Good luck! I think this preop part will almost be harder then life after surgery. Keep us updated on how you are doing. Good luck with the testing.