Pre-op, and counting

I am obviously new here.  I have my LAST pre-op appt. in the morning, and then my appt. on the 6th with the surgeon.  I am over weight some, but I have a pretty serious medical condition that is promting the bariatric surgery.  I have had two heart attacks, open heart surgery, and a stent put in.  The Cardiologist, feels that losing ANY extra weight, is a blessing for my heart, and I agree.  Although I am completely scared to death here, if I DON'T DO THIS.....well, that is NOT GOOD!  After the appt. with the surgeon, after all of the pre-op atts. are complete, do anyone have any idea how long it takes to get the surgery itself, and once had.......when do you start to feel ok?  ANY info, on this...........how you felt after, before, awhile after........whatever........I would appreciate it very much!  Thanks                      Carol

I want to welcome you to the CT messageboard. From my own experience after I completed all my pre-op testing and appointments  and the reports were received by the surgeon and then had my visit with the surgeon everything was submitted to the insurance company and after approval from them both ,a date for surgery was made and then it was about a month later  that I had my surgery . After surgery, I started to feel pretty good after a few weeks. After I lost about 30lbs I started to see changes in how I felt in general, less joint pain, moving easier, less shortness of breath. As more weight loss occurred My overall health improved greatly and I was able to get off 4 of my seven prescription medications. Now at about 15 months post op I am in better health than I have had in many years. I wish you all the best and hope that things go well for you. Sher

Thank you Sher, for your warm welcome.  We do have a couple of things in common though, other than the Bariatric surgery.  I DID live in Lebanon.....your neck of the woods, until about 1 year ago.....then we relocated to Durham, which was closer to some elderly relatives of mine, that needed our help.  Second, I have the same Dr. that you had.  All was ok there, huh?  Obviously so, becuase it sure sounds as though you are happy that you went through all of this.  Like I said before, I have the last pre-op tomorrow, the on the 6th the appt. with Dr. Barba.  I really hope I can get in there SOON!! I want this OVER WITH!!  How long were you in the hospital?  Again, thank you for writing back to me so soon!  Carol

Sorry....it's me again...Carol.  I do have a question for you.  As far as the medications that I take, HOW do you take them?  My husband purchased TWO pill crushers  (in case one breaks), but then what do you do?  Tough it out, and gulp, or mix it in some apple sauce or something?  Thanks for the help.....Carol