First Visit With Dr. A

Hi, everyone! Friday afternoon I had my first appointment with Dr. A. It's been months of researching, attending support group meetings, coming to this website and meeting and e-mailing some of you, but now it finally feels like I'm on my way. He is SO nice. I have lymphedema in both legs and they're quite large, but Dr. A said that he's had patients whose legs were worse than mine. It was such a relief to hear that...it's reassuring to know that he's experienced in dealing with my particular situation. He's only requiring that I lose 10 lbs., but did say that the more I lose, the lower my risks will be. I made an appointment for my gallbladder ultrasound on Oct. 15th and was lucky that Elina (the dietician) had a cancellation for Oct. 18th. Otherwise she's booked until late Nov. What may hold up the process is that he wants me to be cleared by a cardiologist (because of my high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes). I was told that the cardiologist's office will call me in 2-3 weeks to set an appointment. Has anyone seen the cardiologist to whom Dr. A refers people? How long did you have to wait to see him? I suspect it may take a while since Dr. A said, "I'll see you in a few months." On the bright side, it would give me time to lose more weight before surgery. Also, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that Dr. A said that my abdominal muscles are weak, so I'll probably get a hernia. The good news is that I'll probably get a hernia, so maybe insurance will pay for at least part of the cost of a tummy tuck eventually. Well, now that I've got some appointments set up, I feel like more of a member of this group here and not like an observer. Have a good weekend all, Debby

Hi Debby! I'm so happy for you that you are ON YOUR WAY!!! You are going to find that these next few months are going to just FLY BY!!! This is a wonderful forum to come for support and information. As far as the cardiologist is concerned, I'm not familiar with how they do things thru Dr. A's office, but I'm sure you'll find others with that info. Hope you have a great weekend! Love, Tammy

Congratulations Debby, The hardest part is waiting for the first visit, after that time really does fly by! Once you start getting all your other appointments out of the way and sticking to a healthy diet, you will loose the 10 lbs and get a date before ya know it!!! Carmen

Glad to hear everything is moving along for you Debby. Before you know it a few months will pass and all your requirements met and you will be on the melting side! Terri

Debby, Congratulations on your first appt..you are on your way! I have a suggestion..is there anyway you can go to a cardiologist of YOUR choice? I had a GI appt already made and Dr. A didn't have any objections to me seeing my own gastroenterologist. You can call Lois and ask..plus you can get one closer to home. You are an active part of this board..not just an observer! I wish you continued speed in this process! Joanie

Hi Debby I am glad you are moving next to go for all tests!!!! I am glad to hear your apt. with Dr A. went very well ! SMILE!!! I know Dr A. will take of his patients very good! I trust him with my eyes close while he cuts my stomach in 9 more days! Can't wait to see you this monday coming! Hugs Kathy K

Hi Debby, Dr A is my doctor too...I am two weeks post op. He sent me to a cardio, too. If they don"t call you in two weeks call or e-mail Dr A's office. I never actually met with a cardiologist....I just went to the outpatient center and had an echocardiogram and a stress test. I assume the cardiologist reviewed them and sent results to Dr. A. What tests you have will depend on your physical condition. Sounds like you are well on your way. Good luck angel

Debby, Congratulations. I am so happy for you. You are in great hands with Dr. A. The cardiologist didn't take that long to get in to. It shouldn't delay your surgery at all. Best of Luck and if you have any questions feel free to ask. Julie

Hi Darlin Debby, That is great news! You are well on your way, and I can tell you, Dr Aranow is amazing. I'm so happy for you! Hope to see you at a suppprt group soon! Peace, -Deb