Just An Introduction

Hello all, name here is Tom and I'm in the process of jumping through the hoops for a Lap Surgery. I have seen Dr. Wynn, got a pass from the Cardiologist, passed the Dietician class, got a go from my Pulmanary Doc and assume my blood tests from the Nurse will be OK. When I saw the Psychologist she is sending me to some class for twelve weeks that meet once every other week, guess she didn't like my answers on the test or my interview. I guess I should have told her I have been in Therapy for the past 12 years for Bipolar II and a Anxiety Disorder. So I have that to do, see the Doctor at PMRI on the 23 and a Vascular Surgeon on on 26 (Dr. Wynn thinks I need filters in my legs to avoid throwing a blood clot due to the broken Capillaries on my thighs) I am scheduled for June 3 for my EGD Procedure. Well, thats it except I live in Milford, DE and weigh 416. Gud Luck To All, Tom

Hi Tom...and welcome!! I too have to go to the Life Skills classes. I have been to 2 of them already and my third one is next wednesday. They really aren't that bad. They just want to try and get you ready for surgery and life thereafter. You'll do fine! I have my EGD scheduled for May 13th, from what people have said, there's nothing to it. Dr. Wynn is great! We are in good hands with her! If you have any questions or anything, don't hesitate to ask.....this is an awesome group, and we all support one another!! -Joe-

Hiya Tom and welcome! You have landed among a great group of people at all stages of the process. Pretty much anything you can think of someone has been through it and can probably offer advice. I know the frustration of hoop jumpage lol, seeing it from the other end now I can truely appreciate the time and care it takes to get the approvals. I always say when you get your head in the right place the body will ( usually ) follow. Take advantage of this time to learn all you can and mentally prepare. You will do great! Linda

Welcome Tom. You have joined an incredible bunch of loosers. Good luck in your journey. We're here to answer questions, give advice and generally cheer each other on. Feel free to post your thoughts & feelings. You'll get answers. It may not be what you want to hear, but we'll answer. We're here to support each other and try to keep us focused while on this roller coaster. So Welcome aboard and enjoy the ride. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Hi all! (lots to say here since I FINALLY figured out how to post.) I am a long time "reader" but it's the first time I am "posting." (I spent several days trying to figure just how to do that and now I am finally able to post but I can't find my profile. I'm sure all willl work out fine EVENTUALLY.) I am currently a patient of Drs. Wynn/Iragu. I've been going through clearances for another surgeon since last summer but have ultimately decided I want to go with CHRIAS. I am hoping that you all can answer some of my questions -- ya know stuff that drives you bonkers?! I have had my surgical consult, nutrition class, nurse practitioner, psych, dr. appts,(all at PRMI) completed and approved, as well as my cardio and pulm clearances Ok'd. In fact the Dr. at PMRI gave me a form letter officially clearing me for surgery and even paperwork for POST OP bloodwork. So I am OK'd right? Here's the problem.... I've been to the support group at PMRI, monitored this message board, etc. but I am sooooo confused!!!! I think I am driving the surgeons office crazy trying to get an answer about a surgery date. The doc at PRMI said just call the surgeon no problem, but the surgeon office says don't call us, we'll call you....don't get me wrong, everyone is still very nice but I am so confused....especially since I have a deadline of needing to have my surgery in June or July due to personal reasons (changing jobs, losing great insurance). If I have spent the past year going through this only to NEVER get surgery ----agh!!!!!! Plus I could probably go back to my other surgeon if I hurry but I really don't want to. Can anyone share their experiences with me and put my mind at ease? Do you think I am hoping for the impossible? THANKS THANKS THANKS!

Call the Doctor's office, Marie usually deals with the insurance. Getting the approvals and all. Ask to be put on a surgery day cancellation list. If all the pre-tests are finished then you should get a date pretty quickly. Or at least a time frame. Good luck. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Elissa, you are so coooool! Thanks. I am such a bundle of nerves over this. I've had problems getting anyone to return my phone calls; emails to the office have been better but not that promising. I spoke email wise with Diane, Bert, Misty...again all sweet people but not too promising in the replies. I know they probably have many nervous pre-ops "hounding" them each day so God bless them. I am going to try your suggestion first thing tomorrow. I am so nutso, today I volunteered to track down, photocopy, deliver, (sign in blood; give up my firstborn -- OK not that bad!) WHATEVER it would take to get a date set up.... I think I am really going to enjoy conversing with you all, I should have taken the plunge much sooner.

Thanks all for your support. My only fear isn't the change in life afterwards but being put under anaesthesia as I have Sleep Apnea and use a CPAP machine. Also I take about 10 pills for my MH(Mental Health) disorder that are affected by stuff like Valium, etc. When I went for my first Colonoscopy(?) they gave me the max amount of Valium and I lie not when I say I screamed bloody murder and felt every inch of that scope. I have already relayed this info to Dr. Wynn and the Nurse and will do the same to the PMRI doc I see. Another concern is Insurance, I have Medicare (A&B) as Primary and Atena Idemnity as Secondary. I got letters of referral from my Primary Care and Psychiatrist and haven't heard anything either way yet. Tom

It's going to be OK Tom. I think we all have fears to overcome but we are braver than most (people) to take on this surgery in the first place! I believe if you keep the surgeons and hospital support staff informed beforehand you'll do just fine. I had a bad reaction once during a surgery and believe me, I let anyone and everyone know so it didn't happen again! Now I carry a printout of my meds with me whenever I see a doctor, even over the counter ones I take infrequently, so there are no questions. I am on CPAP too and worry about the same things. I am sure with all the support and kindness I've seen shared on this site you will have many people caring about you. Support from others will make a big difference too. PS. Sorry to be so message board illiterate to insert my long-winded speech in the middle of your posts. Keep those spirits up!

Welcome to our Club! We hope that you too will soon be a loser with the best of us! I'm almost 2 years post-op and still read this message board daily. This is my new addiction... it' no longer food! I'm loving life and this surgery is the best thing I ever did for me and my family! Keep in touch of your progress! Best Wishes to you... Ginger Barkley