Approval/surgery date????

Can't believe this all happened after 5pm on a Friday! And I can't call anyone until Monday!!! So "nearly there and post-op" guys and gals, your thoughts??? I got a letter from my insurance company approving my surgery. The insurance company listed an "admissions/procedure date"? Is that my surgery date? I got a letter from my surgeon's office confirming a date/time for an endoscope. FYI, the endoscope date is approx. 3 weeks before the "surgery" date. So I don't go ga-ga wondering until Monday, anyone know what this means???? PS -- and a big one -- all of a sudden I am really scared.

Sounds like you're in the home stretch!! Yipee!!! As for being scared... That is certainly normal. I wanted to call and cancel my surgery the night before, that's how scared I was! Thank God I did not... Life is so wonderful now. I hope you will be able to enjoy the "New You" soon!

Thanks Ginger, I knew I could count on someone to cheer me up and make me feel better. Yes, I think I am almost there! I'm sure I'll have more fears, feelings, questions as time goes on....so thanks! Kit

Hi Ms Kitty I have the same feelings of dread too. I guess it is all starting to really sink in and everyone says this is normal. So keep thinking good thoughts about your life after surgery and chase those other thoughts away. Best of luck to you. PS: The EGD is not so bad and it is over in about 20 minutes. You are asleep the whole time. Take care! Terre G

I'm glad to see that there are fellow worriers out there. We can help each other get through it. I am thankful for everyone I have met since I started to post several weeks ago. You take care too, Terre!

Terre, Sounds like you are almost done. You'll probably get a secure surgery date after the EGD. I think it happens pretty quick once all the pre-req's are completed and insurance is approved. You're being normal by being anxious and a little scared. If you are infomed and truely want this you will become very calm in your decision. You have the best Dr's and they will take care of you. Keep posting and letting us know your progress. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Hi this is Ms. Kitty again, I started this "thread" (is that what they call it?) originally. I am concerned about knowing the confirmed surgery date because the date that was listed on my insurance approval letter is a day I have (had) vacation plans. I can change the plans but need to do ASAP so I can get refunds and/or exchanges etc. Now I'm afraid if I have to wait until after the EGD, and if surgery happens soon after, it will be too close to change! Given you all's experiences, do you think I should just change my vacation plans? Would you try to go BEFORE or AFTER surgery? How soon AFTER? (OK, I know that's probably more of a personal issue on how you feel...) THANKS ALL!

If I were you Ms. Kitty, I'd try to get in my vacation pre-surgery. You're not gonna want to be too far from your Doctor's or your home for a few weeks. Have you tried calling the scheduling person at CHRIAS? It used to be Marie, she dealt with the insurance Companies also. Now I'm not sure. Maybe Vern. Either way I'm sure you want a firm date so you can plan. Good Luck. Elissa

Thanks Elissa, I KNEW I could count on someone. It makes a lot of sense to do the vacation BEFORE surgery since I'd have to worry about food options, reactions, etc. while away. And that whole thing about being close to the doctor (in case something happens or I have questions) makes loads of sense! I can't believe I didn't consider things like that -- DUH! See, that's why I need you and all my buddies here. I've been working with someone in Dr. Iragu's office, not Marie. Isn't it a shame she left? I never met her but she seemed nice. I guess I was just getting anxious thinking about it and waiting for a solid reply from them, so that's why I put it out there to you all. (You'll notice I'm like that from earlier posts -- a real worrier!) OK, the real issue here is the people I was going on vacation with -- we've been planning this trip like forever (years!) and now it was FINALLY a reality. But whimp that I am, I have not told my travelling companions anything about the surgery. I mentioned it years ago that I was considering bariatric surgery and got a negative reply so I stopped then and there.I kind of dug myself into a hole too; all were aware that I was going to Dr, to Dr, to test....and at one point I even think it was frightening them that I had some sort of serious medical problems! AGH, I probably should have said something then -- at least more than "it's nothing serious, I just want to check out all my health issues because I am getting older." I KNOW I should have told them right away, but I didn't. You know waiting for the right time? Now I feel extra anxious because I am not only putting out what might be really negative news to them, but I am also making everyone change their vacation plans for me. OK, see I AM a worrier! I have PROMISED myself when I get a solid answer from Dr. Iragu (or within the next week) I am going to have to open up to them no matter what! WHEW, it felt good to share that -- whoever was brave enough to read the whole saga -- yes, I also tend to go on and on...while I worry. THANKS! Your friend, Kit