Made my decision and am moving forward.....

I appealed my insurance but decided it doesn't matter, if I have to  be a self-pay I will and I decided to move forward anyway. Out of the doldrums and taking responsibility for my health.

I picked Dr. Paul Cirangle for a VSG.  I had a phone consult with him and  and this weekend, I got my financing in order (I actually took the money out of a home equity because I was afraid if I wait until surgery, the economy will prevent them from giving me my loan!) . 

Today Dr. C's office  sent me my pre-op test prescriptions.  I have a physical, an EKG,  a dietician evaluation and psychological and bloodwork which has to be done 2 weeks before surgery.  They asked me when I was thinking about having surgery and I said early December or early January. 

I called my PCP and made an appt. for tomorrow to get the physical.  I'm worried she won't refer me for the EKG  because she won't like what I have decided and how will I get one if she says no?  I can get the Dietician and Psychological evaluation through Dr. C's office.  

How did other Dr. C patients get their tests done?  Any problems out there I should know about?

Hi Keala,

Just remember to wait on doing your bloodwork to less than 2 weeks before your surgery. I did mine 17 days before my VSG and had to redo it once I got to San Fran.

I have pics posted on my profile of the hotel room at the Cathedral Hill, if that is where you will be staying.

Visit us on over at the VSG forum too.

Congrats!!!!!

aloha,

michelle

Aloha Keala -

Just like Michelle said... and I did the same. My doctor was very supportive of my surgery and helped me get all my pre-op testing done in a timely manner. If your PCP says, "no" ask, "Why not?!"

As Michelle said, remember to wait until you're within 2 weeks of surgery for the bloodwork. Also, make sure all test results are copied to Dr. C.

I'm so proud of you for taking the initiative and not letting anyone stand in your way. Sometimes we just have to go for it! I know that's exactly how I felt when it was my time to decide.

You will definitely be in the BEST of hands.

Thank you both for the encouragement!  I got to see my PCP and although she didn't like my decision (because she had never heard of a VSG before -- she was very comfortable with a Lap-Band) she did refer me for all my tests.  So I got everything done yesterday except for the stress test which I will have next Friday.  Then I guess I contact the office and ask for a surgery date!

I'm wondering how it was to travel back on the plane from SF?  Were you in any pain or discomfort?  Im trying to think ahead about all the little details.  Hope you don't mind if I ask you some questions along the way.

Keala

Hi Keala

Traveling back was easy as pie. I was 5 days out. I brought powdered protein in my backback. Once I got into the airport past security, I bough****er and mixed. Once I was on the plane, I sipped on my chocolate protein drink and crunched on ice cubes. No pain or discomfort, just lots of gas. A couple of trips to the lua and I was okay.......loud gassy otots but nobody can hear, LOL.

I didn't even sleep on the plane cause I wanted to watch the movie. I wanted that last uninterrupted time before getting back to the kids to see a movie without someone going, "mommy, he hit me", "mommy i have to use the bathroom", "mommy, i'm thirsty"........you know the routine. LOL...........

You are almost there! Congrats.........

michelle

Thanks for answering that question.  I was trying to figure out how I would get a protein drink through the airport...duh.... protein powder.  Did you buy some here to take with you, or did you buy it there, and any recommendations on brands?  

Also, I know this is a DUM question -- but do the staples beep through security? 

I will have to travel myself, as DH must stay home with the family.  I have to admit   I am looking forward to is a week of  "me" time.  I think I would like to sleep the whole time!