I AM A NEWBIE

I HAD AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE DR. COSTER ON SEPTEMBER 25TH. HIS OFFICE SENT MY INFORMATION TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY ON OCTOBER 10TH BY FAX. MONDAY, I GOT A COPY WITH APPROVED FOR SURGERY ON THE DOCTOR'S FORM. I CALLED THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE TO ADVISE AND THEY INDICATED THAT THEY SHOULD GET THEIR WRITTEN COPY WITHIN TWO TO THREE DAY. WHEN THEY RECEIVE THIS, THEY WILL SET UP AN APPOINTMENT. I AM SO NERVIOUS. WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

From my experience it will happen pretty fast. After my 1st meeting with Coster, they scheduled surgery about 3 weeks later! I think you've chosen a really good group to work with. They are all really nice and knowledgeable, too! Good luck! Jeri H.

YAHOO!!! You are on your way! You have just crossed one of the biggest hurdles! Now your doctor should be setting up pre-op appts such as pulmonary, sleep study, psych, lab, etc.. My doctor made me wait until those results came in before scheduling surgery. He will also tell you what if any preliminary things he wants you to do pre-op concerning diet and exercise. Some doctors request that their patients start on a healthy food and exercise plan at this time. The thing that helped me the most through this phase was reading and educating myself about every facet of the surgery; both the procedure and the post-op care/diet. I didn't stop until every single question I had was answered. The more I learned, the more accepting I was about the lifestyle change. Now 10wks post-op, I am comfortable with my decision and there haven't been any shocking developments. This website has helped me tremendously! Welcome to the Iowa Message Board Annette! You are among friends- anytime you want to whine, cry, celebrate or question please feel free to do so! We have all been there done that!

Hi Annette- Dr. Schwartz in Grinnell is doing my surgery on Nov. 19- there is a support group meeting in Grinnell this Sat. am if you are interested. One of the 3 doctors in the Grinnell group will be there to talk and answer questions. Let me know if you need more info- Take care! Lori

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL THE INPUT. I JUST GOT A CALL FROM THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE AND I AM SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 14TH!!!!!!!!!!!!!. I AM SET UP FOR AN APPOINTMENT FOR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH TO DO ALL THE PRE-WORK. THIS WILL TAKE ABOUT TWO HOURS. I AM SO HAPPY JUST THINKING ABOUT BEING ABLE TO WALK FOR MORE THAN 15 MINUTES WITHOUT HAVING TO SIT DOWN. TO BE ABLE TO CLIMB STAIRS WITHOUT FEELING SO TIRE THAT I CANNOT STAND. TO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES WITHOUT HAVING TO GO HOME EXHAUSTED. THANK YOU LORD.

CONGRATULATIONS Annette!!!!!! Maybe we will run into each other- my surgery is on the 19th. Take Care. Lori

LORI THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT. I NOTICE YOU LIVE IN WEST DES MOINES. MAYBE, WE COULD GET TOGETHER FOR A LAST MEAL THING.