Okay, I need some advice.

I have been wanting this surgury so long, now that it may be getting closer to happening I'm scared - having second thoughts. I feel like I know all of you regular posters, so I feel as if I can trust your opinions and advice. I don't know if I am doing things in the correct order or not. I called to get an appointment with Dr Martin who is now at Vista since the hurricane (thanks Tina for giving me his info). I had an appointment with Vonda a NP, she gave me orders to have have lab work, EKG, PFT, Blood gas test, Sleep Study, Upper GI, Chest Xrays and gallbladder sonogram, meet with a nutrisionist (sp), and a test that tells you your metabolic rate. Okay, well I got all test completed in four days. I picked up the results from the blood work, PFT, Blood gas test and EKG on Friday. They told me the remaining results would probably be ready today, but I didn't even check on them. I'm getting scared. They tell me at Vista that once I have all the results I have to meet with Dr Raum and then I guess I will finally meet Dr Martin. I'm not sure what Dr Raum does. My blood test kind of frightened me it showed I'm low in one thing and high in another - that scares me. My over all blood count was good though. I don't know what is going on with me all of a sudden. Does it sound like I'm doing things in the correct order? Why am I having second thought. Why am I scared of my blood test results or is that just an excuse to put off going further?

Hey....I never got scared but a lot of people do! As far as the surgery, I would say do it. I wouldn't put it off any longer! I'm not sure but I think Dr. Raum is an assistant to Dr. Martin. All of my preop stuff was already done. I don't really think there is a certain order of things and a certain way they need to be done. Do you have your psych eval done already? That will need to be done. Also, you will probably need a clearance from your PCP. One reason I was so anxious to have the surgery done is because my health was going down quick. Maybe that scared me more than having surgery scared me. I didn't want to end up on dialysis for my kidneys from my diabetes being uncontrolled for ten years. Also my cholesterol was at stroke levels and I didn't want to end up with a stroke and half way paralyzed. So that is my reasoning for not being scared to have the surgery. Good Luck Christie

Your welcome! And it sounds like your doing everything in the right order. Your feelings are perfectly normal. I went through the same thing. I was so emotional I would even cry sometimes. But I will tell you it was the best decision of my life. I'm much healthier and happier now. I would do it again in a minute. Also me and my husband are happier our relationship is great and I chalk that up to me being happier with myself. Dr. Raum is an endocrinologist, he is great I love him. He is very through and goes over everything with you. He is very patient and will answer all of your questions no matter what they are. You will see him as much as the surgeons if not more. I think you will like him. Hope this is helpful if you have anymore questions just ask. Tina

I realize that this is Waaaayyyyy after the day you posted, but I just got around to reading it today!! Dr. Martin is THE BEST and so is Dr. Raum. You will LOVE them both and will not regret having this surgery when all is said and done. I had my surgery 18 months ago and have lost 125 lbs. I feel like a NEW person and am doing things that I only dreamed of before!!! Your fears are TOTALLY normal and you will overcome them. Ask ANY questions you want. HUGS, Pam