What should I expect for pre op testing??
I haven't heard yet from Dr. Poplawski's office on my next step (just got approved last Tuesday), but I was wondering what you all had to have for the pre op testing?
Thanks in advance,
God Bless,
Highest weight: 309 pounds ~ October, 2009
PATS ~ Monday, February 22, 2010
RNY ~ Wednesday, March 3, 2010 ~ weight morning of surgery: 279 pounds
7 Months out to the date ~ Total loss of 100 pounds!! October 3, 2010: 179 pounds
February 1, 2011 ~ weigh 146 pounds
Psychological Evaluation
Nutritionist Evaluation
Blood Work (and lots of it!)
EKG
Mammogram
(I didn't have to have sleep apnea testing or the scope thingy since I didn't exhibit those co-morbidities.)
My pre-op evaluation over time by my surgeon also consisted of losing weight. I was told to lose but not really given a number and I was also told it was important to absolutely without fail change my habits well before surgery. I did both, and was told just before my surgery date that had I not come through with consistent losses proving I was working hard at changing my habits in the months leading up to scheduling surgery the surgeon would not have scheduled me. So sometimes there are evaluations that are unspoken too.
I whole heartedly am thankful for being able to have ongoing psychologist and nutritionist appointments in the 7 months leading up to surgery (I paid for the psyche out of pocket) .. and post-op too, because I really believe it has made all the difference in how successful I have been so far. I am at the 6 month mark, and the challenges and mind-freak in dealing with the wonderful ramifications of losing weight only are getting harder as time goes on and the weight comes off and my body image changes - in ways that are very individual - the rewards are awesome too... don't get me wrong.. but anyone who thinks the light at the end of the tunnel is the surgery itself.. is fooling themselves. Its a lifelong journey and each day is as important as the decision day or the day of surgery. I can't imagine anyone undertaking this journey without the support of a psychologist and nutritionist, or for that matter ongoing support groups and the support of the wonderful people on these OH boards.
For instance... crying because the small size pants recently bought are already baggy, or the shock of looking into the mirror at a radically changed body with lots of skin - and the reality of that... or the way my waddle (under ***** or breasts for that matter is/are lookin more like an old woman's... makeup only makes it worse... push up bra's and support shapers do wonders!!!... and not letting any of these things overshadow each and every bit of the wonderful things like being smaller, healthier or pain free or actually enjoying being active and not being afraid to live life or try new things....... not to mention all the doors with regard to eating and socializing and lifestyle that close for good and alternatively all the other doors that open to new experiences and feelings and ... oh the way people treat you changes too... and the way you relate to others changes... even things like your boundaries and personal space changes or the way you feel when someone hugs you.... people not recognizing you... or all of a sudden wanting to be your friend now because you are smaller...
well.. it can be overwhelming to be completely honest. so.. my advice would be to seize every opportunity to be as prepared as you can possibly be for this journey. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!
Lotsa love, hugs and support!
HI MARY!!
Thanks for the response. I have already done the phsyc eval so I'm good there. I kindof thought there would be an EKG. I had one about a year ago, but I'm sure they will want to do another up to date one.
I hope it wont be long. I haven't heard yet from surgeon's office, but I kindof figured they wouldn't call this week between CHRISTmas and New Years. I sure hope to hear from the next week!!
Keep me in your prayers as I am SO ready.
God Bless, Mary!!
Highest weight: 309 pounds ~ October, 2009
PATS ~ Monday, February 22, 2010
RNY ~ Wednesday, March 3, 2010 ~ weight morning of surgery: 279 pounds
7 Months out to the date ~ Total loss of 100 pounds!! October 3, 2010: 179 pounds
February 1, 2011 ~ weigh 146 pounds
What is the certain age you mention for a colonoscopy? I hope I don't have to have one of those. That totally scares me!!
Oh to be 25 again!! You are so young. I wish I could go back when I was younger and do this. But, I wasn't ready till now.
God Bless,
Highest weight: 309 pounds ~ October, 2009
PATS ~ Monday, February 22, 2010
RNY ~ Wednesday, March 3, 2010 ~ weight morning of surgery: 279 pounds
7 Months out to the date ~ Total loss of 100 pounds!! October 3, 2010: 179 pounds
February 1, 2011 ~ weigh 146 pounds
I LOVE it when you respond ~ so much thought and time. Thank you!!
I sure hope my surgeon's office calls me next week to fill me in on what is going to happen to me. This not knowing is driving me nuts. LOL
I was told at my consultation with the surgeon that he wants me to lose 10 pounds before surgery. I haven't really done good at doing that. It's hard.
As far as the support, I am SOOOOOO glad I have found this OH site. I have learned tons and have friends out there to help me along the way. I have yet to make it to a support group. It took me a while to find one, then when I found one, we moved further away from it and with very limited amount of gas, I haven't found my way there yet. I am hoping to go soon. But, you are right, it's important to get the support from others.
I just want to thank you again for the time you took to respond to me. I really appreciate everything you said here!!
God Bless,
Highest weight: 309 pounds ~ October, 2009
PATS ~ Monday, February 22, 2010
RNY ~ Wednesday, March 3, 2010 ~ weight morning of surgery: 279 pounds
7 Months out to the date ~ Total loss of 100 pounds!! October 3, 2010: 179 pounds
February 1, 2011 ~ weigh 146 pounds