Pre-Op Timeline?
Hi All:
I just received my call from the OR to book my pre-op tests for next month. I am a bit anxious now since it feels like this may be coming togeather. I am just wondering how long the wait usually is from post op tests until surgery and also what should I expect going forward? I must say that I am very impressed with Dr. Savoie and his office. I know that many people complain about the state of our medical system but I get the distinct impression that he and his team take this seriously and do their best for patients. I just pray that this continues and does not fall victim to government interference and cutbacks. For me it would be so hard to get so close to this lifesaving surgery and see it fall away.
I had a set of pre-op tests done in April 2011. I'm pretty sure they were planning to operate on me sometime in May, but before I got the date, I must have been bumped.
I got called for a repeat set of pre-op tests on June 14th. They were repeats of the tests done in April. I was already on the liquid diet since June 9th.
I had the same worries about govt cutbacks prior to WLS, but I think the budget has been resolved, and WLS is still covered.
Not to make you panic, since it's moving fast, but pre-op testing is done no more than two weeks prior to surgery. So that's great news! Your new journey is beginning! That's what makes me super excited for you!!!!
Dr. Savoie and his staff, and the health care workers in the hospital, and his surgical team are God-sent. I owe them my life, and I am truly blessed.
I'm so happy for you Run!
Thanks Carly!
I am kind of still in shock over this because last I spoke with Dr. Savoie's office they told me that the surgery list was rather lengthy and despite their best efforts it would have appeared that I would not expect surgery until the new year. I understand that they can only do 2 surgeries a week, he does a lapband and VSG each Thursday. When I received the pre-op call the OR staff member told me that he noted that I am slated for November. I am so pleased because that was what he discussed with me during my consults. November would be ideal with me since it is a good period for me to be off from work. I am only taking a week off but this would be the best time.
So if I am getting this straight, you get called for pre-op and then do you have to go back to Bathurst again? I live in Saint John so it is a pain to have to keep taking days off to travel there. They gave me a sheet to order my protein diet for the two weeks prior and the lovely dietican told me that they would call me to tell me when i should order it and take it.
I run all the time and know that I won't be able to for some time but I am anxious to walk or do something. I am not a person who can sit home and be sick. I want to get up and about as soon as I can.
What advice would you give someone in preparation having gone through this already?
You can call the OR number, and ask for the pre-op to be done in Saint John. I had my pre-op testing done in Moncton. Make sure that you call soon though, before they already have you scheduled for the pre-op there. It's kinda like making them do their job twice...
There are two sets of pre-ops. Once is pre-op scheduled prior to surgery that you can have done in Saint John, the other is called something slightly different -- Pre-surgery I think, which will be done in Bathurst.
Have you gone to a group information session? Mine was canceled because it was summer, and some of the health care professionals were on vacation. They said there was no point having an incomplete information session.
I went on diabetic boost for my two weeks pre-op diet. Bought it at any grocery store or pharmacy. Nutritionist there said it had to be diabetic boost. All we are allowed to have is 4 of those a day, all the water and crystal light we want, and nothing more.
My only regret, from going through this was -- that I had nothing prepared ahead of time for the mushy stage. I would have loved to have some homemade broth for the fluid stage, and would have loved to have some chili or spaghetti sauce.. or some kind of stew or soup I could puree -- frozen ahead of time and ready to go when that stage hits.
You definitely feel well enough to be able to prepare it by 3 to 4 weeks out, but it seems like a lot of work for such a small quantity you consume, it hardly seems worth the effort.
All the rest of the stuff, like crystal light, yogurts, cottage cheese, etc -- that's easy to purchase and store, or have someone pick up for you if you run out.
Only other suggestion is to stay on top of your pain medication schedule for the first few days post-op. Don't delay taking them because you feel okay at the time, or your pain will get ahead of you.
Also, don't forget a pillow for your drive home. One for your head against the door, and one to cover your stomach with to absorb some of the bumps along the way : )
It was the best decision I have ever made in my life. You're going to do phenomenal and you will have the best care available. Dr. Savoie and his surgical team and his staff are amazing people. The nurses and care in Bathurst Hospital were fantastic. I couldn't have asked for better care or results.
I love my sleeve!
