I'm back...with more questions!

Hey everyone! Happy New Year and it's great to see all the "losers!"  I have been lurking around the site and haven't had much time to post, but I had a few questions and wanted to get some "expert" opinions! I have all my testing done and am in Medical Surgical review at Duke.  They called me today and told me that United Health Care now requires anyone with a BMI of over 50 has to see a Cardiologist as well as a Pulmonologist.  So my question is, did you have to see them if you had UHC or a BMI over 50?  If so, what did the app't consist of?  And here I thought I was done with all that wonderful testing.  My next question for the Duke people is, how long once you were approved was it until surgery? If you got this far, thanks for reading.  You all are such an inspiration! Kim

I went to my first appointment in June I think and was approved in September... I had surgery December 18th. It was a long wait that is for sure!! But, good luck with everyone!! Happy New Year Lizzie! ~Juliana

I had mine in Greenville, but I did have to have the cardioloy and pulminary.  I had to get an echo and do a stress test for the cardiology.  I walked on a tread mill while they monitored my heart rate.  For the pulminary, I got in a little booth and had to blow into a thing that registered on the computer.  They took blood from the side of my  wrist to check blood gas, I think.  I hope things go well and move fast for you!  Good luck! 

Kim, Those tests are "normal" for folks having a serious surgery like we have.  And it's a "good thing" for us all to have everything checked out to make sure we don't have any hidden problems that need fixing before surgery that could cause serious problems.

I have BCBS and was required to have pulmonary because I smoked for years, although I quit almost 3 years ago.  I didn't have to have cardiac testing because I don't have any issues with that (no high blood pressure, etc.), BUT, I also had seen a cardiologist and had full cardiac testing on my own about a year ago with all normal tests.  (I wanted to be checked from head to toe after I quit smoking.) If they haven't told you yet, you are also going to get an endoscopy.  And thank goodness I did... I actually had one when I was going to my first doc (decided to change docs but that's another story), so Dr. MacD insisted he do his own endoscopy, even though I'd had one less than a month before. He found TWO issues in my guts that the other doc/endocsopy did NOT find.  One of them was a pre-cancerous condition that would have turned cancerous had he not found it to be treated.

Just grin and bear it when they tell you that you need this test or that BUT remember, it's for your own safety as well as the doc making sure you are as medically fit as can be for surgery.  AND don't be shy about asking them questions about tests, why you're having then, what to expect, etc.  Speak up.  Ask questions.  This is YOUR life and health.  Don't just do stuff because they say so.  Sure, you need to get them done, but don't hang up phone calls or leave your doc's office w/out asking every question in your head.  That's what they get paid BIG $$$$$$$$$$ for!  Don't let them rush you... it's easy these days to feel like and number and like you're being a "bother" by keeping them.  I pay for my time in that exam room just like the folks next door, and when the doc FINALLY comes in (no matter what office I'm at), I have my list of ? ready AND come up with a few while he's in there too. Keep us posted!  And welcome to our little NC world in here...