I need a pep talk...tell me its all worth it

Okay I met my surgeon today Dr. Ben-Meir and I loved him. We had a nice talk and he gave me straight forward answers and was up front and honest with me. I do feel as if I am in goods hands with him. That is the good part of the story. Latonya met me and got me started on the movie. Then the question and answer game. When it came time to take my BP it was out of control and through the roof. Which is not normal for me. Then after my meeting with Doc Latonya came back took my registration fee and said the doctor felt I was a good candidate for surgery. HOWEVER... I felt like hiding at this point.... there is a few things we need. Number one the sleep study is needed because I answered yes to 2 questions. That is not gonna be easy for me cuz I never sleep at night as it is and never in a hospital. So I dont know what to think of that. If I cant do it will they not approve surgery????? And because my BMI is 59 they want me to see a vascular doctor to see if Im at risk of blood clots. And then if I dont loose at least 20lbs before surgery I have to do the dreaded optifast. I thought not passing my physc eval and having to have therapy was not so much....but now Im thinking all sorts of stuff. I feel like my head is spinning and not with a smile like that lil emo. And also I have to try to hunt up an old EDG that was done by a gastroentriologist and get the report or I have to have an upper GI done. Okay I need a pep talk from all those who went before me Blessings Tina

Tina, Trust me, its not as bad as it sounds. I too, have a hard time sleeping. I didn't fall asleep until 4 am. I think you can share this prior to the sleep study and they may give you something gentle. The vascular doctor was wonderful. She cleared me after a short visit. Not a big deal at all! Good luck losing the 20 lbs. How much time do they give you to lose the 20? Have Faith. Linda 367/179/?

Hi Linda Thanks so much for your positive words. I am on the 6 month medically supervised diet for my insurance I have about 4 months left to loose it. Ive lost like 5 so far. Im so glad to hear this about the sleep study that really has me in a tizzy for some reason. The psych eval and therapy dont bother me as much. Im a bit of an odd bloak Thanks again for sharing your experience with me it helps so much! ((((HUGS)))) Blessings Tina

Hi Tina, I am sure the reason they need the sleep study would be to rule out sleep apnea before your surgery. If you would happen to have sleep apnea, they would need to get you started on treatment so you would be ready for surgery. I know for myself, I had to retest to be sure that my bi-pap levels were correct and thankfully they did. My pressures needed to be increased and it was a simple reprogramming of my machine. As for sleeping at the hospital, I am not sure what they might be able to do for you. I work nights and they left me do my study during the day because they wanted me to sleep my normal schedule to get an accurate reading. As for the vascular doctor, that sounds like a routine check also. I had to have a leg doppler due to a history of edema in my legs, but everything was fine and clear. The piece of mind that I took away from these extra tests helped me know for sure that I made the right decision to have the surgery, and that they were taking and/all precautions to be sure that I had an uneventful recovery. Hang in there... It is soo worth the extra effort they require and remember they are requiring these things to be sure you are healthy and safe. Best of luck to you! Dan B. P.S. I had Dr. Sonpal at St. V's!

Thanks Dan that was so reassuring! I guess I need to just slow down and be more patient. God Bless and thanks again! Tina

hi tina! i lived in elyria for a few years and raised my kids in lorain so you hold a special place to me! first-the sleep study is not something to pass or fail--IF you have apnea this can save your life --they need to know that you have this in order to help you to get healthier- also for an anesthesia standpoint ( for your wls)...they can give you something to calm you a bit or suggest a sleeping pill--but there is nothing to be nervous about--message me and i will share my email and we can "talk"! i went kicking and screaming to the sleep doctor and it was one of teh best things that has ever happened to me now that i look back! wherever your study is done- it will be pretty painless! and probably you will find out why you aren't sleeping!!!!! the vascular issue-blood clots can kill- so if there is any possibility- maybe they will want to put in a greenfield filter- it is to save your life and is not really a painful thing-more nuisance from what i understand ( i didn't have one but my hubby did for other things) read about apnea- about blood clots-be informed- sometimes fear is simply from not knowing! i'm rushingthis morning-but please feel free to contact me- you are on your way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Margo for all the wise words and advice. I will Pm you and thank you for that! I am feeling so much much better after all the kind responses. God bless! Tina

Hi Tina, I know, I know...it seems like things just keep coming one after another with all the "stuff" you have to do for surgery. 1st, take a deep breath, it will all be fine. Nothing you cant handle, just lots of things to do... I too had to have the sleep study @ St. V's for my surgery. Turns out, I had SEVERE sleep apnea, which caused some differences in the surgery and afterwards. Just had closer monitoring and needed to sleep with a c-pcp machine before I had surgery and afterwards. During the sleep study, I of course, couldnt slepp, so they gave me a sleeping pill to help, which it did. Not a big deal for me. My BMI was 57 but I didnt need to see a vascular surgeon, however I did develop a blood clot, SO, I think it is a great recommendation to see someone before. Just to be safe, it is much better to be safer than sorry, trust me! I too had to go on the 6 month diet, but I think only lost 2 pounds??! Anyway, it all worked out for me, and I know it will for you too. They just take extra precautions with us, which is a very good thing in my opinion. Just have faith and it will happen, eventually. Takes some extra time, but it will be SO worth it. I had my surgery with Dr. Ben-Meir 7 months ago, and am down 117 pounds and feel great!! Plus, I no longer have sleep apnea. the whole thing truly is a miracle. Keep posting when you need to vent, but I assure you it will all work out, just takes time. Michelle

Michelle thanks for your support and words of wisdom. After all this support I am feeling much more at ease and have my ***** back to keep on moving forward....Thanks so much ((((((hugs))))) Blessings Tina

Hi, I am in Akron, oh and I went to my first siminar and just with all that information I certainly understand how you feel, but just think you have came this far and the doctors and nurses just want you to have excellent results and make sure you are healthy enough, they care about you and your not just a cash machine, if you were they would just put you on the table, so keep your head up and keep in touch, by the way are you have lap band or the bypass