I am currently just doing...

I am currently just doing research on wls. But I know that it would be a great option for me. I seen my family doctor a few weeks ago and she put me on a 1500 calorie a day diet. So far I think I am doing ok. I weigh alot, so I can't tell if I've even lost a few pounds. But I have some questions. I've been reading everyone's posts, even all the old ones, to gather as much info as i can. Let me see if I can get this right.... my family doctor has to refer me to a doctor. they will see if i am able for surgery. Then they will send paperwork to medicare to see if i can get approved. If yes, then I go thru some testing, and then I am given a surgery date??? Am I on the right track? My questions, I know with any surgery, there is pain. BUT I am the biggest wimp on earth. And I think my weight might be over the limit for the lap. surgery. So it would be open. How painful is that? and how long will i be in pain? when would i be able to get up and go? what kind of testing do i have to go thru? is the stress test all that bad, i can barely walk? sorry for this being so long, but i just need to know where to start, really. thanks.

Bobbie, Hey there. I know you have not picked a doctor yet. But one you should consider is Dr. Trace Curry, of Cincinnati, Ohio. I know he isn't right down the street from you, but he is the best in my opinion. If your BMI is low enough, he could probably do it lap. The most pain in that, is gas pain. This is from them using the gas to kind of blow your tummy up. As far as testing prior to surgery, this is all done by your PCP. He or she knows you best. With Dr. Curry's office, you are required to see the dietitian, nurse, and Dr. Curry before surgery. I had my surgery open almost 4 years ago. If I can handle that, you sure can. It isn't too bad. It is definitely tolerable. Good luck in your journey. Sandy Pierce Cincinnati, Ohio

Hi Bobbie, I'm not sure how medicare works. You might want to give them a call. With our insurance, I didn't need a referral at all. As far as testing goes, I think different surgeons require different things. If you have to have a stress test, don't worry. I have a really bad knee so doing the walker thing was impossible if they wanted to get an "accurate" reading. They can inject you with something that makes your heartrate go up. Kinda makes you feel wierd but it wasn't too bad. I can't tell you from experience what the pain level is but what I can tell you is that I too am a BIG chicken when it comes to anything happening to me. I just keep telling myself it too will pass and its for the better good to have this done. Beth

I had open wls 4 weeks ago. I was never in much pain. I think only a little sore the first 2 days. I was sore when I would go to get up but that was it. There are pros and cons to both open and Lap. I wanted my wls open. I listened to the facts and made my choice. I didn't have to do much testing. I had bloodwork, chest x-ray and ultrasound to check my gallbladder. I know some that had to do a sleep study and a stresstest. I didn't have an risk factors or health problems.