technically finished!!

Hello lovelies!

Just another quick update!! I went for my EGD yesterday and I have a duodenal ulcer I had NO clue I even had! So, I have to see Dr. G Friday the 12th. He told my hubby that since I was going to have the band, I would still be able to have surgery, but if I would have opted for the RNY he wouldn't have done that.

So, I have to take Carafate and AcipHex to get it to heal. It was really unexpected, as I have no problems with my tummy other than some acid reflux. Still a little aggravated that nothing has been submitted to my insurance when I was told it would be submitted BEFORE I had my EGD, especially since I had everything completed for insurance submission almost a month ago. This other stuff was just tests for the doc and not the insurance. (sigh) Oh well, I guess they will get around to it eventually.

Hoping everyone is healthy and happy. HUGS

hey paulette....just starting out here, could you tell me your story? weight is 300 and BMI is 44.

thanks edie

I sure could, but what specifically would you like to know? Ask me anything

hey paulette...i'm just researching now for the different surgeries and the right doc..the only doc  takes medicaid, is in  norman. have you heard anything about dr. keith? what  were your pro's and con's on the best surgery for you. What can i expect and why does the prelim take so long. i have completed 6 weeks of therapy which was i think  72 hours. i did this on my own and i feel so good, love life etc.....i want it now, of course!

edie

 hey there..Dr. G literally just did my surgery (on Tuesday). He had previously said that Crystal was going to submit my stuff to insurance, but I then found out about 3 weeks later that she hadn't. He wanted me to do another blood test (because I'm anemic). I was told that they don't submit insurance until they are happy with the patients status in everything. So, that likely could be why they didn't submit yours. Trust me though, as soon as he gives them the thumbs up--they submit it. 

I can't say right now "it's worth the wait" because honestly I'm just in pain :) But...I know it is. So don't worry about this small thing...focus on doing what he's asked of you to make sure you have the most successful surgery possible. And then, it will be worth the wait!!

Good luck! 

Hey! Thank you for that infor. It's funny because when I talked to Dr. G the week before last, he said, I want to see you back in 4 weeks, but I have a feeling it will be sooner than that. He knew I still had to do the EGD but that everything else was a go. I just wish they would say that stuff up front and not tell you one thing and then add to the irritation when they don't "do" what they say they will. I am all for an uneventful surgery, but it would just be nice if they would tell you these things up front. Plus another thing that got my radar up is when I was going to Pacer for the supervised thing, they kept talking about how unorganized they were. Then they called me asking me if I had anything other than my Aetna dental card, when 2 vists prior I gave JB my insurance card and she made copies. So, I was just paranoid that they had either forgottne me or were trying to bleed more money out of me.

I am sure things will be put off more since they found the ulcer or ulcers. I was so out of it after the EGD I barely remember Dr. G coming up and asking me if they told me what he found. I remembered him telling me to call the office and make an appointment asap so he could go over everything. Well, I called them when I got in the car, but couldn't remember what they said or when they told me to come in LOL Good thing the hubby was there.

I hope for a really speedy recovery for you. Thank you so much for posting to my rant ;O )I know I will eventually be on the losers bench. Your post helped ease my mind.

Paulette

paulette..what is a EGD? are there other tests prelim?


edie

Hi Edie,

An EGD is when there is a tube with a camera advanced down your esophagus into your stomach and into the first part of your intestine (your duodenum). The doctor can check for hiatal hernias or esophageal problems or in my case I had ulcers. They can also take tissue samples for biopsies if they suspect H. pylori or cancer.

As for other tests, Oh, yes! I had a stress test, echocardiogram, chest x-ray, blood test, sleep study and the EGD, as well as a psychological evaluation. Also, because my insurance required it, I went through a 3-month multidisciplinary diet. I am not sure if all doctors do all of this, but I am actually glad mine is thorough. I think that is about it.

I just hope it's submitted soon. If I can be of any help, just let me know.

lots of tests...are you asleep for the EDG? i'm good with the rest of the tests. i am going to see if i can get in to see the doctor asap. from the first time you saw the doctor, how long before the surgery?

edie

Hi Edie,

Well, they sedate you for the EGD. I was given Versed and it put me out. I remember NOTHING about the procedure at all. I barely remember the ride home. I called my doctor's office on my way home because Dr. Gornichec told me to make an appointment, and I barely remember that phone call. In fact, I had to call them back to get the date we set! lol

So, all in all the procedure is a piece of cake! I still haven't had my surgery yet. But, I went to the seminar in September. Had my appointment with bariatric coordinator in November. I think my first appointment with Dr. G was in December. Then my insurance changed in December and I ended up having to undergo a 3-month supervised diet. Everything is done for them to submit to insurance, but for some reason or another they haven't submitted yet. So, I still don't know if I will even be approved for surgery.

Good luck to you! And again, if I can be of help, please don't hesitate.

Paulette