Just approved by insurance, hoping for late summer surgery.

I was just approved by BCBS for the RNY gastric bypass surgery, and I'm hoping to be able to get a date by late August.  I have only one last test to go, an overnight sleep apnea test, which I'm not looking forward to, because I don't sleep well away from home, and I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep there, and have to do it all over again.  If they do find sleep apnea, which I don't think I have, then that will be another delay, but, what can you do? How much improvement have you guys had with arthritis, fluid retention in the legs, high blood pressure, and type II diabetes?  I hope this surgery can really help me with some of these things. Right now, I'm 425.  Would love to get to 160 or 170 just to see what it's like (I weighed that much in 5th or 6th grade), but I'd be happy at 230 or 240 or even 250. Another question, how about you energy level pre and post surgery?  I have been really dragging the past six months or so, nothing medically other the the things I mentioned above, hope this will really help. Danny

Hi Danny, You've got a lot to look forward to. Pre-op I was on two blood pressure pills, post-op I'm on 1/2 a pill (and I've had high blood pressure since I was 18 and only weighed 185). Pre-op I took a Prilosec every morning, post-op, I'm off of them. I have more energy post-op than I ever imagined. I had forgotten how to feel good. Other stuff, too: working out with weights is a treat; I can cross my legs, cut my toenails without passing out, buy clothes in "normal" stores. The list of good changes is endless. Best of all, I'm no longer on the defensive when I meet new people. Your turn's coming. Go through whatever hoops they put up. You'll be so happy you did. Good luck.

Danny, Congratulations on the approval.  Things should go quickly for you now. If you have sleep apnea, then you will have to use a CPAP machine for several weeks before your surgery.  But, although it may cause a delay, it is really for your own good. I am almost 6 months out.  I had high blood pressure, sleep apenea, sore arthritic knees, sore lower back, and took several medications every month.  Now I am off of everything--no medications whatsoever. My energy level is really high.  I can now do a brisk walk of 3.5 yo 5.0 miles without any trouble at all. Keep your spirits up.  Things will get better.

I didn't complete the sleep study at their office. Ask your Dr for an ambien CR the CR is important, its a slower release will keep you sleeping all night. The other option is having it in home. I did the second one in home and slept much better.