Scheduling Conflict -- Surgery vs. College Classes

YDM
on 7/27/07 4:03 am

Hello Guys! OK, I need your advice again.   I am enrolled in a one-year program for a second degree in hopes of a major career change in 2008.  I have one term of classes done, have two to go, fall and winter. I was trying DESPERATELY to have RNY surgery done over the summer break, but it's not going to happen.  I have to go for the CPAP machine thing at the sleep lab next week, and then have someone come to the house and set me up with the cpap, etc.  The surgeon wants six weeks of cpap use before they'll schedule surgery.   So, obviously, surgery cannot happen until at least some time in mid-october or later. The problem is, I have only a short break around Christmas between terms.  I don't know if the surgeon will even be able to fit me in at that time, or will even be around.  For all I know, he could go on vacation for the whole month of December.   The program/hospital I am going through can't or won't discuss scheduling with me until all of the pre-surgical clearance testing is done -- the CPAP thing is the last thing I need to do.  I understand their point -- they are trying to juggle as many people's schedules and wishes as I am. So, my question is: Having been through it, do you think I could get away with having surgery in the middle of  classes?   I just don't know what to expect.  Some people seem to be able to go back to work quickly, others are sick as a dog for a while.   Should I risk it in the hopes that I wouldn't be too sick to complete the term?  IF I had to withdraw, I can do so without any prejudice to my grade point, but I would lose a term's worth of tuition and be set back 4 months in completion of the program.  Whatever happens, I am NOT losing my insurance approval, which is good for one year, until June 2008 -- I see what people go through to get approved, I'm not going to risk giving them the opportunity to deny me at a later date.  So, if I can't get a surgery date that works with my schedule, should I try to do surgery and college at the same time? THOUGHTS? Danny

FatManWalking
on 7/27/07 5:02 am - Deep in the Heart of, TX
RNY on 12/11/06 with
That's a tough one Danny. My gut feeling would to try to schedule your surgery immediately after fall finals. That way, if you are up it, you can continue with school immediately, or take the break without losing the tuition etc. Every situation is different for everyone. Just like whether to have surgery at all, RNY, LapBand, DS, etc... In the end, you are the best one to determine which is the best course for you. Good Luck. JP
(deactivated member)
on 7/27/07 5:43 am - uranus, CA
RNY on 09/19/06 with
I'd do the surgery as soon as possible, and put everything else on the back burner.  If it pushes your grad day back, so what?   You'll have more fun in college as a thinner man Just my two cents......
panhead58fl
on 7/27/07 7:04 am - Barboursville, WV
That is really somethig you have to decided for your self.  I set at a desk most of the day and I don't do any heavy lifting, with that being said I could have went back after a week without any problems.  Unfortunately we can't tell what is going to happen.  The surgery has been life changing for me. Knowing what I know now I would make the surgery the top priority. I am living life now instead of watching from the side lines. I have the options now to do so many things.   pan head
Beam me up Scottie
on 7/27/07 8:16 am
It depends on the type of surgery and if it's open or Lap.  I'd say if you were having an open DS or RNY, you although you'd probably feel like crap, you could go back to classes in 2 or 3 weeks.....as long as the course load wasn't over burdensome.  If you're having a Lap DS or RNY surgery, you should be able to go back to school in 1 to 2 weeks again as long as there are no complications and if you have a Lapband...you'd probably be good to go in a week.  A lot depends on how you recover, how you deal with pain, post op depression (yes almost everyone experiences a bit of this), and how you adjust to eating, getting in liquids, and vitamins.  To be honest, I felt like crap for almost 2 months.....and for the entire first month, even taking a shower would wear me out to the point of needing a nap.  But I was almost 500 lbs, and had an open DS, and eating and drinking anything was really hard the 1st month. I guess this is one of those YMMV types of things, but I'd say if you have at least  3 to 4 weeks off for the holidays you should go for it. Scott
Dx E
on 7/27/07 5:39 pm - Northern, MS

Danny, Older student going back for 2nd degree? Then, your "college experience" is about "Bucks in- Value Out." Right? I’m an old University professor. I’ve had 7 surgeries (last one last summer) Over the last 5 years. All of them scheduled around my class load. Summer-break, Easter holiday/Spring-Break, Christmas/between semesters, etc… "surgery and college at the same time?" I'd say from my experience with college, and surgery- NO. I can’t imagine if your surgery fell in the middle of a course schedule, that you could hope To make the grade you would need. Yep, it would give you clear excuse to get a withdrawal Rather than a failed grade for courses, But, the cash would be down the drain. Only you can weigh the importance of the variables here… Do you Need to finish the degree in a window of opportunity? Is this more or less important than the urgency to have WLS? Is your health declining? Holding steady? Does your insurance coverage run out soon? Add up your pros and cons lists and plan accordingly, But- Most docs can and will schedule to fit an academic window. My Heart Surgeon did, my Bariatric Surgeon did, My Plastic Surgeon did, and my Ortho-Doc is in the process Of working around to find the best time to do a fix on my rotator cuff Sometime next year, after Christmas, but in a time frame That will allow me to recover prior to starting classes. That's my thoughts...... Best Wishes- Dx

 Capricious;  Impulsive,  Semi-Predictable       

Major Lee FUBAR
on 7/29/07 10:07 am - Traverse City, MI
Seems to me you might tell your surgeon what your availability dates are now and why and ask them to work around your schedule.  They are working for you, after all (and getting paid handsomely to do it, I might add).  If you don't tell when you want it, then they can't work around it. If the date comes up during the semester, I'd just communicate with your profs and let them know what's going on and that you will need time to recover.  If necessary, you could ask them to give you an incomplete and give you time to catch up. Hope it works out for you. MLF
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