Surgery POSTPONED!

What a bring down!  I guess there's some solace in thinking the anesthesiologist knew what he was doing and the alternative HE had in mind was probably not a good one.  At this point your just doin' time, my friend. CB

Sorry to hear about the delay Bama but mixed emotions to be sure. On the one hand, I know you have to feel devastated being so close to the brass ring. I can only imagine how tough it is since I felt crushed when I initially got rejected by Aetna for WLS. I was so ready for my new life to begin. This has to be 100 times worse since you were on the frickin' gurney. So, that's the bad news. 

On the other hand, all I can say is you've got yourself one hell of a doctor there at Vandy. You touched on it in your response when you mentioned the impact of the postponement on the hospital and staff. That's a huge deal for the hospital so, bottom line, they were looking out for YOUR best interests first rather than the economic and convenience impact to the hospital and staff. I don't know of too many "businesses" these days that would do that. 

So, hang in there for a couple more weeks and the brass ring will be there for you to grab at that time. 

All my best,

Boner

Well I've literally been speechless.  My jaw hit the floor last night when you called and to be honest I haven't reeled it in yet.  But after reading everyones comments here an on the Tennessee board. I think Boner summarized it best, ultimately with your Cardio History (and thats why you picked Vandy) I'm glad they had the checks and balances in place.  I know easier said when your not the one in the position. I feel for you Brother!  Talk to You Later..... Bob

I can't imagine how bad this must suck. But you keep coming back here and we'll keep offering you  a hand to get yourself back up off of the floor and you'll be ready to hit it again in a couple of weeks. I'm sorry for your disapointment.

I'd be upset too. I could understand if the surgeon had an emergency or similar situation, but to cancel because someone didn't do their job properly??  Did you ever get any further details on the reason for cancellation?  I'd check into that, and put in a ***** so it doesn't happen to someone else.

Thanks guys.  Someone in the process at Vanderbilt Hospital made an error, didn't do their job properly, or whatever, which led to a huge screw up for me and the surgery team. Believe me, it was definitely a bummer that this happened to me.   However, after calming down and thinking this through, one thing that I am totally thankful for is that Dr. Hyman, the anesthesiologist, and Dr. Richards put MY safety and well being ahead of their's and Vandy's interests.  Instead of just going ahead with my operation and possibly putting me at greater risk, they stopped the show.  They did what they knew was best for ME under the cir****tances!  I think this speaks volumes for their professionalism and integrity. After all, the easy thing for them would have been to go ahead, let ME unknowingly take the risks, do the operation, get the insurance payment, stay on schedule for the day, and carry on with business as usual. They didn't do that - they looked out for ME and my safety above profit and what was easier for them. THAT makes me feel even more comfortable with Dr. Richards and Dr. Hyman. So, no use cryin over spilled milk! It is what it is!  Another 8-day liquid diet, another 2 weeks of anticipation and another challenge on my journey.   Now, since Jack Daniels is not on my liquid diet, pass me a protein shake, will ya?!!

well, now you have an anesthesiologist story! cooler heads prevailed as mentioned. i have a story too. i was first in line of four for the day. the anesthesiologist couldn't get the tube down my throat. so after an hour and a half they went down my nose. i couldn't understand why i was bleeding out my nose the first day until he told me i was one of his hardest patients to intibate. then, turns out he wasn't on my insurance and tried to bill me for something like $5K. it took forever to fix that. i kept telling blue cross that it's not my problem to be asking doctors at an affiliated and approved hospital if they are on the insurance payroll while i have iv's and stuff hanging off me and on gurney being wheeled into surgery. man, just took forever to get that paid right.

so you never know. maybe half the staff was drunk last night so it might not have been a good time! i would request the hospital gives you a green light before pre-op and proves you're ready. that would include a go from the anesthesiologist while you're in pre-op getting ready. i sure feel for ya. i wouldn't want to go through that step twice. i was very calm and ready but i pulled it together for just that day. wouldn't want to do it twice. you'll do all right though. you know the drill. hang tough. just two more weeks......carbonblob

Total Bummer!  Don't let it get you down too far.  I was not on the gurnery but was three days out when I was scrapped for two weeks because I flunked my sleep study.  The two weeks passed and I got my surgery done.  Ain't nothing but a thing! (Don't think that your Dr.'s were completely looking out for your interest alone!  As litigious as a society we live in I'm sure they will do anything, and everything, to avoid a malpractice lawsuite including erring way, way on the side of caution.)

Hi Bob,  I am so sorry this happened, but it is for the best. If they had gone ahead and done it anyway, you would wonder why they did not go thru all the checks and balances and maybe feel like you went thru a  surgial procedure by a group that was going thru the motions. I am sure the folks at Vandy are great, and that you are going to come thru this in 2 weeks a BETTER MAN. I enjoyed strained egg drop soup during my liquids only and that got me thru it....just chill out, be glad that you have a team that is watching out for you, and not your insurance money, and 2 weeks will fly by.  John aka Corkyspop  3 weeks out and 31 pounds less, woo hoo!

Damn Bob that sucks.  Sorry to hear that happened to you.  Even though it is a mistake on their part better them catching that they didn't do the test instead of them putting you under and you having complications. 

It's only a little while longer and you'll be on track man.  I know it's discouraging but don't give up hope.   Only 2 more weeks until the rest of your life!

Chad