First consult
Consult went great! Got a list of to-do items. Starting with blood workup and h-pylori test- done today. Since my ins requirement is going to take 12 months my next appt at the center is not until 9-21-16. Until then I'll be doing a sleep study, seeing a pulmonary specialist, and a lung specialist. Hopefully they get me in asap for the sleep study. My undiagnosed apnea seems to be getting worse. I have to have been quit smoking for at least 4 mos prior to surgery, too. UGH. lol Now I have to wait until the center gets with my insurance so that I can register and start my health education program for 12 months for them. Looks like my GB will be in May 2017.
Oh and what is a Stress- ECHO? I have to do that as well.
Wow, a whole year?! Get busy! You have lots to do! I quit smoking about 10 years ago, and I have never looked back. Not even been tempted. I used Chantix--though, let me tell you, after about 1 month on it, you get WEIRD. Though, that is all it took for the want/need for nicotine. It really helped me, as I had been smoking since I was in my teens. I hardly ever get sick anymore....especially with pneumonia--which I was getting several times a year. It just isn't healthy. Best of luck with that. It is a life change, as will be your surgery...but this is all leading up to a healthier you! It is worth it, trust me.
Not sure what the stress echo is?? I remember thinking, right before my surgery, that I was getting worse...in all the unhealthy aspects of being overweight.
Life really changes after your surgery. I cannot tell you how wonderful I feel since my surgery, and it was only 1 month ago! I have lost 40 pounds! The little things, like going up a flight of stairs, is so easy now...and I don't even get winded! Amazing.
Hopefully the year will fly by and you can get yours done!
Susan C RYN 3/15/16 SW 293 CW253
I wish I could use Chantix, but my docs won't let me because of my psych meds. :( They're afraid of the side effects. I think doing one thing at a time will be helpful for me. Instead of doing both the surgery and quitting smoking at the same time. I figure I'll start the no smoking thing about 6 mos out or so. Give myself a little play room just in case, you know? lol
Yes a whole year. My only insurance requirement is to do a 20 minute phone call once a month for 12 months. They call it their Health Education Program, but really what all am I going to learn in 20 minutes?! lol
That's a long road but every journey starts with ONE step!
A stress Echo is where they have you ride a stationary bike while performing an echocardiogram.
As your surgery date isn't until 2017, can you hold the most expensive procedures/Post ops til after January 1st (so your deductible will count and you'll keep costs under or at your Maximum yearly out of pocket)?
Stop smoking NOW, don't wait until you have 4 months left. It could improve the other test results too - and the sooner you stop, the better you'll feel sooner. I quit last November. I used Chantix - I had some serious mood swings (lucky my family loves me!) and I lost a lot of hair, but I was able to quit completely after about 3 weeks of use with NO desire to smoke since... and I smoked for 31 years.
Good luck! It seems like a long way off but before you know it, it'll be time! I spent the past 6 months preparing myself, my family and my life for these new changes. I'm glad I had this prep time though - I feel READY (my surgery date is next Tuesday)
HW: 333 Consult Weight: 318 SW: 293
"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right" -Henry Ford
I was ANGRY, a LOT and RAGED. After about 3 weeks, I realized that I did not really want a cigarette anymore and went off it. Then we bumped up my citalopram and I calmed down after a few weeks. I have an anxiety disorder and had more panic attacks (about 1-2 week) while on it, but now, I'm better. Smoked my last cigarette November 15th, 2015.
But if you can't take it, you'll have to find another way. To keep my hands busy, I crocheted 100 hats for a mission in Mexico over a 2 month time period. My husband smokes too and we spent a LOT of time together grabbing a cigarette or eating out. We have a designated smoking area and spent about half our time when we were home out there together. Now, he watches Youtube or Netflix because I don't go out. Now I see how much time he wastes smoking - it's really annoying. And the money too - when I quit, I decided to take that money, in cash, each week when he buys his cigarettes, I get an equal amount. I have bought the kids clothing, paid for school activities, bought lunch out for my in-laws when they came to visit and have money saved up. Not to mention all the little things I've picked up. It doesn't seem like a lot, but we're on a tight budget and having $140/month at my disposable, not budgeted for ANYTHING is really nice.
I wouldn't wait til you're 6 months out. If you start trying NOW, and you slip up, it won't delay your surgery. If you start in 6 months and slip up, you could blow it.
My surgeon didn't require a nicotine test, though he did require a chest xray, taken earlier this week. Also, what most smokers don't realize is that they smell. Not just right after a cigarette. And even if you shower beforehand, your clothing, even having been washed, still smells like it. And your purse. And your skin. It can take weeks to months to dissipate.
HW: 333 Consult Weight: 318 SW: 293
"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right" -Henry Ford
Good for you!
Since you have a history of mental issues, talk with someone you live with, that you trust. Agree on a way that they can tell you if they see that your behavior changes.
To me, it wasn't just about giving up smoking - it was/is the WHOLE picture. I'm having bariatric surgery because I feel it's necessary for me, because I feel like I'm going to die, young and sick without it. If I'm ready to take this drastic a step, then I need to be SERIOUS and COMMITTED!
Good luck!
HW: 333 Consult Weight: 318 SW: 293
"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right" -Henry Ford
