Hurry up and wait!!!

I talked to Tameka today. Sure enough the Cardiologists tests results had never been faxed, despite being told 3 seperate times they had been. Luckily I did as I was told by those who went before me and had asked for a copy of the report for my own records. I gave it to her but there's some question as to whether it's complete enough. Dr. Garth is out of town speaking so we have to wait until he returns...whenever that is. So Ass-U-ming that report is OK, and I go back next week to do a forgotten H.Pylori test, then she'll send my records to BCBS for pre-admission....BCBS will say if everything meets their criteria. THEN it will be sent back to them for approval...they can't do that at the same time? SHEESH!!! Without waiting for Dr. Garth to get back, the ins. thing will take about 3 weeks so I'm thinking 4 weeks in the outside. THEN we have to fit the surgery into Dr. Garth's speaking schedule. This is the main objection I have to having a popular Dr!!! So I may have to choose between OH in Sept or surgery....just don't know and Tameka couldn't tell me. Just said I may have to prioritize.....surgery or Dallas!!! 

So we'll see how it all shakes out. It may all be a moot point with BCBS involved!

BCBS approved me in a little over a week  after they got the paperwork from Dr. Garth;s office.......

But the kicker was getting Tameka to get it submitted - THAT took 3 weeks after they had everything!

My BCBS policy didn't require the 6-month diet, so your approval time may be different.

I looked at my blog and I was approved on May 22nd and my surgery date was July 15th, so 8 weeks.  I think I have seen some get scheduled quicker than that, but that was how far out he was booked last year.  It is 9 weeks to the OH conference, so you either need to get approved and on the schedule real quick, or drag it out just a wee bit longer!  I know that would be hard since you have waited so long to have your surgery, but these conferences may have a tough time in the future finding a sponsor so you don't want to miss out !!!

On the other hand...... being on a liquid pre-op diet at the conference would be very hard, too. 

Looks like I'll have to put Tameka on speed dial!   I've been weighing the pros and cons.....have it just before Dallas and chance how I'll feel while there, not to mention the 6 hour drive by myelf. Or wait until after and have to be on a liquid diet. I think I'd rather wait! We're only talking about weeks not months and months. Besides, I want to meet everyone! And I want to feel decent while doing it. And like you say, there's no guarantee there'll be another one next year, at least maybe not close.

GREAT! 

I can always drive you if that's what it takes !!!!!

But a few weeks in the grand scheme of things really doesn't make a difference. You will be doing this for the rest of your life.  I actually needed the 8 weeks since I was in week 5 of my 6 weeks of radiation treatment and needed to heal up before RNY surgery.  Once I had approval, I really didn't care - I KNEW it was going to happen and I was happy !!!

STILL AM !!!! 

Yep...in the greater scheme of things, the surgery can happen when it works best for everyone. As long as I have approval, I'll be OK with that. Besides, DH is just 1 week out from his hernia surgery, He's doing very well but if he's going to have to help me get around those first few days, a couple extra weeks healing time will be a good thing for him!

My only reason for wanting the surgery quickly is a very childish one. We go back to Roatan for our next big group dive trip on June 5. One lady that's going to be there had WLS several years ago and really lords it over anyone the least bit overweight. Well...reliable rumor has it she's been steadily gaining for the last 6-8 months and I want to lose as much as I can before that trip just to show her she's not all THAT! Childish, yes. But she chaps my butt with snide remarks and haughty looks. I'm sure I'll pay for it but I just want to see the look on her face! Know what I mean?!?!

Dee.....I was SURE looking forward to meeting you ....BUT if it comes down to coming to the OH Conference in Sept and having surgery ( but you DO know Dr. Garth is SPEAKING at the Dallas conference ) so maybe it will work out and you can come to conference and then have the surgery.   My mind is wondering can you tell???  DUH !!!   What I was saying before....I would go for the surgery instead of the conference.    We love ya and want to meet you face to face but heck...we could do that another time.   LOL   Go for the surgery and Good luck to you sweetie !!!


Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

I know...I'm really looking forward to meeting so many people. Yeah...I KNOW Dr.Garth is speaking there....that's why he isn't gonna be here to do my surgery!  If I really have to decide, I'm really leaning toward waiting until after the conference. I think I would enjuoy it more, even if I am on liquids!

Dee...with your determination.....you would do fine with the liquid diet there.    You just have to bring along your bullet or blender and make sure you have a mini fridge in your room or else bring a ice chest for your milk ( that is if you use it ) for your shakes.   I went on vacation on a liquid diet.   It can be done and done successfully.   Well...can't wait to meet you !!!!  And again congratulations....sounds like your days are getting number to your surgery date !!!!


Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

When exactly is the conference?  I live NE of Dallas about an hour plus away depending on traffic.  I'm desperately trying to find a F2F support group in the McKinney or Rockwall areas.  I don't have any hope that there'd be one in Greenville, the closest 'shopping' town to me.  I live in the boonies past the toolies and love the fresh air while hating the commute.

Morning Auriella,

The OH Conference in Dallas is Sept. 25 - 26.   It will be held at the Westin Galleria.    I know that there will be many computing back and forth but many of us are going to stay there.    The rooms are $105 a night but you can get 4 people to a room which ends up making it very affordable for everyone.    I know you will be able to find room mates right before the conference.   I know that there are some support groups somewhere near you.   Did you check the GROUPS section above???  Look there.   If not post on the TMB about support groups.   I know Robin S goes to some that way ( I think ) and she lives in Anna.   Good luck !!

Hugs and blessings ~~ Vivian