Pre-Op Psychotic Episode, hehe

Hey everyone!
Just had a few questions for you experienced and knowledgeable ladies!
So I have a "tentative" surgery date of Jan 12th in Las Vegas to have the MGB done.
I have a packet I have to put together and send in and after that is fully approved (I sent it in an innitial patient application that was approved) then my date will be solidified.
Soooooo. There's something called the "same-day" MGB which is much cheaper than the full surgery, and has very strict qualifications. Of which I fit in to all of them, but there are a couple that just discretionarily I am nervous about. I talked to the clinic, they said it should be fine, but it's like my mind is saboraging myself. VERY frustrating.
Little things, like finding out the psychologist I found willing to do my psych eval and has
appointments available charges.... drum roll... $275 / hr, and expects it to take 1-2 hours.
WTF???!!!!!!!
Okay, so that sucks, but I keep telling myself that what is 500$ or whatever it ends up being, compared to my health, right?
Also being from Canada and flying down to the US is VERY scary for a mild-mannered canuck.
I keep going through thinking about how much could go wrong.
And what if there is *gasp* complications in a country without universal health care??!!
I think it's just getting down to crunch-time and I am feeling it.
Is this fairly common?
Did you ladies go through the mild-freaking out before hand?
Poor hubby - I go from okay to not okay in .2 seconds, lol.
I keep checking out hotels and flights and such in the mean time to keep myself
positive and motivated.
Anyone have any other tips for keeping your chin up?
Well thank you very much for reading and for your time :)
Thanks,
Michelle from Canaduh

Hang in there!! I am SO new out so I can offer support but not much advice.  My dad lives in Canada as well! (new brunswick just above Maine).

anyway, curious why you would self pay if you do have the nationalized health care?  Can't you get it done for free there?  ((HUGS))  hang in there, and hang tough!! I was in the hosp 2 nights with my lap RNY and needed the IV fluid to stay hydrated, but other than that, I really didn't need the hosp.  Everyone's experience seems to be different though so I think it is hard to predict.

I hope others have great advice, as i really am a newbie!  What a great New Year's present to youself though, huh??

Well, universal health care IS wonderful, but when it comes to WLS not only am I not "heavy enough" for the Alberta Government, but there are only select types of WLS available in AB, and even for those it is between 3-5 year wait. Sooooo I figured self pay would be my best option :)

I wish I could give you advice but I don't think my perspective reaches the depth you need.  I can imagine all the fears you have about coming to another country to have major surgery.  I spent one night in the hospital with my lap RNY, I had no drains and no complications.....I guess I would need to know the standard outcome of the regular MGB over the "same-day" procedure.  I'm thinking the lader of the two is cheaper because they are performing the surgery.....they wake you up and send you on your way......now you should know that ALL hospital emergency rooms in the US are required to treat anyone who walks through thier doors so you are fine if any complications should arise post op.  You would be responsible for any treatment you recieve as an ER patient or as an admitted patient......so it's kind of a roll of the dice.....you do the sameday procedure and stay at a hotel for a couple of days then travel home if all is good......or you stay in the hospital and know you are being watched.  I would say it depends on what you can afford.  I think if I were you I would find out if your surgeon would admit you to the hospital if you have complications after the same day procedure as a self paying patient or if you would need to be admitted through the ER.  I would start with findin out about aftercare before you make the decision.......I hope this makes sense!  You will make the right decision for you and your situation.......just make sure it's an informed one.......:)

My counseling was for 6 months, one appointment per month could not have 2 appointments in the same month.  My insurance paid for them.  We could either do counseling or support groups.  Since my support group is 4 hours away, I chose counseling that insurance would pay for.

I would definently plan on staying in the States for maybe atleast a week, just in case you needed your surgeon.  Will you do follow ups with the surgeon here or one in Canada.  Follow-up is very important especially your lab work.

I was a little nervous, but also so ready for my life to change.

Take care Michelle and keep us posted on your progress.

Linda

Thanks very much, ladies!
I will actually be in Vegas for a minimum of 9 days as required by my surgeon to make sure all is good before they pack me on back home :) He works out of Ste. Rose hospital in Vegas and
if there are any complications he would admit me and all that jazz.
I know I shouldn't worry as much, I just suck, LOL

I will be doing follow-ups every 3 weeks for the first 6 months with my dr up here in Canada, and then at 6 months go down for a follow up with Dr in the US. All of my labs and 3 weeks appointments get forwarded to my surgeon in the US as well.

Thank you for asking those questions, btw Linda - it makes me have to think and realize that I am more than likely in good hands :P

You guys are so awesome on the LW forums :) Thank you again :)

Michelle,
Sounds like all your bases are covered!!  Relax and enjoy the ride....
Linda

What is MGB?  Is this gastric bypass? I think staying overnight in the hospital is a good idea, in case there are complications.

It's like a gastric bypass, but has a few differences. The "pouch" in the MGB is actually more similar to an elongated sleeve so it's farther from your esophagus, and the connection is a little different.
www.clos.net has all kinds of info on it :)