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I thought maybe we could share where each of us is in our preparations as we approach our surgery dates.

In August, my GI doctor at Mayo told me that the RNY was the only way to fix my severe GERD.  Significant weight loss (badly needed) would be a nice by-product.  He referred me to the Bariatric Center and the first available appointment was October 7th.  I made the rounds of the different departments and had 17 vials of blood drawn.

I returned yesterday for my 2nd of 4 pre-op visits.  I saw the nutritionist and passed my written test with a 100%.  She also said I have lost so much weight in the past month (28 lbs) that I may not need to do the 2 week Opti Fast liquid diet.  The medical doctor agreed that I might not need to do the Opti Fast, and he would leave it up to the surgeon, who I see next week.  I saw the psychiatrist and Physical Therapy.  PT taught me a full body routine of strength training exercises - most to be done with resistance bands.  I'm to do that routine 2-3 X a week, and do cardiovascular exercise 4-5 x a week.  The medical bariatric doctor said I cleared everything medical and with all the other departments; he would be writing my letter of medical necessity and have it submitted by the insurance department with the prior authorization form.

I go back next Tuesday the 26th for more blood work and to be cross and type matched; see the anesthesiologist and the surgeon, and do my pre-admission paperwork.  I am still waiting for them to schedule me with the someone in the department of pharmacology - to review my meds and see which ones might need to be changed.

My final of 4 pre-op visits is December 10th.  My GI doctor wanted a follow-up appointment, and my husband needs to come with me to a detailed nutrition workshop.  Then - if all goes well, my surgery is December 17th.

I'm excited and can't wait!

Karen

To those of you who have found your way here - Welcome!

I driving home from Mayo in Jacksonville today.  I'll write more when I get home. 

Question for those of you who have already joined.  When you find the group, is there an obvious "JOIN" button? I only see the group site as the administrator, so I don't have a JOIN button - but I assume those of you who have already joined found one.  I ask because I have more people who have asked to join, but this is an open group.  I invited those who are on my friends' list, but otherwise it should be open for people to join.  I need to figure this one out when I get home.

In the meantime, feel free to talk amongst yourselves! 

Karen/Dukemom