Jumping through the hoops

I'm not literally jumping through hoops - wouldn't that be a sight? But, there are requirements that you need to complete before you are considered for the surgery. The first is to go to a educational seminar regarding the program.  I did that back in June.  Edel, my bff, went with me for support.  It was very informative.  One of the surgeons went through the different types of surgery in great detail and discuss what is required of the patient before and after surgery to be successful.  Then, an insurance person talked about insurance plans and the cost out of pocket.  She did not go into enough detail because as I work through the requirements, unexpected costs keep popping up.  So far, I've been able to handle it, but they don't tell you that part of it.  They also showed several "before and after" pictures of people who have been success.  Very impressive.  As we were walking out of the lecture, we spoke with one of the nurses in the surgeon's office who had the surgery 6 years ago.  She was a small gal, who when looking at her, you would never have known she had a weight problem.  She had lost 116 lbs!  She was very honest about what to expect.  Edel and I left there jazzed up and I was willing to have the surgery the next day. Obviously, that did not happen.  I was sent home with stack of papers to fill out which included a detailed family history and history of all the diets you had even been on in your entire life.  That took a while, but I was quick to finish and send it back to them.

Next, you have to see a psychologist that the surgeon uses specifically to see if you are a candidate for the surgery.  I thought this would be a breeze since I've been in therapy for the past zillion years.  It really wasn't too bad.  They make you you take several standardized test.  One was a personality test, an intelligence test and several  other test pertaining to the way you think about food.  Then, you have a session with the psychologist so he can personally see if you are a good match to have the surgery.  Four hours later (they had said it would take that long, and they were right!), I left thinking I was pretty darn smart and thankful that I had spent all those years in therapy.  Needless to day, it went very well and I am sane enough to have the surgery and all that that inquires.  Also, that cost a chunk of money.

After that, I got a call from the sleep disorder center.  I needed to have a sleep study.  Because of my weight, gastric reflux and whatever else, that put me in a high risk catagory for sleep apnea.  I had a sleep study abou 4 years ago but never went back for the results because I lost my insurance.  I was told then that I was "borderline".  Of course, after the sleep disorder center got the results, they wanted me to have a repeat test using c-pap.  I told them that I was sleeping fine and they did not believe me.  Imagine that!  So, I went for the follow up test.  Have you even had a sleep study?  Well, they hook you up to all these electrodes all over your body, put this mask on your face and then expect you to go to sleep.  It was terrible.  The tech at the center was this cute, young fella, who was a pleasure to work with - if I had to be there.  He asked, "how did you sleep?"  "Terrible", I said.  He laughed and said I slept like a baby.  Liar!!  But, as he reminded me, he had video proof.  Don't you just hate a smarty pants?!  So, not to make a long story even longer, I do have sleep apnea and I have to wear c-pap.  They also moniter you to make sure you are wearing it, too.  I imagine little spys in my bedroom watching my every move, but, actually, the machine monitors how often you use it.  Some sort of technology I will never understand.  So, if you cheat, "they" will know it.  This could cause you to be eliminated from the program.  I go to pick up my c-pap machine on Thursday morning.  UGH!!

I had an appointment to meet the surgeon for a consult last week.  I really liked him.  He took plenty of time with me and answered all my questions.  I was most concerned about being able to take my medicine after the surgery because you cannot swallow much of anything but liquids afterwards.  He assured me that I would be able to take what I needed.  Among the medications I was worried about was my antidepressants.  I have had a long battle with depression and finding the right medication is tricky.  Plus, for me anyway, the medications stop working after a while.  I'm in a good place right now and don't want to mess that up.  I had seen my psychiatrist earlier that day.  Oh my gosh, yes, I see a psychiatrist and have for many years.  Those of you who know me well, know this already.  He has truly been a life saver.  He assurred me, also, that continuing to take my meds would not be a problem and I would be monitored closely because after the surgery  because your body absorbes things differently and my dosages would probably change.  This was a great relief.  I want to be cute and slim, but I also want to be sane, too.  Whew!!  I was really worried about that.

I left the surgeons office with more papers to fill out, including a manual that tells you everything to expect and a written test to complete.  They REALLY want to make sure you are aware of what you are getting into.  There is also committment papers (not what you are thinking) that I have to sign along with my official support person.  Yes, I have to choose someone who will be my support person throughout this ordeal.  Edel volunterred, thank goodness.  She also has to sign papers saying she will support me  and will be put in jail if I mess up.  Not, really, but they want you to take all this seriously.  We both then have to write some sort of essay that we understand what all this decision entales.  I also have to go to a support group that is offered by ths hospital that they want you to attend for a year after surgery.  Edel and I are going to that at the end of the month.  Unfortunately, the support group meets in Gainesville, GA (where I am having the surgery) and gas cost a fortune, but you do what you gotta do.  It's not manditory, but highly recommended.  My sister and niece never went, but I will.  I want and need all the support I can get.  I am very fortunate to have a lot of people pulling for me and that is wonderful, but I also need to be around people who are or have experienced the same thing I am going though. 

Last, but not least, I will meet with a dietician who will tell me what I can eat and what I can not and will explain the process of beginning to eat again after surgery.  This will be on Sept. 11.  I am looking forward to this.  I think she follows up with you at certain intervals also to make sure you are staying on track.  Then,  taaaa daaaa, if all the requirements are in order after that, I will be scheduled for surgery.  I am thinking October for a surgery date, but it might be November.

So, there you have it.  My plan for the next couple of months.  I will keep you up to date on the happenings.  Stay tuned.