Pre-Op Testing

For starters, I had to go through a six month supervised weight loss program. If you have been reading all the blogs you are aware that I lost 35-40 lbs. during that time period and became pregnant with my son. Things were then put on hold. During my six month supervision, I was fortunate enough to see the surgeon each month and the dietitian each visit. The dietitian had helpful hints on how to eat better and healthier. Remember this is a life changing event not just a quick fix.


After having Blake I no longer wanted to have bariatric surgery. I visited the same surgeon to have him fix a hernia that had developed after my pregnancy. The surgeon convinced me that I needed to lose 50lbs. for him to safely fix the hernia. So, the fastest way to lose that much weight was to go ahead and have the bariatric surgery. My insurance had already been approved so I had to complete all the great pre-op testing. The pre-op testing included a sleep study, upper GI, barium swallow, EKG, breathing test, ultra sound and a lot of blood work. I also had to get a copy of my annual pap to the bariatric office. Insurance, like normal, covered most, but we did have a large amount of out of pocket expense to pay for. The procedures that bothered me most were the barium swallow/cookie swallow, where I almost threw up and the sleep study. I didn’t like being away from my family and no one enjoys sleeping away from home. The tests did show a number of things I had no clue about. The ultra sound showed a spot on one of my kidneys, I had multiple large stones in my gallbladder and I had sleep apnea. No wonder I was always tired and could sleep 10-12 hrs. each day. At this point I began using a C-PAP machine. I don’t have to use it anymore. Sleep apnea is no longer an issue. After all the testing I was cleared for bariatric surgery for June.

Next to come-My Bariatric Surgery Experience.

Lea
 
 

New Years Eve 2004