[petra65]

I have my first appt with the bariatric surgeon in the morning. I've got my paperwork all filled out and my questions ready. I was counting on DH to go with me but wouldn't you know it, he got a job interview and he has been trying to find a job for months. I don't know if I'm fortunate to be a cash patient or not but I won't have to go through some of the other procedures a lot of other people do.

[petra65]

Had my appt today. Found out I'm an inch shorter than I thought or maybe I shrunk? My blood pressure was really high so he is having me see a cardiologist before I can schedule my surgery. I see the cardiologist on 4/15. With my work schedule I'm thinking I will likely not be having surgery until at least June. I guess I've waited this long, another few months won't hurt anything. It will give me more time to work on my healthy lifestyle changes.

On a positive note, my body fat was only 39%. I'm hoping that might mean less extra skin later.

[jiffypop]

Great job, Petra! is your BP usually high? maybe it was just nerves [which can raise BP] = glad you're getting in to see the cardiologist. Many of us had to get clearance from a whole long list of specialists, so you're getting off easy, if you only have to see the cardiologist.

Does the surgeon want you to lose weight before? or just stay the same? sounds like you're off to a great start!

[petra65]

Thanks Jiffypop. I wrote a reply to this that apparently didn't post. Yes, I have hypertension but usually not that high. I think nerves did play a big role. He didn't say anything about me needing to lose weight before surgery but I plan to continue my healthy eating habits and exercise which should result in some weight loss. I know they normally put you on a liquid diet a few days before surgery to shrink your liver.

I did learn something new about bands. They now unbuckle so if they slip they can go in, unbuckle, reposition, and move on rather than having to take the whole thing out and start over. He and the nurse practitioner agreed that a band would be a good choice for me. They have a support group meeting this week and me and DH are planning to go.

[jiffypop]

sounds to me like you're going to be one of those girls who WORKS IT [the band, i mean]. And that's great info about the buckle on the band - it's a much-needed design feature. Several people I've known have had some serious issues with slippage, in part because the surgeon took a wait and see attitude because no one wanted to go in there and switch it out unless absolutely necessary. If this can be done in office, it'll be a great help to a lot of people.

What does your DH think about all this? cautiously optimistic? skeptical? happy? there's a huge range of possibilities here!

[petra65]

DH is very supportive. He wants me to live to a ripe old age.