It's been a very eventful few weeks. I went for my GI consult and had my endoscopy. He also scheduled me for a colonoscopy since my hemoglobin levels have been low. The endoscopy went well. It was the first time I had IV sedation...very strange feeling. I was surprised to learn I had gastric erosions. I guess it's good I gave up coffee for a while. Looks like I might have to stay off coffee for good! I have an appointment next week to see if the biopsies they took show anything. The colonoscopy went fine, another first for me. I also had my sleep study done. I was actually a little relieved when the tech came in at 1:30am to wake me up and put a bi-pap mask on me. The official report isn't ready yet but she did say she saw sleep apnea and I need that co-morbidity for insurance clearance. I saw my primary medical doctor, who I have know for over 25 years. I have been his official patient for about 7 years. When I told him abut my plans for gastric sleeve surgery he said to me "all you need to lose is 70lbs. Just don't eat bread. That's all you need to do"....really? If only it was that easy! But he also said that he will support me in whatever I choose to do, so he filled out the letter of medical necessity and scheduled me for a stress test and echocardiogram for my cardiac clearance.

I saw my surgeon for the 2nd pre-op visit and he said with a BMI of 37 and sleep apnea, he is fully convinced he will have no problem with NJ Direct covering the surgery. April 12th is the big day!