I had my pre-op follow up and it's been the first time that I've seen my actual surgeon since March. All of my pre-op work is done, all evaluations passed, all done, done, done. I was looking forward to hearing these words from my doctor: Your surgery date is... I didn't hear it. I'm glad I didn't hear it because if there's something wrong I want to know before surgery, not after where there could be complications.

Apparently, my blood work showed that I have been exposed to H. pylori which is a bacteria that is found in 50% of the population. Although there are some symptoms to having it but most people are asymptomatic so they have no outward symptoms that there's anything wrong. I am one of those people. Thank God.

But the issue with H. pylori is two-fold.It's my understanding (I am not a doctor) that If I have an active infection they need be sure that it's handled prior to surgery. They do this with a couple weeks of antibiotics and then re-testing to ensure that it's gone. The second issue is the overall health of my stomach since having RNY the "main" part of my stomach that is separated from the pouch will have limited access to it after surgery.

Best case scenario: No active infection, healthy enough for surgery and I can be in the OR in early September.

Worst case scenario: Antibiotics until infection is clear and I can be cleared for surgery once they ensure that I'm healthy enough to do it. October or November.

Normally, I'd be panicking or freaking out but I'm actually grateful. Despite being 327lbs I dont' have high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other co-morobidity. I'm grateful that my testing showed that other than carrying this extra weight I'm otherwise healthy. This minor setback is exactly that: a minor setback. If it becomes a major setback then it becomes just that: a major setback. Either way I'm going to follow doctor's orders and stay the course.

I should find out in a couple of days the results of the testing that will determine the next move. Until then... I just keep breathing.