ArcusX

Have you ever seen Terminator? First it's surgery, next they'll take over the world!! LOL

I recorded my experience here, and also on my blog: http://johnswlsjourney.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-egd-experience.html

Good Luck, Hanners! For others, I was GOING to say, remember if it is cancelled or postponed for a heart concern, it's for your own safety. It's like when the airplane is delayed for a mechanical issue. I always think, "take your time and make sure it's right... I'd rather get there late than not at all!"

Is there any life change sans-gallbladder?

I just got the follow-up on my gallbladder ultrasound, and they said I had gallstones. Happened to have my Nut#3 the same day, so while I was there I asked about it. I was told that the doctor would remove it as part of the VSG. Seeing the posts above, it seems maybe the benefit of only being under anesthesia once outweighs the 10% risk of needing it done later.

Scotty, I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. Alcohol is empty calories that after the sleeve are hard to justify. I'm not clear on any sort of physical damage you may be doing. Is that what it will take for you to quit? Like Desertmom, i'm not judging. I like to partake myself - usually just on weekends. I'm in the pre-op phase, and I did pretty well the first 6-weeks or so, but I had a couple of bottles of wine at thanksgiving and again last weekend. I'm keeping it more-or-less in check, and I know I'll miss it in the months following surgery. Back to my question above.. I guess that's the sort of thing you'll have to ask yourself: what will it take to want to quit? Damage to your body? To a relationship? Losing a job? DUI? Then ask if that's what you want to go through. Many people won't make the change until they hit the proverbial "Rock Bottom." You either need to decide you don't want to hit rock bottom, or wait for it to happen. Good luck to you, man. And we don't want to hear you complaining about a stall! lol

A 7 week long stall. That must have been tough, mentally.

LOL My only concern now is going to be sleeping without it. I don't like it, don't get me wrong, But I find it's harder for me to get to sleep without it on. I think my brain just knows that when the CPAP is on, it sucks, so go the F to sleep!

Good info!

This made me laugh so hard. Sucks I'm at work!! Gotta try it out!!

I was thinking this morning about a product I use most every day and how it's just the best in its class. It's not much - just a shave cream - but it's the BEST EVER. I shave my head now-a-days, and when I started, I switched from an electric razor to a blade and cream. The shave cream is far superior to anything I had used in the past. I bought a bottle for a coworker of mine for his birthday, because I was so sure he'd like it. Now he's a big fan too. It's called Billy Jealousy Hydroplane Super Slick Shave Cream. If you use a razor, you owe it to yourself to try it. I go against the grain with it on my neck with no irritation, and I rarely get nicks now. If you shave your head too, I definitely recommend the Schick Xtreme 3 disposable razor. The difference is, it's mounted on the edges, and flexes in the middle, so you get a concaved blade that conforms to the roundness of your skull, so you get better coverage, as opposed to a strait razor on a round surface. What products do you love and recommend for men?

Sounds like you have a GREAT support system going!!

As I understand it, carbonation will be your biggest issue. My neighbor, 3-years after sleeve, still cannot drink a beer without it foaming up on him, making him throw up. So he sips high-end tequila with whiskey stones.

6 weeks is good!! I hope to be so lucky!

Friday, I went in for my EGD, after having my preliminary consultation with the Gastrointerologyst on 10/30. I've seen lots of questions about the EGD on here, so I thought I'd just share my experience, top to bottom. The first thing that surprised me was that when they called me to schedule my date, they told me the hospital would call me the day before the procedure to let me know the time. I thought that was a little strange, but apparently, that's par for the course. I actually got the call on Wednesday afternoon, for the Friday appointment time. Then I got a follow-up call on Thursday from admitting to get me pre-registered. When I got done with the pre-registration, I got my second surprise: my portion was going to cost me $606. I guess I should have expected it, because it's not exactly a copay office visit situation. That was my 20%. The hospital was pretty efficient. They are notorious for bad parking, and now they have valet parking, which was very convenient. I signed in at the information desk, and they gave me a little pager like the one's they use at restaurants. About 5 minutes later, I got called in to admitting, got checked in and paid my fee. I was then sent down to the GI waiting room. In probably less than 10 minutes, they called me in to get me prepped. I only removed my shirt, leaving on the pants, socks & shoes. The IV was started, they took my BP and temperature, and they wheeled me into the hallway next to the room where they do the procedure. Seeing my doctor, I said hello and commend on how good he looked that day! In fact, I gave the same complement to each of the hospital staff. I don't know if it helped, but it certainly didn't hurt! Maybe 10 minutes later they wheeled a woman, passed out, from the room and another 5 minutes later, wheeled me in. After a little light discussion, the doctor had heard enough and told the dope guy to put me out. The last thing I remember was a slight lucid feeling and asking the dope guy, "you gave me the juice, huh?" He confirmed, and I was out. Just like that. During the procedure I recall a brief moment of the bite thing in my mouth. I'm guessing they were finishing up. I think I remember being wheeled out, but can't quite be sure. Seemingly moments later, I woke up, sat up, put my shirt on, and I was on my way to go get some soup. Overall, on the day of, I had a little discomfort in my throat, not unlike when you have a cold and you get a sore throat. I napped a bit after getting home, then in the evening, I was a little tired, but managed to busy myself and stay awake. My throat continued to be a little sore on Saturday, but less so, and by Sunday, I was fine. The doctor, apparently found some polyps in my stomach and took samples for biopsy. I'm not sure when I'll hear back on that. Does anyone have any experience with this part?

That's really weird. I'd want my money back.

I just had mine last night. Here's how it went: First, she asked normal stuff like my age, was I married, and did I have kids. She asked about my early childhood (like 6-12); what was it like, was I happy, lonely, etc. That was followed by later childhood (13-18) with the same stuff. Eventually, we made it to the weight: how did it start, how long have you been fat (not in those words, but you get it). What do you want to weigh? What happens if you don't get there? Do you know what your diet will be like? Do you know the risks? What are they? Do you have support? They're looking to see if you have depression or anxiety issues that could be a problem for your success, not to mention your mental health. Really strait forward stuff, I think. What worries me for you, ilmkids, is that you're worried. My advice to you - or to anyone considering this major change in their lives - be honest. A smart person who just wants a pass will be able to just tell them what they want to hear. Don't do that. I think that there's a good reason the insurance companies require this as a step in the process. I frequently see people on here that have serious doubts. I'm not talking nervousness - I think you'd be irrational if you weren't nervous - but people having really serous doubts before this, and I think, "maybe this isn't for you." I'm sure it isn't for everyone. If you are honest both with yourself, and with the shrink, they will give you the proper recommendation. If it's really not for you, you should know about it from someone who is totally impartial. If you get the pass, then you should feel better going into the operation. I hope this helps. Good luck! Edit: BTW: It cost me $90. $40 for the specialist co-pay, and $50 for the report. Is the report part normal?

Welcome, you Scottish, Californian who uses the words "recon" and "Huzzah" all in one post! Congrats on the pre-surgery loss and good luck, moving forward!

Why does this stuff have to be so... unpronounceable.??

Tear it up, Chad!! Slightly off topic: Took a trip to Vegas for our 14 year anniversary in August. I hadn't bought cologne since our honeymoon; she complains or comments (like, "Who are you wearing that for??") or both if I wore it. At her suggestion and choice, we bought some Creed Aventus. Every time I've worn it since, she complains... like it smells different than it did in the store. I don't think it does, and I don't get it. Thoughts?

Funny on the kids menu. Just think, "Leftovers!!" I use a "prong" type training collar on my Lab when I walk her. I probably wouldn't have ever considered it, but I had taken her to to a training boot camp, and that's what they had to use for her. When it's on, she's an absolute angel, and I don't really even have to "use" it. Rarely do I have to give her a correction, and when I do, it's not a big one. My wife and my MIL refuse to use it because they're afraid of how it looks, but like I said, just being on at this point, makes all the difference in the world! http://www.amazon.co...ils_o08_s02_i01 Oh, and what OTR said about relationships and your nose! You're a pretty girl and I'm sure you'll figure it out just fine!

Cigna PPO. This is a little more than "just a test." I get why they charge; there's a lot that happens, even if you're not aware of it. Off the top of my head: admitting nurse gastro dr. anastheseologist other nurse IV drug that knocks you out instruments & prep procedure room I'm sure all that stuff adds up. So, my (20%) part was $606, which means the whole thing to insurance as around $3,030. I can see that being the cost...

Finally had my follow-up yesterday: Reflux is rated "A" - or - "Mild" Polyps were benign. Only one more hurdle, and that's psych today!

Sorry to hear, but as problems go, this isn't the biggest one you could have encountered. Keep your head up... don't let it discourage you. Keep doing everything you've been doing. Good luck!

Apparently, you spelled those words correctly! LOL Good luck!