MissAKY

You got this!

1 what was your doctor and hospital Dr. Beeman Kahlil - Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF), a Sutter Medical Affiliate El Camino Hosptial, Mountain View, CA (3.2 mi from my house!) 2 do you have Anthem Blue Cross covered thorough a covered California Plan? Or through a work plan? I have Anthem Blue Cross through my job at a start up software company 3 what medical requirements were there? I am required to explain in depth that I have tried to diet for at least 6 months. My doctor was EXTREMELY thorough in my consultation appointment, where we talked about my diet attempts. BMI 40 or 35 with health issue Pre and Post Op Nutrition - no 3 or 6 month requirement Psych Eval 4 what medical tests were required? Usual blood work - CBC, thyroid, liver, Hep B, and a few others. There was only one that was fasting (CBC). I was happy to know that I didn't have to do a fasting glucose test. (Your doctor will probably recommend that you begin taking a Multi Vitamin, D3, B12 and Iron - if they don't, you should see another doctor) EKG - super simple, literally takes more time to undress and put a gown on (makes sure your heart is healthy enough for surgery) Chest X-ray - to make sure your lungs are clear and healthy (helps the anesthesiologist) Upper GI with Barium - this is to see the shape of your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine (This sh*t is NASTY. The smell is pleasant, but the taste is REALLY thick and chalky. Other than that, simple.) 5. Did you have to do a supervised diet? No. Not official. My doctor prefers you start weaning yourself of bad foods - sugar, carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol, fried foods, etc. I don't consume most of the before mentioned. I started drinking 3 shakes a day and one small meal (Protein, veggie, whole grain). 6 how long for approval? Not - sure (will report back after July 8, 2015) 7 what was good about them? n/a 8 what was bad? n/a 9 what should we know to watch out for if anything. Come prepared and educated. You are YOUR OWN BEST ADVOCATE.

Hi ladies! My name is Ali. I have just began my pre-op VSG journey. Looking for people to be active with or create our own support system. I live in Mountain View, work in San Mateo for a software company. I have two toy poodles and live alone. Would love to connect! Ali