michelleRN

Hello All, I am new to the bama forum, I am Michelle and I live in Anniston. I am looking to have lap band surg. probably in May with Dr. Schmitt in Birmingham. I have been to the free seminar, going to the support group meeting this Sat. for Lap Band, and I have my first appt. with Dr. Schmitt April 10th. I have Federal BC/BS which appears to be very different from regular bc/bs of alabama regarding the requirements. I would appreciate any suggestions or advice as I begin this journey. Would love to hear from anyone who has used Dr. Schmitt or Dr. Miles too. :biggrin2: Michelle

does the data card record the cpap machine being "used" such as just being on or does it actually record the activity of breathing while you sleep? Michelle

I have worked as an ER nurse for 15 years and we send people to surgery all day and all night, all shapes and sizes, and NEVER do we or the anesthesia staff ask about sleep apnea, I can't recall anyone patient suddenly being dead post surgery due to "anesthesia" related issues it is typically related to cardiovascular, pneumonia, infections, or a clot. If a patient is going to develop an anesthesia related problem that is life threatening it is almost always during surgery and you are on a vent. so it is breathing for you anyways and if that does occur I assure you will be sent to ICU on the vent not the cpap machine. Some of self pay Dr. Schmitt/Miles patients who were self pay have told me all they were required to do was get the lab work, unless they had a history of a related health issue. I have my first appt. to see Dr. Schmitt this Friday, but I really am thinking of shopping around if I must have a test and possible re-test for sleep apnea which I do not have. I can't afford the machine either and I have federal bc/bs. I know sleep apnea is the hot new thing in medicine for the last 10 years but I think I am going to have to really shop around some more if all Insurance carrying people are required to have a sleep apnea test even those without a history of related issues. Just venting, Michelle

How have you done with the band so far? Do you use the cpap at night when you sleep and because you were diagnosed with sleep apnea did the surgeon require you to stay over night or did you get to go home the same day? Thanks for the great information it really helps Michelle

I have my first visit with Dr. Schmitt on 4/10. I too was at the lap band support group 3/15 (Saturday). Does everyone have to have a sleep study?

Hey thanks so much for the added info. I have my first appointment to meet and talk with Dr. Schmitt on 4/10. The only 2 things that are making me worry (in the scope of getting the required things out of the way) are: 1. unecessary test such at sleep apnea study, I dont have any problems in this department. I have severe joint and lower back pain, hip, knees, and feet. 2. I only use an urgent care clinic if I get sick, I havent had a "family doc" in 10 years or more. I just hope he will accept the records from a clinic. Im not sure how this will if you have a letter from a primary care doctor. Did Dr. Freeman require everyone to have a sleep study and a letter from your Primary care doctor saying you were ok for surgery? Michelle

Thanks so much for explaining the difference bc/bs inpat vs. outpt. That really stinks that outpt. cost more out-of-pocket. That's so crazy, esp. about the sedating drugs. I am sure I will have more questions later. Happy Easter, Michelle

I have standard federal bc/bs. Did you stay overnight? I am really wanting to come home the same day. With the federal bc/bs did you have to jump through lots of hoops. According to the new "annual" fed. bc/bs policy book you get in jan. of each year ( gives you all the changes) if you have a bmi of 40 or more without comorbid. or bmi 35 and above with comorbid, you qualify. I have a bmi of 43. were you able to get the required evals. nutrition, psych, and lab test within a decent turn around time or did you feel it just was just dragging out forever before you acutally got your surgical date and did you have a good post-op experience, like waking up in recovery how did that go? Sorry I have so many questions but finding someone with federal bc/bs and the same doc is like hitting the lottery for me to ask questions since I am just so ready to get to the post op part of life.... Thanks so much for any help, Michelle

Yes, Dr. Clemments is an excellent surgeon at UAB. I have heard excellent reviews from the medical community and past patients of his. Keep me posted with how you are doing. Michelle