tai68

I went today to have some of the lab tests done necessary for pre-op. While getting the EKG done, the technician asked me if I had ever had a heart attack? When I responded "no", she asked me if I have been experiencing any pain in my heart. Again, I responded "no". Because she is the technician she isn't allowed to explain the results of the EKG...but her questions and tone made me feel very anxious. She ended with a statement of "hopefully its nothing to worry about" and then left the room. Aside from being 80+ lbs overweight, I have been relatively healthy. No high blood pressure, no high cholesterol...I exercise 4-6 days/week and do weight training. The idea that there is a problem with my heart has never entered my mind!!! I'm wondering if anyone can tell me if an abnormal EKG will keep me from moving forward with my surgery date? I'm scheduled for June 30th and everything has been smooth sailing up until the point. I'd appreciate any feedback or insight. Thanks ~ Tai in Long Beach, CA

I'm not entirely sure, but it makes sense that you wouldn't want to have the preop testing done until you know for sure that your insurance has approved you (unless you are paying portions out of pocket?). When I met w/ my primary physician, he told me to hold off on the preop testing until I knew I had the green light from my insurance...reason being, if I was denied, and had to start from the drawing board that I would have had all that testing done for no reason. Has the request to insurance been processed? Orignally, the center I am going through scheduled me for a June 2nd surgery date - before having any approval from insurance. Because it took a bit longer to get all my ducks in a row (letter of referral, medical records sent over before the request to insurance was put through), I had to push my date back to June 30th. But by the time I had all those steps done, it was w/in 10 days that the insurance approval came back. Good luck...I hope everything goes smooth and easy for you!!

Just wondering if any of you June folks are in the southern CA area??? I'm in Long Beach....but often travel to the Bay Area and N. Ca. Would love to locate any of my neighbors?! Thanks ~ Tai

Thrilled to add my name to the list...all set for 6/30/08!!!

I'm kind of the reverse on this...I told pretty much everyone when I first began to research and go through orientation, doctor appts., etc. I think I felt compelled to "alert" everyone that I was ready for a change - and nothing was going to stop me. Now that I have been approved by insurance...and have an actual surgery date set for 6/30 - I'm afraid to tell everyone that it's a go. I guess now the reality has set in...and there's no turning back (well, that's not necessarily true, but still). I know I will have the support I need, but the end truth of it all is that it is entirely up to me. I understand the embarrassment. But there is no shame in taking control...share it with those you trust and know that those are the ones that will support you when you need it most.

Thank you for this - It is exactly what I need to read!!! I'm good to go on 6/30...and am hoping that 7 weeks will give me enough recovery time to enjoy 10 days in Europe...it'll be challenging to say the least. I hope that I have as smooth a transition as you have described!! Thanks for sharing!

I'm nervous about going in tomorrow to meet with the surgeon, psych, nutritionist and scheduler...to "qualify" my BMI needs to be 40, and at 5'4" that means a weight of 233. According to my scale, I am 229. How ironic is it that I am faced with needing to gain 4 pounds overnight?!?! I've spent the last few days eating high carb & high sodium with hopes of Water retention...and as it is, my weight tends to fluctuate 2-5 lbs any given day!! I am mostly a patient person - and I have a tenacious personality. However, the thought of not being approved from the get go through my insurance is something that is causing mild anxiety. I think that once I made the decision that this is what I want to do, I didn't think beyond at all the obstacles that may deter me. I know that if it is really something that I want, then I will fight for it. I guess it's the thought of my b-day in August...and how I would love to be 6-8 weeks out before turning the big FOUR OH!!! Tomorrow will bring whatever is meant to be. Just needed to get these nervous thoughts out there...thanks!! ~Tai in So Cal

Greetings, I am turning 40 in a few months and finally decided that I don't want to live the 2nd half (+more I hope) of my life having to undergo the constant struggle of losing and gaining weight. I have a consult/evaluation appt this Wed through the New Program in Long Beach/Newport Beach. I know over a dozen girlfriends who had the gastric bypass, but I am hopeful that the lap band is the right decision for me. I am 5'4" with a BMI of 39.4...am told that I need a BMI of 40 to qualify - so oddly enough I have spent the last few days not worrying so much about the food I am eating. I think it is absolutely ridiculous that 2 lbs might keep me from qualifying for this surgery. Glad that I found this forum...am looking forward to reading more stories from real people who are willing to share their experiences. Thanks ~ Tai