KD in CT

Just curious, How long does it take to get from 1st doctor visit to actual surgery? I have 90 min educational session on Monday and surgeon visit on June 16th. I have Chronic GERD, hiatal hernia and GERD asthma, so I'm hopeful my insurance will cover this. What are the Pre-Op steps one must take (I realize it can vary)? Would love to hear from you.

Congratulations, that's really fantastic. I'm a bit jealous. I'm still pre-op, going through all of my appointments. I'm hoping to have the surgery before the end of the year. Fingers crossed.

I am ready for my journey, I view it as an adventure. While I have struggled with weight my whole life, I was mostly ok with my appearance, even though I ideally need to loose 80-100 lbs.. I have been active in life and successful in my endeavors. I've had a good life. Recently, the stress of life, finances and emotional challenges have taken their toll on my overall health and well being. Chronic GERD has caused GERD asthma and I've had two bad exacerbations since April. This has been very, very difficult. GERD causes the asthma, medications make GERD worse. A vicious cycle. I am retired and teach swimming lessons to young and old and it gives me so much pleasure to share this skill with kids of all ages. I now find the pool chemicals are triggering the asthma and it is limiting my time in the water. I'm doing everything my doctors recommend and still having trouble controlling the asthma and GERD. I've done research to determine if Gastric bypass and hiatal hernia repair will help with Gerd and loosing weight and it seems promising. I have a 90 minute education session on Monday and my first appointment with the surgeon on June 16th. Lots of questions, but very happy I started this process. My husband is supportive and I've discussed with my daughter. Is there anyone out there with similar GERD related issues that were helped or have cautionary advice about gastric bypass. I would love to hear your story and challenges.

I am pre-op and they have put my process on hold until my situation has a clear diagnosis. I have had GERD for 10 years and am now on 2 PPI daily and Famotidine at night and still have symptoms. I have recently developed GERD asthma (who knew that was a thing!) and now I have Muscle Tensioning Dysphonia (trouble speaking because of acid in larynx causing damage to vocal cords). I have to see a voice specialist for voice therapy. I have to see a gastro to determine if LPR in addition to GERD, and how large the hiatal hernia is. I also, have to see a neuro-gastroenterologist to see if sphincter valve at top of esophagus is completely not working and if there are motility issues with swallowing and processing through intestines and to rule out neurogenic cough in addition to asthma. How crazy is this! I suppose I'm grateful to be able to get to the bottom of all this, but so very disappointed that GP is being put on hold for now. I was originally told that GP would help relieve the GERD problems, now they have to be sure what causing all of this before I can go on. What a vicious cycle I'm in, the asthma meds making the GERD issues worse, the GERD is making the asthma/voice worse. My ENT did say this is complicated and unusual (so don't fret about yourself) it's probably very different than my situation. I just wanted you to know that I hear you, I understand and can empathized and hang in there, they will figure it out.

Newbie, I like your plan. I've been doing that unconsciously, too.

Sounds fabulous. My husband and I have spent the last couple of years only traveling to west coast to see the grandkids a couple of times a year, but are ready to have some adventures for ourselves again. We have two cats and there is a great place nearby that watches them (it's more like a cat spa) they have their own window with a bird feeder and when they get to roam each day, they can watch fish tanks or an iPad with birds and chipmunks. I bit pricey but they are in good hands so that helps. I think one of the first things I'll do when my surgery gets approved is plan a great trip at 18 months out, to really celebrate. It's always nice to have something to look forward to. Have a great day.

Seems like your doctor has things clearly set up for and is proactive in making it a good experience. I feel the same about the group I chose. I'm still not sure my insurance will cover it, but we will see. Either way, I am determined to do all I can do to make it happen. Hope things continue to go well for you. You have a good attitude. You mentioned that you want to travel, where is the first trip you will eventually take?

Congratulations. It must be such a relief to have the surgery done. I'm just starting and it feels like it will be a very long time before I jump through all the hoops and i'll be able to say that I'm "post-op", but I'll be patient. Wishing you the best in your journey.

Thank you catwoman7 and BabySpoons. It's so good to hear that you both are happy with your surgeries and that they do provide relief. I'm also very excited that almost everyone I read on this site has no regrets, which is truly amazing. Thank you both, I know this will be challenging and i'm ready to go. Hope the approval process can go quickly. I love summer and want to start feeling better soon.

@Deep6, you are so right. Advil was what started me on the GERD path and of course, Covid was such a convenient time to make bad eating and drinking choices. No more excuses for me. Time to get on with the good life. I'm viewing this as a new adventure and that I am on a new exciting journey. We shall see.

I have a similar situation, chronic GERD that has caused several GERD asthma exacerbations. I have a 90 min educational session on Monday and appt with surgeon on June 16. It makes so much sense at this point to fix it all at once, I also have a hiatal hernia which I hope can be fixed at the same time. Good luck to you and I look forward to hearing of your progress.