Feeling So Frustrated!

[heath0827 3]

I have been going through the process to get my sleeve since March. Got the insurance company to approve which was the most nerve wrecking for me, then I was so happy because they were not requiring a 6 month diet ahead of time.

I started going to all the required appointments to be cleared for surgery psych, then pulmenologist, ultrasound, dietician, behavior modification classes etc. All have cleared me the same day I have seen them accept the Pulmenologist.

First I had to do a sleep study because he was so certain that someone of my high body mass must have Apnea. Great fine did the sleep study came back not actually apnea where I stop breathing but my breathing does shallow so before they will clear me I have to use a CPAP monitored for 7-10 days which has meant very little sleep for me but I have been doing it because it is what needs to be done.

10 days was up on Wed, and have been calling to find out if he will clear me for surgery with no answers. Then I call my surgeons office because they have been checking on me I am playing phone tag with them. I am just so irritated with the process. I know it is nessesary to ensure my health. I just want someone to tell me something and I am getting no answers and my anxiety level is getting higher because I am not getting answers and I really just needed to vent with other people who might understand what I am going through. Now that I have I feel a little better still irritated beyond belief but calmer than I was.

[Lissa 2,631]

Heath, It does get better. Right now it seems like all you're doing is jumping through hoops, but the end result will be so worth it. I remember thinking I was on an endless merry go round of doctor's appointments, lab tests and general craziness, but now that I'm down 100 pounds and 8.5 months out, I don't even think about those tests. You will be saying the same soon!!

Good luck!!

[Spirit Fire 115]

Once I'd made my decision to pursue bariatric surgery I was discouraged with the series of doctor appointments, lab tests, psych evals and support group meetings that I perceived as obstacles to my goal. I made an excel spread sheet of all my appointments which turned out to be three pages long by my surgery date. However, after a short period of time I realized the benefits all these "hoops" provided. I was 50 years old and had a tip-to-tail physical, all on the dime of my insurance company. I had time to learn about nutrition and to educate the people in my life what I was about to undertake. I talked extensively with friends who had undergone gastric bypass and lap bands over the last 7 years and found that I was given an opportunity to be more involved with my path to health then they ever were. Many tell me that they regret NOT having the "prep" time that was required of me. I took charge of my health and lost 50 lbs on my own prior to surgery which reinforced, for me, that the sleeve is a TOOL . . . it is not a miracle or magic wand to slimness, but simply a tool that will help me maintain my weightloss once I reach my goal. I still have to put in the "work" with or without the sleeve. I have absolutely no regrets having the sleeve surgery (2 months ago) and am truly grateful that I had to journey past all the challenges and obstacles along the way.