overwhelmed by the pre-op consults

sue100194

I'm at the end of all of the pre-op consults but am feeling purely overwhelmed and now having some possible second thoughts about surgery. It just seems like the more doctors I see, the more things that I'm finding out are wrong with me. Every week is more testing and doctor appointments and I hate it. I can't help but think that I'd really regret the surgery if it results in complications or side effects that require continuous medical intervention. Did anyone else feel like this before surgery? I know it's a really good thing for me to do but does there have to be so many doctors?

annwyatt69

I know that I already saw an endocrinologist for my type I diabetes, and had already seen a pulmonologist because of my cpap machine. I had to see a cardiologist for clearance, see a psychologist, and my dietitian and weight loss surgeon prior to approval. My cardiologist gave me the run around and made me do extensive testing, but it was all good. Having the surgery has reversed all of my health issues, except my type I diabetes, which of course, will never go away. It has, however, helped me gain control of it and has enabled me to drop my insulin considerably--down from 155 a day to 25.
I don't know about anyone else, but the more problems they told me I had, the more I knew I needed the surgery.

garber6th

I am so with you! I started this process in January, and I JUST got a date for sleeve surgery for October 9. This whole process got me to a point where I was worn down and stressed out. A test was forgotten here, a test was added there, appointments had to be rescheduled, I didn't like the cardiologist, etc. I was really feeling like I was over it, and I second guessed my decision. The more I thought about it though, the more I realized it's natural to have cold feet, and it's natural to have a little fear. It's a big deal to have this surgery, and it's life changing. I know why I decided to do it and I still feel the same as when I made my decision. Hope it helps to know you aren't alone!

jaywas01

Hi. I felt the same way. When I was going through the pre-op process I felt almost like they were trying to talk me out of it LOL. However, let me point out that finding all of this stuff out now is a good thing. First, they can get things under control which will ensure you have a safer surgery. Second, consider the issues they found and if they could be weight related - it might be more motivation to have the surgery. Take your time with the process and do a lot of research. I don't think I was even 100% sure on the day of surgery. What I can tell you is though I have had no regrets. I was sleeved a few weeks ago. Other that I have talked to (even those that had complications) have felt the same way. My blood pressure already is down to normal levels, back pain is going away, among other things. Its natural to be second guessing. After all this is a permanent life change and a major surgery. However, consider the benefits of having the surgery vs. not having it. I wish you the best of luck in whatever decision you make. And hopefully the doctor madness will stop soon!!!

Agate69

yes, but hang in there. If you did not need the preop consults, you probably would be thin..... All the related comorbidity issues with obesity are overwhelming, and they do not go away by themselves.
My sleep apnea, high colesterol, type II diabetes, achy knee joints, lack of energy, and inability to keep up with everyone have all been fixed because I persivered and had the weight loss surgery and changed my life. Go For IT!

stroynaya

Yes, it felt like all I did for one month was see doctor after doctor after doctor, but when it was finally done, I knew exactly where I stood health-wise.

TriciaAllen7251

For once I can finally say, boy am I glad I was self pay! I started the process the end of June 2011. Had 1 psych appt, 1 appt with the nutritionist (which as incorporated with my regular visit with the surgeon) and had the surgery the first part of August. So, about 6 weeks total from start to finish. Although it would have been nice to have insurance pay for even a portion of the surgery, I didn't have time to get cold feet.

idajo2

My Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery took place on January 15, 2013. Yes, there were MANY pre-op consults with a wide variety of specialists and lots of lab work. As part of my pre-op process, I was required to attend a bariatric support group meeting - what a blessing that turned out to be. I've not missed a single monthly meeting since my surgery. Our bariatric support group is a large one and quite a few of the attendees were bariatric surgery pioneers; the information/experiences they share is invaluable!!

Bottom line, for me, is that the pre-op process was reassuring! There will be lab work, appointments and consults AFTER surgery as well . . those, too, will be necessary and very much a part of your success story! Bariatric surgery is not a walk in the park and the more information I had, going in, the less stress I experienced post-surgery. As it happened, my surgery was entirely without issues . . as smooth as silk. There are major adjustments required after surgery and - because I'd had the consults before surgery - nothing came as a surprise. Knowledge is power, in my opinion - I knew what I was going into and felt very empowered because I was very well informed and prepared! Another plus . . as part of the cardiac work-up, an issue was found that will have to be addressed - it didn't affect my surgery date but it's not a problem that can be resolved by weight-loss. Had I NOT been put through the extensive testing - including a cardiac work-up - the problem might well have gone unnoticed until I found myself in an emergency situation.

Hang in there . . all you've been through - to this point - will be of value after surgery! Make sure and take good notes, keep all of your pre-surgery and post-surgery information close at hand (I have mine in a blue notebook that has had to be increased in size several times since I bought the first one!). Good luck with your surgery . . I'm looking forward to hearing the good news that it's over and done and you're feeling great!

sue100194

Thank you to all who responded. Everyone is so supportive here and I find it so helpful. I am finally done with all the pre-op testing but ended up in the hospital this week for an emergency cholecystectomy. I don't know if the abdominal ultrasound I had as part of the pre-op testing shook loose the (huge) stone that was in there or if it's just bad timing but I guess now there is one less thing to worry about post-op. My WLS surgeon has agreed with me to postpone the surgery until next January or February because my insurance company will finally cover the sleeve procedure in 2014 and that's the one that I really want. All in all, this whole process just leading up to the surgery will end up being a full year. But I'm reminded of the quote "that it's the journey, not the destination that is the worthier part" I think my nerd is showing because that's a quote from the shepherd on Firefly Or I can just blame it on the fact I'm still on drugs since surgery was less than 48 hours ago.

grim_traveller

Shiny.

annwyatt69

Thank you to all who responded. Everyone is so supportive here and I find it so helpful. I am finally done with all the pre-op testing but ended up in the hospital this week for an emergency cholecystectomy. I don't know if the abdominal ultrasound I had as part of the pre-op testing shook loose the (huge) stone that was in there or if it's just bad timing but I guess now there is one less thing to worry about post-op. My WLS surgeon has agreed with me to postpone the surgery until next January or February because my insurance company will finally cover the sleeve procedure in 2014 and that's the one that I really want. All in all, this whole process just leading up to the surgery will end up being a full year. But I'm reminded of the quote "that it's the journey, not the destination that is the worthier part" I think my nerd is showing because that's a quote from the shepherd on Firefly Or I can just blame it on the fact I'm still on drugs since surgery was less than 48 hours ago.

The wait is well worth it. It took almost a year and a half before my surgery was approved. It was a wild roller coaster ride getting there with all the denials. I had my gallbladder removed 3 years prior to surgery. I have been told that, often, people wind up having gall bladder issues after the surgery, so the removal may have been a good thing.
I hope everything goes smoothly for you in these next few months. 2014 is almost here!
Can't wait to hear how everything turns out for you.