In June and August of 2018 I consulted with 2 different bariatric surgeons.  I chose to work with  the latter surgeon as his reputation far exceeds that of the others.

The seminar consists of video explaining various bariatric  surgeries offered at this hospital.  The Nurse Practitioner then goes through a few details; such as time line, expectations etc,  The surgeon then explains he is giving a tool and we are the drivers.  Weight loss is up to us.  It is not an easy process, but if one is determined and willing to go through the process it is very  worth it.

The major driving force behind my decision to go ahead with surgery is to get off medication and move out of the pre-diabetic stage.  I have no interest on subsisting on medication for the rest of my life.  Healthy and med free is important to me,  no matter what my weight is.

I have finally completed my 6 dietician consults and the mandatory psych eval.  All passed.  The EGD of my stomach was completed in December 2018, and that is all clear.

The dietician consults are to learn various techniques for living a healthier lifestyle.  Eat slower, chew more, smaller portions, etc.  It is all things we know, but we tend to  ignore and simply gorge,  or at least I do.   Also discussed are limitations regarding food, drink and spacing of the two.    For example,  no eating and drinking together.  Water can be consumed, 30 minutes after a meal.  Oh and meals, are small.  very small

Once I completed the required classes,  I was submitted to insurance for approval.  In the interim, they recommended I get pulmonary and cardiac clearance.  Pulmonary clearance consisted of Pulmonary function test which apparently I passed.  Cardiac clearance was completed this past week and much to my surprise,  I had to do a stress rest.  Holy bugger,  3 minutes on the treadmill and I was done.  She was quite happy with my blood pressure while on the treadmill,  so I’m happy with that.  I realized how out of shape I am.  Guess once surgery is completely and I’m cleared, I’ll be working my rear off to get all that back.  Anyway, I passed the cardiac clearance.

Saturday morning I had to do a ton of labs.  I feel as though half my blood  (for baseline values) has been removed from my veins,   now to wait for the results.  On Wednesday I meet with the surgeon and likely sign consent!

Next Step.  Surgery Tuesday October 1st!!  New life on its way.