another step taken

[Guest guest]

Today I met with my PCP.

He had not gotten back the results from my sleep study yet. I did tell him

the tech didn't think I had obvious sleep apnea. He said there are many

other things the sleep study can show us.

Anyway, yesterday I was almost hospitalized again for my other major

illness, depression. My PCP and I talked a lot about it today. Basically

he shared with me that with most patients he is teaching them steps they

can take. With me, he feels I know what to do and manage to do it most of

the time, but my depression still cycles. It is sometimes very hard. We

got to talking about what one thing could we do that might make a change or

help make a change.

Finally, I said, honestly, if I could perhaps get the weight issue helped

that would alleviate a lot of the extra problems I deal with: no energy,

bad joints, pain, breathing problems, asthma (new), inability to exercise

much, self-image, social issues and ridicule.

He is and has been a wonderful doc. He said, ok, let's see what we can

accomplish. I then said that Colorado only offers the RNY at this point in

my research and that I wanted the DS. That I had a right to a more normal

lifestyle. He really doesn't know about the DS but is willing to learn. I

guess I came across as fairly well researched at this point. My insurance

states that the PCP can request the surgery he believes will be right for

the patient. So, I now have a surgery referral. We are working on just

getting that approved.

WELL, here we go into the problem area. NO DS DOCS in COLORADO. My step

this weekend is to study Hull's files. Then on Monday to contact the

various bariatric surgeons in the Colorado area. I will ask more questions

on the Insurance question list.

I am girding my large loins for the battle. LOL

Oh BTW, following docs orders I had cut my sugar intake quite a bit the

last 4 weeks, plus I had a tooth pulled, ended up in a dry socket and still

managed to gain 3 lbs in 4 weeks. Geeesh.

My blood pressure is slowly rising. I am sure it will continue. I shared

with the doctor how I felt that I had a good chance to regain some life now

if I don't get sicker. He and I both know I am heading for more illnesses.

I am 47, a widow, pretty lonely, have some great friends, my kids are

wonderful. ly though, with out weight loss I feel the rest of my life

is limited and will continue to go downhill. It has already been hard

enough. For me to even consider going through major abdominal surgery for

help is really serious. I have had major surgery so I know how not fun it

is and how long it really takes to recover. In fact, I have never been the

same after some surgeries.

Anyone who has talked or consulted with Colorado doctors and has

information for me I would sure appreciate the information.

i

PS Sorry this is so long.