A couple pre-op things I've learned

[Guest guest]

When you're doing your on-line form, be very detailed. Otherwise

you'll find when you receive the email attachment letter from Dr. R

(in a day or so) that there are sentences that do not make alot of

sense. I'm sure this is a form letter generated from a database or a

merge form.

When you're ready to get your pre-op prescriptions - ask your PCP for

samples. All I did was print off the list pre and post-op from the

website and showed them to my Dr. He was more than happy to give me

samples - I walked out of there with a bag full of pills/etc. He

even

had the Hibiclens. I'm sure prices are different, but one Prevacid

pill around here costs $3.00 a piece. The one antibiotic pill you

take before surgery is $4.00

In my case - BC/BS wanted a psychological eval done before deciding

on

authorization. I'm sure alot of you can relate to this - talking

about my weight and the things I've endured over the years is

extremely hard to do. I usually end up in tears and very sad for a

couple of days. But when I had my 2 hour psych appointment, I was

bound and determined to remain calm - very direct - very factual. I

did speak from my heart, talking about the pain, the embarrassment,

etc. But I did not break down. It was much easier than I thought it

was going to be. Maybe because my determination overtook the

emotional part of this that I've gone thru (I hope that makes sense).

She wrote me a wonderful letter supporting my efforts.

When searching for airfares - check out travelocity.com I found the

cheapest airfares and car rental prices there.

Med-Stay is a wonderful place to call for Hotel rates.

1-877-medstay.

I'll be staying at Homestead Suites for $49.00/nite. King Bed! I

like Extended Stay's, but they only have Queen size beds (same price

though).

Alot of questions that are posted here are answered either on the

webpage - or in the Patient Manual. You can save yourself alot of

time by thoroughly reading the webpage and downloading/reading the

manual. I read that thing at least once a week, just in case I've

missed something.

I realize this is old-hat to alot of you, but new people read/join

this list every day with these type of questions. Just thought I'd

share what I've learned along the way.

Thanks to all you post-ops who post with your updates. It's

wonderful

to read please keep it up!!!

Waunakee, WI

MGB 1/10/01