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Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Check.... Check....

I'm inching towards a surgery date.

I had my pre-op tests yesterday which included a chest x-ray, an EKG and a stress test. I didn't die on the stress test so that was a good thing. I'm wondering why my doctor doesn't require an upper GI? I'm cool with not drinking chalk but the variations in protocol does worry me. Shouldn't there be more of a standard consensus on best practices?

I also attended my nutrition class last week. The dietician didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know given that I think I've read just about every piece of info about the lap band that is out there on the web. She does seem quite knowledgeable and I'm going to try to make sure I use her as a resource.

So, that should take care of everything that my insurance requires. I called my surgeon's office after leaving the hospital. The regular woman who handles the insurance approvals was out but another woman told me that it typically takes about 2 weeks to get the test results from the hospital. This is a bummer and I'm hoping that it doesn't take quite that long.

Next steps - get test results back, submit to insurance, receive approval.... get this show on the road!!!

9 comments:

  1. I will be saying my prayers for you in hopes that it all goes quickly for you!

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  2. Yes, I hope it all goes quickly! As for the standard consensus on best practices - it really is weird, isn't it!?!

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  3. My pre-op consisted of nutrition counseling, psychiatric evaluation, blood work, heart evaluation, pulmonary evaluation, and an endoscopy. They occurred from May through the middle of July, then my surgery was scheduled for early August 08. Do you know yet what brand of lapband your surgeon will be using?

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  4. My pre-op was nothing. Literally. They hooked me up to some machines the day of surgery and also ran a few blood tests, but that was it. So, um, yeah, I lived, obviously. :) I hope approval goes quicker than anticipated!!!

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  5. Wow...there is such a difference on what each practice requires. I had an upper GI, but did not need a chest xray. You are very close now. It took about two weeks for my approval to come thru. Once it does then things can go pretty quick. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!
    Band Date: May 25
    http://bandedandblogging.blogspot.com/

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  6. I will be spreading approval dust for you when they get it sent. Don't worry all of these little slip ups piss you off now, but you will all but forget them when that approval call comes! Good Luck!

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  7. Seems like there is quite a few of us that are aiming to get banded around the same time. My last nutrition appointment is June 1 and I get my surgery date at that time. However, that doesn't really matter until I get my insurance approval. They give me a surgery date, but say they will push it back if approval doesn't come.

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  8. I had to do a pre-op EKG, chest xray, blood work, urine sample, and blood pressure/pulse. Some of the women in my pre-op nutrition seminars had to do upper GIs...my surgeon did it on a case by case basis.


    Sending good thoughts your way, hun! Can't wait to welcome you into Bandland!

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  9. Keep your eye on the prize!!!!
    Onward!
    Judi

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