When I showed up for the endoscopy, they had me down for an endoscopy with sedation and the gastroenterologist tried to talk me out of having it without sedation. I told him I didn’t have a ride so it was not an option.

Guess what? It was not that big a deal. They give me a solution to numb my throat. Then wheeled me into an operating room. The part I was most afraid of–swallowing the scope– was nothing. They slide the scope down you so quickly that it’s in there before you know it. I understand why some people panic. It’s strange to have something in your throat. They blow you up with gas so they can see inside. You have to keep taking deep breaths. The reason they discourage people from having endoscopy without sedation is that some people panic and think they can’t breath, but you can breath.

I had to go Friday to get blood tests and an EKG before the endoscopy. I still don’t know why I needed them, but they were required.

5/24/07

I had to wait a week to hear back from Cedar Sinai about whether they would be willing to do an endoscopy without sedation (because it would be hard for me to get a ride–they won’t let you take a cab). Finally, they called me to tell me they could do it without sedation, but they left a message saying the next available appointment for an endoscopy was June 15th. Huh!?? I called back and asked if they had anything sooner, even if it was with a different doctor than the Dr. Stein whom I had had the consultation with. I got an appointment for May 31st, 1 week away, at 3:30 p.m.. *Sigh* I breathed a sign of relief. Okay, I have to go all day with out eating, but I can do it.

In my last post, I mentioned a strange letter from the Cedar Sinai Medical Group that mentioned that I was approved for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and that I didn’t believe this could be THAT LETTER that every one who wants WLS prays for. I spoke to my care coordinator, and it’s true!!! Unlike other surgeons who wait until you’ve had all your preop testing, they submit for insurance approval after you see the dietician and social worker.

5/9/07

I had an abdominal ultrasound, which consisted of mostly being poked in the ribs, which hurt. Geez! I don’t think I have that much fat in that area but apparently he felt the need to dig for clams in my ribs! Ouch!

I met with the psychiatrist and was very happy with her. As soon as I started talking about my struggles with my weight she mentioned gastric bypass surgery…before I even mentioned that I was being evaluated. When I told her I was being evaluated she was very happy for me. She was very supportive and nice. She didn’t think I needed a second visit with her before 2 months but agreed to meet me in a week since the social worker reqired me to have 2 visits.

5/2/07
I made my first psych appointment (I still have to make another one before the social worker gives her stamp of approval). I made my appointment for the endoscopy and the abdominal ultrasound. Those doggone echocardiogram people were too busy to answer the phone so I’ll try again tomorrow.