If you thought going to the grocery store with the approved food list of your latest fad diet was overwhelming, try keeping appointments for six doctors straight. Here's the scene: All six doctors are required for clearance. The vast majority do not have evening or weekend appointments available and you work a 50+ hour week, standard. You've got to get to all of the doctors for at least two visits in order to obtain clearance and oh yeah, you'd like to do this as soon as possible so you can schedule your surgery.
Who said bariatric surgery was the easy choice?
So far, I've had my initial appointment with the surgeon and I've scheduled my follow up appointment with him for mid-May. I also scheduled appointments with both the cardiologist (thank you, family history) and pulmonologist (thank you, asthma and potential sleep apnea). This morning I am headed to the hospital for the echocardiogram I need to have prior to even meeting the cardiologist; that, my friends, is scheduled for next week.
I've also signed up for the first support group, which is happening one night next week. The surgeon requires that we go to some of them so that we have a chance to ask others about their experiences post-op as well as to learn more about the surgery and meet others who are preparing for it as well.
Some of the things I am already finding challenging: eating slower (I practically inhale my food) and the idea that you cannot mix food and beverages. For instance, if I have a glass of iced tea with dinner, I can currently take a sip, eat some food and take another sip (repeat ad nauseum). However, once I have the surgery, I'm told I can no longer do this. Weird, right? Instead, I can drink before and/or after, but not during my meal. How many of us drink during our meal unconsciously? I know I do! Well, no mas.
On Saturday morning I had my first appointment with a psychologist who specializes in weight-related issues. I wasn't expecting a whole lot. I've done my research. I sort of know what to expect with the surgery. I want to have it for my health, not for cosmetic reasons. I have a great support network. I have a strong case for approval since I've been fat my whole life (no really, I was an active kid but I was always the fattest one in my team pictures).
But I was pleasantly surprised and we uncovered things I hadn't really given much thought to, like...how will this change the dynamic with my Big Italian Family where celebrations revolve around food? And, as stupid as this may sound, will I still have the desire to entertain? I absolutely love food - I love the smell of it, the taste of it, the texture, the sight, preparing it, arranging it, serving it, and of course, eating it. Part of what this surgery does is changes the connection from the stomach to the brain so that the signals work properly again. There was a huge concern on my part that I will still have the desire to cook big meals for our friends and family because let's face it...if you lose the ability to eat the way you used to, will you also have the desire to do all of that work for food you can't or won't eat?
"Do you know anyone who can prepare a big meal and not taste the food as they're preparing the menu?" the therapist asked.
I thought about it for what seemed like forever, "No."
"Well, you will be that person. You will still be you, you just won't feel the urge to taste everything you're making while you're making it and then sit down with multiple plates of food to eat it."
Well, that just sounds like a fantasy to a girl who has not ever, in over three decades, been able to achieve that. Not even with Willpower of Steel.
The therapist wants to see me one more time, after I've met with my dietician (which I still need to set up). She's told me she thinks I'm a good candidate for the surgery and the next meeting is primarily formality; I should have her clearance shortly. I am confident that my primary care physician will give me the clearance quickly as well. That leaves the cardiologist, pulmonologist, dietician and surgeon. And then, of course, the insurance company.
Onwards and downwards, friends!
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