Howdy Guys & Girls,
Well it’s official, I’m having a bypass!
After getting my appointment I spoke to my GP surgery to ask if I actually had funding and after holding (for what seemed like an eternity) was told that it looked as though I had but the receptionist couldn’t decide if it was a tick or smudge in the relevant box on the form and she didn’t want to get my hopes up. A quick call to Mr. Kelly’s secretary soon cleared things up though!
Saw Mr. Kelly back on September 23rd, I have to say he is one of the nicest consultants I have ever met! We spent 40ish minutes talking about my history and the options, he asked me to explain the bypass procedure and then he did an explanation (complete with diagrams) and said that he thought I was a suitable candidate for the bypass and then offered me the op – I have to say I was expecting him to say no so was a little shocked! He also impressed upon me the importance of the pre-op diet (hey, for the sake of two weeks I think/hope I can put up with it!).
I had my pre-op appointment on the 29th of last month, had a chat with the dietician, nurse and anesthetist, and had blood tests, swabs and an ECG done. Talking to my Mum in the canteen between appointments I realised that I hadn’t told her I was going for the bypass, she thought that I was having the band – how bad did I feel! I think she’s coming around to the idea though she does keep asking if I’m sure this is the right choice – I guess right now I’m 95% positive it is.
Then found out that all of the operating lists were full until the New Year so they were unable to give me a date there and then and would phone me in due course – had the phone call last week offering me a date for the op on December 8th and received the letter from the hospital today confirming my ‘reservation’ (sounds like I’m going on holiday!).
I really can’t believe how quickly it’s all happened and I have to say I feel rather guilty for all you guys who are waiting or have had a real fight on your hands to get WLS. I have to say I expected a real fight to get this, the nurse and anesthetist even seemed a little surprised that Portsmouth PCT were funding my op (mind you so was I).
So off to TGI Friday’s tomorrow night for a birthday meal and mum’s cooking ‘Christmas’ dinner on Sunday (complete with xmas pudding!) before I start the pre-op diet the following week – I have to say I’m glad I’m not on the milk diet but am still a little worried how I’m going to manage on so little food (compared to my ‘normal’ portions).
My main worry now is how I’m going to cope without what has been my main coping mechanism for the last 20-odd years, I guess I’ll have to find something else to replace food as comfort/reward which is a little worrying as I have expensive tastes J.
I have to say that you have all been such an inspiration and it’s nice to know that I’m not going through this alone. I’m looking forward to becoming a part of this community and later on sharing what I find out on my journey with others in the position that I’m in now.
Anyhoo I’ve just realised that I have typed quite a bit so if you’re still with me then thanks and in the meantime here’s to the start of the rest of my life!
Take it easy
Dan
Well it’s official, I’m having a bypass!
After getting my appointment I spoke to my GP surgery to ask if I actually had funding and after holding (for what seemed like an eternity) was told that it looked as though I had but the receptionist couldn’t decide if it was a tick or smudge in the relevant box on the form and she didn’t want to get my hopes up. A quick call to Mr. Kelly’s secretary soon cleared things up though!
Saw Mr. Kelly back on September 23rd, I have to say he is one of the nicest consultants I have ever met! We spent 40ish minutes talking about my history and the options, he asked me to explain the bypass procedure and then he did an explanation (complete with diagrams) and said that he thought I was a suitable candidate for the bypass and then offered me the op – I have to say I was expecting him to say no so was a little shocked! He also impressed upon me the importance of the pre-op diet (hey, for the sake of two weeks I think/hope I can put up with it!).
I had my pre-op appointment on the 29th of last month, had a chat with the dietician, nurse and anesthetist, and had blood tests, swabs and an ECG done. Talking to my Mum in the canteen between appointments I realised that I hadn’t told her I was going for the bypass, she thought that I was having the band – how bad did I feel! I think she’s coming around to the idea though she does keep asking if I’m sure this is the right choice – I guess right now I’m 95% positive it is.
Then found out that all of the operating lists were full until the New Year so they were unable to give me a date there and then and would phone me in due course – had the phone call last week offering me a date for the op on December 8th and received the letter from the hospital today confirming my ‘reservation’ (sounds like I’m going on holiday!).
I really can’t believe how quickly it’s all happened and I have to say I feel rather guilty for all you guys who are waiting or have had a real fight on your hands to get WLS. I have to say I expected a real fight to get this, the nurse and anesthetist even seemed a little surprised that Portsmouth PCT were funding my op (mind you so was I).
So off to TGI Friday’s tomorrow night for a birthday meal and mum’s cooking ‘Christmas’ dinner on Sunday (complete with xmas pudding!) before I start the pre-op diet the following week – I have to say I’m glad I’m not on the milk diet but am still a little worried how I’m going to manage on so little food (compared to my ‘normal’ portions).
My main worry now is how I’m going to cope without what has been my main coping mechanism for the last 20-odd years, I guess I’ll have to find something else to replace food as comfort/reward which is a little worrying as I have expensive tastes J.
I have to say that you have all been such an inspiration and it’s nice to know that I’m not going through this alone. I’m looking forward to becoming a part of this community and later on sharing what I find out on my journey with others in the position that I’m in now.
Anyhoo I’ve just realised that I have typed quite a bit so if you’re still with me then thanks and in the meantime here’s to the start of the rest of my life!
Take it easy
Dan
