[med6910]

Hello everyone, my name is Rob and I a new member to this forum. I have been reading this forum for the past several months as I have been going through the process of getting the LAP RNY procdedure done. I finally have been scheduled on April 3, 2007 at Altoona Regional Medical Center in Altoona,PA.

I started the process in October of 2006 by attending the monthly informational seminar given by the surgeon, Dr. Matt Newlin. In December, I decided that this is something that I really want to do to become a healthier, happier person and in turn becoming a better husband, father and paramedic.

My meeting with the Nutritionist was next and it lasted approximately 30 minutes and it was nice to find out that you will actually begin to enjoy food again after this surgery, just in a much healthier way.

PCP appt. next, Dec. 28, 2006. I have not been to the doctor in 14 years, kept telling myself i was healthy with no medical problems. Well if you do not go to the doctor then you have no diagnosis. The PCP did some blood work in the officeand was diagnosed with borderline hypertension and idiopathic edema of the lower extremities.

Psychiatric evaluation on January 25, 2007. I was really worried about this, but it was really no big deal. Spoke with the Psychiatrist for about 45 minutes and he said at the end of our meeting that there would be no problem with me having the surgery and following through with what is needed after the procedure. Thank goodness!

First appt. with Dr. Newlin at his office was January 29, 2007. He was really good at informing of all the stuff I already knew from reading this forum and he answered my questions thoroughly and did not "rush" me through the appointment like so many MD's can. He believes that I am an excellent candidate and that he will be able to do the procedure Laproscopically. Two days in the Hospital on a med surg floor and then home. Sounds good to me.

SDr. Newlin wants a sleep study because my wife who is an RN works with him in the STICU and she told him that i snore. I say that i do not because i have never heard myself snore. LOL First sleep study was 2/05/07 and i was found to have OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea). Second sleep study done with a CPAP machine and man did i wake up more rested than i have in years.

Insurance!!! Dr. Newlin's office submitted the paperwork to the insurance company on 2/13/2007 and I got my phone call from the office on 2/21/2007 that I was approved for the surgery.

I am so excited about moving on with life and becoming a healthier and happier person and I want to thank everyone here who has been posting, it has made me more educated about the entire process.

Just some stat's I am 6 feet 4 inches tall and currently wiegh 382 punds.

I will be on the losing side with all of you very shortly.

[JenBear7]

Welcome to the forum Rob! And gratz on your date... Exciting isnt it??? Sounds like you have a great start already! Good luck.. and thanks for sharing your journey with us!

[CeeCee]

Welcome! Yup, this is a great place for info, I did at least half of my research here. Congratulations on the surgery date, it will be here before you know it!

[chilmoe]

welcome to the board, congrats on your surgery and your choice on a healthier lifestyle

[VanessaSFL]

Welcome to the forum!Best wishes~

V

[mauldinmama]

You must be so excited! I would be counting the days! I wish you a speedy recovery! Please keep us posted!

[Kevin]

Welcome to the Forum. There are a couple of us handsome men lurking around the forums also so if you ever have a guy question just ask.

[Bypassingme619]

Welcome to the club Rob. I am sure you will do great on the losing side. So do have a goal you would like to meet?

[med6910]

Goal??? Have not been given a goal weight by my surgeon yet, but I want to be healthy. I think with my frame and history if I could get to 225 that would be awesome, any more than that would be o.k. as long as i feel well. I will let you know what my surgeon's goal weight is when i meet with jim for my H and P prior to the surgery. Thank you to everyone on here for being so supportive and helpful it is really big help.

[Hunnyblonde]

Congratulations on your approval and re-birthday date!

Good luck on your journey!