Appointment Update

So it's been a while since I posted last, mostly because I haven't had anything of value to talk about. My psychiatrist and nutrition appointment were on Monday and Tuesday. Those were a trip!

The psychiatrist was... interesting. I had no idea what to expect because I have never been counseled, but I really enjoyed the visit. He did make me cry though when he asked me about my family, specifically my grandmother. I just broke down because I miss her so much. She passed away on June 6th 2006. Asking me about her a week after the anniversary of her passing was not a good idea, lol! Regardless of my "breakdown" he still said that he believed I was a good candidate for surgery. YAY!!!

I wish I could say the nutritional class was helpful, but sadly it was a total waste of time! I don't know if it is because I have pretty much already educated myself or because of the lack of information and "goodies" that I received. The nutritional class was broken down into 4 sections: emotional perspectives, what to expect during the hospital stay, Chaplin session, and dietitian.

I really enjoyed the first two sections. The emotional perspectives was conducted by my psychiatrist then one of the RN's from the bariatric wing came in and told us what happens on the day of surgery and the days following it. I was glad to finally get some clarification about that, because that is one thing that I did not know about because it varies from hospital to hospital.

After the RN, a Chaplin came in to talk to us. The hospital that I am having surgery at is Catholic-based, and they require a Chaplin session. It was a bit awkward, seeing as though I am not Catholic and didn't feel comfortable with the scenario. Finally, it was the dietitian's turn. She started off by informing me (the only Sleeve patient out of the whole 3 people in the class) that she only had information for the RNY. WTF?? I am required to sit through (and pay for) this and listen about a procedure that I am in no way interested in? Talk about feeling ripped off! I guess she saw the disappointment in my face so she corrected her statement to say, "But most of the items that I will discuss are the same for the VSG." Uh, no they aren't! I am pretty sure that re-routing your intestines and cutting out a portion of your "already there" stomach are two totally different things!! I did pay attention to after surgery and the different phases of food, leading up to regular foods. So I guess my time with her was 50/50.

Like I said, I was a bit disappointed about the lack of goodies. I was really hoping to receive either some protein drinks or samples or SOMETHING!!! All they gave us was a measly 32oz Memorial Hospital water bottle. And it is ugly.

So I am glad to have these two appointments behind me, but I don't really know what is suppose to happen now. I guess just wait and see if Dr. Rutledge's office contacts me within the next week. I have my monthly follow-up appt with my PCP tomorrow. We are going to discuss my blood work and he is going to write a letter of medical necessity. Hopefully I will have some good news within the next few weeks!