15 - Did Sleep Study. Went well but many cords and hook-ups. I got a cash discount for the sleep study; it was $550. Isn't it funny to have a "cash discount"? If I had insurance, it would have cost them $900 but cost me a co-pay... not $550. :-( UPDATE: No SA so no expensive oxygen treatments! Yeah!
21 - Did Upper GI. Usually they don't need to have this done ahead of time, but they were concerned about not being able to stick the camera down my throat because I sometimes have trouble getting air and food to go down.
I also asked for the lowest possible price for the test; I paid $191.
UPDATE: No obstructions to prevent camera from go'n down! Yeah!
27 - Did blood work. "They had me at one poke." ha ha ... which was amazing; usually it takes MANY. Based on the results, I have to go back and do a 3 hour Glucose Tolerance test. Total bill: $354
NOTE: I have been have been getting nervous and having second thoughts. Not about the surgery per se, but about the cost...My angel, who has been through this (but had insurance) says "knowing what I know now and feeling how I feel now; I would do steal the money to have it done!" She says "You can't put a price on health and happiness." I know she's right. I'm glad my stomach will be small, because I won't be able to afford to eat.. hahaha
10th - Psychological Evaluation in Las Vegas. The guy I saw was very quick. He just asked some questions to make sure I knew what the surgery entailed He charged $150 which seems like a lot for only a few minutes but he was much cheaper than most I called and also was available on short notice.
NOTE: Wow, it is the 12th and tomorrow surgery will be only a week away. I am on emotional overload. Its like I have always been pretty happy and ok with my body (even though obviously I knew it could be better), but now, with "freedom" and "change" REALLY in sight for the first time... it is a very odd feeling. Suddenly I REALLY don't feel good in my body and am very much looking forward to my new life. I know that might sound weird.. like, "why would she be "ok" with her body before now?" Because you HAVE to be... its the only body you have! If you dwell on how "inconvienient" or how "troublesome" it is, you would go nuts and be depressed and frustrated all the time. Sure I had MANY moments of feeling depressed after failed diets and unbearable physical activity, but you go on. It just feels very different now that change is within my reach. Its sort of a scary feeling though too; like a fear of success almost. I know I will be so much happier because I will be able to do things I now can't, but it won't be without hard work and a lot of effort. I am ready, but nervous. Its like starting a new job I think. You go for the interview to learn about the company and the position to see if it is right for you. Then you get the call... your hired! You are so excited about this "new" opportunity to learn and grow, but then the first day starts approaching and you get nervous and worried that it will be a "good fit" and it "really is" going to be a better move. You know you are unhappy with your old job or you wouldn't have been looking for a new one. But then on your last couple days, you see things differently. Sure you sick of your old job, but fear of the unknown is a scary thing too.. Sometimes security will trick you into thinking it is "safe". Ya, thats kinda how I feel right now... but I know, I KNOW, this is the right choice and I am going to have a new, better quality, healthier, longer life!
16th - I am staying with my uncle Donald, who I just met tonight. He is AWESOME! He took me to the PB (Pacific Beach) and we threw a few back together. He knew everyone and they all love him! We had lots of laughs and stories to share.
17th - Had my Physical for Surgery at Alvarado. They said to plan to spend a long boring day with them. THEY WEREN'T KIDDING. Go here, go there, come back here.. Of course at each place there was a very long "sit and wait". There were two highlights though; one was the x-ray tech... m-m-m-m. I almost tried to get second one hahaah.. the other great thing was during my ultrasound, they noticed I had no gallstones, so I get to keep my gallbladder and $3,000 it would have additionally cost to remove it. The staff was very friendly and my surgeon was wonderful. No, I think she was better than wonderful; Dr. Endres is a really special person I think.
