OMG!  I'm in SO much PAIN! 

My doctors want me off of cymbalta and Meloxican (Mobic for chronic pain).  I guess it will cause ulcerations in my new tummy.  So, they took me off these medications 4 days ago.  They switched the cymbalta with a medication called citalopram for depression and muscle pain.  Its okay, the transition is a little rough, but it's okay.  However, not taking my melaxocan is like "hell!”.  Every muscle and joint is killing me now....even my hair hurts!

The pharmacists said it might take up to a week before the transition period is over.  This is gonna be a long three days….”but, I’ll do anything to keep from messing up my new” tummy”

I've been doing more homework on Vitamins and Minerals and have decided that Vitamins (gummies) are not wise for me to purchase, that instead I'll have to either crush the multivitamins and drink them with water or purchase chewables without sugar added.  Why would my dietician say that gummies are okay?  I don't think it's wise....

I've been doing my homework and I'm growing more anxiouos about post op. hair loss -- has anyone experienced this and did it grow back ?...."Bald" is not a good look for me!  Please tell me that it's a temporary symptom 

LOL::: I know the title is kinda funny huh :::: 

We had an 5.8 earthquake yesterday --- and as everything was swaying and shaking I was trying desperately to get my fat butt out of my office chair.  Little luck there!  I thought omg, I'm gonna die because I can't run out of the house fast enough!  So I've decided to add "Earthquakes and zombie wars" to the list of reasons I should lose weight!  

Today I was looking in the mirror at my various tattoos and now I'm a bit concerned about how this drastic weight loss will affect them.  I plan on getting plastic surgery once I get close to my ideal wieght.  Just something I was thinking about -- Does anyone out there have tattoos and how did your wieght loss surgery affect them ?  Let me know

Busy as ever!  Price shoping for those items listed:  Small bowls, small plates, baby spoons, small forks, protein shaker cups, and sport bottles (without straw) and small storage containers.  I didn't want to spend a whole lof the money on the dishes I would be using so I hit every thrift store withing the southenr DC metro area and I was able to purchase everything under $20.00.  My biggest expense is the protein powder and protein drinks ( I didn't realize that protein suppliments were so expensive)  The only other items that I need to purchase are vitamins.  I found that most of the vitamins I need can be purchased really cheap at Wal-mart and the Vitamin Shoppe in Laplatta.  The guys at the vitamin shoppe have been really helpful--they tell when to purchase things on sale and what NOT to buy. 

I have an appointment with my primary care giver this Monday (more tests!).  I thought that once I was approved through my insurance --I would have no more tests to go through, boy was I wrong!  But these are just a few x-rays and blood tests needed for the surgery. 

Todays my daughters birthday (Jocelynn is 22 years old today)..  She's such a sweet heart -- she decided that she wasn't going to celebrate her birthday with cake and icecream this year in order to be supportive of my efforts to lose wieght.  That's so awesome!  I also know that her friends are going to make her a cake this wednesday so that she can still enjoy her birthday, without forcing me to make one (not ready to do that yet--I still have sweet cravings).  I'm just so happy that I have her and my husband for support--they are so good to me.

I took my finals in biology and trigonometry yesterday -- I know I did pretty well on the biology exam, but I'm not so certain that I passed the trigonometry exam.  I'm not too worried over it -- "you do your best and keep moving forward".

Well, that's all I have for today -- Until the next time ::: 

so excited I can't sleep


http://youtu.be/Bwy1x0-cZaI

Now I'm excited!!!  I met with the surgeons assistant, "Tiffany" and she showed me the paper work for Tri care Insurance approving surgery....

So, now I have even MORE tests to complete  :::: blood tests::: and what nots.  Very very happy  

My finals are November 20 in Trigonometry and Biology (environmental management)..wish me luck

** hugs*** till the next time

Tomorrow I get to meet "Tiffany" the physicians Assistant.  I'm quite excited as time seems to be flying by!   I have no clue why I need to meet the physicians assistant.   I'm not even sure what a physician assistant does... I just know that I'm not missing any meeting for any reason.  I've not mis-steped since this journey began, it's too close to the beginning to mis-step now.    If I could lend some good advice:::: Don't miss your appointments or your weigh ins if you have Tri-Care prime for insurance.

I've been way too busy to think about my weight or the surgery.  Finals for math and biology are this coming Satruday.  so glad this session is almost over!  Never, ever take a math class with a human biology and disease class   Very bad idea...there were nights where I didn't have time to sleep and days when all I do was sleep.  Horrible experience! 

So okay:::  Nothing new to share this week with regards to my weight or my surgery.  I still haven't lost a pound dispite my lack of eating and exercise.  I'm sure that being dehydrated has something to do with the weight retention.  I'm trying to be responsible for my liquid intake, but like I said..I've been BUSY!

I hope that after this review week, I'll have more time to think about myself :)

till next time 

Waiting for the surgicial team (bluepoint) to call me and let me know that my insurance has approved my surgery was like waiting for a tea kettle to boil. 

 But, this morning the phone rang and it was "Pam, from bluepoint surgical team" in Virginia.     "Brenda, I have submitted your paperwork to Tri-Care Prime and I see nothing that can cause this request to be denied, so I'm actually calling to ask you if you are ready to set a surgical date?"  Wow....really?!

  I couldn't get too overly enthusiastic because she didn't say that the insurance had approved the request.  I'm optimistic "ready for the best news" and preparing mentally for the boot to drop.  So,  the surgical date is set for October 3, 2011....

Pray the insurance does approve.

  So excited now!

My last posting was pretty bleak...began to lose a little hope.  But, yesterday was my last diet class (required for me to attend by my insurance company).  My papers are in order and now waiting for approval for surgery.  I'm hoping the surgery will take place this September, before my new courses for fall begin. :)  It will give me plenty of time to recover from the procedure. The only hurdle I can think of now is the approval ...oh, and the two weeks preop "liquid" diet.  Good grief!

I'll let you guys know what happens