Just got in from my surgeon's consultation.

First, the obligatory weigh-in.  I did gain some weight.  I am now 351 pounds.  That is up 4 from my last nutritionist appointment.

Met with my surgeon, Dr. Johnson, for about 20 minutes or so.  He explained what would happen.  He did mention I do have gallstones, which means that, in addition to my WLS, he will be taking my gallbladder, as well.  But, he did not see any indicators (at this time)  that would preclude me from having both procedures done laparoscopically.  I did mention to him about the burn scar on my stomach (I drank hot coffee at about 18 months old).  He briefly examined it, and said that he didn't see that to be an issue either.

Then, I met with the scheduling coordinator.  She told me the pre-op testing would be done a few weeks prior to surgery.  Then, she asked me when I wanted the surgeryt.  I took his first open date which is (drumroll please.....)

March 2, 2009!!!

I had what could be my last pre-WLS appointment with my PCP yesterday.

First off, I weighed in at 347 pounds again.  I can't say I'm disappointed with my weight, since it is the same as Oct. 6, at my last NUT appointment.  The big thing was actually being weighed at the office.  I hadn't been able to have that done for quite a number of years.

I remembered to ask him about the medications I was on, and what to do about them after surgery.  He told me to stop taking all medications I am currently on until about 1 month after surgery.  He would do blood work at that time, to determine if I still needed any of them.  He did say the one he would, at this juncture, recommend I keep taking is the furosemide.

I then reminded him I occasionally took Naproxen for pain relief.  He said to definitely not take it any more, and that, when the time came, he would get me on something that is not as harmful to my stomach.

I must admit, that, after yesterday, I respect my PCP even more.  He recommended I start my WLS journey back in May, and I saw him in August, too.  I was unsure how much knowledge he had regarding WLS.  I now think, based on his responses, that he is at least somewhat familiar with the process, and what effect my current medications would have on my system, post-op.

I had been waiting for 2 weeks since my last niutritionist appointment for the surgeon's office to call and schedule my consultation.  So, I called today, myself.

They said they had tried to call me last Monday (the 13th), but I wasn't home, so they left a message (which I never got).

I did schedule my consult, for December 1, at 1:45 pm.  I am so excited!!!

Well, once again, I was worried, and, once again, it was all for nothing.

I weighed in at 347.4 pounds today.  That was down 7 pounds from my second nutritionist appointment, and almost 27 pounds from the first one.  Andrea (my nutritionist) said everything looked good, and that she APPROVED me for surgery.  She then went over the liquid diet I would be on when I go home after surgery.

Next step she says is my consultation with the surgeon, and I will then get my surgery date!!!

I was so worried all day about my psych eval, which was at 3 this afternoon.  I don't know what it was I was so worried about.

The psychiatrist and I chatted for a whole 10 minutes.  Yes, 10 minutes from start to finish!  Nothing major, either.  He just asked me a few questions about the forms I filled out, and that was that.

Quick, simple, and MAJOR hurdle #1 cleared!!