Yeah, I had my 4th monthly program visit at GMC in Danville, PA. on July 10th, 2008.  I had a lot done there this day. I had my Metabolic test done and found out I burn 1800 calories while sitting all day so I need to eat less than this to continue to lose weight which I have been doing for a while now. I have lost 15 lbs since I started the program in April. I have 15 lbs more to go to meet my pre-op goal to have RNY surgery. I have just 2 more months in the program yet until I can see the surgeon and get a date set.

Once I meet all my requirements I can see the surgeon and set up a date for RNY. I had a lot of labs done on July 10th, 2008 as well as collection of stool to check for the bacteria H-Pyloric that causes ulcers as well as a urine sample given today. I also had my Psych. evaluation and got approved and the green light from them to have the surgery. I also saw a dietician and got approved and the green light from her. I do need to find someone to come stay with me after I get home from surgery. I do not have much family left anymore and most of my family works or lives pretty far away. My closest friends also live pretty far away and my surgery may not be until Nov. or Dec. and with the Holidays I may not be able to find someone to stay with me for a few days to a week.  I do think I can get support and someone to come help me at least part of those days after surgery from some very nice ladies from my Church.

I still have to lose 15 lbs and pay my program fee of $355 that my insurance does not cover to meet my goals before surgery. I have 2 more months to get those things done. I go back on Aug. 11, 2008 for my 5th Monthly visit and will have a Surgery Class and see the nurse in the clinic.

Then on Sept. 12th will be my 6th and final monthly program visit and I will see the program director and dietician and also have an EKG and an Ultrasound of my liver and gallbladder that day. If I have lost anothr 15 lbs and paid my program fee in full by that time, I should then be scheduled to see the surgeon in Oct. and at that appointment set up a date for RNY. Right now they are saying I should have Open Rny due to my size but if I have lost  more weight than my goal, I may be able to have it done Lap Rny. My program director Dr. Chistopher Still is also doing research on dna and genes with Obesity study and will also be doing a Biopsy of my Liver when they are inside doing my surgery. It will not cost me anything but may help them with research in finding out how genes and such affect the liver and obesity.

I am also practicing what I will need to be doing after surgery such as eating small portions on a small plate and chewing very well and very slowly. I am trying to drink at least 48-64 oz of Non Carbonated, Sugar Free, Caffiene Free Liquids each day and only between meals and Not with meals. This is the hardest one for me to do so far, I am so used to drinking with my meals. I am eating Low Sugar, Low Carb and Low Fat foods now, concetrating on Protein First and then some veggies, fruits and Whole Grain Foods. I am also trying to walk more and be more active. I have gone to 2 Support Group Meetings which is required by my program too but I plan to attend more Support Group Meetings closer to my area as often as I can both now and after my surgery and of course I get lots of support and info. from OH too and I will continue to learn all I can from the great people here as well.  I cannot wait until this process is over so I can get my RNY surgery and be on the losers bench. I wish it could be in Oct. but they are booked up at least 1-2 months for surgeries so it looks like Nov. is the earliest I can have surgery. I appreciate all the support here and thank you ALL for your kindness and helpful info.

Mary Ellen