ObesityHelp

July 5, 2005

My journey to surgery began last year after speaking with an old friend who'd had the RNY and was successful. I gave it a lot of thought for a couple of months, went to a support group meeting in November 2004, and then called Dr. B's office at Reading Surgical Associates shortly after the first of the year. I scheduled my first visit with the fabulous Paula who set me up with a boatload of tests and labs. The absolute worst were the arterial blood gasses. They have to put a needle in your wrist--OUCHIE!! I had to have it in both wrists because they just weren't able to get what they needed from the first wrist!! DOUBLE OUCHIE!!!! All that happened in February amd March of 2005. April brought showers and my venal ultrasound of my legs. In May, I had my EGD and my pysch consult. In the meantime, I did a lot of asking around about Dr. B and never heard a negative comment. He has credentials a mile long, so I felt very comfy putting my life in his capable hands. He has an excellent bedside manner: humour and compassion galore! I also had to see a cardiologist and was pronounced healthy.
May also brought my surgery date (Sing along--Surgery Date, Are you ready for your Surgery Date?? I can't wait...). After months of tests and waiting, the insurance co. came through.
I had my pre admission visit today, where I spoke with a nurse and the anesthesiologist. I knew just what to expect because Paula and the gang at RSA were thorough and clear.
On Thursday, I begin my liquid diet pre-op, so I am making the most of my remaining days (foodwise!) My last fling will be at a local Chinese buffet!! Point me to the trough!! Oink! My surgery is scheduled for Monday, July 11, 2005. I will be beginning a whole new life!! WooHoo!!!!

July 6, 2005
Today is my last day to eat "real" food for a long time. I went to the Chinese buffet (embarrassingly the first customer of the day, too!) and am now sick in the stomach from too much of a good thing. I guess adding a bag of licorice allsorts to the mix can't help, either!! Liquids are looking better and better. I want to thank everyone who has posted messages of encouragement. I have never felt "not alone" so much in my life. Today, I spent some time pondering what "roll" (LOL) food has played in my life. It has been comfort, companion, lover, distraction, entertainment, timekiller, drug, but NEVER my friend. It has been lethal and insidious, encouraging me to lust after new tastes, textures, flavors, and experiences. It is time to put it aside and "kill the old man", as the Bible says. I want my life to be mine! I can't wait to be a loser. I see so many of my friends look amazing, and I want that, too.

July 7, 2005
Today is my first day on the pre-op diet and I am starving. My husband put supper in the crock pot and the smell is killing me. I want some of it!! I don't think I am doing so well. Plus, I think I have spoiled my efforts. It's hard to know precisely what's okay and what's not. I've heard form the dietician who says keep the carbs low but the diet I was given shows nearly all carbs. I am confused and hungry! Only 3 more days of this!! UGH!

July 9, 2005
Yesterday was a rough day. I had major cold feet and got panicky on the message boards for my online support group. I was then advised to think REALLY hard as to whether this is the right time for me. I HAVE been thinking about this for a whole year. I am not happy with these responses. The most recent post on my comment page has me very embarrassed. If I think any more I would go really crazy. I am doing my level best to calm myself down and act more sanely. Today was a much better day. I found a very reasonbly priced protein powder. Tomorrow I buy the rest of my supplements. I know it's last minute, but I wanted to do a lot of comparing prices to get the best deals. I have accomplished my mission! I have been super strict on the pre-op diet!! I found a tasty cappucino protein drink on the reduced rack at GNC--yummy!! It was a real treat. The hard part was walking through the food court to get to the nutrition stores!! But it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I am proud of myself; I can be strong!!


July 23, 2005
Here I am, nearly two weeks post op. I feel a lot better than I did on Tuesday. I developed a pretty high fever and I still had great pain from the drain area. I thought I was going to die. I was comforted by the doctor who reminded me that I still needed to be breathing deeply. I should have brought my spirometer home. Well, I took his advice, began to expand my lungs and do deep breathing and by the next day my fever was down and my pain was diminished. I spent the past week on my full liquids. I got tired of sickly sweet mighty fast! Friday I began my meds again, my vitamin supplements, and pureed foods. It's nearly too much to take in, plus the clear fluids and protein drinks. I have to force my self to get in all in. As I am supposing that as the pureed stage preogresses, I will get more used to getting it all in. I have been tired, feverish, nauseated sometimes, gassy, in pain, unhappy with vitamin tastes but I am still so glad I did this. Already I am down 26 pounds. It may be closer to 30 now since I went to the doctor on Monday for my drain removal. Wow! Was I glad to get that thing out!! I am doing so much better now.