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Goals

Make healthy eating and drinking decisions

1 Person
 in progress, 
0 People
 achieved this

Maintain my goal weight within 5 pounds on either side at any given time

1 Person
 in progress, 
0 People
 achieved this

weigh less than 170

3 People
 in progress, 
2 People
 achieved this

lose at least 100 Pounds

13 People
 in progress, 
4 People
 achieved this

weigh less than 180

4 People
 in progress, 
3 People
 achieved this
View Other Goals
Surgeon Testimonial

David Podkameni M.D.
My first impression of Dr Podkameni was that he was very knowledgable & experienced. Over time, I found him to be strict but communicated very welll with me, and I could even joke with him some. Some members of his staff have had bariatric surgery (nurses & the dietician, Donna) so they know what they are talking about because they have lived it.

I found it odd that he didn't care about taking labs since it was June when I had pre op labs but my surgery didn't happen until November. Also, I found him to be overly structured and strict at times, but I am a person who likes to test limits...lol

There is a lot of support with the Banner Gateway Bariatric program, ranging from pre op to post op support groups. They even have a clothing exchange program!

The thing that I am most impressed with Dr P is that he is thorough, methodical, and careful with his patients. During my surgery, he found a benign tumor on my liver, and repaired a hiatal hernia I didn't even know I had! Afterwards, when I had some nausea, dry heaves, and a bad rebound headache (probably from the pain meds), he gave a combination of meds thru the IV that took care of all three problems. That made the difference in me having to stay an extra day or not. (I got to go home as scheduled.)
Member Interests
  • Cats - I have 5 cats...My husband wishes we only had 2 or 3...
  • Museums & Art Galleries - I love the Getty & the Getty Villa! I have been to the Smithsonian National Art
  • Walking - I am glad we have spring & fall in the year so I can be outdoors!
  • Computer Games - I am addicted to Frontierville on Facebook!
  • Movies - Always ready to for a movie! I love vintage movies from the 1940's.
  • Flowers - My favorites are lilacs and gardenias...
  • Scrapbooks - This is an extension of my love for old family photos & genealogy.
  • Cooking & Baking - I love cooking when I am feeling healthy!
  • Swimming - We have a pool and I look forward to swim season!
  • WLS in your 40's - I will be about 43 when I have my sleeve gastrectomy Nov 16th.

sedonagirl67's Journey

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Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.
I felt like I was weak and couldn't lose weight because I wasn't disciplined enough. I had accepted that I would be a "big girl" for the rest of my life. It took several years to get there but I never felt picked on...just didn't have any energy...and I don't think I realized how much more I was eating than "normal" people. I always felt hungry...
Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by theresam74 on 11/16/10 7:44 am
    Good luck, my prayers are with you.
  • Comment by peyton88 on 11/16/10 2:20 am
    I've enjoyed reading your pre-op blog! I wish you all the best with your surgery and post-op journey! Get ready for the ride of your life!!
Click here for the surgery support page
sedonagirl67's Blog
sedonagirl67's Blog


Things are looking up!
on August 25, 2010 11:26 am
I saw the primary care doc today and advocated for my surgery.  He said that he can't see any reason that would prevent him from signing off and just needs to run it by the nurse practioner I usually see... And then I saw her in the hall and talked to her for a second... I think they are going to sign off (although it may be after the latest bloodwork comes back within the week.)  Things are looking up!
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Time to take the reigns back!
on August 21, 2010 6:05 am
I got my latest blood work back and...No MS, no lupus, and no rheumatoid arthritis.  My c-reactive protein is still climbing but after doing more research, I am thinking that the hypothyriodism may be the culprit.  They want to send me to more specialists but I am taking back my body!  I have decided that I will allow a couple more tests (that I am curious about anyway), then I am going to advocate for my surgery and show how, ultimately, nothing will change until I lose weight, therefore, I need my sleeve!  I am going to the head of the clinic we use and get her to write my medical clearance note!  Otherwise, I may switch clinics and get someone else to write it!!! 
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1 step forward...and 2 steps back...
on August 12, 2010 10:09 pm

My TSH test came back fine which means the hypothyroidism is under control!  Yeah! for that!  But a couple of other blood tests came back bad...and mean I am now being tested for MS, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis....This year just keeps on giving!!!!!!!!  Other than fatigue and muscle/joint pain, I am feeling pretty good...but my lap swimming is on hold as physical activity makes me more tired and the arm action for laps makes my arm muscles hurt (not like working out pain, but as in "something is wrong" pain)...  I hope after this round of tests, if they come back normal then I will get the go ahead for my sleeve...  I hate blogging anymore, because it seems like I always have bad news!  How sad is that?!

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A New Chapter...hopefully
on August 3, 2010 6:11 pm
First of all, let me apologize to my Banner Gateway buddies for ditching support group tonite.  We had to put down our 16 year old blind kitty this afternoon and it left me a little too raw for company tonite. 

Secondly, I got my blood drawn today and hope that my numbers look good for the PCP to sign off on my sleeve.  So, here is hoping that a new chapter is beginning...
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