Catch Up

Jan 22, 2009

Ok, so here is what has happened so far on my journey to weight loss:

I was diagnosed with high blood pressure in June 08 and was prescribed meds for it.  It took until about Nov to get the type and dosage right.  75 grams Metatoporol and 25 grams hydrochlorothiazide (water pill).  Even after being diagnosed with HBP, I still felt that I could just be disciplined and lose the weight on my own.  NOT

November 5, 2008, I spoke with my PCP concerning wls.  She put me in for a consult at the hospital here on post.  I really wanted to go to Dr. Warnock, 45 minutes away because I had heard so much about him and know several people who had both the RNY and lap band done by him, but I was willing to meet the doctor here.  Plus having surgery done here would be much more convenient.  I received a call back for an appointment with the surgeon here that same day which almost never happens with referrals.  I set my appointment for the next day in the afternoon.

November 6, 2008.  After waiting several hours to see the doc (the clinic was full - looked like some type of screening going on and I didn't mind), the nurse called me in.  I filled out some paperwork and waited another 15 min for the doc.  He came in, looked at my paperwork and said hmmmm, we won't be able to do your surgery on the 24th.  I was like "the 24th of what?"  I mean I know there are a series of tests that must be done prior to the surgery, plus he hadn't even spoken with me about the surgery, so surely he couldn't have meant this month?.....But he did!!  Here it is the 6th of the month and he wanted to my surgery on the 24th...something just didn't sound right and it did not help that he was new to the hospital as well.  I know he's probably done many surgeries before, but I couldn't help but feel like I was going to be one of the "numbers" he needed to get qualified for something.  Now I could be thinking too deep, but that is how I felt.  Anyway, I asked why and he said that I needed an echocardiogram to determine whether there was damage to my heart because I had taken some form phentermine and the results would not be back in time.  So he closed my file, told me that his secretary should be calling me in Jan.  I asked when was I going to get the chance to talk to him about surgery.  He said in some group meeting in Jan and left.  I went back to my PCP and asked if she would put in a referral for a second opinion. 

December 3, 2008.  Followup with PCP concerning blood pressure.  Everything fine BP stable.  She looked into the computer and saw that my referral for Dr. Warnock was approved and that the surgeon here in the hospital had set up some appointments for the echocardiogram, nutrition consult, and the psychiatric eval.  After the appt with my PCP, I went to Internal Medicine to schedule my echocardigram, and called for an appt with Dr. Warnock.  The earliest appt they had was Dec 29.  I TOOK it. 

December 8, 2008.  Echocardiogram.  For those who don't know, an echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart.  It took about 45 minutes.  I had to go pee in the middle of it. 

December 10, 2008.  Preop appt with PCP.  We just talked about the surgery, how I was doing etc.  Told me that the results of my echocardiogram showed that I have HBP and have had it for SOME time.  Scary!!  Got walk in appt for EKG that day.  Our internal medicine people are really nice, gave me a copy of EKG results to take with me to Dr. Warnock.  Scheduled appt to discuss echocardiogram results with surgeon, Dec 23rd. 

December 17, 2008.  Psych Eval.  Had to fill out a ton of papers.  Dr asked reason for having surgery.  Just wanted to make sure that I was doing it on my own will and not that someone else was forcing me to do it.  Discussed a little about the procedure and the effects.  I didn't have any other major psych problems (no abuse, drugs etc), so the appt didn't last that long.

December 19, 2008.  Dr Warnocks office calls and asks if I could come in the next day.  OF COURSE I COULD!!!  I was glad to change the date because now I could decide whether I was going to give the hospital surgeon a second chance at the appt on the 23rd or cancel after I met Dr. Warnock.

December 20, 2008.  Initial Consultation with Dr. Warnock (and my so supportive husband!).  First I was thrilled because it was a Sat appt and I didn't have to take any time off from work!  Second, Dr. Warnock was as nice and compassionate as everyone had described him to be.  I had done research on him too and all I had left to do was to meet him.  I was not disappointed.  He is such a kind and gentle man.  I made my decision right then.  After we talked, I went to the lady who schedules everything.  She was just as nice.  I gave her the copy of my EKG.  She explained that she would submit the paperwork to Tricare to for surgery approval.  Then she went over some other papers with me and explained some of the other things surrounding the surgery like the support groups, the pre-op diet, and the fact that Dr. Warnock requires his patients to go thru a certain nutrition class at a cost of $75 that is not covered by insurance.  Tricare will pay 100% of surgery costs, so of course I had no problem paying that.  She also told me that a week before surgery I would have to go on a pre-op diet of 2 protein shakes and 1 salad.  In the meantime, I could stop by the store in the office and check out the supplements, particularly the protein drinks to see which flavors I like BEFORE I had to drink them.  My husband and I purchased a 2lb container of Syntax Nectar Sweets Strawberry Mousse $32.50.  I detour here to tell you about the Strawberry Mousse....IT IS GOOD!!!  Tastes like strawberry milk (when I mixed it with milk that is, with water it is not that great but still drinkable) but the other flavors (Crystal Sky, Fuzzy Navel, Caribbean Cooler, Strawberry Kiwi) you mix with water are grrrrrreat!!!  I bought them online for $24.75 ea

December 20, 2008  - Jan 2, 2009  -  Friends staying for Christmas....no dieting....

December 22, 2008.  Cancelled appt with hospital surgeon.....never to be seen again!!!!!

January 5, 2009.  Joined OH and found lots of new friends!!! Yayee!!!! 

January 6, 2009.  Call from Dr. Warnock's office.  Surgery approved!!!  Date scheduled 4 Feb 2009.  Pre-op appts on 3 Feb 09.  Told my co-workers and friends. 

January 8, 2009.  Received information packet in the mail from Dr. Warnock's office containing pre and post op info and info about the hospital and a prescription for abdominal ultrasound.  Instructions to start pre-op diet 25 Jan 09.

January 15, 2009.  Preadmitted to United Regional Hospital in Wichita Falls, TX via telephone.

Jan 21, 09.  Abdominal ultrasound.  Checking for gall stones

Jan 22, 2009  All attempts at self prescribed pre-op diets FAILED.....I was hoping to get myself on the diet (knowing that there would probably be slip ups here and there) BEFORE I really had to do it.  But then I was torn between "why am I doing this now when I don't have to do it until Jan 25th"  So still I am struggling with that.  But then I later decided that I should start watching what I eat to get some practice in before the real deal, but I won't restrict myself to just protein shakes and salads.  Soooo.....today, I brought a salad for lunch, but my co worker was going out for German food, so I ordered Rahmschnitzel knowing that I probably won't be having that again for a very, very long time...if ever........

Ok, I think I have sufficiently caught up on just about all that occurred so far.  Now I just hope that I can keep this current.

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