Dawn414
Before getting into my story, I wanted to share some of my all-time favorite cartoon characters...I am just a big kid at heart!
9/06-Although I have thought about this for a pretty good amount of time, the real research began in September and the first day of the rest of my life began when I picked up the phone and made an appointment with my primary physician.
10/9-13-Spoke to my mom today…she wanted to send me a bunch of her pj’s. I told her and got a shock. At first I was nervous because she said something about having ‘that’ stomach surgery, but I was wrong. She is very supportive of my wanting to do something about my weight. I had my consultation visit with Dr. Boynton this week. My impression is that he is exactly as billed. Wasn't real chatty, but was willing to answer any questions I had. It was a pretty short meeting, actually given all the prior research I had done. He gave me the booklet on the surgery, anticipated stay in hospital, what I would be eating, the doctor's I'd have to meet with ahead of time, info on New Beginnings (required multi-disciplinary program). I learned that in addition to others, I'd be meeting with a dietician and exercise physiologist who would put me a new eating/exercise regimen beforehand to help me start losing weight/getting on the right track. I came straight home and read the documentation and made my appt with the Pulmonary doctor. That appt was originally scheduled for the the 30th, but thanks to the New Beginnings nurse who suggested I get on the wait list, the consultation moved up by two weeks! Given all the subsequent appointments...thank goodness! Anywho, Dr. B said getting approved by my insurance shouldn't be an issue since my BMI is over 40, but I don't have a lot of the co-morbidities so I guess we shall see! The New Beginnings nurse also seemed to think getting through insurance wouldn't be an issue. If a couple more say that, I might actually believe it! (HA HA)
10/29-11/4-New Beginnings...the start of the structured multi-disciplinary support program. Met with Irene, one of the case managers. She is SUCH a sweet lady. There is a whole host of appointments I have to go through, but I should (hopefully) be able to get those done in the next three weeks. Because she has worked with my insurance company before, she knows (for example) that they will require a licensed Psychologist speak with me so in addition to the behavioral therapist I'm meeting with this week, I've gotten on a psychologist's calendar too. I also met with my PCP tonight. I had a form for her to fill out and said, "you know...JUST IN CASE insurance requires you to be monitoring me, I'd like to come in and have you officially 'weigh' me each month." She also drew blood since my current results are almost 6 months old. So...I'm hoping it's a non-issue with insurance, but JUST IN CASE, I'm trying to anticipate insurance issues I've seen others post by nipping them in the bud (so I can say I started in October and not December when my information is likely to be submitted to the insurance company). The only other appointment I need is my Fitness Assessment which will be on the 9th. So, if all goes well I can call my case manager on the 16th and tell her to send my file over to the surgeon's office (since at that point, I should be DONE) with the pre-op requirements. I'm also going back to see her 11/27 and have to go back every 2-3 weeks to get weighed. I'm not officially on a 'diet', but she would like to see me lose 5-10% of my weight before surgery. Since according to their TANITA scale I'm 279, that lowers my BMI from the 44.5 I thought it was to 43.8. Apparently, I've lost a few pounds since I met with my PCP a few weeks ago. Bully for me! :) So...God willing, 3 weeks from now, I'll have (hopefully) had my follow-up with the pulmonologist too and will be all set to have my documentation sent in to the insurance company. Guess we shall see what roadblocks arise! (Am I an optimist or what???!)
11/5-11/11- This week, I'll have my first post-op (even though I'm pre-op) nutrition class, my fitness evaluation, go through my holistic surgery class and have my visit with the psychologist (which I managed to get pushed up a week...I do love cancellation lists!) I have also dusted off the treadmill and begun walking. I do anywhere from 20-30 minutes (1-1.5 miles) depending on what time allows each morning/evening. I also finally had the pulmonologist's office call to schedule the follow-up appointment to review the results of my chest x-ray, EKG, Echo, PFT & Sleep study. I actually know the first four already because of my primary doctor. I had called my PCP's office to ask them if they had faxed stuff over to the surgeon's office. They said they had, but that they could resend. So, I said, well, why don't you send it to me. This way I have it and won't have to ask again. She sent me my file including the sleep study result (which I don't 'officially' get to know until the 20th). I am not looking forward to that visit. I have a feeling our conversation is going to result in the roadblock I was so hoping to avoid. The appointment isn't until the 20th so I'm doing my darndest to try to be patient here and not stress over it. My case manager was SO right when she said that piece would take the longest. Ugh! Good news is, my appointment with the psychologist was a non-event. I didn't really think it would be. My bachelors & masters degrees are IN psychology for pete's sake! Before I joined corporate America (16+ years ago), I wanted to be sitting in his chair! We just chatted for about 35 minutes about my background, why I wanted to have it done, etc. He was a very nice guy. He asked me what I thought about the personality assessment. I told him it was alright, but that some of the questions weren't applicable (i.e. smoking) and others could have double meaning (i.e. Do you think your life will ever be the same?) Overall, got the thumb's up from him. Fitness evaluation was sort of a non-event as well since I have worked out/exercised in the past so I know what to do...it's just a matter of actually doing it. So...although I'm fearful the follow-up with the pulmonologist will result in a roadblock, I still think I'm getting closer...
11/12-11/18-This week, I only had the pre-op nutrition class. It was my final New Beginnings pre-op requirement. I was told it would take 3-4 weeks to get through orientation and all the requirements. I did it in two weeks. Think I'm motivated here? YOU BET! I contacted my case manager and asked her to please send in my file. She did it right away! Now, I just need to get my final (hopefully) clearance from the pulmonologist. That appointment is on Monday. I'm going to try to find out from him when I can expect to have the surgeon's office have the clearance (being optimistic here!) My fear is that once the holidays are upon us, people start taking off and delays on receiving paperwork, getting submission and (hopefully) approvals will take longer. If his office could get everything BEFORE Thanksgiving then I'll bug them the Monday after to get the ball rolling with insurance. I am a self-proclaimed PITA when it comes to being proactive so I will just have to make sure folks are on top of my file. We shall see! I've also began exercising. We have a treadmill at home so I try to get on that every day. I'm trying to mix it up though. I went to the Y (where we belong) and swam laps last Friday and just the other day, did 36 minutes on the elliptical machine. (MAN, do I love that machine...2.36 miles in 36 minutes...I'LL TAKE IT!).
11/19-11/25-OH HAPPY DAY!!! Although I have some mild sleep apnea, the pulmonologist was okay with me postponing another sleep study (w/ cpap) until after I've lost all my weight. (It's the little things that make me happy). I'm taking that to believe that while sleep apnea is certainly a serious thing that mine was mild enough for him not to be overly concerned with it (knowing that my surgery will most probably rid me of the mild apnea I do have). Considering the myriad of tests he put me through, I took that as a really good sign. Oh...and since I was at his office last, I had lost 6 pounds. Bully for me!
11/26-12/2-I called the pulmonologist's office and low and behold, the clearance letter had already been sent. I had them fax me the letter for my files....just in case. I also called the surgeon's office...a couple times. Left 2 messages...no return call. I need to start a new mantra, "I will be a patient patient". I realize I'm not the only one they're working on, but as I'm sure most everyone is during this time, I am ready to go go go and I hate hold-ups. I'm still hoping my paperwork can get in to insurance this week. God willing! Ok so apparently nothing can be easy. Maybe that's why I'm usually pessimistic. Anywho, as my BLOG above reads, I now have to do a stress test too in order for the cardiologist's office to give me clearance. Very upsetting setback, but alas, nothing I can do about it so I forge ahead.
12/3-12/9-Ok, so I did the stinkin' stress test. And now, the glorious doctor who said he'd only be holding me back a week won't be back in the office until Monday--so frustrating!
12/10-12/16-Talked to the cardiologist who said everything was fine and that he dictated the letter (STAT) and that it should get to Dr. Boynton's office today. I called Dr. B's office and BEGGED the woman to PLEASE have my file ready to go pending that final info. I think she finally called me back to get rid of me. She said my file was with the person that will work on it with insurance. I talked to that person and she said my file was sent into insurance on Monday at 4pm. I called insurance to verify they got it, which of course they won't tell me...the doctor's office has to call to verify (UGH!) So, I called the doc's office back and left a messing BEGGING them to verify that they had gotten the file. I don't want two weeks to go by only to find out that they don't have the paperwork. SHEESH!
12/17-12/23-OK, so if you read my blog, you know that I am not approved and have to go another 3 months to my PCP for weight (to add to the 3 months I already have). Alrighty...I was pretty upset about this, but I do believe things happen for a reason and in their own time so if I'm meant to wait a few more months...so be it. So until then...Merry Christmas...Happy Chanukkah, Happy Kwanza or whatever else you may celebrate...and most of all...HAPPY NEW YEAR!
12/31-1/6/07-Happy New Year. It started off with a bang...that's for sure because I'm in shock. I got a call from my surgeon's office. I have my authorization for surgery. I'm happy, but somewhat stunned. When the doctor's office called, I said, "Ok, that's great, but...how did that happen because a couple weeks ago you called me and said I had to have the 6-month supervised diet". She said, that they called and asked for my primary doctor's name/number, that they called them, got some information and subsequently approved me. SO BIZARRE! So, I go back to the doctor on the 17th to get my surgery date (which will probably be mid-February). I could have gone to him on the 10th, but I'm in Dallas next week for a meeting. So...seems my time is coming sooner than I thought, but around the time I originally thought (if that makes sense). I don't think it's set in yet. you get your mind set around one thing only to have it change...I'm sure it'll hit me after my appt w/ the surgeon.
1/14-1/20/07--I have my date...February 13th!!! Hurray!!! Meeting was quick and to the point (since I didn't have any questions)...I asked for the 12th-13th and got it. Yipee! I also want to say for the record that I absolutely LOVE my PCP. She has been so supportive of me going through this process. I met with her the day after I got my date and she hugged me before I left. She can't wait to see the 'new' me (neither can I)!
2/4-2/10/07--Wow...it's been 2 weeks since I made an update. How unlike me (ha ha). I've been wicked busy at work, but also haven't had a whole lot to update. Did my pre-admission testing...consisted of a blood test (because I had done all my tests already). The nurse felt it was kind of dumb that they brought me in ahead of time, but given the work schedule I had this past week, it was actually nice to have a mini-break from the office. I have just 9 days to go (as of this post) before my new life begins. I am very ready.
2/11-2/17/07--SURGERY!!!! On 2/13, I joined the Loser's Bench. Surgery went well...Came home Friday afternoon. Not a ton of pain...mostly discomfort.
2/18-2/24/07--Moved to 'full' liquids this week. Started the treadmill at home and have gotten up to 15 minutes..2mph, but it's a start. Saw the doctor today and have lost 14 pounds since my day of surgery. Works for me!!! I go back and see him at the one month point.
2/25-3/3/07--Moving along...up to about 19 pounds at this point. Coming a little bit slower, but I'm also exercising a bit more too. This full liquids is getting old quick. Still have another week before I can start soft/pureed food. I'm not hungry, but it'll be nice to move to 3 meals versus 4 and have a little more variety.
3/11-3/17/07--One month out today and 31 pounds down. Getting in all the protein and water has been cumbersome, but I'm doing what I can. The whole 'not hungry' thing is making it tough because I'm not hungry to begin with so to not be hungry and then try to eat what I'm supposed to eat isn't easy. I shall perservere though...Overall, I'm happy with the one-month #.
3/18-3/24/07--First and foremost, my babies turn 4 this week...I cannot believe it. OK, that being said...I said good-bye to some old friends this weekend...specifically 4 full leaf bags worth of clothes....donated. I actually have room in my closet now and no longer have things in my son/daughter's closets. Amazing that in such a short time, I would have lost enough to donate that much stuff. I still have enough clothes to get me through another 20-30 pounds or so, but after that...I might have to start shopping a little bit.
3/25-3/31/07--My hubby turned 40 this week...
4/1-4/7/07--40 pounds and counting. For the most part doing very well...have had a couple issue with eating too quickly, but on the whole...doing great!
4/8-4/14/07--2 months out and Happy birthday to me.
4/15-4/21/07--Less than a week until vacation. WHOO HOO! SO excited. Next week we're doing a Disney cruise and Disney World. CANNOT WAIT! Eating will be an interesting adventure, but I know I'm up for the challenge. As of Monday morning...47.5 pounds---9 weeks out.
4/22-4/28/07--DISNEY CRUISE & DISNEY WORLD!--The trip was nothing short of amazing....Will be adding a couple pictures in the photo section as soon as I can. Ate a few things I shouldn't have, but with all the exercising/walking, I managed not to gain weight...
May 2007--I think I'm going to move to a monthly account now versus updating weekly and then just add comments as appropriate including finalizing the month with a final total weight loss to date. We'll see how that works out. Anywho, as mentioned above, I probably lost a week or so in the weight loss world because of my trip (which I wouldn't trade for the world). Since then, I'm back on track and doing/eating the right things. In the past week, I've lost 6 more pounds and can't believe my BMI is under 35 (which, since I had minimal co-morbidities means I would no longer be eligible for weight loss surgery...that's kind of a nice feeling). And the really cool thing is...I continue to be amazed as it relates to clothing. I don't feel like I should be wearing things that are a 14 or 16, but I am. I bought two pairs of capri's from the Avenue that were a 14. I also went into Old Navy & LL Bean and bought extra large shirts and they fit. That's the first time I've been able to shop in these stores for myself. THAT is a really nice feeling. Also did round 2 of 'this stuff no longer fits me' from my closet. It's getting mighty empty and you know what? That suits me just fine! ...and just 5 pounds from the glorious ONEderville which I'm hoping to achieve by my next follow-up visit in a couple weeks. OK so 5/31 is upon us and I'm down a total of 78 pounds
June 2007--Exactly 4 months and 1 day out, I have reached ONE-derville. Happy dance!!! And that's with a trip to WDW in the middle. VERY excited about that. AND, just 8 pounds to go until I am officially just 'overweight'. I'm hoping to get that by the end of June, but that may be a little aggressive. We shall see. Didn't quite make the 'overweight' status in June, but I'm okay with that.
6/30 down a total of 90 pounds
July 2007--It seems I am always a couple days off of the milestone I want to reach (shrug). As of this morning (7/3), my BMI is 29.8...I'm officially 'overweight'. What a nice thing! Of course, I still have a ways to go, but seeing the # continue to go down is awesome! The end of the month has officially occurred and I actually HIT a milestone. I am a CENTURY CLUB participant. Yesiree...100 pounds down (since I began my journey). Very excited about that. I DID hit a stall for a couple weeks, but still managed the 10 pounds to get to 100.
7/31 down a total of 100 pounds
August 2007--I cannot believe I hit six months out this month. Crazy. Since I have less to lose, it has started slowing down a bit. I was hoping for 10-15 pounds this month, so at least I was within my goal for the month. I'm only 11 pounds from being considered 'healthy weight'. It would be really nice if I could be at (or better) 'healthy' weight by the time I go back to see the surgeon again. I know I can do it. Just need to focus.
8/31 down a total of 112 pounds
September 2007--The year of Disney continued this month! I just love our trips there (included a couple pics from the adventure). I also did a 5K (3.1 miles) race...walked some, jogged a lot which is a major milestone for me...of course, I'm feeling it in my legs today, but I'm glad I pushed myself. I managed only 8 pounds this month, but that's okay because my fat% continues to go down (which means I'm still losing inches and gaining muscle from the exercise). In fact, at my support group, they put the fat% at 27% and I am below that which means they're going to alter my #. I guess they don't have that happen TOO often because the girl that weighs me wasn't sure what to do. So, I did hit THAT milestone. I really wanted to be considered 'healthy' weight by the time I visit the doctor again (in 1 week), but I don't see that happening. I know it will...just not in the next week. So, I will continue to do the right things (as best I can) and I'll get there when I get there. I have NO complaints about my weight loss to date.
9/30 down a total of 120 pounds
December 2007--HAPPY HOLIDAYS & NEW YEAR
Wow, I guess it has been a while since I updated. We've been SO busy. Since September, I've been to Disney twice, Atlanta twice, my parents house in Naples, FL and we're gearing up for ANOTHER trip to Disney in less than a week. Phew. It is so NOT easy to maintain bariatric happiness during all these trips. Especially at Disney which is so NOT Bariatric friendly. But you manage. I'm glad I'm almost a year out versus a few months. A little more 'freedom' at this stage, but you still have to be careful unless you want to gain 10 pounds in a week! Exercise continues to be the key. I can't believe at this time last year I had just been told I wasn't even approved (only to be told a week later I was). It has been such an awesome ride. I waiver between 152 and 154. I'd still like to lose a few more pounds...get into the mid-140s. 145 has always been a kind of goal for me, but of course having never weighed 145 I have no idea what that would look like and at this stage I'm pretty dang happy. So, you know what? Based on my last Tanita scale reading, my fat% is 21% (low-end of doctor's range) and I am wearing a medium and size 10. I've never EVER had this happened in my life. And because I do exercise, a lot of what is 'left' is mostly skin and not fat. So even though my mind would like to lose that additional 7-9 pounds, I am totally okay if I don't lose another pound,
12/28 down a total of 130 pounds
