IcePryncesstoo
I have been overweight since childhood. I finally made my decision for WLS when diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and Fatty liver disease. I went through the usual process of weight loss attempts and documentation with consults in Psych and Nutrition. Then the Health Plan denied the procedure twice. My Surgeon called the medical director and discussed my case, and approval was given.
I was scheduled for Roux-en-Y surgery on 4/30/08 and went through the pre surgical dance of IVs and Heparin and Versed, kissed my hubby and was asleep before reaching the OR (I can't even remeber the transfer from bed to table). In the recovery room my surgeon told me that he couldn't do the bypass due to advanced liver cirrhosis caused by the Fatty liver disease. I would need further testing. While under anesthesia he did a liver biopsy, and I saw a Hepatologist. The biopsy was conclusive for advanced cirrhosis. The blood tests that followed were negative for Hepatitis A,B and C. Other studies including tumor markers were also negative. I have what is called Non Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). This was quite a relief for me. Having worked in Labor and Delivery for 33 years I was really scared I had come in contact with something during my nursing career that could kill me.
Currently, we are attempting to obtain approval from my Health Plan for a sleeve gastrectomy. Since cirrhotic livers sometimes cause life threatening stomach bleeding this is the safest procedure in my case. If I do have a bleed, my stomach sleeve will be easily accessible to surgeons.
I am having to stoke myself up for the post op phase as I can't find much information on diet etc. My surgeon told me that it was similar to the LapBand diet, and I can't find that info. My dietician is on vacation.
All of the above has led me to this site. I am in need of an experienced support system with a sleeve gastrectomy.
My boss had just returned from Roux-en-Y surgery and was a wonderful resource. She had books and personal experience with the whole process. She is no longer available since my company (Healthways) closed the center that I worked in.
Sooooo, on top of everything else I have been laid off. The layoff is a blessing since I have a severance package that will see me through surgery and recovery. The only "con" is that I am a Type A personality with a LOT of time on my hands.
Probably too much information. Sorry!
FAST FORWARD TO APRIL 2014...
I am now beginning the weight documentation phase in preparation of a sleeve conversion to RNY... In the past 6 years I have had a Cardiac Stent... started using an Insulin Pump for T2 Diabetes...and still don't know how to eat. I am enrolled in a fantastic nutrition program now and in one single session have had more education presented to me than I had the entire 6 mos prior to my VSG in 2008. I will succeed this time. 
