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I still haven't had my 3 month follow up apointment.  I got a reminder in the mail this week.  I've had an unusually hectic summer but I've vowed to get my bloodwork done early this week and make my appointment.  I'm feeling really good and I'm down a few more pounds.  Unofficially, about 57 pounds.  I'm still having trouble getting enough non-liquid protein into my diet and I'm still having some trouble forgeting to eat slowly...which ends up with me getting sick.  But, all in all, everything is going really well.  I'm about 45 lbs to my goal of 135 lbs!

I've been absent for too long.  I'm now officially down 50 lbs and in "onederland".  I made the discovery at my daughter's house while on vacation.  I'm really struggling to stay with the program.  I can eat nearly anything and sometimes I have a really hard time staying away from some dangerous foods...like cheese.  I can't eat very much unprocessed meats (like like poultry or steak) but deli ham or turkey goes down like a breeze.  I crave veggies but they really irritate my tummy unless they're cooked to a near mushy state.  Scrambles eggs are always a mistake and so is shrimp...bummer.  I used to love veggie omlets and shrimp was a favorite.  Bread isn't a good idea either.  I've only had it a few times and in very small amounts but it always makes me REALLY sick - it seems to get stuck.  The last time was only about a week ago. I guess that's a blessing in disguise! 

Since I've been feeling better, I've been battling the beast...and I hate to say, I've lost a couple of battles.  I would love to try raw or blanched veggies but I'm afraid my tummy can't handle them.  Yesterday, I ate too much cantelope and I got a little sick (it just tasted so good, I couldn't quit).  And, I'm having a really hard time eating slowly.  It makes me worry even more about my ability to keep the beast at bay for the long term. 

Finally, I'm really starting to feel good.  My infection is gone and I'm really starting to get my energy back.  I was going to go for a walk this morning but, of course, it raining in WA.  I know I really need to get started exercising.  I just haven't felt up to it until this past week.  I'm six weeks post op and I'm down about 35 lbs...85 lbs left.

First of all...I do NOT regret my decision to have RNY surgery.  I know this was the best thing I could have done for myself considering the circumstances.  It's just that this has been a lot harder than I thought it would be.  I've spent much of the last couple of weeks feeling pretty sick.  This past Monday, I was so dehydrated that my PCP gave me two liters of fluid via IV.  Things I can eat one day make me sick a few days later.  On top of that, I developed a nasty post op infection.  I had an abcess that was the size of a baseball.  They had to reopen my wound and I have it repacked everyday.  It's been gross, disgusting, and painful and it's really taken the wind out of my sails.  I can't wait to feel good again.  I know every week that passes will be better than the week before.   The good news...I'm down about 31 lbs.

I had my surgery a week ago today.  I had a few complications but nothing too serious - I got home on Saturday   I still feel like I've been stabbed and and had my guts sliced up...oh, wait...I did!   Ha!  On a lighter note, I'm feeling better every day.  I'm looking forward to the day when I don't drop something on the floor, contemplate the pain of picking it up, and opt to just leave it there and walk away.  Oh, by the way, I gained 13 pounds in the hospital.  Good heavens!

It's getting close!  I have to admit, I have moments of sheer terror when I say to myself, "I'm not doing this.  I'm not going to rearrange my body in a way not intended by God or nature.  I can do it on my own.... "   Lol...what knucklehead!  These moments doen't usually last long.  All it usually takes is a couple of trips up an down my stairs OR to get a look at my self in front of my full length mirror....  If the first doesn't convince me, the second does.  My mom arrives a week from today and then we leave for Seattle the following day - the day before my surgery.

I had my pre-op appointment last Thursday.  My surgeon told me that she will do a 100 cm roux limb....I thought it would be longer than that.  She only does 100 cm because it makes no difference for long term weight loss but it could for nutrient absorption.  I was feeling a little disappointed but I keep telling myself that I have to put my faith in my surgeon.

I got a phone call this morning and I'm approved!  Oh my gosh.!  I'm approved!  My surgery is scheduled for March 13th.  I start my pre-op diet on February 29th and I'm going down for my pre-op on March 1st.  I can hardly believe it's finally going to happen.  I have so much to do to get ready!

I got an email this morning and Virginia Mason has resubmitted  everthing to the insurance company...again.

After 5 days, I got an email from my "bariatric navigator" that said they don't have all the information they need. Of course, I get this message on Friday evening....when I can't do anything until Monday.   I wish she had called me.  Here's what they say I'm missing:
1.  Documentation (with dates) regarding what methods I've used to try to lose weight in the past year.  Methods like using a smaller plate, commercial or home diet programs, limiting sugar and fast food, drinking more water, getting more exercise, cutting out empty calories....   Are they kidding?  I went through this in great detail with the dietitian.  Fine, I can write something up.
2.  Chart notes or medical documentation that I've maintained a BMI of at least 35 for the past two years... 
I arranged for my doctor's office to fax this information early last November when I started this journey.  I guess this one is my fault.  I should have picked up the chart notes myself and then kept a copy.  This is just annoying.  Another week has been wasted.