ObesityHelp

2-02-03 – Well it’s been a long time since my last update. I have lost a total of 33 pounds. I can fit into a roomy size 26 or a nicely fit size 24. I think I’m doing great. I had my first port fill two weeks ago. That was an interesting experience. When I went to the doctor’s office, he could give me a fill because he couldn’t connect to the port. All I have to say is OUCH! Usually he is able to touch the port location and insert the syringe. So, he had me make an appointment for a fluoroscopy visit. I met the doctor in radiology and he used the fluoroscopy to identify where the port was, and why he couldn’t make the connection with the syringe. Basically the port had moved and flipped over slightly. He was able to give me a fill at that time. He gave me 1cc of saline. And off I went. My next appointment is in a few weeks. I am going to Cancun with friends in July. I hope I can loose another 25 to 30 pounds before I go.

1-03-03 - Ok I made it through the holidays. It is now one month since the surgery. The doctor does not weigh me in until the 16th. My scales at home are killing me. They are so different each time I get on them. There are days I feel that I am gaining weight (which is most of the time) and other days I feel great. My size 28 jeans are a lot roomier now. It’s so funny. My friend said to me, prior to us going out. That I should put on some smaller pants because they look so funny. I actually had to go through my closet to find those smaller pants in the back of the closet hiding. And they actually fit. I felt really great about that. I guess progress is being made. As for food over the holidays, well, base on the nutritionist instructions, I was able to eat solids at 3 weeks. I ate very slowly at first and as the day progressed, I was able to eat everything on the list. I even went to restaurants. I didn’t eat any sweets, but I did drink a few Cosmo Martini’s. Those are my weaknesses. But I actually didn’t drink as much. It was a good feeling. Now that the holidays are over, back to a more strict routine. The first thing is more water. I am having a hard time with remembering to drink liquids. I think this may have something to do with my feeling like I gaining weight.

12-16-02 - Well it’s been two week since surgery. All I can say is Woo Hoo!!!! I had surgery on 12/02 and it went smooth. The hospital stay was good. The recovery room was a little noisy, but good overall. The nurses didn’t let me drink any liquids after surgery so my mouth was very dry. I was able drink something the following day after my upper GI’s came back with good results. As for pain, there was a little discomfort. Not as bad as I thought it was going to be. They gave me pain killers to reduce any pain. I was up and walking around as soon as I got home. Each day I was able to move a lot more freely. It did feel a little week at times. That was because I wasn’t getting enough protein. So, I started drinking Soy and Whey protein which helped a lot. Mostly, I drank a lot of liquids and ate instant mash potatoes, applesauce and yogurt over the last two weeks. I guess it all worked because I lost 14.5 pounds so far!

12/01/02 - I did get approved for the surgery last Wednesday. They sure waited until the last minute. Tomorrow is the big day!!! Hopefully I will only have to stay in the hospital overnight. Well I guess there is no turning back now!!!!

11/24/02 - I finally resolved my Short Term Disability issues. The nurse is going to work with my HR department on completing the forms. Also, she has submitted my insurance information and I am still waiting for an approval. Although, the hospital did call me to register my surgery. Maybe I did get approve???!!! One more week to go! Have a Happy Turkey Day!!!

11/16/02 - I called Dr. Roslins office about regarding short term disability. My company requires STD forms complete by the doctor as soon as possible. If I do not have this information completed, I will not get paid while I’m out of the office for surgery. I didn’t get a warm and comfy feeling about getting the form completed. Let me back track for a minute. During my research on Dr. Roslin, I noticed that comment were harsh toward his Nurse Katherine. Well, all comments are true! She is not very comforting in her interactions with the patience. She doesn’t return phone calls and can be down right nasty at times. When I met her at my first appointment, she gave me a packet and a list of all the appointments I need to complete. I have completed everything except the one week surgery confirmation. I will do this on Monday. My surgery date is

12/02. When I spoke to her regarding my short term disability forms, she mentioned I she hasn’t received insurance clearance as of yet. She will worry about the short term disability one she receives this information. She wasn’t forth coming with any information and now I am concerned. I don’t even know if I will be approved. I am a little pissed off because I have, completed all the tests and doctor appointments. I have also had my pre-ops physical. I hope she isn’t giving me the run around.
11/14/02 - This is my first post. I haven’t said much about the process to date so I thought I would bring you up to date. I am 5’ 10” and weigh 325 pounds today. :) Originally, I planned to have my surgery done by Dr Bessler and Eva Fischer. This didn’t work out. Their program at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital doesn’t cover Cigna insurance. At least when I attended the seminar 12 months ago. Evidently, they did accept Cigna PPO at one time but do not anymore. So there I went on a search for a new doctor and found Dr. Roslin at Lenox Hill. I made my appointment with his nurse Katherine in June 2002. I didn’t get to see the doctor for my first consultation until September 2002. It was a long and painful wait. But it gave me time to continue my research and gather together all my questions for the doctor. The consultation went smooth Dr. Roslin answered all of my questions and went through the procedure for Adjustable Gastric Banding (The Lap). Once he was confident that I understood all the WLS’s, we agreed that the Band was the best option for me. Dr. Roslin gave me a full physical and set my surgery date for December 2, 2002. To date I have had my psychological evaluation, met with the nutritionist and last Tuesday I have my pre op exam. I passed all tests with flying colors. Now I wait. There is only 2 ½ more week before the big day. Wish me luck!!!!!! -- DeVonta Williams