All that's left is my surgery

Good Morning Everyone!

I haven't been online for a couple of days, so I had a bunch to catch up on this morning!!!  Last week was my terrible week.  I had a pre-op appointment almost everyday.  BUT, this morning was my last pre-op appointment!!!!!  I am so excited.  Now, all that is left is my surgery in 11 days.  It hit me over the weekend that this is actually happening.  Its funny, I generally considered myself a pretty healthy person, at least until I was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure last year.  But there is nothing that can wake you up to just how unhealthy you are then pre-op appointments for WLS.  My goodness, I had something come up on EVERY test.  WOW, who knew.  At least now I know and can do something about it.  I can't even imagine how much better I am going to feel.

Things are moving along really well.  I was down 15 lbs at my pre-op with Dr. Moazzez last week and he seemed very happy with my progress.  Now I just have to get used to my lovely CPAP machine that I picked up this morning and we are good to go!!!!

Counting down the days!!!!
Amanda

only 11 more days!!  WOOHOO!!  Glad you got all your tests out of the way.  :)  It sounds like your check in with Dr. M went well - good deal on the 15lbs!  Are you doing a pre-op diet?  If so, you'll probably lose a few more too!  :)  Every lb counts as you work your way down.

So, you are going to be snorkeling, huh?  That's what I used to call my cpap - my snorkel.  I was also on cpap for a couple of years and about two months ago I was re-tested and was able to come off the cpap.  I hope you adjust well to it in the beginning and soon enough you can see if your weightloss affects your apneas.  Good luck!

Thanks Lauren!!!  I love your snorkling comparison, maybe it won't seem that bad if I think of it that way.  The doc did say I might be able to come off of it eventually, but he keeps telling me how everyone loves their machines and never want to stop using them.  REALLY?  That seems unlikely, but I am sure there are some who prefer to stay on it.  Can't wait to see what happens!!!!

 

Amanda

You know what your doctor said is true - once you start sleeping good with your cpap - it's a blessing.  BUT when the time comes that you no longer need it - it will be a good day too!  :)

You and I both had/have severe sleep apnea.  I was waking up between 50-60 times per hour and stopped breathing for 30 seconds or more.  I will NEVER forget when the doctor told me that...I paused and then asked him "Am I going to die?"  and he was completely honest and said that yes, if I left my sleep apnea untreated that it would lead to heart problems and yes I could die.  I was scared, really scared and I swear to you I used that damn machine EVERY DAMN NIGHT except for when I was out of town and didn't have it with me.  It is serious business and I knew I had to do it.  You'll be glad you have it now and hopefully if you experience fatigue from your interrupted sleep and headaches, those two things will improve like it did for me too.

Best of luck!

That is great, Amanda! How exciting!
I am having my very first appointment w/ dr. Moazzez this Wednesday. A long road is ahead of me, I know...but I'll try to enjoy every single step. I read your post about your sleep study, I have to say it, I love reading it. I know it was hard but you know to put it in such a positive way, even the bad experience. Hope to meet you in one of the groups at Fair Oaks. I'll be praying for this time of preparation and your surgery.
Levinia 

Hey Levinia,

Good luck with your first appointment.  I really like Dr. Moazzez.  He really took the time to go over everything with me and to answer any questions I had.  Don't be intimidated by the binder he gives you.  It is full of a lot of great information.  Vonzie and Pam are great and will get everything scheduled for you.  It will seem like a lot at first, but now that I am through it, it wasn't that bad.  I will say, consultation, just a nice word.  You will probably have to have all the tests because its better safe then sorry.  If you can get your sleep study scheduled somewhere other then Reston, I would try because the Lansdowne sleep center was so much nicer.  I think they have one in Annandale and Bethesda too.  I would just ask Vonzie when you talk to her.  Good luck and let me know if you have any questions, I haven't blocked it out completely yet!!!!

Amanda

Congratulations Amanda!  I hope all goes well with your surgery and wish you an easy recovery!

Thanks!!!  I am not far behind you.  Get ready to make room on that loser's bench!!!

Congrats!!  11 more days, that is wonderful!!  The weight loss is great and only helps.  I lost 39lbs pre-op and with that combined I am down 103lbs!!  It makes a world of difference.  I am diabetic and came out off meds. My surgars are between 70-90s now!!  It is great.

Hi Melissa,

Thanks!  I am hoping to be off my diabetes meds soon.  That is the goal at least.  I don't mind taking all the vitamins, especially if I can stop taking all the diabetes meds!!!  Can't wait to join everyone!

Amanda