What a RELIEF!!!!!

I was pleasantly surprised last night. It was nothing at all. My nutritionist took my weight and height (no surprise there...i haven't grown vertically or horizontally). We talked about what i eat and what i don't eat (she made fun of my pickiness...). She suggested taking a one-a-day vitamin and wrote up an eating plan including only foods that I eat. Of course I'll have to take an earlier lunch and eat more often during the day. But that was to be expected. She also took into consideration my lactose intolerance and PCOS (which she says is one of the main reasons its so hard for me to lose weight when i am dieting) And i go back to see her three weeks from friday. She was very nice, laid back. She didn't become annoyed when i asked if my sister could join us, and later my mother came knocking on the door cause she was lonely in the waiting room . But Tasha made an appointment right there to see her the next time i go in. So she just has to talk to her/my doctor for a referral. So cool. I was hoping i wouldn't have to go through this whole process alone. Cause i tend to just bail out, when there's no one going with me. But apparently I may still have to see the nutrionist at Albany Med in November...not entirely sure about that. Guess we'll see.  The eating plan I honestly shouldn't have trouble with...cause I've tortured myself with more strict unpleasant diets before. I did have a few questions though...after surgery (lap rny)...Will I have a drainage bag of some kind??? If so, when and how will that be removed?  What was it like staying in the hospital room overnight?  Anyone wanna share their experiences of Albany Med and Dr Singh?  What can I expect after my visit with the Nurse Practioner (8/01/07); how soon can i expect a surgery date after that?

Hi, Yes you will have a jp tube,  which in usually until your first doctors visit when they pull it out while you are there in the office, you will also have an ng tube in your nose which is removed after your leak test and a foley until you can get up and go to the bathroom by yourself.  The hospital wasn't bad, except that the nurses come in every few hours to give you meds.  Sorry I don't know about Albany Med or about how soon you should get a date.  

 

Lauri

A jp tube and a ng tube? what are those exactly and when should i expect my first doctor's visit?

Hi, The JP tube has a bulb on the outside on the side of your abdomen which drains the excess fluid from your body.  Some people have them removed before they leave the hospital.  I think most go home with it and have it removed at the first doctor's appointment.  Mine was 1 week after surgery, some people go 2 weeks.  The ng goes from your nose to your stomach and that is removed after you have a leak test usually the day after surgery. Lauri

Hi Blanca, I had my surgery with Dr. Singh on 4/2/07.  You will have a drainage tube in after surgery, but it usually comes out before they let you go home.  Mine was taken out right before I was released.  Expect to stay in the hospital for about 3 days.  The staff is really nice.  I can't say there were any nurses I did not like.  Is 8/1 your orientation or your consult with Dr. Singh?  If its your orientation you will not get a surgery date. You usually don't get that until after you've gotten all your clearances and lose your 10%.  It took me 5 months from start to finish.  I started the program on 11/21/06 and had surgery on 4/2/07, not really a bad turn around time at all.  Keep in mind that everyone is different and it depends on your particular medical needs.  Expect the day after surgery to be the hardest.  That's when the GAS kicks in and its a killer!  However, it goes away pretty quickly and its easier everyday after that.   If 8/1/07 is your consult with Dr Singh and you've completed all the steps then you can expect a date around 4-6 weeks later depending on his schedule.  Albany Med has a great program and I encourage you to stick with it.  I can't tell you how good I feel and how wonderful it is to be out of the Obese catagory.   You are never alone, there are always people out there willing to talk to you and help you.  This site is a great resource, as are the support groups at the hospital (although they have been temporarily postponed until they replace the Dietician that just left). If you need anything feel free to mail me.  Good luck! janet

Sounds like a very nice appt, sweetie!  It's awesome that you have the support of the family!!!

Muah!

Support means everything Blanca. It's sounds as if you've got it made. I had a JP tube to drain out excess crappola. Very easy to empty and they will show you how. It didn't hurt, it was just in the way. Kind Of hard to wear a bra because of wear mine was situated.  It was taken out  1 week post op. No biggie. Good Luck My Friend~~ Diane

I didn't have your surgeon, but I did haver the lap RNY. I didn't have a drainage bag though >_>