My First Appointments at Guelph
I have had such negative experiences with doctors and nurses around here telling me I'm too fat for the blood pressure cuff, I'm too fat for the MRI machine, too fat to have tubal ligation surgery, too fat to repair the torn meniscus in my knee, too fat for the upper GI table etc. They may not have said it as "too fat" but the message was not delivered with sensitivity and that is what I heard in my brain. Even Audrey, the nurse at Guelph, asked where I was getting my Upper GI done because she had other patients who were treated insensitively at our local hospitals. It was very refreshing to speak with people who were kind and genuinely cared about me and my health.
As far as my progress on my pre-op changes, the nurse and dietitian seemed very happy with me. I don't know how much weight I have lost exactly because neither my doctor nor I had a scale that would register my weight. But low and behold, due to my little changes, my scale is now reading again. I therefore changed my starting weight on my ticker to the actual weight that I am now. I am guessing that I may have lost 20lbs or even more.
My little changes have been no more pop or chips, increase my water and reduce my calories to 1800 a day. I try to set little goals every month to work towards a healthier lifestyle. Thanks to everyone on the forum here, I am learning a lot about that.
When I first started posting to this forum, I was anxious to get the surgery and wanted it NOW! The advice and support I received from everyone here helped me decide to stick with the bariatric registry and enjoy the journey no matter how fast or slow it seems to go. I must say, I am enjoying the ride!
If my first appointments are this exciting for me, I sure hope I will be able to control my excitement for the next ones!
Jenn
Referral to Guelph: 3-May-11 Orientation: 22-Mar-12 Nurse & Dietitian: 30-Apr-12 Sleep Study: 2-May-12 Social Worker: 9-May-12 Upper GI: 14-May-12 Ultrasound: 17-May-12 N, D, SW (2nd. appt.): 4-Jul-12 Post Op. Class: 9-Sept-12 Surgeon: 24-Oct-12 Optifast: 22-Nov-12 PAT: 30-Nov-12 Surgery: 6-Dec-12
I am absolutely not going to give you any cliches or unwanted advice. What I can tell you is that my experience with the Guelph Clinic has been top notch. Audrey scared the bejeebers out of me when I first met her, but now, each time I go in, I give her the biggest hug. She is amazing.
You are right to enjoy the ride, and lean on us for support.
Jenn
Referral to Guelph: 3-May-11 Orientation: 22-Mar-12 Nurse & Dietitian: 30-Apr-12 Sleep Study: 2-May-12 Social Worker: 9-May-12 Upper GI: 14-May-12 Ultrasound: 17-May-12 N, D, SW (2nd. appt.): 4-Jul-12 Post Op. Class: 9-Sept-12 Surgeon: 24-Oct-12 Optifast: 22-Nov-12 PAT: 30-Nov-12 Surgery: 6-Dec-12
