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August 28,2007
I met with my surgeon today because of my concern with my recent blood draws and the elevated glucose levels as well as the
blood pressure meds I have to start taking again.  I showed him an updated medication list and asked him to really look over
and he said, "what's up with the blood pressure meds?"  I then showed him the blood draw results and told him to check
the glucose levels.  Before he could say anything I then handed him the letter from my primary care Dr. stating "any further
attempts by me to lose the weight other than bariatric surgery would be futile because of my history and my family history
as well. Advocating the RNY revision surgery as the best option for me with very good results anticipated.  He also fully 
standsd by my decision to choose the revision surgery and asked that the bariatric surgeon seriously consider my request.
After reading over everything, he then went on to explain all the risks associated with this surgery due to my previous
surgeries and all the scar tissue involved.  I am fully aware of all the complications as well as all the work required by me
to follow this new diet, but I am totally committed to being a healthier person at this point of my life.  After all, from the very
beginning it was never a matter of "vanity", of wanting to be the thinnest person in the family.  My overall health is the primary
and deciding factor to do this surgery.   I do not want to end up like my brothers with Diabetes, sleep apnea, knee replacement
surgery, back surgery,  and joint problems.  Dr. Burhop gave me a little smile and said, "Ok, let's get you back in the loop" 
Bariatric talk for "Let the pre-op tests begin".  I gave him a big hug and he even hugged me back, which I don't think he's ever
done.  I will keep everyone updated as soon as I start all this.
September 13th
I got the call from the surgeon's office stating that I will need to do several pre-op tests starting with a group dietary evaluation
class set for the eveing of September 20th, along with my hubby in attendance.  He wants to be an important part of this process
with me, learning everything he can to help. Also scheduled for October 5th is the physical therapist appointment regarding
my current exercise schedule and what to expect following the surgery. Following this appt will be the pshychological
evaluation.  I hope very soon to tell my boss of the surgery.  He has been so great since all of this began.  Never once denied me
time off because of the previous surgeries.
September 20th
Today my boss and his partner came into the office and I thought with both of them here it would be the perfect time to tell them
of the surgery. I told them that I needed some time to talk to them at some point of the day and they both stopped in their
tracks and wanted to right then and there.  I explained how my health had taken a turn for the worse since the Lap Band was
removed and that I was currently in the process of doing all the tests to be approved for the Bypass surgery. Concern came over
their faces and I then went on to explain what the surgery would involve in the way of surgery time, time off, etc...  I fully understood
if they couldn't have the office without a person for a good deal of time and that I would fully understand if they needed to hire
someone else because of this. My health was my first priority right now, even if it meant that I would have to give up the job that I
love.  They both looked at each other and said, "Take as much time off as you need" "We remember what you went through with
the Band and we think you came back to work too soon, so this time, take off the proper time to heal."  We'll just close this office
and do the majority of the work at the other office until I return.  They then asked, "anything else?"  I said, "nothing, except I do have 
to do the pre-op tests and that will require me to leave for an hour or two."  They both responded with "not a problem"
Now I ask, are these some great guys to work for or what????  I am so blessed to be working here.
September 21st
Last night my hubby and I attended the nutrition class.  It was no surprise to me, very similar to my first class before I had the
lap band surgery.  My husband had a couple questions, but nothing I couldn't handle.  The next appointments will be for October
5th for the blood draws, physical therapist, and psychological evaluation. I also have to do a 2 day nuclear stress test on October
11th & 12th. Then everything is off to the Ins. Co.
November 4th
Sorry I haven't written in awhile.  I finished meeting with the physical therapist and I'm good to go with her. I also met with the
psychologist for his evaluation.  He and I met before I had my lap band surgery so we were both comfortable at the meeting and
he agreed that this was the best way to go for me.  Having finished the nuclear stress test I was told my heart was in great shape
and I was passed to have the surgery.  All my results were sent to the Ins. Co. less than 2 weeks ago, so I felt I was in for a bit
of a wait before I would hear anything.
November 5th
Absolutely Unbelievable!  I got home after work and found a letter from the Ins. Co.  I could only think the worst.  This letter was
too fast. I had to be turned down.  I was even afraid to open it. But I did, and I found out they approved it.  Can you believe it?
Less than 2 weeks and I got the approval. Being the skeptic that I am I immediately called the Ins. Co. to make sure it was true,
and indeed it is.
November 7th
My RNY Bypass is scheduled for Wednesday, December 5th @ noon.  I'll be his first patient, which is great with me.  He'll be
refreshed and ready to go.  I'll visit with the nutritionist on November 21st to go over the diet pre-op as well as post-op, then a
chest x-ray afterward.  I've been through all this before so I have no worries.
November 28th
Today is the first day of my liquid diet which will go for 1 week before the surgery and then afterward I will be on the liquid diet
again, then full liquid diet, then pureed diet, then solids.  I'll write again when I've completed the surgery.  Wish me luck and
please say a prayer.
God Bless
December 8th
December 5th, my surgery date has come and gone.   Surprisingly all went well according to my surgeon.  
What was thought to be a lengthy 4-5 hour surgery lasted about 3 hours.  I think I may have even surprised the 
Dr. because he said although there was a lot of work he had to do, it all turned out just fine.  He did have to
remove a Hernia I didn't even know that I had. He also was able to get rid of some scar tissue he had to remove 
because of my previous surgeries.  Luckily he said he didn't have to put in a G Tube for nutrition.  That surely would 
have meant a longer stay in the hospital.  I had something to eat, if you can call apple juice and broth, something
 to EAT. I noticed that I had to take very little sips because I just couldn't take any more than that. I was quite sore.  
My Dr said that if I were able to tolerate the food and did enough walking in the hospital he would let me go home 
on Saturday, just 2 days following the surgery.  Believe me, I walked as much as I could and sipped whatever
I could 
tolerate.  By the time Saturday rolled around, he told me I could go home that afternoon.  Everyone, 
not just myself, were surprised that I could leave that early, especially after the intensive work involved. 
But I'm now home and
appreciate not having to listen to all the construction noise that's going on.  You see, the bariatric floor is being
completely remodeled.  I stayed in one of the remodeled rooms and they are pretty nice.  Still, nothing 
beats home
for a quicker recovery.
December 20th
Today I plan to go to a Christmas party given by my boss. My husband and I will be going to a really fancy 
restaurant where the appetizers are Caviar.  And here I am on a pureed diet.  I'll just have to have a really good 
soup, and some really soft vegetables.  I teased my boss that I'm going to be the cheapest date he ever had.  
Hopefully my hubby will partake of the menu as well as eat my portion as well.  
I'm walking a bit more, but not without some soreness.  I had my 1st post-op appt since my surgery yesterday 
and my Dr said I can do the pureed diet and slip in a tiny bit of solids and see how they go down.  15 lbs lost so far.
I'll keep everyone advised.
February 12th
It's been awhile since I entered any info, so I thought I'd update everything. To date I've lost 40 lbs. I recently saw
the surgeon and said I was a bit disappointed with the number, but he assurres me that I'm right on track.  I do
have to see him again in March for my 3 month post op so I'm hoping for even more lost by then.  
I did have to go into the hospital for an EGD a couple weeks ago for a Stricture. I was told this is common following
Bypass surgery.  Scar tissue had to be cut away so that I could stop vomiting.  All is well now.
Unfortunately, I am scheduled for another surgery on the 20th of February for a tendon tear in my right elbow so I won't
be typing for at least 3 weeks. This will be my last entry for awhile.


                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

About Me
Greendale, WI
Location
43.0
BMI
Surgery
12/05/2007
Surgery Date
Jul 18, 2007
Member Since

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