Captain-Kirk
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Weight & Mesaaurement Update

Sep 02, 2008

Captain Kirk’s Benchmark Page   Weight as of 9-2-08 – 255 lbs. Weight Loss to Date 44 lbs.   Measurements as of 9-1-08: Neck – Start = 18.25 inches <1.00 inch> Bicep – Start = 16.00 inches <1.25 inches> Forearm – Start = 12.50 inches <.50 inch> Chest – Start = 48.50 inches <3.50 inches> Waist – Start = 50.00 inches <5.00 inches> Hips – Start = 45.00 inches <3.50 inch> Thigh – Start = 25.50 inches <1.00 inch> Calf – Start = 16.00 inches <.75 inch>

Finally,,,, The Task Has Been Performed

Aug 25, 2008

Well, at long last, I am home. My RNY was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 19. However, the procedure was changed mid stream as a result of the tangled mess from a previous lapascopic surgery to repair a hernia to stop reflux. As a result, surgeon performed a vertical gastric sleeve in lieu of the RNY. Needless to say, I was surprised.

I had opened to be home on Thursday, Aug 21st but they could not understand the images that were being revealed on the upper GI test. There appeared to be a fistula, which was being described as a pocket either outside of the new stomach, or in the layer of the new stomach. So, I was held in the hospital for 4 extra days to insure that there were no further complications. There is no place like home.

Starting Body Measurements as of 8-19-08

Aug 18, 2008

Captain Kirk’s Benchmark Page   Starting Weight – 299 lbs ( 2 Weeks Prior to Surgery 8-5-08)   Measurements as of Date of Surgery 8-19-08: Neck – Start = 19.25 inches Bicep – Start = 17.25 inches Forearm – Start = 13.00 inches Chest – Start = 52 inches Waist – Start = 55 inches Hips – Start = 48.75 inches Thigh – Start = 25.50 inches Calf – Start = 16.75 inches

One week and counting........

Aug 11, 2008

One week until the big day and all systems are go. All of the required tests have been completed, including the upper GI, EKG, chest X-Ray, blood work, and that wonderful needle to pull blood oxygen level. God, I just HATE NEEDLES! I met with the surgeon and my upper GI has determined that the lapascopic surgery, known as a nissin funduculation, I had in 2001 to correct my acid reflux issue was not completely resolved and I am refluxing again. At this time the surgeon said he intends to correct this during surgery and proceed with the RYN but if he feels that my life is at risk, he will convert the surgery mid way to a gastric sleeve. Needless to say, I explained that I understood and left that decision in his hands while I am relaxing on the table. Additionally, this surgery is an open procedure, which is the only type he performs, and he will be removing my gall bladder.   So, I am continuing with the liver shrinking diet and hanging loose. With great thanks, I learned from this board to eliminate caffeine weeks before surgery to reduce the rough headache effects from the anesthesia. Coming off caffeine has produced several small, but tolerable, headaches, but nothing like the pain I experience in 2001 coming off of anesthesia. Tomorrow, I attend a 5 hour behavior modification & nutrition marathon session. I hope I am able to soak in completely all of the important information.   OK, enough for now. Time to make something happen at work! More to come later.   Chow

Cardiologist OK

Jul 09, 2008

Just recieved word that the cardiologist has given thumbs up! One more mission accomplished. About 5 weeks until surgery. Becoming more & more comfortable.

Stress Test at Cardiologist

Jul 03, 2008

July 3, 2008 - Cardiologist Visit - Stress Test 

Exercise started very early this morning! Today is the exercise portion of the test. Simple. Walking on the treadmill, chest wires attached to the computer. They inject a tracer liquid once they get your heart rate up to a certain level. Then, they take pictures of your chest for about 10 minutes. Sweating at 8:30AM reminds me of my days as a kid cutting grass in summer. I am scheduled for 2nd portion of the test on July 7th.   

Cardiologist Visit

Jun 30, 2008

July 1, 2008 – Cardiologist Visit     

As required by my surgeon, I visited my cardiologist, Dr. Rivindra, at Richmond Cardiology, today with my list of medications. He is a very sharp Dr. that came to me highly rated by a Dr. friend of mine. I have dealt with them before in 2005 when I was dealing with some what I felt as a “racing heartbeat”. After a thorough exam, ultra sound, nuclear stress test, and a heart catheterization, I was deemed to be OK. Today’s visit was designed to determine if my heart was in proper condition to handle the operation. Dr. Rivindra scheduled a nuclear stress test for July 3rd.  As usual, more to follow…….. 

WLS & Brain Surgery

Jun 18, 2008

June 19, 2008 - After a considerable amount of researching WLS, I realize that in order to improve my chances for success I need to understand why I got into this situation in the first damn place. Otherwise, I could go right back to my old lifestyle. While it was important for me to find a sharp surgeon with an equally sharp knife, I realized that he is performing bariatric surgery, not brain surgery. Therefore, through the American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery website, I found a link to locate a link for a support group in my local area that works closely with my surgeon. Through this search, I found Ronna Saunders, LCSW, with the Center for Behavioral Change located here in Richmond . I just had my first meeting and was pleasantly surprised. Actually, she was very surprised. She was surprised to see that I had done my homework and saw the need to proactively seek out her assistance. Ronna specializes in eating disorders. She spent the first ½ hour learning about me and when and how I eat. I have known for some time that I am a stress eater. She referred to me as a “grazer”.  She asked me to keep a food diary for one solid week of EVERYTHING I eat, including the date, time, portion, and most importantly, my mood at the time. I am to take back my diary for my next appointment on 7-7-08. More to follow on this then………..      

For future readers, as a suggestion, you may want to go to the American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery website and look around. It may be something that can be helpful to you as well in your desire to win this weight war. Consider it pro-actively re-wiring the brain first in preparation for the new nutritional lifestyle.

 

WLS History Lesson

Jun 12, 2008

I guess I have been thinking very seriously about ELS for the past two years. Below is a basic outline of my journey so far:

1 Attended a WLS seminar at St. Marys Hosspital in August 2007.
2. Approached PCP about the idea in August 2007
3. Understood from Aetna that I had to achieve 6 consectutive months of Dr. supervised diet & exercise program. Began program in September 2007
4. Attended a physicological evealuation with Dr. Harry Almond in Richmond( no, I didn't see little green men under his desk).

(This is a work in progress.....more to follow)
About Me
Mechanicsville, VA
Location
36.6
BMI
VSG
Surgery
08/19/2008
Surgery Date
May 29, 2008
Member Since
Friends 8
Latest Blog 9
Weight & Mesaaurement Update
Finally,,,, The Task Has Been Performed
Starting Body Measurements as of 8-19-08
One week and counting........
Cardiologist OK
Stress Test at Cardiologist
Cardiologist Visit
WLS & Brain Surgery
WLS History Lesson
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