Crystal G.

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It's been a while since I have updated so let me update.  I have had my sleep study and actually slept very well there.  It showed that the only time I have issues with sleep apnea is when I am sleeping on my back, which I don't do often.  I stopped breathing 9 times in the hour that I was on my back.  The doc said that this was very mild and that he didn't feel strongly one wat or the other about using a C-pap.  I of course felt very strongly and told him that I didn't want to use the C-pap.  So he put in his report that I did not need treatment for sleep apnea and that as i continue to lose weight I shouldn't have any issues caused by my weight.  Now however, he can't say that it will go away completely because my airway he states is much narrower than normal and that my toungue is displaced (higher than normal) and that may be why I stop breathing while I am on my back (he thinks my toungue falls back).  So yeah I don't need a C-pap, but he also told me that he thinks that I am borderline hypertensive.  So I followed up with my PCP and she agreed that I am borderline but doesn't want to put me on any other medications as it too should get continuously better with weight loss.  At this point I have gotten all of the clearences that I need and I am continuing to work on my 10%.  According to my scale this morning I have only 1 pound to go.  This is of course bare naked with no food or anything to drink in my stomach.  I have another appointment with my nutritionist on September 17th hopefully she will then give me the OK to meet with the surgeon to get a surgery date.  WOOHOO.

So I attended my second meeting with Doris, social worker, last Thursday.  During the session she really got into the nitty gritty of why I may eat the way that I do.  She asked a ton of questions including "if you continue to lose weight with out the surgery, when it comes time to schedule the surgery would you consider continuing with out it (the surgery)"  I of course told her sure.  If for some reason I am able to lose a significant amount of weight before it is time to schedule surgery maybe I will give it a second thought, and then I will schedule the surgery.  I really want this.  I want to be healthy and play with my kids.  At the end of the sesison she told me "If you decide to go through with the surgery, let me know and I will fax my OK to the doctor."  So yeah I am officially not crazy. She also wanted me to schedule another appointment with her for August, and I did.  I will use up the 5 appointments that I have been approved for by my insurance.  I will also probably call her after my sleep study on July 13, 2007 and ask her to send the clearence to the doctor "just in case"  I am on my way.  I have 10 more pounds to lose to meet my 10% and the sleep study and then I will be golden. 

So let me catch everyone up to date.   
April 10, 2007: I attended my informational session at Albany Medical Center.  Starting weight: 266.5.  I began following the weight watchers program and joined planet fitness.  
May 3, 2007: I then saw Jennifer Lindstrom, Nutritionist .  My initial opinion of her was that she was very cold.  She was kind of short and to the point.  She let me know that I would be expected to lose 27 pounds before I would be cleared by her for surgery.  She did tell me though after our appointment that she thought I would be an excellent candidate.  That made me feel pretty good.  At this appointment I weighed 258.5, yeah. 
May 11, 2007: I attended my appointment with Dr. Weiss at the Sleep Center.  I have been given an appointment for a sleep study on July 13, 2007.  I really like Dr. Weiss, he is young and very supportive of those seeking WLS.  On the same day I met with Doris Tomer, Social Worker for a psych eval.  I assumed that she would meet with me once(after reading about most others experiences) but she wants to meet with me at least one more time "to make sure I am still in the right frame of mind."  This is scheduled for June 28th.  Hopefully this will be the last time. 
June 5, 2007: I attended my first educational session at Albany Medical Center.  I am not ususally a complainer but this session cost me and the others there $50.  It was supposed to be from 12:45-4pm.  It was supposed to cover exercise and nutrition before and after surgery.  Well let me tell you when Stephanie (the program coordinator) showed up she took our money handed us a packet to read and then informed us thattheir nutritionist was no longer working at Albany Medical Center and "oh by the way if you have any questions ask your nutritionist the next time you have an appointment"  When she left she had a very nice lady that worked fort he local YMCA come in and talk to us about the YMCA program and how important exercise is.  (Oh by the way I do not have a YMCA where I live) We were let out at 1:50pm.  Yes we all felt a little jipped and hoped that the next session would be better.
June 7, 2007: I attended the second informational session, again $50.  This time however it was very worth it. We were able to talk to 2 women that actualy had the surgery.  And let me tell you they answered every question that was asked.  It was an awesome session and we all agreed that we learned more there than the previous session.  I also attended a support group at Albany Medical Center that evening .  I honestly was not looking forward to this, just because it was from 6-8pm, and an hour away from my house.  It makes for a long day since I leave home at 5am for the gyn and work and didn't go home before the meeting.  But you know I really enjoyed it and was actually very motivated after it.  I can't wait until the next one. Oh yeah weighed in at 255.5 yippee.
June 22, 2007: I had my second appointment with Dr. Lindstrom today.  She was a totally different person today.  She was talkative and told me several times how well I am doind and how she believe that I will be very successful with the surgery.  Don't have to see her agin until August.  Weight today: 249.5 down 17 pounds and only have 10 pounds to go, Woohoo.
So I am on my way.  I will update more often now that I am caught up to date and will try to post some pictures.  I don't have many though because I can't stand to have my piocture taken.  I will dig something up.