AmyRG

Send Message

Block

Add Friend

You know, I read a lot of these posts from other OHers.  It seems that a lot of times there is some paperwork snafu that puts a big stall on things.  Well....it happened to me too.  So, while I am aware that this happens, I am disappointed.  Park Nicollet, (PN) my health care provider, was supposed to have faxed all my paperwork to Health Parnters (HP) for pre-approval authorization on February 16th.  One of my friends works at HP and has been monitoring my file to see if there were any updates.  Nothing showed up at all as being received.  I was assured by another HP Representative that it should have shown up as received by now, so I called PN.  Apparently when PN faxed my materials, the fax was busy so it didn't go through.  And no one re-faxed it to HP...in essence, the ball was dropped.  I am so GLAD I called.  I don't like or want to be a nuisance patient, but if you are not looking out for yourself, who else is?  Okay, so now PN has a confirmation of receipt from HP.  PN was very apologetic and I know these things can happen...just goes to show...FOLLOW UP IS IMPORTANT!!!   So now at least there is something to wait for, as opposed to waiting for nothing.  PN told me I should hear something within two weeks...but (lesson learned)  I will call in a couple to days to check progress.

Keep fighting the good fight.  

Peace.

Well, this morning I had my appt with the Nut and the bariatric physician t o go over medical history.  It all went very well.  I actually really enjoyed the visit with the nutritionist.  What a nice lady.  One only one more appt...with the pysical therapist on Wednesday...then its off to insurance approval...keeping my fingers ( and toes ) crossed!  

Peace

Next Monday (the 12th) I meet with the nutritionist.  I'm kind of nervous for this appointment.  Seems silly really, with all the appointments going on.  I have to keep a tally of what and when I eat for three days (I know that is not very many).  The nurse I talked to told me not to go on some crazy diet because of the food journaling, that the Nut wants to see how we really eat now.  So I am trying to eat a little better than I usually do, making proper choices and the like.  I just am nervous for the criticism, "I can't believe you are eating that...no wonder you are fat!"  I dont have very good eating habits and dont always make the right choices...um, hello...I wouldnt be in the boat if I did, right?  So I am making my own self nervous for nothing, I hope.  

I also have an appointment with a physical therapist.  I'm told we have to walk for six minutes with the therapist.  That I am not worried about.  I can do that.

And also have an appointment with a bariatric physician.  I think she just does the examination to prepare documents for submitting to insurance.  I guess I will know more after next week.  

Will update with new info.

Peace.

Still waiting for time to pass until the next appt.  I am consumed with thinkging about this whole process.  For the first time since I can remember I am not overwhelmed with the thought of how much weight I have to lose.  I know it wont be easy by any means, but I get much inspiration reading other's postings and have been getting great support from my friends.

Last night my husband, Kevin, talked about this upcoming change for the first time in depth with me.  Before he was always like "Whatever you want to do is fine.  I love you any way you are."  It made me feel really good last night when he told me he was here to walk beside me through this journey and help me in any way he can.  He told me "Amy, I wish you could love yourself as much as I love you."  I'm workin' on it, baby!

Peace!

Okay...the CPAP machine takes a little getting used to.  It is not uncomfortable, just annoying.  I am up to three hours before I take it off....working up to wearing it all night.  I'm a belly sleeper so it is hard getting a good sleep position.  Like any new habit, it takes time to develop.

I met with the pyschologist and it went well.  She said I am an excellent candidate for WLS so that was good news to me.   She said the are scheduling surgeries about 60 days out from today, so the wait is on.

I have more appointments scheduled for February, the nutritionist, the surgeon, and the physical therapist.   Will update with new developments.

Peace 

Okay, last night was a long one.  I was hooked up to no less than 15 wires for the sleep study.  One on each ankel, two on my chest, 5 on my scalp, one on my chin, forehead, each cheek, a microphone taped to my neck, and two tubes in my nose.  The tech hooks you all up and then says, "Sleep well."  Hahaha

Eventually I fell asleep and low and behold I suffer from sleep apnea and am now the proud owner of a CPAP machine.  I also got medication to treat restless leg syndrome...I have suffered from this for a long time but now it is documented and I am being treated for it.  By the time I am through this whole shebang I will feel like a new person, healthy and well-rested.  Apparently there is a chip in the CPAP that records when it is used and the pressures needed for the doctor to follow-up with.  If I don't wear the CPAP I wont get cleared for surgery. 

Tomorrow I am off to see the psychologist to get my results from the MMPI.  

I bought a new book to read -- "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies".  It is very informative and is not pro-surgery nor anti-surgery, just facts.  It answers alot of common questions.

Things seem to be moving at a pretty good pace...I wonder when I will get my surgery?  I have told more of my friends about the plan and have received much support from them all.

I enjoy reading OH friends' lists of things they want to do when they are on the losing side and am thinking about starting my own.

Peace.

Here we go....yesterday I had my first appointment with a bariatric nurse, Carol Thomas.  She is soooo nice and answered so many of my questions.  I feel good about my decision to go ahead with the RNY procedure.  I think it is the right choice for me.  I got my official "before" weight now...313.6.  Ughhhh!  Last year at this time I was pregnant with my baby boy and I was pushing 350, so it could be worse I guess.  Oh well, that is the starting point and it is what it is.  She told me a reasonable weight to get to will be 170ish.  I can only hope...

I took the MMPI pyshcological test yesterday, too.  (No matter how many times it asked, I do not hear voices or feel that anyone is trying to get me!) Friday I have an appointment with a pyschologist to find out if I am crazy  :)  .  I have had my share of counseling so meeting the pyschologist doesn't make me nervous at all.

Tonight I have to do a sleep study.  Apparently it is required for anyone with a BMI over 50.  I don't know how well I will sleep with all the wires hooked up to me.  I dont think I have sleep apnea but we will see what comes of the study.

So, I am on my way...

Peace.

Yep, this year is gonna be a good one.  I feel like I am getting off on the right foot.  The clinic called and I have several appts set up...first nurse appt, a testing appt, and a first meeting with the psychologist.  Here we go. . .let the games begin!!

I keep reading other postings on OH and get much inspiration and feel like I live a parallel life with many people on here.  I wish I knew about this site long ago...there is something so self affirming when you find so many people who are just alike, going through the same issues.  

One of my best friends, Patti, underwent RNY surgery two years ago and is doing fabulous.   I wonder if she is tired of me asking her about it already?  I dont think so.  She is very encouraging and supportive of my decision.  She said she will take me to some of her support group meetings so I can get a "network" of WLSers.

One of my other best friends, Christie, is a certified nurse practitioner.  She tells me I need to think long and hard about this as she has seen many complications with WLS. . .although she will support me with any decision I make.

I have told more people about this new life plan and everyone has been supportive and loving.  I was afraid to tell everyone.  I dont know why it felt shameful.  It's not like its a surprise that I'm fat.  They have all seen me go up and down and struggle.  I am really ok now with my decision for RNY and all that comes with it.   

More later.

Peace

Who would have thought I would ever have my own blog...and that it would be about something that has plagued me my entire life...weight loss.  I am in process of figuring out what is best for me...RNY or lap band.  Everyone has an opinion and they are willing to share it with me.  Yet it just gets more confusing.  I am afraid of the possible side-effect with RNY and am afraid that the lap band wont work as well.  I know that it is not the RNY or the band themselves that do the work...the hard stuff is all up to me.

My husband doesnt have much to say on the matter.  He loves me as I am, and I love him for that, too.  But I don't love me as I am.  I am in need of a lot of work.  Inside and out.  I want to be healthy and have the energy necessary to play with my little boy and baby.   

It is very overwhelming to to think about losing 150 pounds or there about.  That is a whole person.  No wonder I am exhausted.

I would like to hear from anyone just starting their journey to a healthy and happier lifestyle as well as those who are well on their way to reaching their goals.  

I will try to keep this updated as I know I have enjoyed reading other people's stories and have been inspired by many.

Peace :)