Happy New Year's! Update & Apologies

Jan 01, 2009

I had my surgery on March 10th, and prior to surgery was a regular poster to this forum...  I'm not exactly sure why, but for some reason after surgery I quit posting....my apologies to everyone that I made contact with on here...particularly my friend Lithia and my super angel, Taminator!

I have tried to figure out why I was so reluctant to post and I just don't know - perhaps because my progress and adaptation to my new body and needs has been so problem-free that I felt guilty when reading the posts of others who were struggling with their post-op diets, weight loss bumps and stalls, mental roadblocks and so on....

I do feel guilty though, because my journey has, in fact, been so incredibly smooth and quick...when I had my first consultation on Nov 1, 2007, I was 248.8; the morning of surgery on March 10th, I was 225; as of this morning - the first day of 2009, I weighed in at 143.6 and am only about 7lbs away from being categorized as NORMAL WEIGHT.  I have only had one significant stall of about a month and a half (from 7 to 8 1/2 months post surg).

A few days ago, I went shopping and bought 3 pairs of size 12 jeans at Goodwill and was just thrilled that I could get into 12's....didn't think to try anything smaller I was so dang happy.  Then day before yesterday I received an invite to a semi-formal event for January 24th...oh YAY!  I can go shopping for a pretty cocktail/evening gown for my new smaller me!  So I went to a local consignment shop and was trying on dresses...found several that I liked...but while I was there, the though occurred to me to try on some size 10 jeans just for kicks - THEY FIT!!  So, I went one better and tried on a size 8 - THEY FIT TOO!!!!  The size 8's were the lowest I could go, but it just blew me away that I am actually 2 sizes smaller than what I thought just a couple days prior just because it never occurred to me to try anything even smaller...YAY ME!!

I'm sorry to ramble so much, but it is really hard to update on all the progress of several months in one post...one of my New Year's resolutions is to rededicate myself to keeping my OH profile updated and post to the board more regularly...again, my apologies to all my friends who must have thought I fell off the face of the Earth!

Love ya all - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

P.S....Have added some current pics to my profile - mainly after pics...I have to find where I hid the before pics that I hate so very much!!!
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Double Wow & Soft Foods - YAY!!

Apr 02, 2008

Wow #1:  I was at Wal-Mart today and tried on a pair of size 20WP jeans, and they zipped and buttoned without any problem.  Tried an 18/20 shirt and that was actually kind of loose!  YAY ME!!

Wow #2:  During my shower this morning and dry off afterwards, I realized that there isn't as much of a pannibelly to lift to wash & dry under!  How cool is that?  It's SHRIIIIINNNNKKKIIIIINNNNGGGG!

And as of yesterday, I am approved by my nutritionist to move onto soft foods.  I missed breakfast today because I had to have fasting labs drawn then was playing at Walmart with the 18/20 size clothes...got home in time for lunch.  I had the equivalent of a one-egg & cheese omelet, using Egg Beaters (1/4 cup = 1 egg), 1/4 cup shredded LF cheese, and 6 ounces of milk.  And it all sat just fine!  Kind of a 3rd WOW, but not really.

Btw...NUT okay'd drinking with meals between now and 8 weeks to help things go down easier & to make sure fluid goals are being met.  No drinking 1/2 hour before and after meal rule will go into effect for me at about 8 week mark after more of the pouch swelling has subsided.  Generally, I don't drink with my meals, but did this time with it being my first solids...just for some added moisture on the way down.

Surgery Related Costs, Ins. Reimb., & Patient Balances

Mar 30, 2008

I have just had my EOB's (Explanation of Benefits) posted to the online portal of BCBS and after crunching the numbers for ALL services from initial consult, to psych eval, to surgery, etc., the total costs don't come close to what I have seen posted by others on the board - not sure why mine seem to be lower.  And my numbers also include the charge for piggy backing a tubal ligation procedure onto my RNY.

Here is the breakdown - 

Service
Provided
Total Provider
Charges
Less BCBSM
Paid
Less Participating
Provider Savings
Patient
Balance
X-RAY - X-RAY EXAM UPPER GI TRACT  $             95.00  $            34.84  $                     51.45  $          8.71
SURGERY - LAPAROSCOPY SURGICAL (RNY)  $        7,025.00  $       2,009.33  $                5,015.67  $              -  
SURGERY - LAPAROSCOPY, TUBAL CAUTERY  $           800.00  $          225.16  $                   574.84  $              -  
SURGERY - UPPR GI ENDOSCOPY, DIAGNOSIS  $           425.00  $                  -    $                           -    $              -  
LABORATORY TESTS - TISSUE EXAM BY PATHOLOGIST  $             90.00  $            18.52  $                     71.48  $              -  
SURGERY - HOSPITAL STAY  $      20,870.00  $     10,930.31  $                8,948.40  $      991.29
ANESTHESIA - ANESTH. SURGERY FOR OBESITY  $        1,470.00  $       1,000.00  $                   470.00  $              -  
DIAGNOSTIC X-RAY - UPPER GI  $           891.35  $            25.44  $                   671.67  $      194.24
CONTRAST XRAY UPPER GI TRACE  $             84.00  $            34.84  $                     40.45  $          8.71
SURGEON OFFICE CONSULTATION  $           300.00  $                  -    $                           -    $              -  
LABORATORY TESTS - H PYLORI ANALYSIS  $           210.49  $                  -    $                   148.38  $        62.11
PSYCH OFFICE CONSULTATION  $           300.00  $                  -    $                           -    $      300.00
PSYCH TESTING ADMIN BY COMP  $             49.75  $            49.75  $                           -    $              -  
PSYCH TESTING BY PSYCH/PHYS  $           125.00  $          121.44  $                       3.56  $              -  
TOTALS  $    32,735.59  $   14,449.63  $            15,995.90  $ 1,565.06

2 week follow-up & OUCHIE!!!

Mar 25, 2008

K...had my 2 week follow-up appt today and got the last 6 staples removed and everything is great...EXCEPT.

For days now I have been having this completely awful stabbing pain that alternates between my lower left incision and my belly button incision, or the area between the two.  Anything triggers it, even something as little as opening the car door - anything at all that uses the muscle right there in the slightest little way will spur this stabbing pain that just about doubles me over.

The bariatric coordinator nurse (the doc's wife) said that since I am not nauseous, vomiting, and am having no problems either urinating or passing stool, that it is seems to be a strained muscle from when I visited the gym last week.

And guess what?  Not a darn thing I can do about it other than to baby the area and let time do its healing work.  Until then, I get to feel like I am being stabbed repeatedly and often....*sigh*

YOWZA!! No Longer Morbidly Obese!!!

Mar 23, 2008

I'm no longer morbidly obese people!  I weighed in this morning at 218.2 so that puts my BMI at 39.9 - so I now qualify for "Severely Obese"...

Never thought that being Severely Obese would make me so happy

At surgery I weighed 228.8; I gained about 16 pounds in hospital from all the IV fluids and came out at around 244 when I came home from the hospital on March 12th; by March 16th (6 days after surgery), I had dropped the excess water weight and was back to 228.4, then weighed in at 218.2 this morning, so have lost 10.2 pounds in the last 7 days...this surgery is so wonderful!

I am feeling great overall, but still having some pretty significant twinges in my lower left incision...okay, to be truthful there are times when it feels as if I'm being stabbed with a knife, but I try to remain positive...LOL.

Hope everything is going wonderful for y'all!

Loving my RNY!!

Shopping...Shopping....and more Shopping!!!!

Mar 03, 2008

Personally, I have been having a blast with it, and I'm still a week pre-op!  Over the weekend and today, I hit several resale shops and was picking out nice career wear that is in styles and cuts that I have always gravitated towards, but in sizes 18, 16, 14, 12, and 10.  I am currently in a 22/24, but want to have a wardrobe built up of smaller sizes before losing the weight so that I don't have to scramble at the last minute.

Yesterday my Mom and I hit a resale store in her area that was having a $7.50 bag sale.  Whatever you fit in the bag you got for $7.50 total.  I walked out with 4 VERY nice skirt suits that are on the mid-high end type of wear.  For less than $2 per outfit....WOOHOO!!!  And they are very nicely tailored, and figure flattering.  Can NOT wait!

I have spent years watching my Mom and sisters find tons of great stuff for these rock bottom prices, and I couldn't ever participate because the only things my size that I could find in resale shops I wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole, let alone wear to work.

I am just so excited that I will FINALLY get to get the deals too!  And btw...down to 6 days and a wake up!!

Liquid Fast -4 days down, 10 days to go until Surgery!

Feb 29, 2008

I am now on Day 5 of my pre-op liquid fast.  I have to admit that by evening on the first day (Monday),  I was ready to chew my own arm off in order to get something "real" to eat....but it got better beginning on day 2....although DD made sloppy joes Tuesday night and I have to admit that I did eat some of the meat mixture...but no bread.  Kept it protein, just not liquid protein.  Wednesday and Thursday went without a hitch, and now here I am on Friday.  

I weighed in at 237.4 on Monday morning, and at 233 this morning.  If I continue that pace for the remaining 10 days till surgery, I should wind up somewhere between 222 and 225 on surgery day.  My goal all along has been to get to 225 by surgery, leaving me with exactly 100 pounds to lose AFTER surgery.  On track so far .

Pre-Op Class & Consult

Feb 22, 2008

Spent the day in Muskegon this past Thursday...had my 3 week pre-op class and appointment with Dr. Gluck.  Signed surgery consents with the Dr. and also let him know that I would like him to perform a tubal ligation when he does the bypass.  He didn't feel that it would be any problem and just told me to remind him prior to surgery and he would have me sign the consent then....thank goodness!  Hubby is already snipped, but I want every extra precaution, just in case.  Four kids is more than plenty!!

The pre-op class portion was discussing all the necessary information about pre-op and post-op diet (5 weeks of high protein liquids only).  Reviewed the procedure again, talked about possible complications, what to expect before, during, and after surgery while in hospital, etc.

Down to 18 days until surgery....I start my liquid diet on Monday - only 4 days away...then THE DAY will be here before I know it....

I am getting so excited...and scared....and anxious.....nervous....happy.....my emotions are all over the place...

I am trying to get everything ready at work for me to be off for six weeks (worst case scenario), but feel like I am spinning my wheels much of the time.  My brain is on overdrive and everything is focused on my surgery date of March 10th...I even overlooked my mother's birthday, which was the same day as my pre-op appointment.  I felt terrible, but she understood that my brain is completely overwhelmed with everything right now...I will be taking her to dinner sometime this weekend to make up for it...and while I can still eat "normal" food before my liquid diet.

I have my Angel in place (Thanks Taminator!!!), and my surgery sister (Here we go Lithia!!!!!).  Hubby and I will be doing some last minute shopping before liquid diet starts on Monday...I want to get a second Magic Bullet to have at work for mixing shakes and blending soups that the cafeteria makes.  Need to purchase a pretty set of nightclothes for while I am in hospital - found a 2 pc last night that is pink silk with a pretty pattern, with capri bottoms and a button up top..should be easier to use with the IV lines.....

Ookay, nuff rambling now...wish I was as much of a whiz with lists as Lithia....maybe she'll make some lists for me....LOL

28 Days....and Counting!!

Feb 11, 2008

Okay....finally getting down to the wire.  I have 28 days now until I undergo my RNY.  

Since my first consultation with Dr. Gluck I have lost about 15 pounds.  I have 8 more to go in order to reach my personal goal of 225 by my surgery date.  I think that will be very doable, especially considering that 2 of the 4 weeks to go will be spent on a high protein liquid diet.  That will leave me with exactly 100 pounds to lose in order to reach my ultimate goal of 125 pounds.

Things are going well overall...trying to maintain sanity between work, home, and school....quite a few balls to juggle, and some get dropped occasionally, but that is okay.

I have always looked towards various songs for motivation for various issues in my life.  When Reba McEntire released her song "Gonna Take That Mountain", it really resonated for me with my weight loss battle...especially the verse that I have highlighted in a different color, below.

My surgery date is March 10th...and no matter what roadblocks stand in my way, or what lapses I may experience...I'M GONNA TAKE THAT DAMN MOUNTAIN!!  Hope the lyrics provide some inspiration to the rest of you as well!

I'm gonna take that mountain

I was born a stubborn soul
Ain't afraid of the great unknown
Or a windin' road that's all uphill
This is just a stumblin' block
Intimidatin' wall of rock
If you think this broken heart will break my will

I'm gonna take that mountain
Ain't nothin' gonna slow me down
And there ain't no way around it
Gonna leave it level with the ground
Ain't just gonna cross it, climb it, fight it
I'm gonna take that mountain

It's overwhelmin' lookin' up
And knowin' it's the challenge of me
Against this heartache to survive
I may slip and I may fall
But even if I have to crawl
I'll break through to the healin' side


I'm gonna take that mountain
Ain't nothin' gonna slow me down
And there ain't no way around it
Gonna leave it level with the ground
Ain't just gonna cross it, climb it, fight it
I'm gonna take that mountain

Ain't just gonna cross it, climb it, fight it

Yeah, I'm gonna take that mountain
Ain't nothin' gonna slow me down
And there ain't no way around it
Gonna leave it level with the ground
Ain't just gonna cross it, climb it, fight it
I'm gonna take that mountain

I was born a stubborn soul
This is just a stumblin' block
I'm gonna take that mountain

I HAVE A DATE!!!

Dec 20, 2007


I called the surgery scheduler today and got my surg date.  I will be going in for my gastric bypass on March 10, 2008 at Mercy General in Muskegon.  So I have 2 months to get myself in the proper mindset and get my post-op behaviors nailed down beforehand to make the post-op adaptations much easier.

Yea for me!!


About Me
Scottville, MI
Location
24.3
BMI
RNY
Surgery
03/10/2008
Surgery Date
Aug 01, 2007
Member Since

Friends 23

Latest Blog 21
Double Wow & Soft Foods - YAY!!
Surgery Related Costs, Ins. Reimb., & Patient Balances
2 week follow-up & OUCHIE!!!
YOWZA!! No Longer Morbidly Obese!!!
Shopping...Shopping....and more Shopping!!!!
Liquid Fast -4 days down, 10 days to go until Surgery!
Pre-Op Class & Consult
28 Days....and Counting!!
I HAVE A DATE!!!

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