cher-bear
From My Old Profile:
Let me start off with saying that I have always been overweight. I was always the biggest cheerleader, volleyball player, soccer player, track runner etc. I have looked into WLS for over 3 years now. However, insurance would never cover it. Then we found out that my husbands insurance covers it and that was it! I was determined to have WLS.
I am 34 years old and I married my high school sweetheart. We have been married for almost 13 years. (we have been together for 19 years total) He is my best friend, soul-mate, and my strength. Thank you Babe, for always being there and supporting me through this whole thing every step of the way! I love you so much! I can't wait to see what the future holds...
We have 2 beautiful daughters. They are 9 and 5. My oldest daughter loves soccer and plays for Classics Hammer FC. My youngest wants to follow her big sisters' foot steps. She also wants to play for Classics Hammer FC. I am so fortunate to have a wonderful mother who is also my friend. She is so supportive and I can't thank her enough for all that she does for me and especially my family. My step dad is pretty awsome too! Thanks guys! I have 2 older brothers that I am very proud of. They married great sisters and have wonderful children. (yes, my brothers married sisters....I think that is legal) My in-laws have been great also! I have MANY wonderful friends...only to mention a few... Thanks Jane and Rob, for all your kind words! Michelle you have been so kind and willing to go to meetings with me and I appreciate all your encouraging words. Jennifer thanks for all your support. Jaronda, I want to thank you for all your encouraging words and support. I work with some amazing people and can say I honestly love my job. I have a wonderful boss. Her name is Kathy and she has been really supportive and understanding. Pamm, Cindy, Susan, and Sue thank you for your friendship ans support. You guys are the best. I would like to thank Kristi for her encouragement and support. Also, Donna you have been so supportive and willing to answer even the stupidest questions that I may have had. You both are such great inspirations! I want to take the time to thank all of my family and friends that have been going through this with me. I really appreciate your support! I love you guys!!!
3/20/06-I placed a call to the Barix Clinics to make an appointment for a surgical consultation. I talked with Ellayne and scheduled a date of June 7th. Wow, I can't believe how long I have to wait.
6/7/06-I met with Dr. Viglianco at the Barix Clinics in Groveport Ohio. The staff was really nice, sincere, and great. They also said that I have pretty good insurance to cover WLS. Dr. Vig asked me a series of questions and he thinks that I may have sleep apnea. He has requested a sleep study. Dr. Vig was so sweet. They took a picture of me...YUK! MY DH (dear husband) went with me. He is very supportive. I am very lucky to have such a wonderful person in my life. My DH told Dr. Vig that if the insurance doesn't cover this procesure he will find a way to pay for it ourselves. Thank you babe! 143
6/12/06-I called the sleep doctors for a sleep study. It is scheduled for 6/16/06.
6/16/06-I am getting psyched for the sleep study. I said goodbye to my girls and DH...boo-hoo. I am very nervous!
6/17/06-WHEW!!! glad that is over. I do have slight sleep apnea. I stop breathing approx 7 times an hour. I am scheduled for a CPAP titration sleep study on 6/27.
6/22/06-Today, I was APPROVED! I am so happy. Words can explain how I am feeling right now! Whoo-hoo!
6/28/06-Whew...The CPAP sleep study was awful! I think this will be hard to get used to. I felt like I couldn't catch my breath. At one point, I had to push the help button and the technician came in and said that my HR was elevated and gave me a 30 minute rest. Then, they gave me a nasal cannula type mask and that worked out much better.
7/1/06-The CPAP is very hard to get used to. It is all worth it and hopefully temporary. The doctor said my sleep apnea will go away after WLS.
7/12/06-I received my surgical date today. It is scheduled for 8/21/06. I am so excited! I go for my pre-op testing on 8/7/06. I am feeling such emotion! It is finally going to happen...I can't believe it.
7/14/06-I came into contact with someone on-line that is having WLS with Dr. Vig today. She is really nice. Her name is Pamalama Her surgery date is the same as my pre-op testing date. I am going to try to hook up with her meet her in person.
7/18/06-I have had such wonderful and great support from most everyone. Some friends that I have told, I think are more concerend for my health and the risks involved. I am very thankful for all the positive reinforcements.
7/25/06-I had a follow-up appointment today with the sleep doctor. It didn't go as well as I thought it would. He said that I am only averaging 2 1/2 hours of CPAP a night. He also said that my pressure isn't high enough on my machine. He also mentioned that I am non-compliant. Now, he is questioning my surgery unless I can get up to pressure of 10. I am currently on 9, I don't think that it will be a problem. I called Dr. Vig's office to make sure that he doesn't have a requirement for surgery with the CPAP machine and he only requires 6 weeks on CPAP before surgery. Boy, am I relieved....
7/31/06-The pre-op testing is only 1 week away which means surgery is 3 weeks away. I can't wait! The waiting is the hardest part so far!
8/2/06-Today, I turned in ALL of my paperwork for my leave of absence at work. It is all coming together very smoothly. I also, received an e-mail about my angel. Denise has very kindly accepted. I finally have an angel. Thanks Denise!
8/4/06-Anne Marie called me and stated that they had to cancel my pre-op testing . I rescheduled for 8/8/06
8/8/06-I went for pre-op testing today. Guess what? I was CLEARED for surgery....YEAH!!!! Everyone was so nice and helpful. I had blood drawn, CXR(chest x-ray). I also had to meet with respiratory Jim. He was a toughy. I had to perform a PFT(pulmonary functions test). That was so hard. I thought I was going to pass out. I was given an incentive spirometer to practice breathing for after surgery. I will start my liquid diet tomorrow. My In-laws made me a special meal this evening. WOW, what a great family I have. Boy, Was I overwhelmed with mass information. I think I am going to need a little help here.....
8/21/06-8/23/06-Well, today is the big day...I woke up at 5am and showered and scrubed my belly for 5 minutes and rinsed for 3 minutes. We got the BCO(Baric Clinics of Ohio) and everything happened so fast. First, they drew my blood, then they took me into my room where I will be at for they rest of my stay. Then we went off to the Operating room suite. They started my IV and weighed me. I had lost 11 pounds onmy liquid diet. They gave me medicine to swallow and it dried up my mouth secretions. then I got my pre-op cocktail of versed. I met with all the OR staff and they were all very nice. Dr. Vig came into see me before the surgery and I asked him if he got plenty of sleep last night. He assured me everything was going to be OK. They gave me a little more of a cocktail and off to LA-LA land I go. I kissed and hugged my mom and stepdad. I kissed and hugged John. I had wrote him a letter that I wanted him to read while I was in surgery. I reminded him of the letter and told him I loved him with all my heart and to keep strong. I told him I would see him soon! I remember going into the cold and bright room and the OR staff was telling me everything they were doing. I remember transferring to the OR table and I also remember them straping me down and the Anesthesia doctor looking over the nurses shoulder and saying I am going to put this mask on you and it will put you to sleep. I looked at the clock and it was about 7:30...right on time. I woke up in recovery and the first thing I asked was lap or open. The sweet nurse Monica said lap honey, now relax. I can also remember Jim the respiratory therapist saying she is doing just fine. Lets put soem 02(oxygen) on her just in case. I told them pre-op that I was worried about the CPAP machine and post-op. the nurse said they were worried that I would get upset and they didn't need that. I did fine without the CPAP machine. Post-op I had a little trouble with the IV pain medicine. I was allergic to Demerol and Morphine. Once they switched me to pain medicine by mouth, I was fine! The next morning I had the barium swallow test and I passed! My first meal consisted of orange sugar free jell-o and white grape juice and chicken broth. I have hardly had any pain at all. I had such amazing nursing care there. Jill. Cheryl, Vanessa, Bea, Nancy, Kathy. they were all fantastic. At this pint, Dr. Vig had checked on me several times to make sure I was doing well. I can't believe how great I feel. I have been drinking, peeing, walking. I had finally gotten my IV out and showered. I feel great! On the way home, they ride was OK. We had to stop so that I could get out and walk. When I got home the girls were so excited to see me. Later that night, Emily told me she wasn't going to eat dinner because it wasn't fair that she gets to eat and I don't. She is so sweet.
8/25/06-I am struggling on getting my fluids and protein in. I know this will get better. I asked my DH, "Are you sure they did the surgery?" He said why would you ask that? I said because I am doing so well! I went to see my PCP and I have lost 11 pounds ( I gained 11 pounds at the hospital because of all the fluids) so, I am officially at my day of surgery weight. The Dr. checked everything and she said everything was fine. She is going to check on B-12 shots for me because the sublingual is not dissolving under my tongue. She took blood and will let me know. She is very supportive!
8/28/06-My back is killing me because I am not used to sleeping on my back. I have been taking a pain pill only for my back discomfort. The heating pad really doesn't help that much! However, besides that I still feel great!
9/6/06 -I went to see Dr. Vig for my 2 week follow-up and I have lost 16 pounds. However, I was severly dehydrated. They ended up admitting me administering 9 bags of IV fluids. I will NOT let that happen again!
9/18/06-I went back to work today. It went very well. I was really tired. I am glad to be back at work. My total weight loss.....32.5 pounds.
9/28/06-10/1/06-I went on my annual girls weekend trip. This year, we went to Gatlinburg Tennessee. We had a blast! It felt good to be away from the hustle and bustle and just cut loose! We laughed ALL weekend! I get to start on regular food tomorrow. yeah!!!!
My total weight loss.....36.5 pounds.
10/11/06-I went for my 6 week post-op check and everything went well. Dr. Vig is very pleased with my weight lose. He said I looked great and he was very proud of me. I love that man! My total weight loss....41 pounds.
10/23/06-My clothes just aren't fitting me any more. I can wear my husbands belt(36). I feel great! My total weight loss.....45.5 pounds.
11/1/06- I went to my sleep doctor and he says I don't have sleep apnea anymore! I gladley gave back the CPAP machine with no fight. My total weight loss.....48 pounds.
12/2/06- Well, it's been a while since I have posted. Today, I entered into onederland. It is a "onederful" place to be. I am starting to get alot of compliments and it is sometimes hard to accept. However....it feels great to get them. I am just a little over 3 months post-op and my total loss is.....62 pounds.
