ciarapatrice

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So I went in to work for overtime today... and I brought in a few scoops of the Chocolate protein shake given to me by my doctor, for my two week liquid diet starting April 6.

The surgery coordinator, who also had the LapBand placed by my doctor, told me about what she mixed her protein drinks with... I tried her idea for coffee and chocolate protein mix.....  it was so disgusting! I then tried it with some Lactaid milk and a few ice cubes...  it was cool... better than the coffee mix... I'm not sure how well I'm going to fair with these shakes... I have three more flavors to test out... Banana, Strawberry, and Vanilla...

I did go to the shake's company website (www.chikenutrition.com) and they have some customer submitted recipes... so we'll see how well they check out to be...

other than that... all is well
I hope everyone is progressing well on their journeys and I can't wait to join the loser's bench!

Psych Eval... (3/15/11) --- had my psych eval tuesday... it was a simple 15-20 minute meeting, he was very nice, and luckily I didn't have to stay and fill out the 250 questionaire because they sent it in the mail a few weeks in advance. They called me today to follow up, stating that I passed my eval and the questionaire and that they'd be faxing over his recommendation to the Drs office... 

20 days until I start my liquid diet.... (4/6/11)

34 days until my surgery.... (4/21/11)

4 days until my Psych Eval... (3/15/11)

26 days until I start my liquid diet.... (4/6/11)

40 days until my surgery.... (4/21/11)

Never would I have thought that going into Dr. Dicicco's office today, I would come out with a surgery date... It seems all very surreal right now. I mean I thought I'd be uber excited or something. Maybe it's because I've decided NOT to tell anyone? As of right now, just my best friend Carlista, and my mother know about my surgery.

So let me give you the WHOLE story...

As I stated in previous posts, I'd been planing to have RNY with Dr. Murr; he is THE Bariatric Surgeon at Tampa General Hospital. Well, working here you come into contact with SO many people. One day I got a chance to speak with a Cardiac Monitor (CMT) and a Patient Care Tech (PCT/CNA), who both worked on the same floor; they had LapBands placed on the same day. I recieved a lot of helpful information from them, but my main concern since the beginning has been the price. I have insurance that covers WLS at 100%, but Dr. Murr, requires an additional $750 on top of whatever out of pocket fees my insurance leaves me. Now, I understand the severity of this surgery or of any WLS surgery, but $750 just seemed like a ripoff especially since you're already getting paid in full by the insurance company!

So I spoke with these two ladies and they told me that, of course TGH covered they're WLS at 100% except for the liquid diet, the surgeon consult co-pay, the psych consult co-pay, and a hospital co-pay of $150. So I asked them which doctor they went through, and this is how I found out about Dr. Dicicco. I looked him up through OH, made sure he was also affliated with Tampa General through their website and then decided to call and make an appointment.

The first time I called I spoke with Babara. She took down my info, I told her where I worked, and she said that they excepted my insurance and that it shouldn't be a problem. She asked if I had attended one of their seminars, which I hadn't. I attended a WLS seminar and WLS support group meeting at TGH. She gave me a website to go to where I could view an online seminar about WLS and then specifically about LapBand. So, I watched the videos at home while lying in bed, literally, and then I phoned her Friday (2/25) to make an appointment.

Barbara called me back, we chatted on the phone, while we compared calendar dates for an appointment, Then God shined down on her little black book and showed an opening for Monday (2/28). I was more than happy to rearrange my Monday to go in for an appointment. The sooner the better! So I went in, with my best friend Carli in tow, paid a $35 co-pay, and saw the doctor. He did a quick physical (listen to my lungs/heart, checked for pre-existing hernias), and asked me a couple of medical history questions. He went over the LapBand really quickly (which I'm glad, because I feel I'm well educated on most of the WLSurgies, and I didn't want to hear that record again!)... then he asked if I had any questions.

I was honest with him, and told him that I was more interested in the RNY at this point. Now, between you and me, I know both RNY and the LapBand are both tools, and I know this may sound a little superficial, but I was all gung-ho about the RNY becuase I like the results it provides,  and I also like the thought of a "quicker" weight loss with the RNY than with the LapBand, even though I know everyone is different. So, Dr. Dicicco told me that he had not done an RNY surgery since 2005. He stated that he wasn't against the surgery, he just felt that the LapBand was less invasive, it's reversible, and if it doesn't work, the patient could always do RNY or any other surgery after that.

Now, I thought about this prior to going into his office. I mean I saw on OH that he was certified in RNY and LapBand, but someone had already told me that they didn't think he did RNY, so I prepared myself for this. After getting to his office, speaking with Barbara, who had the LapBand 6 years ago and has maintained her weight; after seeing before and after photos of their patients, after being able to actually speak with two Post Op patients in the waiting room, I felt like the LapBand could be for me... I felt like if they could use this tool, then so could I. It's all about motivation!

So, after seeing the doctor I filled out more paperwork and Barbara gave me a date of April 21st! At first I thought this was just a tentative date, but she said no, this was my actual date. So dumbfounded I asked about all the insurance hassle and the 5yr weight history, and sleep test, etc... "Nope, nope, and nope" ... She told me they weren't going to have any issues with the insurance, and that I could go ahead and purchase my liquid diet (which I did, totalling my whole visit to $135).

So, I went in expecting to just speak with the doctor, but came out with a Surgery date and everything. They also gave me a number for a Psych consult with a man named, Dr. Joseph Baum over in St. Petersburg. So I called his office and they called me back within an hour and I have an appointment with them on March 15th....

I'm so shocked at how fast this is falling into place... I mean this whole time I've been waiting, and waiting, and going to classes, and saving money and now I'm here, and it's about to happen...

Well, my weight today was  295lb...
I can't believe that soon, I will be embarking on one of the BIGGEST journeys ever! (And all before my birthday! I'm so glad there will be a new me come JUNE 25th!)

I mean I really wasn't expecting it to happen so fast...
I wasn't expecting it to be this easy,.. it almost seems surreal!
I GOT A DATE!!!....
I will post again tonight... I'm actually on my way to work, but I had to come home and update!

I GOT A DATE!!!

So, I did a month of exercising with my sister... I'm ready for my appointment now!...

Working at the hospital you hear about a lot of procedures and you learn a lot of medical terminology and what not... But I've been sneaky, doing my own WLS investigating and research while at work. You'd be surprised at how many people have had WLS or know someone who has...

I floated to another floor one evening, and spoke with two women who actually had WLS (lapband) together. Of course ai got as much information from them about how they're feeling now, how they felt after surgery, cost, blah, blah, blah, mainly what I wanted to know was which doctor they used. Like I have been saying, I wanted to use Dr. Murr, but his service is asking for $750 up front, even when they know my insurance covers WLS at 100%. I saved the money to pay Murr's office, but I just felt like I was being swindled out of my money; especially if I didn't at lease search for another surgeon willing and authorized to operate at my hospital where I work. Low and behold these two women did see another doctor; Dr. Diccicio (sp?) ... anyway.

I spoke with Barbara at his office, and she confirmed that he operates at TGH and that they accept my insurance. So, I'm in the process of setting up an appointment for March to see Dr. Diciccio. My only concern is that, by word of mouth, I heard that he is only doing Lapband, and he no longer performs RNY; which is the surgery that I want. I'm unsure is this is true or not. He's listed as a Doc here on OH and as far is his profile page states... he's still performing RNY and Lapband, so I dunno...

I can't wait to actually get this ball rolling, it's literally nerve racking! So, I'll go see Dicicco, and discuss the surgery I want, hopefully he'll approve; hopefully he does RNY, and hopefully if he doesn't he won't try to persuade me to do otherwise because then I will just have to give Dr Murr  the $750 that I'm so desperately clinging to...

Pray for me, wish me luck, and I'll keep you updated!

Ok, so it's been 20 days... I'll be honest I didn't workout EVERY day, but I've been moving. I can definitely feel a change in my eating habits. I tried a few liquid protein drinks like for breakfast and lunch, protein snacks and water in between, and a healthy meal for dinner. Changing my portion sizes has definitely sped up my metabolism, but also (not sure of this is possible) but maybe it shrunk my stomach a little... I've noticed I get full quicker when it comes to eating my actual meal of the day. This is great because mentally even with the smaller portions on my plate, I feel like I have to eat it ALL, which I have to keep reminding myself that I don't... You're allowed to be full without making a "happy plate" !

I'm also getting excited because probably by the end of next week, I'll be calling to schedule my appointment with my WLS doctor and his group. My money is no longer "looking funny", I've saved up that stupid $750, and I'm ready to actively pursue all of my medical records so I can get this underway! Whether I have everyone's support or not, I know this will be a good thing for me. (Thinking POSITIVE!) If I could dance right now I would, but I'll hold back until I have an actual doctor's appointment, LoL, I don't want to get ahead of myself...

OH, is the place to be, I just want to thank everyone for their encouragement, well wishes, and advice... and hopefully I'll be coming to you guys for more encouragement and advice AFTER I have my WLS!

keeping my fingers crossed and my knees prayer ready...

So I started my "30 day diet/workout challenge" with my sister....
First of all, let me say, that I can totally tell how out of shape I am! My thighs are super sore!

The first day (Sunday), I went to Lifestyles, worked out on the Elliptical for 20 minutes, did the Gazelle for 5 minutes (it was supposed to be ten, but this was the first day and like I said, my thighs were killing me), did two sets of 10 lunges with two 5 lb weights, did two sets 10 of squats with one 8 lb barbell, and two sets of 10 bicep/tricep curl thingys behind my head....
This does not seem like a lot now, that I'm typing it out, but I was definitely tired!

Today (Monday), I went to a friends apartment gym because my sister and I work different schedules and she was at work, so I went in by myself. I pushed myself to do 20 minutes on the elliptical again... my legs were hurting before, but after this workout, they felt much better for about an hour or two, LoL, then they were hurting again... I plan to go everyday... or at least MOVE in someway and get my heart pumping everyday...

I've changed up my diet... I'll admit, I was scared because I don't watch what I eat, unless you mean watch me eat it and then throw the empty McDonald's bag away...So, I've changed my diet drastically... It's safe to say I was consuming well over 1,200 calories a day... I would say anywhere between 3,000-5,000 or more...

Now I'm trying to stick to anywhere between 1200-1600 calories a day, I think the calorie cut is going to help me lose weight more than anything... I know I over eat, and I know I eat when I'm not hungry and this is where most of my calories come in, so by not eating junk all day and by increasing my water intake to at least 64oz a day.. I think I can achieve SOME type of goal... what? That I'm not sure of...

When I started this, I didn't set out to lose a certain amount of weight by the end of 30 days, because I definitely don't want to be disappointed, but I'm anxious to see what the results will be...if anything, I'd like to just be able to work out on the elliptical for 20 minutes without wanting to call it quits after only 5 minutes, I think that's a feasible goal...

Everyone seems to be really supportive... I've gotten phone calls, and they'll be like "what are you doing?" and I'm either "at the gym", "leaving the gym", or "getting dressed to go to the gym"... and the reaction I get is, "wow, you're really serious about this.." ... and as far as me changing up my diet, while my mom was trying to accomodate me during dinner, my dad simply laughed at me and told me all I really needed to do was "break a sweat" ... this coming from the man with a stomach so huge he can barely bend over and he doesn't work out either! Now, don't get me wrong, I'm a Daddy's girl all day long, and I love my Dad no matter how fat or small, but it kinda hurt that he of all people with "snicker" at my weight loss "seriousness" .... like why is it so funny?

If anything you would think someone would bet that I couldn't do it... wager something!
I'd rather us make a bet that I stick to my diet and exercise, than you laughing in the corner about what I'm doing to be proactive! Anywayz! ...

I WILL do this!

Soo, I was at my parents house for dinner this evening, and there happened to be a letter addressed to me on the table from a local weight loss center, so my mom’s best friend asked, “Whatever happened to you doing the surgery?” ( My friend and I had told them our plans for surgery before we realized how long the process is to get approved …)

 

I was kind of silent for a moment, and before I could comment my sister, who is against WLS, had something to say…. She basically said she didn’t support my wanting to have WLS and she felt like I could work out and lose the weight on my own. I made my arguments on having PCOS and it being hard to maintain weight loss, but she’s just stuck on the fact that I’m just lazy and not active.

 

Granted the past two almost three years, may seem like I have gotten very lazy, but only because of the schedule I work. Working nights at the hospital or working nights in general drains you. I’m never really up for anything during the day unless I’ve been off consecutively for at least 2-3 days. I’m always very sluggish during daylight hours because my body is just not used to it. Especially lately with me working overtime to makes ends meet, I never leave the house except for work or to go to my parents’. I just like to relax… and I hate to say that’s being lazy, just because I also sit at work, but it’s just hard to have 2 days off and be expected to want to do anything that first day and then you’re already preparing yourself to go back to work that 2^nd day off so your body never really recuperates.

 

So, anyway… she swore me up and down that when I went to fat camp, I lost a shit load of weight and that we even wore the same size (I was still in 20/22s then and she was a 16 back then, she's probably a 12-14 @ 5'10 now, whereas I'm still a 22 sliding into 24s @ 5'6). I laughed and made a fat joke on behalf of myself saying: “I lost maybe 15-20 pounds yes. But I was no where near a size 16. Now if I squeezed into your stretch jeans that summer, it was only to make me feel better” I mean come on! What younger sister wants to be BIGGER than her older sister? Do you think I like it when people have to ask, who’s the oldest especially when there’s a three year age gap? I mean I know that’s not much, but I just feel like I look soooo much older and it’s because of the weight. Sad to say I used my weight to my advantage sometimes buying liquor in the shady parts of town that didn’t ID because I LOOKED older when in fact I was only 16.

 

I also pointed out that when at fat camp, we ate portion controlled meals, and snacks and we worked out all day. Granted it wasn’t all the same, I mean there was swimming and aerobics and some calisthenics, and the one fun thing, which was a cooking class. I said "no ones life revolves around exercising from sun up to sun down". Yes, I was able to lose 15-20 pounds in 6wks, but I didn’t keep it off and making me work out all day without providing a realistic daily schedule didn’t help.

 

My sister has never really been obese (overweight yes, but obese no) except for maybe during her pregnancy. She’s always been very active in all sports (softball, basketball, volleyball) even through high school. So she’s always had a chubby/ muscular type body build. It’s like you can tell by looking at her calves and thighs that she’s full of muscle, but her arms and stomach show her chubbiness….

 

I can’t remember being unchubby as a child, and I went from chubby to fat year after year, so I honestly don’t know what type of build I am. For someone as obese as I am, I’m relatively proportioned (I am a little top heavy –big boobs run on my mom’s side). I have a stomach, but it’s not like I have to bend over or lift anything to see my “chocha”, LoL (sorry for the TMI), I may have to suck in a little, but I can technically see all my goodies. My calves aren’t nearly as muscular as my sister’s (or they’re the same size or bigger, but her’s are pure muscle), and she’s got about 4-5 inches on me in height. If someone asked me what I even thought my body type might be I wouldn’t know where to start.

 

My mom and sister share similar body types...mostly muscle, but no womanly curves other than the boob blessing we got from Mom (think gymnast body, but without the A-cup bras or huge shoulders, LoL!). My dad and brother are both overweight/obese, and it’s kinda hard to compare male body types to female body types. I do know that my dad has the huge muscular calves like my sister, so maybe that should give me an idea… I mean even looking at both my grandmothers, neither of them had hips. I believe the hips came from my paternal grandfather’s side of the family because they have hips for DAYS! … My dad doesn't have a biological sister I can compare myself to, and my mom has one sister... my aunt has the big boobs ( I mean Dolly-pointed bra big) and she's kinda chubby, but it's visibly clear she has the same body type as my mom and sister, meaning no womanly curves... (I just wanna know where the HELL I get these HIPS from?! Am I adopted! Even when my sister gained weight, it wasn't in the hip area, it was all stomach and thigh!)

 

I know I’m rambling, but that just bothers the hell out of me not knowing what I would look like smaller. Not even knowing what my body composition is. I mean I know I don’t have huge muscles because I haven’t lifted a weight as far as exercise goes in God knows how long, but I don’t think they’re puny either… I can sorta flex my biceps! J

 

Anywho, so while we argued back and forth about my laziness, how much weight I actually loss at fat camp, and what PCOS is and what it has to do with my weight, my sister and I came upon an agreement…. Since she already has a membership at Lifestyles and I get a discount through my employer, I will sign up for a membership (which was technically needed anyway), and for a month I will go to the gym with my sister. Now mind you my sister is technically fit for her height and all. She works out at least 4-5 days a week and is all about portions and dieting and eating chicken/brown rice blah blah blah….

 

So, she said she didn’t NEED to, but that she WOULD go with me just to prove that it could be done without WLS (she basically agreed to be a gym partner/support person). So, I agreed. When I got to work tonight, I went ahead and signed up for my Lifestyle membership, and arranged for the payments to come directly out of my paycheck so there are NO excuses.

 

I’m skeptical about this challenge. What if she proves me wrong? Or what if I prove to be right? We’ll have to wait and see…

 

I’m also thinking about doing a meal supplement plan while taking on this challenge. Would this be considered cheating? The ones I’m most interested in, aren’t all liquid diets such as the Optifast (which my Doc suggested a while ago, and I was like “umm no thanks!”), they include snacks, soups, and granola type bars….

 

I dunno, I’m still researching that meal replacement option, but anyway, I’m definitely taking the 1 month "Lifestyles" challenge for the sake and hope that I have my sister (and best friend) be supportive of my WLS if and WHEN I decide to go through with it…

 

 So I guess for a few weeks, we’ll put WLS on hold and just try this out… besides if this doesn’t work, I could use it as yet more proof for my insurance that WLS is necessary…

Well, we're into 2011...
I haven't thought much about WLS ... I guess I'm just tired of stressing and WISHING I had $750...
So, for now, I'm just taking it day by day... I'm saving my money best I can, which isn't much at all seeing as though I'm getting ready to move, so a lot of money will be going into that. I hope and I'm praying that come February I will have paid these people and I can get this part of my life over with! New year and hopefully a new me!

I've been on OH, lurking and making small comments here and there.
You guys have no idea how inspiring your photos and blogs are...
It's great to see everyone else's progress and it give me GREAT hope!
I was looking at a few friend's pages, and a few people have posted new pics and I still have to go back to their old photos to remember what they USED to look like! You guys look like TOTALLY different people! Just mind blowing...

I had a good Christmas and a Happy New Year... I hope everyone else did as well...

Keep me in your prayers, as I pray for all OHers!