CoronaRN

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Okay, this liver shrinking diet sucks!  The first few days were really bad but once the headaches stopped, I was okay.  I'm not even really that hungry when I get home from work anymore.  
Surgery is in 2 days.  Everyone keeps asking me if I'm scared or nervous.  I keep telling them "No."  I dont think it has hit me yet.  I will probably freak out tomorrow.  I'm a pretty laid back person and it takes alot to get me "excited".  Maybe that's the ER nurse in me.  
I have been thinking alot this morning of my future and how it will be from now on.  I have asked myself a few times if I am doing the right thing.  I think everyone does that before this surgery.  You wouldn't be normal if you didn't.  I know this is the right thing for me.  No doubt!  I just don't want to be one that has alot of complications afterwards.  Heck, who does?

Okay.  I started the pre-op "liver shrinking" diet today.  Man, this is hard!  But I knew it would be.  It's mind over body!  
The slim fast isn't so bad.  The headache I had at the end of the day was unbearable!  I ended up filling up on acceptable vegetables and chicken broth.  Now I know what the lady meant in my preop class that spoke up and said she could eat the carpet off the floor she was so hungry!
My husband has been great.  He's eating the same things I can have!  He says he needs to lose 20 pounds so he wants to see if he can by the time I have surgery.  '
My birthday is 3/19.  I just realized last night that I can't have birthday cake!!!!  Oh no..... :(
3/26 can't come soon enough.......

Okay, I went to Walmart today and spent $150 on my 2wk pre op diet stuff and my vitamins needed for postop.  Healthy food costs too much!!!  Oh well, it is a way of life now.....

I went to St. Mary's today for my preop testing and dietary education. I met with the NP in Dr Schroder's office (Dawn Adams) for my H&P and to answer any further questions. I received the "pre-op liver shrinking diet" instructions. Oh what fun that looks like! I start that on 3/12. I've already warned my husband I will be EVIL for 2 wks! I had all kinds of blood work done. I had ABG's, a Chest Xray, and EKG. I sat for about an hour in the lab before they called me! I requested a "private" room so my husband could stay over with me since we live 3 hrs away. They said they would accomodate. I then went to my 3 hour dietary class. I was somewhat irritated by the time I left because there was alot of stuff that was repetative and we were all starving! It was 8:10pm when we left. My best friend and husband went with me. We then had a 3 hr drive home! So, 2 1/2 more weeks to go until my "big" day! Pray for me to get thru this liver shrinking diet!

Okay so I'm just hanging out chillin for the moment.  I go for my pre-op stuff 3/7.  About 2 wks left to go for that.  I'm starting to look at food differently now.  Meaning when I eat something, I think to myself "man, I cant have this after surgery."  Will I miss food?  YES!  Will it be worth it?  MOST DEFINITELY!  I picture myself this summer, hopefully many pounds lighter, on our family vacation.....able to walk further and do more with my kids.  That picture will make it all worth it in the end!

Okay, I have waited as long as I can stand it. I called Deborah (who schedules the surgeries)  today and asked "what's up?" I have not heard anything. She told me a letter was mailed to me last week and my surgery date is monday, 3/26/07 and my pre-op is 3/7/07. I'm one step closer!!!! I'm really starting to feel nervous now. 2 more months until I'm reborn.

Well, today I had my psych eval.  I think it went pretty well.  She said she was sure I would do well after this surgery and that she was faxing my info over to the surgeon.  I must admit I felt like a babbling idiot trying to answer the questions she asked.  She was very nice.  Her name was Ronna Saunders.  She did speak highly of Dr. Schroder and said he was 'the best".  That made me feel even better about my choice of surgeons.

I just cheated and looked on Anthem's webpage at my account.  I see where they approved my surgery as of today's date!  Thank God for the internet!  I haven't heard from the surgeon's office yet.  I hope they call me soon!  
So many emotions right now.  I'm scared, nervous, happy....
I know this is the right decision for me.  

The journey begins.........

I saw my surgeon 12/14 for my initial consult.  At the consult, I told him I did not want the lapband procedure, that I wanted the RNY.  I also told him that my insurance would not cover the lapband anyway due to my BMI.  
I have been waiting to hear if my insurance approved the surgery and yesterday I received a letter in the mail from the lady doing the insurance verification in his office saying Anthem does not cover the lapband for BMI's over 50.  HELLO....I ALREADY KNOW THIS...AND BESIDES, I DID NOT WANT LAPBAND.  So, I have been waiting all this time to be told something I already know.  So, today I call her first thing and tell her this info.... She then tells me that she hasn't even submitted my info to Anthem yet.  I thought I would reach thru the phone and choke her.  What have they been doing?  I know they are busy but a month out and they haven't even submitted my info?  
On the upside, she did say it only takes Anthem about a week to get back with them and they are very easy to work with.  So, hopefully next week at this time, I will have insurance approval!!!!!!

Needless to say, I am slightly irritated tonight.....