cyndirene
I'm Finally There
Jan 29, 2007
When I called the office the day I started bleeding, I was told to go the the ER at Lourdes immediately. By the time I got there, he had already written orders for me to be admitted and came and spent alot of time with me while I was in nuclear medicine getting a scan to see where the bleeding was coming from. That meant alot to me. Alot of surgeons don't really have much of a bedside manner because they deal with a surgical problem, not really the patient's concerns. That is for the primary care doctor. But Dr. Argotte really cares about his patients and I have to give him a two thumbs up. He answered all my questions and sat with me during the scan. I don't know of many surgeons that would do that. Thanks Dr. Argotte.
Anyway, I am home and gradually getting better. When I started with Dr. Argotte on my first visit, I weighed 278 pounds. I am now down to 240 pounds. It's amazing how food doesn't interest me as much as it previously did. I do miss Diet Sprite though. I was never much of a water drinker but I am trying to do better at it. It has to be ice cold though.
Well, that's all that is going on now. I'll update soon.
I'm finally there
Jan 06, 2007
I'm finally there
Jan 04, 2007
Getting there
Dec 15, 2006
12/15/06 - Well, the countdown is on- surgery is 2 weeks away. I have only lost 9 pounds on the liver diet and I am having a really hard time with stopping smoking. I am stressed due to the fact that the bills are rolling in from my EGD and VC filter after insurance paid. My 20% is about 1600.00 so far. Monday I see the bariatric nurse and have to pay $300.00 to her because they say insurance will not cover it. But mine will however, they want me to pay it anyway. It's going to be a small Christmas this year for the kids!!!!! I have a 15year old son who is currently in his room playing his electric guitar full blast and he is driving me crazy!!! This is not helping my stress level. I know it's all good and I will be healthier and happier. I am looking forward to surgery which will be on 12/29/06. I know it is going to be rough but it will be worth it. So many people have told me that. Ok, thanks for letting me vent -I'm going to do well and I'm going to go listen to my hypnosis tapes to help me with the nicotine addiction. -Cyndi
My Journey
Nov 09, 2006
11/9/06 - Well, today I am posting for the first time. I am currently at a 49.1 BMI and am awaiting insurance approval for my gastric bypass. My surgeon, Dr.Alex Argotte, is located in Paducah, KY. His office is very thorough with pre-op testing and believe me, I've done it. Six months of a physician supervised diet, bloodwork, psych evaluation, pulmonary function tests, stress echo, evaluation by his nutritionist, and I am scheduled for an EGD (stomach scope) on December 1, 2006. On Monday, November 13, 2006, I will be starting a "liver shrinkage diet" which consists of nothing canned, bagged, boxed or bottled. I can only eat fresh vegetables, fruits, meats and whole grains. NO SALT! And on top of that, I have to also quit smoking at the same time. Boy oh boy, it's going to be tough but I'll make it - of course, a little Xanax could help too but I doubt my physician will do that. Anyway, I have to stay on this diet for 30 days prior to surgery. Three days before surgery I have to be on clear liquids. So, this weekend is the last time I can go out to a restaurant to eat. But you know what? I'm excited to have the surgery and become healthier and thinner. It will be nice to bend down to tie my shoes again or be able to walk in the mall for more than 10 minutes without having to sit down and rest. So - this is my journey. I hope that anyone who is going through this also will join me in posting their progress and any tips that could be helpful. I'll post more later.
