~Beautiful One~
August 2006
Jul 31, 2006
My energy level is literally through the roof!! Even on my day off, I'm up bt 7am and at the gym by 8am, and stay at least 2 hours. I still run around or keep busy all day long without a nap.
I find myself getting a little scared at times............still thinking that maybe the surhery wont work for me but so far it has. I also worry about what happens when I lose my weight, will I keep it off and remain @ goal. Right now I will continue to take it one day at a time. I am down 55lbs and VERY proud of myself, the compliments I've been getting at work and the way I feel. I'm not short of breath anymore and my knees feel soooooo much better, I know they(my knees) are thanking me everyday for having the surgery:-).
I have mastered the elliptical and I've increased my weights on the upper and lower body machines. I've always seen most post ops that lose really well up top, so I spend more time on my lower body workout. I want to start incorporating the aerobic classes into my workout but now that I'm back to work on days its a little hard to get to the class(with the instructor) I want.
The summer really was nice to be off and spend time with my family. Now back to the GRIND!!!:-)
Well TTFN
8-5-2006
My husband said it would happen...........and it did, I am addicted to going to the gym, maybe not addicted BUT I feel really bad when I cant go. I worked a double shift yesterday so of course I didnt go...........my plan was to sleep in this morning but I laid there thinking I should really get up and get it over with so I did. I had a very intense workout and since the only scale I weigh on is in the gym< ihave lost 4 more pounds since Wednesday 3 days ago!!!!!!!!!! I guess I havent really hit a plateau yet, I even see a pound or 2 every few days. I am not looking foward to a plateau. I plan to continue making it to the gym 4-5 times a week at minimum. I walk at the complex(prison) where I work when I am mandated to do a double shift. With all the overtime available, I will make up all the money I spent(wasted :-)) while I was off 8 weeks. I am happy to have all the extra energy to be able to do the overtime so easily..........the hardest npart is now getting out of bed at 4 am......once I have my AchiveOne...........its all up hill!!!!!!!!
I LOVE ACHIVE ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I guess I have received all of my explanation of benefits from BCBS........my total for my surgery was in excess of $60,000!!!!!!!!!! So far I have been blessed that is has all been 100% COVERED with the exception of $10 co pay for psych exam and a $33 bill for TV and telephone in the hospital:-).
Everyone, well almost everyone is doing a double take when they see me now, some are even saying "oh you're loooking good" it really encourages me to work at my goal that much harder. Well TTFN.
I hope I can continue to update my profile and encourage others that are researching, pre op, post op and otherwise.
August 16,2006
I am starting to get nervous. WHY??????? I have that feeling that I will fail, it seems really hard to stay on track now that I'm back at work. All they do is snack, snack and snack some more. I made a joke to my husband that they are trying to sabotage me. I havent fell for it yet. I dont plan too either. They pull out the oreos, chips, snack cakes and it doesnt phase me. Its hard but I manage.
One of my co workers is having surgery in the morning, she contacted CORI in May and they were going to give her a date with me but she hhas just returned from a medical so her day is tomorrow so she'll be in my thoughts and prayers. She doesnt have a page on OH yet.
Staffing at work is really bad so I was mandated for overtime 4 days last week. That means I was at work from 6am til 10pm, except for 2 days I left at 9pm. The checks will be nice IF I have the energy to spend the money:-):-). I hate the fact that I didnt make it to the gym. I went yesterday and today and did full workouts. I was even able to attend the step aerobics class today. I have no rhythm BUT I just jump in anyway. My friend went with me today and joined. Fitzonefor women.com She is really working hard at her weight loss but doesnt want the surgery but is considering it for her husband, he goes back and forth with his decision.
I would love to lose another 40-50 lbs by November, we are trying to plan a trip to Jamaica for our anniversary, so I would love to be able to put on a swimsuit and feel good, if not I'll put it on anyway.
July 2006
Jun 30, 2006
June 2006
May 31, 2006
6-1-2006
Happy June!!!!!!
I'm 1 week post op today and just advanced to a full liquid, feeling a little better. I had a couple of days where I couldn't each much, I just was not hungry, so I didnt eat. I did call my nutritionist and was told to advance tosome of the full liquids yesterday and EAT every 2 1/2 hours and take the whole 30 minutes to eat, even the popsicles. I'm doing it but not saying its easy.
I'm to the point if anyone tells me WLS is the easy way out, they BETTER RUN and RUN FAST.
It is not easy, its a daily battle and I must admit I'm not usually afraid, BUT I am so afraid I will fail or lose all my weight and not be able to maintain, RIGHT NOW that is my greatest fear!!!
I do have some GREAT news though, this morning my DH drove me to my job for a union greivance I put in before my medical.I was told that I could not have the(for dayshift) position because I was going on medical and she (supervisor) said she could ultimately chose who she wants, even if it means going against the union contract. I;m like NOT!!!!!!!! I will stand up for what I believe, others at work tend to say "oh I just wanna do my 8 hours a nd go home" Well so I BUT I will not be walked over or treated unfair!! Our regional manager is sooooooo nasty and mean, especially when she does'nt like you or you go against her!!
ANYWAY to the point the dayshift position is mine!!!!!! Effective upon my return to work!!!!
I knw some people will be pissee but oh well, I have a better chance at working out and losing and maintaining weight on days, Midnights(my current) shift is tooooooo slow and I want to spend more time with my family in the evening, not napping to prepare for work that night.
Oh well my 1st week appt is tomorrow, so TTFN!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~TOODLES~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
6-2-2006
-12 lbs in ONE WEEK!!!!!!
6-7-2006
Having a hard time finding a multi vitamin that I can stomach!! I have invested a SMALL fortune in multivitamins, protein drinks,powders and potions!!!!!!!!
For the pre ops out there, its TRUE you need to wait til afterwards to purchase alot. I did enjoy all of the protein pre op, which I started a month early to hopefully decrease hair loss. I still enjoy most of it and I can get any of it down, just not as enjoyable!!LOL!!!!!!!!
I'm really feeling good at this point that first week was quite a hurdle, I've been out shopping and just getting out of the house has made me feel better.
I have another angelette, her name is Neesha J and she's from right here in Michigan, she has had a long battle to get to where she is now, BUT it is now her turn to take a seat on the losers bench, and I am sooooooooooo happy for her!
6-11-06
Oh my this was along and tiring weekend, there was family here from out of town, my sister's graduation, her Aloha party which I volunteered to host. It was originally scheduled for 6-25, but since so much family came in from out of town, we bumped the date up to this weekend!!!
I must admit IT WAS REALLY GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE HAD A BALL!!!!!!!!!! My aunt Missy came up for the weekend, and that in itself was a gift, to see her. Her practice is doing vERY WELL!!! I may consider relocating to Texas in a few years to work in her clinic!!!!!!!!!!!!
Me, aunt Melissa and little cousin Tamara!!
My angelette Neesha Jay is doing well, I went to see her on Friday and she was looking good, up and moving, thats always good. She came home today, she did have some issues in the hospital~~~NOT COMPLICATIONS!!!!!!!, but thats her story to tell not mine.
Mary Currie is a person I talked to on the phone(CVS pharmacy tech) about a medication a couple of months back and she told me that I was her confirmation that she would have the surgery, she had been praying about it.. .....when I called about the med, it was her sign. How great is that, I just found out she had signed up on OH!!!!
6-13-2006
I have to say I am really enjoying being off work this summer. The job made me wait until June for my WLS and its been great for me actually.
I've been able to get up and walk with the kids in the morning, hang out and just do whatever on my OWN schedule.
I've started to worry that about if I'm doing everything right already but I have spoke with my angel MikosA Model, my unofficial angel Laurie Griffith and the nutritionist @ the CORI center SEVERAL times and I will continue with my plan.
As I have said before I dont really use the scale @ home I'd rather wait to see what the doctors scale says. I go back in a couple of weeks on the 7th, I will use these 2 weeks to my advantage walking 2-4 miles a day until I am released to go back to Curves, I think I'm going to go to FitZone instaed they are more fast paced and they have more cardio equipment.
6-16-2006
I went to get a bike yesterday and was talking to my sister on the cell while at Wal~Mart and my dad is like "use my bike and get one later".
I think that was his way of saying just in case I dont stick with it:-).
Anyhow its not the "cutest: bike but it serves the purpose! I had a BIGGER seat put on at the bike shop and it was good to go.
I felt kinda awkward when I first got on, but then I was ok. I really cant remember the last time I was on a bike!!!!!!!!!
I have to admit even with the LARGER seat there were some tender areas when I got back on this morning.LOL LOL LOL!!!!!!!!
6-21-2006
Well I joined Fitzone for Women 2 days ago, its really nice!!!!!!!! Flat screen televisions at the workout stations and aerobics classes, lots of machines for cardio workouts, only a few dollars more a month than Curves. I still love my Curves group but I need a little faster pace!!!!!!!!LOL.
I'm mainly doing cardio now, the bike, the treadmill and the elliptical. It was great this morning because we had so much rain I was still able to get my 2 miles in. I actually worked up a wet sweat!!!!!!!!!!!! As long as I'm off work and the children are out of school I plan to go 6 days a week, once I go back to work I HAVE TO PRIORITIZE my TIME to get there 3~4 days a week. Its really hard to make exercise a priority, my DH said once you get into it and see results the exercising can be addicting.
I would love to be addicted to exercise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~~~TTFN~~~
6-29-2006
The weight is still dropping.....I see it on the scale and in my clothing so thats always a plus. My energy level is up, up, up. I work out almost everyday at Fitzone, today I done 1 mile on treadmill, 5 minutes on the elliptical and 6 MILES on the bike baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cant get with the elliptical just get but I'm working up to it.
We went to our township fireworks last night and I really enjoyed it. The ones in Detroit are always a big to do, I have never been, NEVER had a desire to go,its just to much commotion and always too crowded!!!!!!!!!!! Ours was small and festive enough, really quiet, alot of families, so we enjoyed it.
I'm continuing to enjoy having the summer off, I'm not going to get to go out of town like I planned because I have been shopping and spending like crazy. I could still go but I wouldnt be able to "go all out" like I want to. (SMILE).
The kids are REALLY enjoying having me at home, especially the 8 year old.
My mom, sisters etc left to go to Atlanta,Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas today, my 8 year old wanted to go soooooooooooo bad, but she was more worried that I would return to work soon. I told her I would have a little more time off, she was pretty happy.
May 2006
Apr 30, 2006
MAY 1, 2006
MAY IS HERE!! MAY IS HERE!!
Yes its finally May and all the things I had planned for this past weekend were not done, well some of them. I still have one more weekend off before May 25th. I dont know why but I still feel like I have alot left to do. I did speak with my doc this morning about the greenfiled filter just to be sure I wouldnt need one, he says no so thats cool. I had to go to urgent care yesterday, this is said to be the WORST year for seasonal allergies. I AGREE!!! I'm on 3 meds for seasonal allergies, NONE seem to help my eyes though. They gave me a medrol dose pack, I feel the diffference today. I actually do the deep cleaning and dusting that I had been waiting to do pre op.
I'm worried that I may need a recliner when I come home, I've talked to some who had a better time sleeping sitting up. I guess I need to post for an angel, if I dont get one I'll take my laptop to update or have my sister update for me.
I've met all the deductibles for BCBS for the year, so thats a good thing, I have spoke with my patient care rep twice(recently) and found out that I will be billed for the copays post op(3months), probably less than $250. I guess I'm a worry wart but I also read of people having to come up with large amonuts oof money 2-3 days pre op. I have our money budgeted just so, that way I can stay off with the kids longer in the summer. I did go online today and pre scheduled some bills, and I stocked up on the household cleaners, food etc for the family. I still havent picked up all I need to pick up, but I did get water, and 4 cases of lemon propel, crystal lights. I already had protein powder and sugar free popsicles, but when there was no other ice cream in the house wouldn't youknow all of a sudden the family just LOVES sugar free popsicles. I told them I guess thats all I will buy NOW!!!LOL!!!
TTFN!!!
Hello All!!! 20 Days & a Wake Up!!!
Time has started to stand still @ this point.
I think I've ha d a couple of anxiety attacks or something really close to one.LOL.
I read a profile from someone that I wanna say had WLS in 2001 or 2003, I forget the year, but any way it was the 1st really discouraging profile I had read. She was @ goal but she made a couple of comments to the effect of .................
"I learned that there was no magical secret to WLS..that it is a lot of work..that only eating protein and drinking a ton of water will ONLY work short term.
This really does require a true and absolute lifestyle change..and it's forever..it not always be fun..and the work that comes with it..I can guarantee isn't always fun..but it's definitely worth it.
Each must find his own way..but if you look overall at the success rate long term..there is a definite pattern for those who succeed..and for those who dont.
All I can say is..if you want it bad enough, you will do anything and everything for as long as it takes to get the job done.
I do it for me..it's the one gift I can give to myself...I encourage others to do it for themselves as well.
Remember..you're only in remission..there really is no recovery.."
I guess its really not discouraging just scary!!!!!REAL SCARY because once we have WLS and achieve goals, no one wants to go back and this really makes you think about obesity as the DISEASE that it really is!!! Anyone could have a RELAPSE!!!!
CORI center just called me to review all the preps and some last minute stuff with me, like EVERYONE else I am not looking foward to the liquid diet or the bowel prep!!! Thank God they took me off work 4 days early, the 21st is my last day!!!!!
5-8-2006
I spoke with my friend today, the one that moved to North Carolina. I had been waiting to talk to her. We have both been on emotional roller coasters of our own. Me with job issues, crazy people and my WLS journey.
Her with a new job,in a new town alone with 4 smaller children. She hates the new job, as I read her e mail this morning, I felt the tears rolling down my face. I'm like OMG she is so miserable and I hate to see her like this. So I called and we talked and talked and talked and talked. The boyfriend has joined her and I had a feeling about a month ago he was there(without even speaking with her, she says he's only been there 3 weeks). It has helped with the ENORMOUS child care issues and bills.
Once we were all caught up she DROPPED A BOMB. She's 5 months pregnant and HOPING & PRAYING for a boy.
I AM PRAYING FOR HER TO HAVE A BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She was pregnant when she left Michigan 4 months ago. She's jokinglike when you have that surgery and lose all weight, you'll be pregnant.
I'm also praying that that DOES NOT happen.
MIRENA here I come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It really felt good to speak with her she wont make it home for my day, as she is planning her own, to marry the boyfriend............and as usual, I wish her ALL her HEART desires. MUAH!!
TTFN.
5-11-2006
My daughters class is going to the Detroit ZOO today, she has been planning for it the last week!!!! I feel AWFUL JUST AWFUL that I can't chaperone. Anyway she made her luch last night just the way she wanted it, she had her PB& J, fruit cup, cookies, apple, cheetos and 2 propels, 1 for her best friend Rosemary. This morning I came in she was sooooooooo excited and happy, she was all ready, dressed, took her meds, everything without being asked!!!!!
Well her dad dropped her off, she seen her friends and was so excited she forgot her lunch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She called me, I get up and get ready to take it to her, and its not in the kitchen. Its in the car with her dad. I called him, he's on the way to bring it back BUT the buses are loading and they made her lunch out of the cafeteria.
I FEEL SO BAD!!!!! I wanna cry about it, I know its not that serious but I was already upset about not going.
I'm just an EMOTIONAL, NERVOUS mess!!!!
I just told Tony (my husband) I may not even be able to sleep
now.!!
5-12-2006
Harper called this morning to schedule pre op testing for the 18 th, I work the night before, but she says it only takes 1 hour.
I may be going to the day shift 6am-230 pm, oh that would be great for my family, even though its more work and more bosses. My supervisor gave the position to someone else. So in the midst of the investigation and charges I have against the other girl at work(for threats) and possibly having another co worker pulled out of her position, quite a few are pissed at me. So be it. Fair is fair per union contract thats my spot. There we go with the union contract AGAIN. I'm not used to working places where nurses normally have unions anyway. Its a first but I guess it has its benefits.
I think I will do so much better with my WLS post op if I worked days. The last time I lost alot of weight I worked days, I came home cooked, was able to spend(quality) time with my family and walked the track 2 miles a day 5 days a week. Midnight is especially hard in the summer, there's so much to do at night or in the evening when I'm napping. With day shift I can function on 4-5 hours a sleep(not good I know, but I've worked 12-16 hours before), but with nights I just cant seem to get enough sleep.
With me on days my hubby will get a much needed break from all the cooking and cleaning and laundry. He works the am shift and does alot when he comes in. I just sleep and sleep and still feel tired. I feel soooooooooo LAZY lately. Between day shift and weight loss with WLS things have to get better. I need more
energy!!!!!
5-17-06
Pre Op testing in the AM, I have to work tonight, I hope it doesnt affect any of my tests. I spoke with a nurse from pre op testing and she said it would only take about an hour. I think I now have all my vitamins, calcium, etc. I ordered some from Bariatric Advantage. I started packing my bag last night. I'm still unsure of everything I want to get to eat post op,once I'm at the pureed stage.
I've been trying to do anything to keep my mind occupied, nothing is working so far. I had a root canal a while back and the tooth was never capped, so it broke last week!!!!!! I had to have it pulled yesterday by an oral surgeon!!!! NOT NICE AT ALL, because the tooth had broke!!!!
I have 4 more nights to work until my last night at work.
5-19-2006
Well I went to pre op testing yesterday, It was nice to meet Karen53, I've dubbed her as my surgery sister. Same date, hospital and doc. She actually waited for me after her testing so that we could meet. She was such a sweetie!!!! Pre op testing was good, really fast seeing that I was SLEEPY!!!! My mom went with me cuz my hubby is already taking off next week. Even as sleepy as I was we still hung out until almost 3pm!!!!!
OMG I was so sleepy and had a HUGE headache after 3-4 hours sleep!!!
I get to work and its the same crap different day!! I ended up leaving work 1 1/2 hour early, after already arriving 1/2 hour LATE!! I know the nerve of me. I probably should've just called off, because I felt so bad. The place is really taking a toll on me, its ran like no other place I've ever seen. I'm just not sure I'm ready to go back to the hustle and bustle of the hospital or give up the fringe benefits!!! I'm wanting to say alot of the stress lately may be my nerves and a little anxiety.
My husband has been soooooooooo GREAT, as usual but it just seems to mean so much more to me know. I almost feel like I'm taking advntage of him, you know like how women say " oh I feel you take me for granted" I dont wanna take him for granted, but yet and still, he's GREAT!!! Very supportive in every way.
Well I will continue to countdown to my day.
I work the weekend and I will have 3 days off till my day!!!!!
~~~~~~~~~TOODLES~~~~~~~~~~~
5-23-2006
Well its 2 days and a wake up!!! I am actually shocked that I'm not really nervous. I am so excited, of course I knew I would be excited but I thought I'd be way more nervous. I have everything ready to go.
I had my pedicure, fill in, eyebrows waxed and a facial this morning. I picked up soup, broth, sugar free drinks of all kinds, popsicles, oatmeal, cream of wheat and yougurt sweetened with splenda.
I done some deep cleaning, mopping and more organizing that I could'nt rely on the kids and hubby to do( otherwise I would have assigned it:-). I did assign them some mopping, sweeping and organizing though!!LOL!!!
I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be, I have to start the BOWEL PREP in the morning, I have an early morning hair appt, so I'll be home in time to start it by 9am, the directions I was given said start between 8am-12noon.
I have received so many SUPPORTIVE phone calls and e mails from fellow OH'ers . It has really been great and meant an awful lot to me. THIS SITE IS AWESOME to have others to go through this with you, that really understand.
My family is 110% supportive BUT they are not going through it or have gone through it, so its different, BUT I also love them with ALL MY HEART & SOUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~TOODLEs~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5-25-06
I'm on my way to the hospital!!!
SEE YOU ON THE LOSING SIDE!!
5-28-2006
Well I'm officially a loser!!!!!
I came home from the hospital last night. My surgeon says it went well. I feel great, not a lot of pain but a lot of gas.
RECAP~~~~~~~~~~
I arrived at the hospital on 5-25 at 7am, I was checked in and went to surgery by 1030am and was done by noon with an open RNY and two hernia repairs. I was in a room by 220pm and the excrutiating pain I woke up with in recovery was so much better, and graudually became better as time passed. By 7pm I was up and walking the halls with my husband and nurse.
I had an epidural and pain control was good except for itching(I opted for the epidural because before the morphine PCA made me itch).
I didnt get to eat until the next morning just ice chips and popsicles for the day after. I walked a LOT, especially at night because my body is still on a midnight schedule.
My last day in the hospital I was bale to start broth and jello, the hospital broth tasted AWFUL!!!!! So I ate jello, minute maid and popsicles all day.
I still felt really good but the gas was starting to set in though!!! The walking did help with the gas. I had so much company in the hospital and so many phone calls too!!:-)
When I came home hubby picked up some wonton soup and I had the BROTH off of that and it was DELICIOUS!!!!!
Last night was the 1st night home I didnt sleep to well but I still had no pain and I'm getting around really well. I walked down my block today about 6-7 houses and back. Even though I feel really great I dont wanna over do it and have a set back.
My sisters(and cousin) have been here me today while my husband is at work. Everyone is really going out of their way to not eat around me.
I missed Kirsten's prom but she did come to the hospital~~She looked like a princess some of the girls going to the prom looked like well kinda like "working girls"~~~~~LOL!!!!!!
Mesha!
Apr 26, 2006
A co worker recently spoke to me about the laparoscopic procedure, I was impressed with her results, the small scars and the recovery time, at the time I spoke with her I had been thinking about it, but as usual I talk myself out of it. The next day I went online, looked up her physician, signed up on the WLS site and spoke with the physician referral at the hospital she had her procedure done. That was 3 days ago. Today the nurse called and set up for my consultation with the surgeon and dietitian for January 18,2005. She's sending out a packet with everything I need to complete for the insurance company. For now I'm waiting and still reading and researching, being nurse thats just part of my nature. TTFN
April 2006
Mar 31, 2006
4-1-2006
Tonight the BOTH the kids are gone for a change, my sister came to pick up my daughter to braid her hair and my son decided to go. Usually my son is gone with his dad and Ajai is here with us. I really don't feel like going out but my hubby wants to go somewhere. I guess I'll go just to get out, working midnights, I really just wanna sleep. Oh here he comes I still need to shower!!!!!!!!!! Later!!
4-3-04
We had fun, we went to Logans and rode around, visited some friends.............anyway it was much needed(without kids).
The kids came home last night Ajai's hair looks great, I dont have to comb it for at least a month, so thats always GREAT!!!! Its 0730, so I guess I'm on my way to Curves, if I dont go now, I 'll come up with a million reasons to not go. ...................Later Diva
4-13-2006
Nothing new is going on, I'm still on the boards and counting down my days til 5-25-06. I am now debating whether or not I'll continue to visit the boards 1 week or so pre op. I have read that some say it made them more anxious to read posts as the time came closer, some say it relaxed them. I'm not sure my stand on it yet.
I do know that I'm starting to get really nervous, I continue to pray, research and talk to others as I await my journey. I was actaully able to talk to a correctional officer at work about her WLS, and found out we had the same surgeon. She has lost 127lbs in 10 months!!!!! She said she felt totally comfortable and relaxed when she rolled into the OR.
Obesityhelp has been great, most of you guys are so supportive, and I want you all to know that your kindness and support is appreciated!!!
TTFN,
DIVA
I'm trying to get more pre op pictures of myself, at least some recent ones. I had my hubby take a few here lately even in a swimsuit that I bought 2 summers ago and i still have NOT wore it yet. I'm NOT BRAVE enough to post it like I've seen some post in swimsuits, etc pre op. Below is a pic I took today, I still dont feel that comfortable in front of the camera!!! My hubby always takes fuzzy looking pics!!:-(
4-20-2006
There is so much going on right now, I guess thats why thats the reason I wanted my surgery in Feb or March. I would be post op and stable by now. My sisters graduation, prom, Honors Banquets, senior trips, class pictures, and we all do everything together. Did I mention I'm supposed to host her Open House which I will have to have in June maybe or May before my surgery!!!!!! AGHHHHHHHHHH!! One of my childhood friends just sent me an invite to her wedding, on MAY 27!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!2 days after my surgery. NO I will not be there. I will do all I can for my baby sister, she's the last one in the nest so to say, she even completed a Medical Asst. class while in High School through a vocational program. She's very smart but sheltered and doesnt want to go away to college:-(. I'm hoping she will consider having lap -band.. I think its a better choice for her age. We have talked about it and she's considering it.
My Baby Sister-Kirsten is a National Honor Society Member!!!!!!!!!!!!Graduating with a 4.0.
DO IT GIRL!!
4-21-2006
A while back someone on one of the boards posted a comment, basically it was saying that OT(off topic) post received more replies than topics related to WLS. We all need ALL kind of support not just related to weight loss, but what I DO notice is that how some of the boards have a "clique"" feel to them. I am the kind of person that can get along with any and everyone, but sometimes when you post or reply, well how can I say this??? You kinda get the feeling if you are new that you may not get a reply or you feel ignored. I know that some of the people on the boards have established friendships over time and its different when someone new comes in, just like in real life.
There is DRAMA on ALL of the boards in some form and I do try to avoid that, because for OH to be a support site, there is a lot of flaming,condeming and judging!!!!!!:-(. We are all human, but I try NOT to. I continue to pray for the strength to abstain from these things because at times it can be hurtful.
OK off the soapbox!!!:-).
4-25-06
1 MONTH TO GO!!!!
With all the preparation and time winding down to the last 4 weeks I am really feeling like a ball of emotions!!! I'm going this morning to get a pedicure, I havent had one since the begining of the year! I plan to get another a few days before my date. I've seen some rough looking feet on the OR table and thats a pet peeve of mine.
I plan to complete a little more spring cleaning between now and then, pack up the kids winter clothes and throw away junk. I'm waiting now for my surgeons office to call and schedule my pre op testing, they like to have it done within the last 3 weeks before surgery.
I guess now there's nothing to do but continue to wait!!:-).
TTFN
4-27-06
Kirsten's National Honor Society Banquet was earlier tonight I was so happy to be able to take the night off to attend. It was great seeing her and her friends together.
We(the family) see her as such a baby, she's the youngest, she's my moms late in life baby:-),needless to say she was very sheltered!!!!! All of us had jobs and dated and hung out with friends, had cars and driving. She didnt have a after school job, nor did she date, we(I) didnt want her too, she has a little used car but wont get her license(has a permit). Now she is more interested in dating.
I find it so ironic that even though we see her as immature and a baby, almost ALL of her classmates look up to her, they come to her for advice and actually follow it(per her teachers). I guess it has alot to do with older parents and siblings where most of her classmates are probably the oldest in their home she is and always will be our baby.!!!!:-)
I sometimes wonder if we didnt shelter her to much, tonight at the banquet she said"I may not be ready for college" I had kinda figured she didnt want to go away, she never really acted like she did anyway.
As ALWAYS WHATEVER she decides WE will be there!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 2006
Feb 28, 2006
Not much going on as my day for WLS draws closer. I spoke with my HR department, and their sending out my packet to start my disability leave. Even though my date is May, she says the sooner we start the paperwork, the better. Our supervisor has transferred out, so we will know have someone new. Is that good or bad?????? Either way it does not affect my leave for May 25th, thats my main concern for now. I do however hope she has more people skills than the last one!!! I'm still getting everything together for my big day. I have ALREADY done some post op shopping, I have my vitamins, minerals and a few cases of Gatorade Propel, (it may be all gone by then, I love it and it has almost cured me from my pop habit) I bought a sprite last week at work and it just did not taste right, it took me all night to drink it. I usually drink about 3 pops a night, the caffeine helps to keep me alert!!! I also stop almost every night at TIM HORTON'S for a iced cappucino, which is not sugar free, what will I do post op??? I think I'll try the Achieve one, thats stuff is expensive, well $23/case plus S&H. My iced caps are $2.22. Anyhoo we'll see.
3-2-2006
The weather is so crappy. I don't know if I'm going to work tonight or not. My girlfriend is home from Marquette, her and her husband are both on spring break. She will only be here 2 days and then their going on a cruise. I cant wait to see her. Between the weather and wanting to see her and her girls, I may just call in. I actually left work early last night, I felt so sick!!! I think the heat was to high, tonight it'll probably be to cold!!!
I RECEIVED 2 GREAT PACKAGES!!!!
The UPS truck just left. My MAGIC BULLET and a mini food processor/chopper came. I also received my package from BARIATRICEATING.com. Two containers of protein powder. The bag of Matrix orange cream is huge, I dont remember if it said 5 lb bag or not, I bought the nectar apple ecstatsy in the canister. I hope I still enjoy those flavors post op, for the money, I better!!! The price is actually a good deal though. Last week I bought some more of the Wal-Mart brand crystal light. I am really doing well with that and the propel.
3-9-2006
Well I guess I have about 75 Days left!!!! I'm ok with the waiting, but I really want to get new uniforms for work. Usually around this time of the year I do the spring shopping for the family, underwear, socks, etc. I dont feel the need to get myself anything, even though I need it. My job actually gives $350+ every 18 months for uniforms and shoes, and I guess its better to wait until I'm post op.
I actually feel like I need a vacation before I take my medical leave, but that would set back my time for my LOA. I guess I'll just wait out my time. Only another 400 service hours until my leave. I know I'm really breaking it down. This way I can help my baby sister get ready for her prom, senior trip etc. and finish some of the things around the house. The men came to finish the floors and I slept through them knocking and ringing the doorbell!!!! I was hoping to get off night shift by now, but oh well. I like the quietness and no supervisors, even though they hired one to start my shift soon. Not to mention on night shift you get a hefty shift premium! The bad thing is I'm already always tired and nights make it worst, no time to really go anywhere with the kids and my husband in the evening, so thats usually how I spend my off days, doing anything with them!! It's usually dinner, movie night and pizza, movie noght out. Tommorow I think we'll go Go-Carting. We'll see.
3-13-2006
I really think I may be overdoing it with the protein thing, I ordered some more today, the Profect and some samples from SusanMarias. I like the samples so I can take them to work. I am off from work a few days, they started on the floors today, they look really GOOD. I am starting to miss the hospital, I do like the slow pace of the prison, maybe its just a phase. I have been thinking that once I loose some of the weight I may want to go back to the hospital,not sure.
Time is still ticking away, I think time will really move fast once April rolls around. Until then I'll keep counting down the days til May 25th!!!!
3-27-2006
I received my package from SusanMarias the other day. I bought the liquid protein, not quite what I expected. I started with the 4 pack sampler just in case I didnt like it. Its tolerable, I'm not sure how it'll be post-op. I also got the sampler pack of powders so that I can take them into work with me, one of my other co workers bought in a large container. Since we have to "manifest" it in(you have to get permission from the warden and other powers that be be in the form of a written permission slip) I would rather have the small packs for variety.
I took off last night, today we have to take my daughter for some outpatient testing, they may or may not do it. She has been sick all weekend with a temp from 100.1 to 102.7. I was able to get the temp down to 98.9, I spoke with her doc, Her temp is fine this morning but they still may keep her today, because of her meds they keep her for almost anything and I'm good with that. Better safe than sorry.
I'm able to count down, now 2 months to go. I am actually starting to get more nervous and having really weird thoughts. I'm still going foward. I think my feelings are pretty normal. We have a new digital scale at work and I've used it a few times, according to that scale, I'm down 6lbs. I am not quite sure that I'm buying a home scale yet, I dont want it to control me so much.!!!:-)
3-30-2006
>>>>>>>>>>>>>NEWSFLASH/NEWSFLASH/NEWSFLASH<<<<<<<<<
PEOPLE ARE CRAZY AS H-LL!!! Yeah I know we are all aware from the television and news stories but every once in a while you get that crazy nut all up close and personal. I did a post regarding this, its bothering me so much.
I consider myself to be a friendly person and easy to get along with, so at work I try to be the same way. I had heard rumors of "state employees" having issues, being crazy, territorial etc. I did see alot of this when I started the job but was able to over look it for the most part. I heard all the I almost have my 10 years,I'm outta here talk or I've been doing this 10 years!!!
I work the midnight shift there is a LPN that has been there 10 years with an AWFUL reputation of staff splitting, troublemaking, sleeping, slacking etc. Ok just because she has been doing this 10 years does not make it right.
I have been going through this with her sleeping 4,-5 hours a night over 2 months and the immediate supervisors dont seem to care. They actually go back and tell her when she's reported making a more intense work environmemt. I know MISERY LOVES company!!!! Well the last week or so the intimidation, sleeping, fat comments and her commenting on everything I eat has really come to a head!!!! She even went as far to say that she would kill me or run me over with her car!!!!!!!!!!!!!
at this point I had to take all of the harassment and discrimination to the top:
Regional Managers
Wardens etc.
All of the paperwork has been submitted now we are waiting on the investigation. Last night when I got to work the officers had no problem with letting me know that the "situation" was all over the complex!!!!! Thats cool though waht is really tripping me out is the fact that for ALL of the people she has intimidated or threatened and for all the complaining they do, now MOST of them are CLAMMING up, you know its like "well she is crazy but she need her job" Yeah we all need our jobs and want and need to feel SAFE when coming to work!!!!!!
AT THIS POINT ALL I NEED IS TO MAKE IT TO 5/25/2006 TO TAKE MY MEDICAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 2006
Jan 31, 2006
Third day of the Prev Pac, its working already.Enough said.
2-6-06
Iam so happy to have my page done!!!!! Were going to a Super Bowl party today, I don't like sports, I actually hate sports!! I just go to hang out with my family and to enjoy the HUGE spread of food my aunt puts out. Thats a part of my problem, its like we use food to socialize, everything is done over dinner or lets have a "lunch date", etc. I guess you have to make a decision on the portion control. Thats what I look foward to is being able to control my intake.
2-7-2006
Yes, I am still praying for patience. Telling myself May will be here before I know it. My angelette had her surgery yesterday and another OH member from Michigan had her surgery also. She did not have angel so I took UNOFFICIAL duty. I plan to visit them both in the hospital today, they have the same surgeon as me so they are in the same hospital. This site has been GREAT to me. There is so much support, so much information and its important to have. One of the ladies I work with had the surgery and it just did not work she is considering revision. She was amazed and my knowledge of the procedure, diet, aftercare etc. She said she didnt know any of that before her surgery, she said she just didnt feel prepared.
2-9-2006
I went to see my Angelette yesterday, I met her for the first time and there was another post op that was from the Michigan board, so I popped in to see her also!! It was really nice to meet both of them!!! My Angelette was Normie J of Kaleva, Michigan and I met her DH Dennis!! Very nice people. I also met Kim A of Westland, she was a sweetie. They both were doing very well and it was ENCOURAGING to see them both. Yeah it did make me so much more EXCITED,ANXIOUS, and IMPATIENT!!!!!! ONLY 3 months,huh?:(.
Still on the Prev Pack, miracously this time NO female issues from it, those darn antibiotics can be dangerous!! Tina called today from the CORI center to see if I hadcompleted my pack, I still have 4 days to go!!
I'm going to really try hard to get to CURVES the next 2 days, before I was going 4 days a week. We'll see!
TTFN
2-15-2006
Prev Pack completed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I finally completed the prev pack, I was worried about having to repeat my EGD, but when I called the office today, they said no for now!!! Thats great news. I also called my OB/GYN, to talk to her about a non- hormonal birth control method I can use pre op. I mentioned this to my surgeons office also, they called me back but I missed the call so I will check tomorrow with them to see what the surgeon suggests pre op. He took me off my patch and nuva ring because I was supposed to have surgery sooner than May!! I need something NOW!!!!!! The last thing I need is to get to my date and hear "your pregnacy test is positive!!" I've been running around the last couple of days trying to do things to keep my mind occupied until May. I know I am so inpatient! I filed my taxes, went shopping for the rest of my home improvement projects, getting multiple estimates to get my hardwood floors redone, anything and everything to keep my mind busy. I really try not to feel bad that I have to wait until May, but I WILL BE READY when May gets here. Hopefully everything else will work out until then.
I found a wallet with 2 checkbooks in it Saturday, there were some receipts, and a bank statement, I sat around in the parking lot where I found it for a little while but no one returned looking for it. I went tp the post office and mailed it to the address on the checks with a note and my phone number. Today when I came home there was a message from the owner thanking me. My children were so shocked and impressed that he called and I think also in the fact that I returned it. It really made me feel proud, but thats how I was raised, so I want the same for my children. I also explained to them the consequences of taking or keeping things that dont belong to you. They did not want to have to visit mommy at work as an INMATE instead of a nurse. I'm sure a lot of the ladies locked up there have to wish "if I could only go back and do it different!"
TTFN
Some days I can actually focus and know that May is just around the corner, but at other times it seems so far away.. I can rejoice in everyone is getting their date because I am sure they traveled the same long road that I am on now, but I just feel liked I am being passed up and my time is not coming soon enough!!! I cant help but to harbor some resentment for my place of employment, I feel that they are standing in the way of my dreams. On the other hand I feel truly blessed to have such a great job with excellent pay and benefit package, so I will continue to pray and re-direct my energy until May!!!! I am really praying about trading my car in right now also, I'm not totally sold on the idea, but I have prayed about it and His will shall be done!
TTFN
2-16-2006
***************I received THE CALL today, ITS OFFICIAL!!!!!!!! I have a date.........................May 25, 2006. I had worked the midnight shift and was mandated to stay over and work the day shift, the hardest 16 hours to do!!! When I finally got home, showered and was getting ready for bed at 5pm. Amy called "Mrs Shaw, are you ready to board your surgery???" I'm like yes, so she asked me when, I'm like tomorrow, she was like maybe next week. I had to come to reality and tell her anything after May 20th. She's like yeah I forgot you have that wonderful union job!!LOL!(per my union contract RE: approved leave time). So May 25 th is it, and the we''ll start the paperwork for the leave with my job!! It seems May will take an eternity!!! I hope time flies! I have a lot of planning to do and all kind of preparation. I will probably start back picking up a "little" overtime to bank $$$$ extra for the time I'm off. I plan to go visit family in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia while I'm off, maybe after the first six weeks, depends on recovery and how I feel. I plan to take at least 10 weeks off, YEAH JUST BECAUSE I WAS MADE TO WAIT AND I CAN TAKE 12 WEEKS PER THE ALMIGHTY UNION CONTRACT!!! LOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOL!!!!!!!!! ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TTFN
2-17-2006
Last night I received an e mail from one of my very close friends. (The other one lives 8 hours away in the UP )I am not really big (no pun intended) on friends other than my mom and my sister. Anyway my friend just took her 4 girls and uprooted to North Carolina.
I truly was against this move for a few reasons, she has no family there, the girls are still young, the baby to young to be in a day care(my opinion), she had just bought her home around the same time as I did. Now she wants to move. Nursing is a job you can find anywhere all day, you can leave a job and have a new one the same day but she insisted she couldn't find what she wanted here. I support her in the move even with all my reservations(mostly I'm being selfish and wanted her to stay), I STILL SUPPORT HER!!!! The same way she supports me in my WLS journey. Her email was basically an apology with the subject "TO MY DEAREST FRIEND". She was apologizing for up and leaving town without saying goodbye to ANYONE, not even her family(one of the main reasons she's moving). I was pretty upset that she left like that but she said her heart would not let her go through the "goodbyes". Anyway I called her this morning and she was a little teary, well she was crying and it BROKE my heart. What do I say pack up, forfeit the sign on bonus, re-location fee etc. and come back home to the house you have already leased out!!!!! Of course I didn't I was supportive and let her talk through it!!! I made plans to visit in June and she made plans to be here on MAY 25TH!!!!!!
She often says she wishes her mom was more like mine, and that they had a better relationship. If I could wave a magical wand and change things for her--I WOULD in a heartbeat. Like I said I support her in every way I can , but I did want her to stay and the reason for this post is so that I can admit that I wanted her to stay for my own selfish reasons!!!!! Who do you know that wants their dearest friend 4-5 states away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????????? I guess one that cares about that friends HAPPINESS. Thats me so I accept her apology for leaving me and taking the babies!!!! We were nursing assisatants together, we shared pregnacies and both became nurses and bought homes, not together, but both around the same time. Right now I just pray for her to find what she needs to give her the happiness she deserves!!!!!!!
2-19-2006
I must admit I had a really nice weekend off. It was sooooooo cold out this weekend, it felt good to not have to leave the house. DH was off the weekend also, the kids are out on winter break! These kids have more school vacations these days. My son is out for the weekend. We got a few minor things done around the house, we bought a microhood last week, DH wanted to try to install it, I suggested we wait on the professionals!!! Its kinda been good not having it installed. We re-done the kitchen in July '05, and I have a "NO FRYING" rule in effect because there is no exhaust fan. Thats a good way to avoid fried foods, we have used the deep fryer though for fish. We went out to Krogers last night to get salad dressing and the Gatorade Propel that was on sale, other than that we have been in. My neice is over to keep my daughter from driving me and her dad stir crazy!!!!!
I actually had alot of unexpected energy, we moved around some furniture, re-organized both closets in the bedroom, and the other daily stuff, laundry, dusting, etc. Most days when I work thats it, midnights is so draining!!! I couldnt sleep last night, so used to being up at work. I got up around 4am and spent 25 minutes on my Gazelle(something I havent done since August). I plan to go to Curves in the morning, something else I dont do often enough, but I need to get prepared to work this tool!!! Yeah Baby!!! I actually wanna join FITZONE for women, but I still have to finish commitment to Curves. Dependent on price of Fitzone, I may do both not actually go to both, but pay both LOL!! Its ahrd enough getting to one. It seems Fitzone has more variety and more options to get the cardio done.
We've only been in this house a little over a year, but we(goes back to my impatience:-)) have done alot, Painting, floors sanded and refinished (not done yet, maybe this month), totally gutted kitchen etc. I have one room in the basement and my room that I am still trying to figure out what to do for color/theme etc. I actually set upn the room as an office, but no one uses it. I used the laptop from the couch or bed (LOL) and the kids use the puters in their room. I have set up my scrap booking in there. How is it someone dont have energy to scrapbook, you're sitting down. I dont know but I dont always have the energy!!! My books are really behind. I did go on E Bay last night and got some really GREAT deals on CREATIVE MEMORIES, a couple of the retired books and a beautiful leather scrapbook. I hope to be able to really catch up this summer while I recover. It should really be fun to make a WLS BEFORE & AFTER book!!!!!!!!! Even though I have 90+ days, I still find myself very excited!!!! Maybe I'll even start back sewing!!
For now I pray for my moms patience though!!!TTFN
2-21-2006
My daughter has a illness that mostly affects African Americans. I dont really talk alot about it, she has been doing really well. She sees a specialist. She was diagnosed 2 years ago after extensive testing! the whole MILLION dollar work-up. It was originally found 4 years ago. She's on SEVERAL meds, but does very well. She is not a SICKLY child though.. Just to look at her, no one knows. I'm a little upset today because we had to re-draw her labs from last week and adjust some meds and I always get worried when they do this. I have the utmost confident in her "medical team". I am VERY ACTIVE with her care and this is another area where being a nurse really helps. I'm so sure she will be fine. She is a very disciplined 8 year old with her meds and her dietary restriction. Me,my son and huband and the rest of the family have really spoiled her, probably because of the illness. Yea, she is a brat and I LOVE HER!!!!!! We have created a little monsterLOL!!LOL!!!
2-23-06
I can honestly say I am starting to worry, about what??? EVERYTHING!!!!Will the surgery work for me?? Will I use my tool to its fullest potential or only go halfway. There are several people at my job that have had the WLS, and most it worked for andtwo others I know for a fact that it didnt work for. I feel close enough to one of the officers that I did ask her why, but she could never really explain. OTHERS, (of course they watched her, because she had THAT surgery JUST LIKE THEY'LL WATCH ME) say she never stop eating. She is now talking to CORI about a revision, she originally had her 1st lap RNY at BTC in Ypsilanti. I did suggest to her to visit this site and try to restart haer weight loss somehow. I never worried before about excess skin but now I find myself thinking about it. I'm the one walking around singing the whole "Its a total lifestyle change song" and I wonder while I'm singing that song am I trying to convince family and friends that I can do it or convince myself!!! PROBABLY THEM!!!LOL I dont usually second guess ME!!
January 2006
Dec 31, 2005
Another year is upon us.I guess its been about 9 months and I havent updated my profile. First of all I went to have the EGD after testing positive for H-Pylori. For some reason everything seemed good, I remember closing my eyes and waking up 4 hrs later and they told me hey could not complete the EGD. I was not responding to the medication used to put me under. I've had 4 other surgeries and NEVER had a problem with anesthesia. It was a little frightening, because I had busted blood vessels in both eyes, and bruises. I looked a mess. So needless to say I backed off for a little while. I joined Curves and went back on the weight loss roller coaster. So last week I decided I was ready to try again. So here I am. I was just informed that I'll have the blood tests done again, and there is a possibility I may not need another EGD!! I have a psych consult scheduled for January 17,2006. I even have a new insurance now that I'm sure covers it with a lot less hassle than others. My only problem now will be making sure I can take the time off from work. I'm new to my job and everything is based on seniority, so we'll see. I'm hoping for a date at the end of March, 2006. TTFN
1-4-2006
Well just thought I'd update before I go to bed. I had my labs drawn yesterday. I spoke with Amy from CORI a couple of times. We were waiting to hear from BCBS, so when I woke up last night to go to work I had a message from Amy. Basically my out of pocket costs will be about $700. I'm so good with that, so I went to work feeling pretty good about that. I'm scheduled for the psych consult and surgical consult with Dr Wood the same day. Keep your fingers crossed. I dont want to get a date before I have enough time in my vacation bank though. We'll see. Later.
1-6-2006
I'm going to see my PCP today OMG is this dejavu from this time last year? Anyway I'm going to see him to get a annual and hopefully a letter stating that its medically necessary. Also to sign a release to have my records released to CORI.
1-7-2006
Well I seen my PCP today, he done some testing. He is familiar with my surgeon, he says him and his partner are the best in the area.
They patented the WOOD-SAPALA micropouch. He is comfortable with my decision to chose him even though he can't follow me in the hospital because he doesn't have privileges there. Just to be one step ahead of the game, he gave me a script for a sleep study. The sleep study may be hard for me because I work the night shift. He gave me a couple of ambien to fall asleep just in case. I usually stay up on nights that I'm off because my body has adjusted to that. I'm trying to stay positive, and not let my nerves get the best of me. The downside to being a nurse and working in a hospital, is that you hear stories and know the inner workings of certain situations that others are not remotely aware of. I'm trying to take it all in stride, even tough everyone I know has had positive results, I'm like "oh it'll be just my luck to have a problem":(. I hope not, my motto this time: LET GOD AND LET GO!!!! Like my mom always says "If you are going to pray, dont worry, if you are going to worry dont pray" So I put it in HIS HANDS! I guess I'll continue to countdown to my consult/psych day in 10 days!
1-9-2006
I have job with an excellent benefit package as far as nursing goes, I've been trying to become a state of Michigan employee for a long time for this reason, the pension and benefit package. Now the job may be a problem for me.
I have only been on the job a little over 2 months, the BCBS started my 2nd week of employment! The vacation time on the other hand does not start for another 12-16 weeks, longer than what I wanted to wait. Some of my co workers had a solution, work overtime and have the time placed in my vacation and annual leave bank, so I started last pay period and already have 40 hrs! 1 week of time banked, BUT last night I hear they are putting a hold on COMP time, they rather pay you for the overtime!!! I'm gonna take the situation to the UAW to see if that is possible without re-negotiating the contract. I'm only going to need 4 maybe 5 weeks off at the most if that, 3 shifts a week in overtime gives me 36 hrs a week, I planned on having those hours banked and waiting. I'm not going to let it get me down, I'm just gonna wait for the consult so I can get a better time frame of when I may CROSS OVER! Thats the difference with the hospital even though theres no pension, lifetime healthcare, etc. it is easier to just REQUEST time off without all the red tape.
1-10-2006
I just spoke with Amy, my case manager at the CORI center. I had went on line and registered for a seminar, and she called to ask me about it. Im like how did you know??:) Ahyhoo she just said that the seminar/consult I have with Dr Wood on 1-17 is the same thing actually more informative, so that saves me a Saturday.(for the other class). I asked her when do we apply for insurance approval, because I'm worried, she's like why ITS A COVERED PROCEDURE WITH YOUR POLICY, with really NO HOOPS to jump through.:) :):) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
1-16-2006
ITS MY BIRTHDAY!! I am a year older today:). Well tomorrow is my appt. with surgeon and the psych consult. I'll find out what the results of my H-pylori were. I could've called to see before now, but I'm so damn scared of the EGD, I'm almost more terrified of it than I am of the actual surgery!! Probably because I know it will be positive,(why I havent called for results) its usually positive for 10 years. We have a meeting scheduled for the 18th at work, I originally was going to pass on it. I decided to go so that I could discuss the whole issue of not being able to bank my overtime hours in my vacation bank! Some of the other nurses have the same complaint, especially since we found out the medical records clerks have been banking hours and we are all in the same union.(UAW). I was mandated overtime over the weekend and I worked OT voluntarily, that equals out to 24hours, 3 days off!!! That gets me just that much closer to the amount of time I'll need off for my WLS! Well I guess I'll update when I find out. I am more worried about getting the time off than I am about getting approved and getting a date, because Amy(my CORI rep) assured me approval was the least of my concerns. I'll try not to let it worry me BUT I am constantly griping at work. It has helped though because now we have a UNITED front and other nurses are griping!! LATER!
OK Amy just called to say she still had not received the letter from my PCP and needed a number to call him. I will not be held up for something so minor! OK! OK then! I called my PCP to follow up, now when I went to my appt last week he repeated a slew of labs that CORI had already given me a script for. So when the receptionist is looking for my chart she couldn't find it, we both thought he maybe had it writing my much needed letter. NOOOOOOOO they had it to call and tell me that I was H-pylori positive AGAIN (MY EGD NIGHTMARE CONTINUES!) so they are calling in the DA-N PREVACID PACK! WHY ME????LOL I knew it would be positive, because once you are positive it last about 10 years! Anyway Cindy assured me she was putting the chart on his desk right then, I still gave Amy the number and told her to call anyway if she didnt hear anything by the end of the week.
I'll pick up the script tomorrow and start it with a "just in case Diflucan".
1-18-06
Well I completed my consults, psych and surgical yesterday. I received my CORI WLS Bible to follow. I was told to have my caretakers to read it as well as myself. I did get some possibly good news, Dr Wood told me NOT to start the PREV PACK. I still have to schedule a biopsy for the H-pylori though and other than that all I knew is for my SLOWER than normal PCP to send over my letter and I'm done. Office staff said once they receive it they will review my chart and send it to THE SCHEDULER!!!!!!!!!! I'll wait for the letter and the biopsy appt. In the meantime I need to work on this whole "getting time off work" situation. I guess I'll get some more sleep, after working night shift the night before my consults and then staying up all day at CORI, it was a LONG day, buts its done. Cant wait till I can say the same thing for WLS!
1-20-2006
OK just finished another 16 hour shift!!! I banked 8 of it into my vacation bank!!! At time and 1/2 that equals another 12 hours. We are still going back and forth with our supervisors ( and the union)about the vacation banked time, so in the meantime I can bank the 6 days of OT I had ALREADY signed up for. Another nurse set a precedent for this last year. She was a new nurse that worked OT and banked it for the days she needed to go over to ST LUCIA to pick up her husband, so she worked extra and used vacation time.!
My EGD is Tuesday 1-24-06.
I AM TERRIFIED!!!!
See my 3-24-05 post!!! It was scary.
So I'll kep my eyes on the prize to finish the next 4 shifts!!!
1-24-2006
IT IS A WRAP!!! The EGD is done, in and out within an hour!!! Me and hubby stopped at the grocery store on the way home, now I guess I'll just sleep off the effects of the happy medicine! I gotta talk to my CORI rep, Amy today, I will keep you posted. I'm getting so close to a date and my job is still denying my time off!!!
1-27-2006
I've come to the very sad conclusion that I have to put my life off again for another 3-4 months since my job is giving me a major hassle. I guess at this point I will have STATUS enough (per my union contract) to take a leave and use the LTD that I have been paying for since day one. I guess by late April I will have the option to use 1 month vacation or go on a 6 week LTD. I think I may take a 2 week vacation and then a 6-8 week leave on them. How about that when I just as weel couldve have took 4 weeks and been back before prime vacation season kicks in, had they just been REASONABLE! Oh well thats the way the cookie crumbles.LOL. I guess the wait for a date is only a few weeks, so I'll have to wait for CORI to call and give me a date and then say oh no I can't come in until April whatever.
1-28-2006
when I got to work yesterday I found out that a nurse that has only been on the job a few months before me is ON A MEDICAL LEAVE. She has been on one before. She is also the one that was able to take over three weeks off to go to St Lucia to pick up her husband .( at that time she had only been on the job 2-3 months). Last night we had an emergency in one of the housing units, We only have to go out to the units in the cell if the patient is totally out of it. I had to run to and from the clibic to the unit several times!!! I was like DAMN, NOW I need some OXYGEN. I was so out of breath I felt like I was going to have an asthma attack! I need this surgery YESTERDAY!
1-29-2006
I received a call from Amy, my CORI rep today on a Sunday because she seen my post on the Michigan board. She had some suggestions for me to get the time off sooner, so I'll try them tomorrow and we'll see what happens. I was shocked when she called and was like "Mrs Shaw, Are you DetroitDiva" I guess they read OH the postings and so do the docs!!!
1-30-2006
Well I just spoke with the union rep and human resources this morning, and I'm back to where I started I'll be waiting until May.I will now start my countdown of days till May 20th, 2006. I will be officially an employee for 6 months. I can live with that but I was hoping to get better results, so right now they have me on the schedule for May 25th, 2006. Thats just a date for me to turn in to my place of employment to get my medical leave approved, but I know it will be around that time. I also spoke with CORI, my EGD results are back and I have to TAKE THE DREADED PREVACID PACK!!! I picked it up this morning and started it, so hopefully I wont need to repeat the EGD. I asked when they called this morning, the receptionist told me according to my surgeon he doesn't require a repeat of the EGD or Prev-pack. I know May is not that far away but its like now that my mind is totally made up I dont want anything holding me back!!
2005
Dec 31, 2004
1-2-2005
I just found out some very unnerving information regarding the hospital where I decided to have my WLS. It's not actually the doctor I had picked to consult with, but one of his colleagues. I have a second choice for my surgery BUT it is the hospital where I'm employed and thats why it was my 2nd choice! I actually like the physician @ my place of employment. Dr Wood and the Cori centers are located within the Medical Center where I'm employed. So now for plan B, I will call in the AM to set up appt with CORI and Dr Wood.
I actually had some surgery at this facility before I was an employee, everything was fine. I had breast reduction, removing a total of 8 POUNDS of breast,4 pounds from each breast. Afterwards I lost 40 lbs. thru exercise and diet. Of course its coming back now. Anyway back to Dr Wood, I really like him, his personality, and he is very much in touch with his patients. I should have went with my 1st mind and set up with Dr Wood. Even though my co workers will know that I am having the surgery, but I wanted to keep a certain degree of
privacy by choosing to have WLS at another facility. Everyone wants to try to give me advice "you're not big enough to have that surgery" Of course they are not the ones carrying around the weight. I'm tall with a large frame so people dont think I actually weigh what I do. I KNOW I DO!
TTFN
1-5-2005
I just found out yesterday that my current insurance does not cover the surgery. Which I find HYSTERICAL!!!!!!! I find it so funny because they promote it and offer it right there in the hospital and will not cover it for their own employees. This morning I starte dthe day out weighing out my options, even considering a new job at a facility that offers Blue Cross in 30 days. I called Blue Cross which is the insurance I had up until September 2004,to purchase it as a private payor the plans ranged from $132month-$450month. Fortunate for me nursing is in great demand and the Rehab Center I work for 4 days a month offers Blue Cross Blue Sheild Traditional, so for now I guess I'll work there 4 days a week. I'll have to put in a leave from the hospital.
I have an appt today with my PCP, at the beginning of my supervised weight loss program with him, he said we would see if I would need WLS. I originally started seeing him 2 years ago, brought up the procedure for his opinion.
He is a supporter of WLS so I'll se what happens today.
TTFN
3-24-2005
I completed the Prevacid pack over a month ago, and was supposed to schedule an EGD then, but we had just bought a house and between the closing and the moving I am just now getting around to it. So my EGD is in the morning, I am at work now I work 7pm-730 am at the hospital where I am having the surgery and the EGD. I will have it at 8 am, after that I need my psych consult. I changed to Humana PPO, and I hope I have a smooth approval process.
