DianeMarie
Tests
Aug 16, 2008
After being up all night working on Wednesday I headed to Westmoreland Hospital for my EKG, Chest Xray, Upper GI & Stress test.
I needed precertification for the stress test and wasnt sure if I was going to get it in time to take the test. They did the chest xray first. After that I waited about a half hour for the upper gi. That was strange and interesting. This time I was able to watch the barium move through my system. When I had the test years ago I couldnt see anything. I drank the thick barium too fast and they had to give me more.
After I got dressed they called me and told me they got the authorization for my stress test and to head there. She said they would be able to do my ekg there too. I got there and checked in and waited again. I was told if I do the stress test without the treadmill it would take 3-4 1/2 hours. The treadmill would 2 1/2 hours. After being up all night hubby and I were tired and I wanted to go home. I said I would do the treadmill to get out of there as fast as I could. They came out and told me I couldnt have the stress test because I had a belly full of barium. I was a tad disapointed cause I wanted to get it over with but I understood. She sent me back upstairs for the ekg. She said she would call them and they would expect me so I wouldnt have to wait. Got upstairs AND I had to wait.... No big surprise there. I finally got the ekg and went home.
My stress test has been scheduled for next Wednesday. At least I will have slept before it and I wont be as tired!
4th Class
Aug 06, 2008
I had my 4th class on Monday. I ran to Pittsburgh twice in one day. This meeting was productive and interesting. It made me thing about eating on auto pilot and trying to connect for eating instead. It makes sure you have a plan about what you need to eat before you go get the foods and make the right choices.
Now I make my appointment for my Nutrition Consult, tests & my Psych Eval. The next few months will be interesting for sure.
Surgical Consult
Aug 06, 2008
Monday I had my surgical consult. I had heard it only takes 5 minutes and you are handed alot of tests. Mine took over an hour. I got an exam and my paper work for tests. I only need four.
1. Adenosine Stress Test
2. Upper GI
3. Chest X-Ray
4. EKG
The only one I've never done is the Adenosine Stress Test. Little nervous about that one.
Dr Courcoulas was very nice. She was so positive about the whole thing. It set me at ease a little bit. I picked a great Dr for my surgery.
3rd Meeting
Jul 10, 2008
I had my third meeting on the 7th. There are things I enjoy about the meetings and there are things I dont like. This one was about nutrition. There were many people there from different stages of meetings. I lost another 2 pounds and I'm pleased. I scheduled to see my surgeon and that meeting is the same day as my next class. There are people there that are totally clueless about this process and very lazy. They make me angry. These are the folks that expect a miracle and no work. They whine. I sit there and listen to one stupid question after another. I'm angry at myself for these feelings. I'm angry at the people for being so selfish and stupid. It does make me more determined to get this right.
Ok I feel better now that I've ranted!
Until next time...
Ok I feel better now that I've ranted!
Until next time...
Measurements in secret
Jun 13, 2008
My daughter Deidre has successfully lost alot of her weight. She always said she wished she had her measurements recorded before she lost all the weight. She expressed her desire to measure me so I had something to compair myself to in a few months and after surgery. At first I told her no and she kept at it. I gave in and she got a little notebook and a HUGE measuring tape and started. She told me she wouldnt let me see and she would save the records and measure me at different times during my weight loss journey. She said I would be glad she did this later on. I was sooooooo uncomfortable as she measured my neck, arms, chest, belly, waist, calf & ankles. I couldnt wait for her to finish.
I've already seen changes in my body over the last few months. I cant wait to see more. One day I'll be able to look at her secret measurements and see how far I've come.
Reflecting
Jun 04, 2008
I started this journey a little over 2 months ago. I was disgusted with myself. I was a lazy slob. Yes I worked but the moment I came home I sat down on my fat ass until bedtime and then I promply laid on my fat ass all night.
In these few short weeks I've made small changes:
Eating every few hours
Controlling portion size
Drinking a ton of water
Walking as much as possible
These small changes have lead to BIGGER rewards:
I've lost 13.5 lbs.
I can work an 8 1/2 shift on my feet and not suffer through it.
I can run up a flight of steps.
I can walk down a flight of step like a normal person and not use my sideways one step at a time shuffle.
I can take an hour walk after work and still feel good after.
People have noticed the weight loss.
I can't wait until after the surgery and enjoy even bigger benifits from the weight loss.
In these few short weeks I've made small changes:
Eating every few hours
Controlling portion size
Drinking a ton of water
Walking as much as possible
These small changes have lead to BIGGER rewards:
I've lost 13.5 lbs.
I can work an 8 1/2 shift on my feet and not suffer through it.
I can run up a flight of steps.
I can walk down a flight of step like a normal person and not use my sideways one step at a time shuffle.
I can take an hour walk after work and still feel good after.
People have noticed the weight loss.
I can't wait until after the surgery and enjoy even bigger benifits from the weight loss.
Feeling better!
May 31, 2008
I live with day to day pain. Sometimes it is so bad I have fainted from pain or cramps. Usually after spending 8 1/2 hours on my feet the last thing I want to do after work is walk. I've been really trying hard to follow the instructions given to me at the first meeting. I drink a ton of water and I try to walk every day. When I first started out walking my chest would burn climbing a hill. Today I worked a full day and when I had to go upstairs I ran up them 3 times without problem. I even came down them like a normal person would instead of my usual side ways one step at a time walk. I was shocked when I realised what I had accomplished. Right after work I went on a walk with my daughter and Dela. The pedometer says 13075. It's hard to believe what a difference 3 weeks of taking care of yourself can make. I hope I've lost weight since my last meeting. I will find out Monday night. But for now... I'm satisfied with how great I'm feeling. I'm proud of myself.
Save some gas and walk!
May 29, 2008
Gas prices are crazy. I need to walk more and save gas. Wasnt sure if I could actually do it.....but I did! I worked till 7:30 and needed to get my car to my husband. I usually make my daughter meet me up there with her car and then she brings me home. Decided to pick her up (with Dela) and drop off my car. The the 3 of us walked home. It was about 2 1/2 miles and we got home in 40 minutes. I made it, Dela made it....and of course Deidre the exercise queen made it!
I'm sore and tired but it's a wonderful feeling! My chest didnt even hurt. Worked up a good sweat too. I'm proud of Dela and myself. Now to make more trips like this and save more gas!
I'm sore and tired but it's a wonderful feeling! My chest didnt even hurt. Worked up a good sweat too. I'm proud of Dela and myself. Now to make more trips like this and save more gas!
Waiting
May 27, 2008
Sometimes it feels like everything is rolling by pretty fast. I just started this process and I'm already having my 2nd meeting next monday and then one month later I can set up to see my surgeon. Then I read a post about someone having their surgery this week and soon to be on the loser's bench and think... will it ever be my turn?
I'm sure these feelings are normal. I just don't like having them... snort!
I'm sure these feelings are normal. I just don't like having them... snort!
Pregnant Or Just Fat?
May 14, 2008
After my class last night I decided to stop at the Giant Eagle I work at and pick up some food and vitamins. They said to start vitamins in the class and I decided I was going to get pre-natal ones. They were great for my hair and nails when I was pregnant so I thought I'd get those since I've been dealing with dry skin issues and brittle nails.
As Im going through the check out with one of the young cashiers I mentioned the vitamins didnt mean I was pregnant. So don't start any rumors! She smiled at me and said she was going to tell everyone! Next thing I know she turns around and says to one of the baggers. Diane is pregnant. Look she bought prenatal vitamins. We all started to laugh. As I'm paying for my order the coupon machine spit out a coupon for WIC because I bought the vitamins. She said.. HA.. Here's proof! I laughed and assured everyone.. I'm FAT.. Not pregnant... snort
I cant wait to see how many people at work heard I'm pregnant!
As Im going through the check out with one of the young cashiers I mentioned the vitamins didnt mean I was pregnant. So don't start any rumors! She smiled at me and said she was going to tell everyone! Next thing I know she turns around and says to one of the baggers. Diane is pregnant. Look she bought prenatal vitamins. We all started to laugh. As I'm paying for my order the coupon machine spit out a coupon for WIC because I bought the vitamins. She said.. HA.. Here's proof! I laughed and assured everyone.. I'm FAT.. Not pregnant... snort
I cant wait to see how many people at work heard I'm pregnant!
About Me
Delmont, PA
Location
18.8
BMI
Surgery
11/05/2008
Surgery Date
Apr 24, 2008
Member Since
