fawnlori
40 hours to go
Oct 03, 2009
No more counting months, weeks, or even days. It's down to hours. I check in at the hospital at 11:45am on Monday. I had the IVC placement yesterday. My neck was very sore yesterday from the placement but it's absolutely fine today. I spent today as I wanted to- doing a lot of nothing. Tomorrow will be the day I pack and take pictures and measurements. I didn't sleep much last night but I did crash this afternoon. I am still amazed at how well I have done on the liquid diet. 13 days and not once did I "cheat". L'rd knows I can tell head hunger right now! I'm really not hungry and all I have been craving is the TASTE of foods. I hope I will be able to tell the difference as well a few months from now! One of the people at the support group said it very well, though. They plan their meals and snacks for the day making sure it follows the plan. If they are hungry in between planned meals and snacks, they know it's head hunger :)
Please, please, please sign my surgery page? It's looking kinda sad!
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Please, please, please sign my surgery page? It's looking kinda sad!
It's been crazy
Oct 01, 2009
This week has flown by. I thought that I would never get here. I spent every single day this week with doctors appointments in preparation for Monday. Tonight I went to my first support group meeting. I was immediately impressed that all three surgeons, all three dieticians, and the nutritional psychologist were there! It was amazingly motivating to see all these people- some of who really did start where I am now- looking so healthy and happy. They shared things about dealing with head hunger, recognizing it, self image, rewarding and caring for themselves. Dr. Barba made an interesting remark. He said something to the effect that what he is seeing with his long term patients that are regaining and struggling is that they are NOT the ones going to the support group. Chef Dave is going to be at the next meeting and I hope to be able to go to that meeting. I am more motivated having gone and less worried. What a great group of people :)
Tomorrow morning is my IVC placement. I am sure it will go fine.
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Tomorrow morning is my IVC placement. I am sure it will go fine.
My Wish List
Sep 29, 2009
1. Using a non-handicapped public restroom
2. Going on the water ride at Lake Compounce (this was my "moment"... when after over an hour waiting in line and climbing all those steps... I was not able to go on the ride because of my size. It was many years ago and I still feel the utter embarassment)
3. Clothes shopping in a regular store.
4. Walking around Stanley Quarter Park
5. Riding my bicycle again.
6. Sitting in a restaurant booth.
7. Being able to take a public bus.
8. Bunk the bus- being able to drive!
9. Being able to stand up from sitting on the floor.
10. Not being ashamed to be seen in public.
11. Going to a night club.
12. Being weighed on a regular scale
13. Having enough energy to get through a day.
14. Taking my dog for a walk by myself.
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2. Going on the water ride at Lake Compounce (this was my "moment"... when after over an hour waiting in line and climbing all those steps... I was not able to go on the ride because of my size. It was many years ago and I still feel the utter embarassment)
3. Clothes shopping in a regular store.
4. Walking around Stanley Quarter Park
5. Riding my bicycle again.
6. Sitting in a restaurant booth.
7. Being able to take a public bus.
8. Bunk the bus- being able to drive!
9. Being able to stand up from sitting on the floor.
10. Not being ashamed to be seen in public.
11. Going to a night club.
12. Being weighed on a regular scale
13. Having enough energy to get through a day.
14. Taking my dog for a walk by myself.
Day 8
Sep 29, 2009
Yesterday was a crazy day. I started out my day going to the hospital to register for my surgery and to get some preop blood work done. I asked about the ABG test and she said it wasn't ordered. I asked what was ordered and it was the same panel I just did two weeks ago so I had her check with my surgeon's office. I was right- they didn't need to do most of it so they did the one they did have to do and I went home. I had about 45 mins before i had to leave for my surgeon's office. Sure enough, the hospital calls back and I need that ABG. So, off I go to my surgeon's office first to return to the hospital after.
My surgeon's office was a GREAT visit. I weighed in and lost 17 pounds! Jeanette went over all my last minute questions and concerns. The only thing that worries me at this point is that she said that if I cannot be put under and breathing well with the respirator, then they cannot do the surgery. I had a really bad reaction to the anesthesia when I had the endoscopy done and had a severe asthma attack coming out of it so I am hoping it goes better Friday when I have the filter done. I'm taking all my asthma meds to help.
So... now I head back to the hospital for this test. Four pages to pulmo and no response after an hour. Even the tech suggested I come back tomorrow. Damn, that pisses me off! I was out from 9:30 to almost 5 and had only 1 shake. I definitely wasn't feeling great by the time I got home.
But I still had a great birthday present to me- that weight loss was amazing!
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My surgeon's office was a GREAT visit. I weighed in and lost 17 pounds! Jeanette went over all my last minute questions and concerns. The only thing that worries me at this point is that she said that if I cannot be put under and breathing well with the respirator, then they cannot do the surgery. I had a really bad reaction to the anesthesia when I had the endoscopy done and had a severe asthma attack coming out of it so I am hoping it goes better Friday when I have the filter done. I'm taking all my asthma meds to help.
So... now I head back to the hospital for this test. Four pages to pulmo and no response after an hour. Even the tech suggested I come back tomorrow. Damn, that pisses me off! I was out from 9:30 to almost 5 and had only 1 shake. I definitely wasn't feeling great by the time I got home.
But I still had a great birthday present to me- that weight loss was amazing!
WOW!!!!
Sep 26, 2009
I've been off my insulin due to financial constraints for a while now and my bs has been up around 300 for a long time. Nothing I could do about it. Well, day 6 of the fast... no insulin... and my bs is down to ...... (drumroll please)....
155
:) Certainly a good indicator that this surgery will help a lot! It's been going down each day I've been fasting and this is the first day it's below a level where I would need a bolus!
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155
:) Certainly a good indicator that this surgery will help a lot! It's been going down each day I've been fasting and this is the first day it's below a level where I would need a bolus!
5 days into the liquid diet
Sep 25, 2009
And I'm doing good :) I'm sticking exactly to the plan- I have my 5 Bariatric Advantage shakes each day, 30-52 oz of water, 1c chicken broth and a sugar free jello each day. I haven't been hungry nor have I craved anything and I'm amazed with myself, honestly. I keep the music pumping, keep myself busy, and have been up and down and around the house and yard more than usual which is great. 1 week from today is the surgery for the filter... then a weekend and surgery.
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Old OH page
Sep 24, 2009
I started my journey a long time ago as I mentioned before. I couldn't remember my old log in or anything but after searching and searching, I found "me". I want to add my old logs to this one so it's all together in one place:
I am almost 34 years old and I can't continue to live the way I am living. I hesitate to go out anywhere because I don't fit in the car, I have little energy to do anything, and I just can't do the things I want to do. I've been heavy most of my life and for the past 20 years, I have been MO. I am tired of being judged not by who I am, but how I look.
I am not so sure I want to do this, but I am certain I want to look into it. Part of the reason I hesitate with the surgery is that the diet afterwards is so much more restrictive and if I can't do WW.... what makes me think I can do this? At the same time, walking into meetings where few have more than 20 to lose and are then "at goal" is just as frustrating and discouraging.
*update 12/6*
I called Dr. Aranow in Middletown, CT and I am signed up for the May 1st orientation. I have the initial consult on June 10th. I am also going to go to the support group that meets bi-weekly at the hospital! I'm on my way!!!
*update 4/26*
I go in two weeks for my orientation. More and more people I know have changed their lives with this surgery- and what's better is that more people are receptive to this with the publicity it continues to receive. I am a bit nervous but very excited. The orientation was moved to May 6th- but you can bet I'll be there! I was really sick this winter with asthma and pneumonia and have been diagnosed with diabetes and preliminarily diagnosed with sleep apnea. I need to do this NOW... so I have a future!
*update 5/7*
Tonight, my best friend, my DH, and I went to my surgical orientation. What an informative... and absolutely motivating night!
First of all, he was extremely straightforward and honest. He really gave us a no-bull picture of the whole ordeal. He went through all the proceedures and the pros and cons of them all. I'll go through as much as I can for you.
When you go for the intake, he helps us decide which surgical proceedure is best, but after the presentation everyone in the audience seemed to know which category they fell into. He started off by defining Morbid Obesity (BMI over 40) and justification for the surgery. As he put it and the health organizations put it- simply, that the risks from morbid obesity far outweigh the risks from surgery.
He explained that after the RNY, your stomach is about the size of a marble (not the thumb as I had read) and that in 3 years it is about 1/2c. as opposed to the almost 1/2 gallon it is now. He explained that the key to the post-op (and lifelong) diet is smart choices. Basically protein and veggies. Vitamin supplements for the rest of my life (LOL, he said 2 flintstones are fine, think I can do that!)
He clearly went through the difference between the Lap-Band and the RNY. He will not perform the Lap-Band on anyone with a BMI over 50 (I'm just over that) and when he explained why, it further deepened my resolve to have the RNY. There are those that do really well with this, but they generally aren't those in my weight group. Only those that are very confident in their ability to follow the diet and not succumb to temptations are good candidates- as well as being lower BMI.
With the RNY, he explained the seriousness of following the diet. If you eat the diet you are given (about 1000-1200 calories 6mos out and beyond), you will lose weight and you will get to about 70% of your excess before weight. 20 years out, you have a 70% odds of maintaining 50% of your excess before weigth (ebw). You have a 50% odds of maintaining the 70%. He warned, though, that as little as having one orange a day above the diet... translates to 15% more calories and will be enough to lessen your results. Oh- he doesn't do the lap-RNY and explained that the risks for staple line leaks are higher and that he can't feel and check and be as confident that the staple line is secure laproscopically. He also said that there just aren't as clear pros for it other than cosmetic and that the open proceedure only has an opening big enough for his hand to get in- not the full "railroad" lines I had thought.
He went over all the risks... and his personal figures with each. His numbers according to INSURANCE RATERS are the best in the state! He has had one death in over 1000 proceedures. That death was someone with severe complications, but he explained very well what happened... as he did with the 2 staple leaks he has had and the one serious embolism. 4 cases in 1000 that had "serious" complications. I would say that's more than acceptable risks and I really do feel that I am in good, competent hands.
He then went over co-morbidity rates... and post surgical rates with them. Most people are cured if not significantly better from diabetes, hypertension, GERD, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, arthritis, asthma, cardiac dysfunction, stress incontinence, and menstral problems after the proceedure.
There's more that I'll probably remember later, but one of the things that impressed me most was that he will not take you if he doesn't trust you to follow his post op directions. He will work with people whose risks are too high to get them in the safe zone, but will not operate on them until the risks are within acceptable limits. He will turn away patients and is more concerned with doing the proceedure that's right for you than just doing any proceedure.
*update 8/19*
I finally am on the road to banking the sick time that I will need for surgery so I have scheduled my intake surgical appointment. Next step? October 28th!!!
*update 9/28*
Well, I'm 34 today. It was honestly the worst birthday I have ever have and I just am feeling really crummy tonight. It was going to be the last birthday that I could have had a cake... and no one did one anyway- not my husband, not my kids...
I have been spending time volunteering here to do profiles for people and it helps me keep focused while I wait- and wait- and wait for the time to pass until I can get my surgery. 1 more month until the surgical intake and then I'll begin the pre-op testing. June just can't get here soon enough!!!
Anyway... just feeling sorry for myself tonight and needed to get on here and type.
*update 9/30*
I HAVE to let you know... while my DH was my DH and didn't do, here's what I finally got out of him- because I am out of work and the last 5 days were unpaid (and so will each day I continue to wait on clearance from the doctor), he wanted to make sure there was the money in the bank to help pad things over and was afraid of putting our budget in jeopardy. OK- I can't argue (much) with that- just wish men weren't so black and white all the time- it's either all or nothing and not one of them seem to be able to see that there is a middle ground!!!
Now... on to the cake. My son actually DID plan a cake- and went to quite an extreme to get it! I had mentioned how I wanted it to be special since it is my last cake. A few years ago we went to one of my ex co-worker's annual party two years in a row. His party is known to all that attend for his outrageous cake. My son actually remembered how to get to this house he had only been to twice and not for the past three years to go and ask where the cake was from- and this house is almost two hours away! He then ordered it but had to pick it up yesterday- an hour and a half away!!! He got it from this place Take The Cake (it's the Black Silk Mousse) and here's a pic! LOL- nothing like saying goodbye to cake in style, huh????
After my pity party post on the board on my b'day... I had to make sure I came in and "cleared the air" because I really did get what I wanted after all- the cake and a DH that really was trying to make things as easy as possible on me since I am the one to juggle the finances and I'm the main breadwinner.
*10/20*
I went to the support group tonight. It was neat- got to meet Lucy and Elaine from Dr. Aranow's forum :) I got a lot out of the meeting including finding out WHY we should not drink with our meals. I knew that you aren't supposed to, but I didn't know why. What they said at the meeting was that the first 6 mos. post op, you don't drink while you eat because it will fill you up too soon and after 6 mos, you don't drink while you eat because it pushes the food through too quickly. Makes sense!!!
*10/28*
SURGICAL INTAKE!!!
YAHOOOOO!!! I'M OFFICIALLY PRE-OP!!!! Yup, Dr. Aranow accepted me as a patient! I am so excited and just so happy to be officially on my way :)
On Dr. Aranow's board, everyone talks about how long he takes with you. I guess he could tell that I really knew what I was doing by the questions I asked because it wasn't the hour long meeting that others had. The appointment lasted about 40 mins. He asked how I ended up choosing him and I told him about researching the surgeons in Connecticut on the wls surgery board. I told him when I had done that, it narrowed it down to him and one other doc. Called the other doc first and wasn't impressed... and between that and 100% positive rating with all the people giving reviews- he was it :) He corrected me at that point- he said he hasn't had the time to check the board himself, but his mom does- and ONE person said that he spent too much time typing on his PalmPilot, LOL!!! Oh- he also said he has no idea how other doctors have time to post on their boards and added sort of as an aside that they must not have enough patients, LOL!!! I loved his sense of humor! He asked a few questions about my health- but really not many. Next thing I know, he's going over all the pre-op testing with me.
I did ask one question and the answer again was something I wasn't aware of. One of the tests we go through is a sleep study for sleep apnea. Well, I questioned why. He strongly advocates that if you are on a cpap machine as of the day of surgery you are off. It seemed a waste of time to me because by the time the test results are in, you're fitted for your machine, and you actually get your machine, most people are only on the machine for a month or so. He explained that when you first get the machine, you tend to swallow a lot of air- therefore a lot of burping. While 90% don't need the machine as of the day of surgery, 10% still do. That extra air and burping is enough to break the staple line... so he wants you adjusted to the machine long before surgery. Makes sense!!!
Those of you that have met me may recall that I have awful discoloring in my legs- similar to "age spots". One thing I found out yesterday is that is severe varicose veins. He wants me in support hose and because it is so bad, he is having me go for an EKG and will decide after he looks at those results whether or not I'll need a greenfield filter. I'm not thrilled over a permanent implant... but considering what it prevents (pulmonary embolism), it's certainly not something I'll turn down if recommended!!!
He wants me to lose 20 pounds before surgery... losing weight before hand accomplishes two things... first, it shows that I'm willing to follow the regimen after surgery and secondly, it makes it easier for him to do the surgery. Also, the last two weeks prior to surgery, he wants me on either Atkins induction stage or the South Beach diet. Severe dieting shrinks the stomach making it again, easier. This surgeon really does everything he can to make the proceedure as easy as it can be.
*10/30/03*
Wow... it's amazing... all of a sudden, everything seems to be happening. I have my appointment with Dr. Kim Daniels for the psych eval on November 10, I have an appointment for a physical with my doctor on November 16, and then the pulmonology appointment on December 29th. The pulmonologist will set up a second appointment for prescreening for the sleep study when I'm there on the 29th. The rest of the appointments are made through my surgeon's office- dietician, radiology (ultrasound of gallbladder), and cardiology (EKG).
I also talked to my supervisor at work... and he's fine with me taking the time needed and even suggested that instead of me worrying about sub plans for three weeks, that we find another teacher to run the class. It's so great to have such support!!!
*11/10/03*
Today was the big day- the psych eval with Dr. Kim Daniels. First thing I noticed walking into her office was the "size friendly" furniture :) I was really happy to see that because it showed she really cares for your comfort. She was inviting in both her tone and her body language and set me right at ease.
We spent the next two hours thoroughly going over the paperwork I had filled out for her. She asked me what made me look into the surgery and I told her how horrible I felt when I had realized that I had regained all the weight I lost through WW. I sort of tried going back, but my heart just wasn't into it. I had always thought I was too fat for the surgery but somehow had decided to look into it and I really can't recall how. She also asked how I ended up with Dr. Aranow and I repeated what I said to Dr. Aranow and she was just as pleased as he was with my responses. Another thing she asked a lot about was what I was doing to research the surgery and I told her I had done a lot of research here at OH and other online sites, that I was reading books on surgery and that I have been working through Along the Weigh, Michelle Boasten's journal companion for her book.
We really went through my eating habits and she asked more detailed questions about when I eat and how. More and more I was realizing that I'm not doing anything so far out of the norm as to equal where I'm at- and that's her assessment, too. I don't binge eat (except when I'm coming off a round of prednisone for my asthma), I don't eat in response to emotions, I don't eat uncontrollably... Of course, we also talked about all my "wonderful" attempts at dieting. I told her that I really did well with WW... but it was the mental frustration of not being able to think of being anywhere's near goal for 7 or 8 years that was a huge stumbling block. The other problem I had with the plan was that I couldn't moderate- I could do all low fat and low cal and end up with 20 point days... or I could "open the floodgates", but I couldn't do just a little "regular" foods to keep my point intake where it should be. She again saw nothing wrong with that and made me feel so good that I WASN'T a failure.
She had me describe my surgery to her and asked me what the risks were- to which I replied embollisms and staple line leaks. She also talked with me at length about what my concerns were for postop. I told her quite honestly that I am not afraid of having the surgery done but that I did have concerns about being able to follow the regimen. I mean, I know I can follow a plan and that the purpose of the surgery is so that I have the tool to help me with it, but I have had years of failure at every other attempt so I do fear this failing too. She said that if I didn't worry about that, she'd be concerned. That it's totally normal to feel this way. I also told her that since I have overlapping skin now and deal with skin issues now, I'm NOT looking forward to more extreme issues post op. Again, a normal concern and she said that the support group would really help with those issues.
All in all, I was quite pleased with the appointment and she clearly let me know that she was recommending me for the surgery. I do have to go back in a few weeks to fill out some surveys but she didn't seem to think anything will turn up with them. I respect quite a bit that she said if something does come up in the surveys, she would call me before calling Dr. Aranow. She ended the appointment by telling me that if I felt I needed to come in at any time to talk about my concerns, to feel free to do so and that she also runs a therapy group if I am really having problems post op.
*11/16/03*
I had my physical today. Wouldn't you know... last minute my doc had to switch hours with the other doc and I ended up with her for my appointment. I was not thrilled with her, the exam, her attitude, or anything about that appointment and I'm so glad it's over.......
*11/17/03*
I met with Amy- the nutritionist. Wow! She went over everything about my diet both pre-op and post-op and put things in very literal terms for me. Pre-op I'll be doing an "approximation" sort of of the post op diet. I'll continue to count points, but I also will be tracking carbs and grams of protein. She also wants me to start weening off coffee (GULP!!!) and not drinking with meals. I'll also start taking a daily multivitamin and calcium supplement.
One of the things she showed my husband and I was a medicine cup with a "O" drawn on it. The medicine cup IS the size (more or less) of my stomach post op. The "O" represents the opening to the stomach. I'm glad she did that because I don't think my husband was really getting it.
She introduced me to some of the products I will be using after the surgery and went over protein amounts in each- taking care to select things that would go well with my lactose intolerance (no Carnation Instant Breakfast for me!) and diabetes. She also showed me something called Beneprotein which is a protein additive (powder) that you put in your food. It's 6 grams of protein per scoop and it's basically tasteless. Not bad!
It was a very informative session and she did say that she would be letting Dr. Aranow know that she feels I'm a good candidate for surgery. WHHOOOO HHOOOOOOOO!!!!
*11/20/03*
Now that I have some time... I figured I would post this:
Before Surgery Meal Plan
8-10 Carbohydrates (Starch, Fruit, Milk groups combined)
6 oz Meat and Protein group
3 or more Vegetable group
3 or less Fat group
Total Calories: 1200
Morning Meal:
2 Carbohydrate Servings; 1 oz Meat group (optional), 0 fat
Sample: whole lender's bagel= 2 carbs. 2 wedges Light Laughing Cow cheese.
Noon Meal:
2-3 Carbohydrate servings (2 starch, 1 milk), 1 or more Vegetables, 2 oz Meat group, 2 Fat group
Sample: Roll= 2 carbs., 6 oz light yogurt= 1 milk, salad= 2 vegetables, tuna salad= 2 fats, 2oz meat
Evening meal:
3-4 Carbohydrate servings, 2 or more Vegetables, 3oz Meat group, 1 fat group.
Other Pre Op Eating Goals:
Chew Food Well: each bite chew 20-30 times before swallowing.
Drink 8 8oz cups of fluid per day: No carbonation, sugar, or caffeine. Drink between meals ONLY! (Wait 1/2 hour before and after meals to drink)
Eat 3 planned meals/ 1 snack daily. Weigh and measure foods. Keep daily food journal.
Increase physical activity. Goal is 30 minutes 3-4 times a week.
Start 1 multivitamin daily.
Start calcium 2x's a day (1000-1200 mg/daily).
There's an extensive guide she gave me and she took care to cross out anything that didn't agree with my lactose intolerance or diabetic needs. It's a lot like WW and in fact, she gave me a point range (18-22) to go by and to work with what I was familiar with.
*12/29/03*
Today I met with Dr. Phillips, the pulmonologist. First of all, let me tell you- he totally impressed me with the way he entered the room. He looked me in the eye, he shook my hand and introduced himself. No looking down at the chart and writing impersonally for this doctor! He went on to ask all sorts of questions about my asthma and my current medications. He then asked questions related to my suspected sleep apnea. By the time we were done, he said there was no question I had sleep apnea and probably pretty bad and he was going to try to get me in for a study as soon as possible. He also said that if I didn't have a pulmonologist, he'd like to have me as a patient and felt that he could do some things with my meds that will have me feeling better. Of course I said yes! I will be seeing him again once the pulmonary function test and sleep study are done to be fitted for the cpap and then after I'm adjusted to that, he'll send his report to Dr. Aranow.
*12/30/03*
Today was another good appointment as I went to have the echocardiogram done. It was pretty cool to see my heart working and the tech said the blood flow looked good. I don't know yet if I'll still need the filter, but I'm willing to do whatever I have to do to have this surgery as safely as possible!
*1/5/04*
I got called for both the pulmonary function test and the sleep study today. I have the pft on the 14th... but I'm really disappointed about the sleep study. The earliest appointment they had available was for 3/2/04. The sleep apnea is really killing me. I am barely able to function on a day to day basis and I literally fear (considering where I work- a juvenile prison) falling asleep at work. It takes nothing more than me slowing down for a moment for me to doze off. If I sleep, I wake with a killer headache that stays with me all day. If I don't sleep, I can't concentrate and barely function. It's been a lousy cycle that hits it's lowest once a week or so when I literally can't fall asleep because I'm so overtired. There's no way to explain this to someone that doesn't go through this just how much sleep apnea really affects your entire life and goes so far beyond just a bad night's sleep.
*1/14/04*
I had the pft today... no big surprises there. My lung function without medication (I was told not to take my meds that day and the appointment was for 3pm) was 50% of predicted. There were a lot of other numbers, but Dr. Phillips will go over them with me... that one I knew. After medication (albuterol), my lung function was 75% of predicted- obviously medication does have an effect!!! Now to wait for the sleep study...
*1/15/03*
WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW!!! I got called by the sleep center and guess what??? They had a cancellation and I go in on Monday! I'm so thrilled!!! This is the last test and I'll be done with the preop testing... and on to approval and getting a date! OMG- I feel so awesome today! I am also thankful that the sleep apnea will finally be evaluated and I should soon be on the cpap and SLEEPING!!!
*1/20/04*
And first off, I will have to say THANK YOU for suggesting that I ask to try the machine last night! I was scheduled for a split study anyway, but it was good to ask and find out that I was going to be on the cpap.
It was an interesting experience. For those of you that are scheduled and don't know what to expect:
I arrived at 7pm and went over the survey with the technician. She was wonderful and really... they must look for personable people to do this. She was easy to talk to and I felt pretty comfortable about being there. You would not believe all the wires they connect you with! 3 on my scalp, 1 by each eye, 1 on my neck, two bands- one under my arms and one around my chest, two on each leg, and a microphone on my chest to hear my snoring (like she'd need that?!)- oh, and a tube measuring my breathing from my nose and mouth. After getting all hooked up, I had a couple of hours to "relax" before she plugged me in so I could sleep.
She told me ahead of time that if I "misbehaved" as bad as reports say I do, then she would stop the study and start me on the cpap and work on trying to adjust the levels to the right amount of pressure.
Well, I felt like I hadn't slept at all but she came back in some time later (no clock so I don't know how long it was) and said that the reports were accurate- I "misbehaved" plenty and she was going to put me on the cpap. I was also wheezing so bad from my asthma that she ordered an albuterol treatment. She gave me the treatment and then put me on the cpap.
I wasn't too uncomfortable with it- I guess years of nebulizer treatments prepared me. I found out real quick that you can't talk when you have the mask on and breathing through your nose really is your only option! I still recall waking a couple of times but she said when she woke me at 5 that I actually did fall into a deep sleep- even REM sleep!- once she got the pressure level set correctly (I must have been waking prior to that level being set correctly). She said that I rebounded very well after REM sleep which is also an indicator that I haven't had REM sleep in a while.
As we went through the last of the surveys and stuff before I went home, she gave me some really good tips. First of all, and most importantly, make sure you are really comfortable with the mask you get. When they come or you go to pick it out, try several. She said when she first started this 5 years ago, there weren't many options and you picked what worked best out of those few choices but that's not the case today. There are many different models to chose from and because you only get a new one every few months, you really do have to make sure that it's the best option for you or else you won't use it and that just makes all this pointless. She also said to try it out where you will be using it- on your bed or recliner and in the position you usually sleep. That's the only way you will know if it will work for you.
I will say that I actually feel refreshed this morning- and I don't know the last time I felt this way!!!
So good luck to all of you waiting for your test... and I can't wait for my machine!!!
*2/24/04*
The last 24 hours or so have been a complete shock to me. I have had two doctors appointments that have me here in a state of complete shock... not knowing how to feel. On one hand I feel relieved and "vindicated", if you will, by what has happened. On the other hand... I am ANGRY and hurt ... and have cried quite a bit.
First of all, I'll give you the results of my sleep apnea study . I stop breathing on an average of 95 times an hourand while they monitored, my blood oxygen level dropped to 81%! The doctor said that my oxygen level probably drops much more than this on a typical night because they did stop the study and put me on the machine whereas I go all night without treatment. Umm... guess there is a real reason for me to feel like I'm dragging, huh?
The next set of results are the ones that have really put a shock on me... and a warning to all of you. I had made the assumption that since I have talked to doctors for years about the growing seriousness of my weight problems and the lack of results from diet and exercise that when the pooh-poohed me it was because there was no medical cause for my weight issues. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! It seems my doctor was the first person to ever run a thyroid test!!!! There's a lot of debate on whether to diagnose hypothyroidism when the level is between 3.0 and 4.0. I wish that was the question... my TSH level is 45.54!!!!! I most likely have Hashimoto's Disease- to be confirmed with another test. I definitely have hypothyroidism... it's just what type that is to be determined. I am just totally in shock. Everything I've been saying about my diet and activity level just not adding up to the increasing weight issues and lack of success dieting... and no one ever thought to run this test.
So I sit here tonight just trying to process all of this and figure where to go from here. I asked my doctor about the surgery and without a second's hesitation he said I still need it. It seems the hormone replacement will stop further weight gain and take off some (maybe 20 pounds).... but I need this weight off NOW and the surgery is the only way to make that happen.
Some 24 hours, huh? One thing I can say is that the preop process alone has most likely saved my life- I was a walking time bomb and I had no idea!
LOL... I do have to add one chuckle.... You would think with a BMI as high as mine, I would be a poster child for high blood pressure and high cholesterol... yet both those numbers are FINE! Go figure!!!
*3/08/04*
I was officially diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease yesterday and put on Synthroid. My only problem is that I take calcium... 4 a day, two in the am and two in the pm, but you have to take the Synthroid first thing in the morning and need 4 hours between Synthroid and Calcium. Taking my medications is becoming a HUGE confusing mess!!!
*3/16/04*
Oy, what a weekend I have had :( I had a pimple early last week on the side of my nose... not a big deal, right? Well, it happens to be in a spot where my bipap machine rests and I guess the pressure from that all night turned a simple pimple into a raging staph infection. By Friday, the whole right side of my face was swollen and I in so much pain from the swelling and burning that I left work. By the time I saw the doctor an hour later, the swelling had gotten so bad that my right eye was half- closed! I am on mega doses of antibiotic and I will be returning to work tomorrow. I've stayed out because it's still open and weeping and it really hurts to wear my glasses.
On the surgery front, it seems I should have had a follow-up to the echo and they didn't schedule it. That office has been a pain in the butt to deal with so I just finally called back the surgeon's office and they are going to take care of scheduling this appointment. This is the doc they want to determine if I need a greenfield filter put in (to catch any blood clots) so it's really important. Hopefully, we can get this one scheduled already!
*3/28/04*
Talk about getting hit with a whopper? If I thought finding out about Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and the sleep apnea were bad... nothing could prepare me for this. I was in the hospital again three days ago for my asthma- admitted, but I pushed to be released (the care there was awful) the next day. Well, like last year, with the mega doses of prednisone, my blood glucose levels were out of control. When I left the hospital, I was told (like last year) to continue monitoring but no medication because it was the prednisone causing this.
This morning... I hit 429! I can't describe how I felt, although I guess it was like being drunk. I couldn't get words out and just calling the doctor was an effort.
I'm on insulin until I'm off of the prednisone. He confirmed his suspicions that the diabetes was induced by the prednisone last year and not just "discovered" because I was hospitalized. My blood sugars are reacting too wacky!!! I was all over the place today and I've been very careful with my diet- carbs, sugars, all of it. My lower lungs are clearer... but my upper lungs are still raspy and any exertion brings on an awful attack so I am home for a minimum two more days. There is improvement, though, and I'm thankful for that.
*4/19/04*
I went to the doctor in the am. She started me on long acting insulin and a water pill agreeing that both were definitely called for. I am officially diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes- brought on by the prednisone. I then went to the mall to spend a gift certificate my students got me. I didnt' know what I wanted, I just knew that I wanted something for ME! Well, we got as far as Brookstones and I found the perfect gift for me... a massaging foot spa! Oh man, does it feel nice!
Yesterday, I took the water pill. OK, I knew I would pee a lot but 20 times in a day?!?! LOL!!! But... the great news is... the long acting insulin worked! I woke with a blood sugar of 203. Took the long acting and my regular scale and lunchtime was 189... and dinner was 145- NO INSULIN NEEDED!!! and then bedtime was 164. Great numbers considering where I have been! I then called Joslin's... but my doc has to send over the referral so hopefully today I will get an appointment.
THE BIGGEST NEWS??? Checked in with the surgeon... and I am DONE with pre-op testing!!! I spent about half an hour on the phone with Lois (office coordinator) and let me tell you, I feel awesome! I have to weigh in tomorrow and I have my fingers crossed, but the only thing they need now is blood gasses (ouch!) and if weigh in goes well, I'll have a date!
*4/23/04*
It went so fast... but I must admit I was so thankful for the break. I got a lot of stuff done and finally, as of yesterday, I am set up with Joslin's. I have an appointment with one of their doctors on June 1st and then on June 8, 10, 15, and 17th I have classes for 2 1/2 hours each night with a follow up 6 weeks later. That should at least get me going! I also set up an appointment for tomorrow to get my support stockings and an appointment the end of May with the nutritionalist I saw for my surgery for some assistance with making some sense out of all my restrictions.
*4/27/04*
What a day yesterday...
I was swamped the minute I came into work yesterday. People in and out of my room all morning- but it was all good stuff so I'm not upset about that, it was just busy. Then I had what was a good WW breakfast- a Honey Nut Cheerios cereal bar. Well, it's not good for diabetes- or at least my diabetes! My bgl shot up to 300! 26 g of carbs doesn't sound like much, but boy, my body didn't like that. I went straight from job one to job two and came home at about 8pm knowing my vacation was over, LOL!
At least there wasn't any time for anything else to happen yesterday :)
*4/28/04*
I ended up coming home from work due to my diabetes again yesterday. That's two half days these past two weeks. I can't wait for my appt. with the specialist already because this current routine is just not working. I'm sure that anyone that is newly diagnosed, though, goes through similar experiences.
One positive note about diabetes and trying to control those numbers- I am so much more accutely aware of what I am putting in my mouth. At this rate, weight loss should be a given because I really want to see those numbers coming down as I know what the long term effects of high blood glucose levels are. To get those numbers down, diet is a huge factor. I am finally journalling and really counting everything. Let's hope I can accomplish both goals- lowering those numbers... and the numbers on the scale!
*5/24/04*
I am struggling with the diabetes. I really screwed up big time yesterday when I gave myself the wrong insulin and I spent the entire night up and testing to make sure I didn't end up comatose. I am really fighting to keep my numbers where they should be and it's just totally frustrating.
Finally, I have to admit that I am really battling depression right now. Gaining weight in spite of a tightly controlled diet and increased exercise... having to watch every drop of food that goes in my mouth- more vigilantly than with WW- and escalating bull at work are causing me to really be hanging on by a thread. I really feel like I'm just totally losing control and I don't know what to do.
*5/28/04*
I had another disappointing weigh in at the surgeon's office. I am on 1200 calories a day and journaling everything... I am walking and doing everything I can to lose weight... and I'm now up 10 pounds from when I first went to him in October.
I did take the time to talk to the nurse and express my frustration, but she also explained that there is no way that the doctor will change my weight goals because it's a matter of being able to fit on the CT scan post op. If there's a problem and I can't fit on the CT scan, the only way to see what's going on is to open me back up which obviously makes the proceedure much more dangerous.
She also said that just being diagnosed diabetic, he won't do the surgery until my numbers are in control. She defined that by 2 good HbA1c's...! Both the hypothyroidism and insulin therapy are contributing to the weight gain/ stagnation according to her and I just have to stick with it.
I walked out in tears.
*8/15/05*
I have had a lot of people e-mail me and ask how I am doing and how my surgery went so I guess it's time that I update this. As my last few entries showed, I had been really struggling with the diabetes and lack of weight loss. I went through several months of basically giving up on everything.
For the past seven months, I have been back on track keeping track of my diet and blood glucose levels with the intent of getting those two good HbA1c's necessary to move forward with my dream of having bariatric surgery. I had a setback when my father died in April but my numbers were better this past time than they had been and I am not giving up. I know that I need to have the surgery and I want it for me. I have to get back into things here, too, and keep myself motivated.
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I am almost 34 years old and I can't continue to live the way I am living. I hesitate to go out anywhere because I don't fit in the car, I have little energy to do anything, and I just can't do the things I want to do. I've been heavy most of my life and for the past 20 years, I have been MO. I am tired of being judged not by who I am, but how I look.
I am not so sure I want to do this, but I am certain I want to look into it. Part of the reason I hesitate with the surgery is that the diet afterwards is so much more restrictive and if I can't do WW.... what makes me think I can do this? At the same time, walking into meetings where few have more than 20 to lose and are then "at goal" is just as frustrating and discouraging.
*update 12/6*
I called Dr. Aranow in Middletown, CT and I am signed up for the May 1st orientation. I have the initial consult on June 10th. I am also going to go to the support group that meets bi-weekly at the hospital! I'm on my way!!!
*update 4/26*
I go in two weeks for my orientation. More and more people I know have changed their lives with this surgery- and what's better is that more people are receptive to this with the publicity it continues to receive. I am a bit nervous but very excited. The orientation was moved to May 6th- but you can bet I'll be there! I was really sick this winter with asthma and pneumonia and have been diagnosed with diabetes and preliminarily diagnosed with sleep apnea. I need to do this NOW... so I have a future!
*update 5/7*
Tonight, my best friend, my DH, and I went to my surgical orientation. What an informative... and absolutely motivating night!
First of all, he was extremely straightforward and honest. He really gave us a no-bull picture of the whole ordeal. He went through all the proceedures and the pros and cons of them all. I'll go through as much as I can for you.
When you go for the intake, he helps us decide which surgical proceedure is best, but after the presentation everyone in the audience seemed to know which category they fell into. He started off by defining Morbid Obesity (BMI over 40) and justification for the surgery. As he put it and the health organizations put it- simply, that the risks from morbid obesity far outweigh the risks from surgery.
He explained that after the RNY, your stomach is about the size of a marble (not the thumb as I had read) and that in 3 years it is about 1/2c. as opposed to the almost 1/2 gallon it is now. He explained that the key to the post-op (and lifelong) diet is smart choices. Basically protein and veggies. Vitamin supplements for the rest of my life (LOL, he said 2 flintstones are fine, think I can do that!)
He clearly went through the difference between the Lap-Band and the RNY. He will not perform the Lap-Band on anyone with a BMI over 50 (I'm just over that) and when he explained why, it further deepened my resolve to have the RNY. There are those that do really well with this, but they generally aren't those in my weight group. Only those that are very confident in their ability to follow the diet and not succumb to temptations are good candidates- as well as being lower BMI.
With the RNY, he explained the seriousness of following the diet. If you eat the diet you are given (about 1000-1200 calories 6mos out and beyond), you will lose weight and you will get to about 70% of your excess before weight. 20 years out, you have a 70% odds of maintaining 50% of your excess before weigth (ebw). You have a 50% odds of maintaining the 70%. He warned, though, that as little as having one orange a day above the diet... translates to 15% more calories and will be enough to lessen your results. Oh- he doesn't do the lap-RNY and explained that the risks for staple line leaks are higher and that he can't feel and check and be as confident that the staple line is secure laproscopically. He also said that there just aren't as clear pros for it other than cosmetic and that the open proceedure only has an opening big enough for his hand to get in- not the full "railroad" lines I had thought.
He went over all the risks... and his personal figures with each. His numbers according to INSURANCE RATERS are the best in the state! He has had one death in over 1000 proceedures. That death was someone with severe complications, but he explained very well what happened... as he did with the 2 staple leaks he has had and the one serious embolism. 4 cases in 1000 that had "serious" complications. I would say that's more than acceptable risks and I really do feel that I am in good, competent hands.
He then went over co-morbidity rates... and post surgical rates with them. Most people are cured if not significantly better from diabetes, hypertension, GERD, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, arthritis, asthma, cardiac dysfunction, stress incontinence, and menstral problems after the proceedure.
There's more that I'll probably remember later, but one of the things that impressed me most was that he will not take you if he doesn't trust you to follow his post op directions. He will work with people whose risks are too high to get them in the safe zone, but will not operate on them until the risks are within acceptable limits. He will turn away patients and is more concerned with doing the proceedure that's right for you than just doing any proceedure.
*update 8/19*
I finally am on the road to banking the sick time that I will need for surgery so I have scheduled my intake surgical appointment. Next step? October 28th!!!
*update 9/28*
Well, I'm 34 today. It was honestly the worst birthday I have ever have and I just am feeling really crummy tonight. It was going to be the last birthday that I could have had a cake... and no one did one anyway- not my husband, not my kids...
I have been spending time volunteering here to do profiles for people and it helps me keep focused while I wait- and wait- and wait for the time to pass until I can get my surgery. 1 more month until the surgical intake and then I'll begin the pre-op testing. June just can't get here soon enough!!!
Anyway... just feeling sorry for myself tonight and needed to get on here and type.
*update 9/30*
I HAVE to let you know... while my DH was my DH and didn't do, here's what I finally got out of him- because I am out of work and the last 5 days were unpaid (and so will each day I continue to wait on clearance from the doctor), he wanted to make sure there was the money in the bank to help pad things over and was afraid of putting our budget in jeopardy. OK- I can't argue (much) with that- just wish men weren't so black and white all the time- it's either all or nothing and not one of them seem to be able to see that there is a middle ground!!!
Now... on to the cake. My son actually DID plan a cake- and went to quite an extreme to get it! I had mentioned how I wanted it to be special since it is my last cake. A few years ago we went to one of my ex co-worker's annual party two years in a row. His party is known to all that attend for his outrageous cake. My son actually remembered how to get to this house he had only been to twice and not for the past three years to go and ask where the cake was from- and this house is almost two hours away! He then ordered it but had to pick it up yesterday- an hour and a half away!!! He got it from this place Take The Cake (it's the Black Silk Mousse) and here's a pic! LOL- nothing like saying goodbye to cake in style, huh????
After my pity party post on the board on my b'day... I had to make sure I came in and "cleared the air" because I really did get what I wanted after all- the cake and a DH that really was trying to make things as easy as possible on me since I am the one to juggle the finances and I'm the main breadwinner.
*10/20*
I went to the support group tonight. It was neat- got to meet Lucy and Elaine from Dr. Aranow's forum :) I got a lot out of the meeting including finding out WHY we should not drink with our meals. I knew that you aren't supposed to, but I didn't know why. What they said at the meeting was that the first 6 mos. post op, you don't drink while you eat because it will fill you up too soon and after 6 mos, you don't drink while you eat because it pushes the food through too quickly. Makes sense!!!
*10/28*
SURGICAL INTAKE!!!
YAHOOOOO!!! I'M OFFICIALLY PRE-OP!!!! Yup, Dr. Aranow accepted me as a patient! I am so excited and just so happy to be officially on my way :)
On Dr. Aranow's board, everyone talks about how long he takes with you. I guess he could tell that I really knew what I was doing by the questions I asked because it wasn't the hour long meeting that others had. The appointment lasted about 40 mins. He asked how I ended up choosing him and I told him about researching the surgeons in Connecticut on the wls surgery board. I told him when I had done that, it narrowed it down to him and one other doc. Called the other doc first and wasn't impressed... and between that and 100% positive rating with all the people giving reviews- he was it :) He corrected me at that point- he said he hasn't had the time to check the board himself, but his mom does- and ONE person said that he spent too much time typing on his PalmPilot, LOL!!! Oh- he also said he has no idea how other doctors have time to post on their boards and added sort of as an aside that they must not have enough patients, LOL!!! I loved his sense of humor! He asked a few questions about my health- but really not many. Next thing I know, he's going over all the pre-op testing with me.
I did ask one question and the answer again was something I wasn't aware of. One of the tests we go through is a sleep study for sleep apnea. Well, I questioned why. He strongly advocates that if you are on a cpap machine as of the day of surgery you are off. It seemed a waste of time to me because by the time the test results are in, you're fitted for your machine, and you actually get your machine, most people are only on the machine for a month or so. He explained that when you first get the machine, you tend to swallow a lot of air- therefore a lot of burping. While 90% don't need the machine as of the day of surgery, 10% still do. That extra air and burping is enough to break the staple line... so he wants you adjusted to the machine long before surgery. Makes sense!!!
Those of you that have met me may recall that I have awful discoloring in my legs- similar to "age spots". One thing I found out yesterday is that is severe varicose veins. He wants me in support hose and because it is so bad, he is having me go for an EKG and will decide after he looks at those results whether or not I'll need a greenfield filter. I'm not thrilled over a permanent implant... but considering what it prevents (pulmonary embolism), it's certainly not something I'll turn down if recommended!!!
He wants me to lose 20 pounds before surgery... losing weight before hand accomplishes two things... first, it shows that I'm willing to follow the regimen after surgery and secondly, it makes it easier for him to do the surgery. Also, the last two weeks prior to surgery, he wants me on either Atkins induction stage or the South Beach diet. Severe dieting shrinks the stomach making it again, easier. This surgeon really does everything he can to make the proceedure as easy as it can be.
*10/30/03*
Wow... it's amazing... all of a sudden, everything seems to be happening. I have my appointment with Dr. Kim Daniels for the psych eval on November 10, I have an appointment for a physical with my doctor on November 16, and then the pulmonology appointment on December 29th. The pulmonologist will set up a second appointment for prescreening for the sleep study when I'm there on the 29th. The rest of the appointments are made through my surgeon's office- dietician, radiology (ultrasound of gallbladder), and cardiology (EKG).
I also talked to my supervisor at work... and he's fine with me taking the time needed and even suggested that instead of me worrying about sub plans for three weeks, that we find another teacher to run the class. It's so great to have such support!!!
*11/10/03*
Today was the big day- the psych eval with Dr. Kim Daniels. First thing I noticed walking into her office was the "size friendly" furniture :) I was really happy to see that because it showed she really cares for your comfort. She was inviting in both her tone and her body language and set me right at ease.
We spent the next two hours thoroughly going over the paperwork I had filled out for her. She asked me what made me look into the surgery and I told her how horrible I felt when I had realized that I had regained all the weight I lost through WW. I sort of tried going back, but my heart just wasn't into it. I had always thought I was too fat for the surgery but somehow had decided to look into it and I really can't recall how. She also asked how I ended up with Dr. Aranow and I repeated what I said to Dr. Aranow and she was just as pleased as he was with my responses. Another thing she asked a lot about was what I was doing to research the surgery and I told her I had done a lot of research here at OH and other online sites, that I was reading books on surgery and that I have been working through Along the Weigh, Michelle Boasten's journal companion for her book.
We really went through my eating habits and she asked more detailed questions about when I eat and how. More and more I was realizing that I'm not doing anything so far out of the norm as to equal where I'm at- and that's her assessment, too. I don't binge eat (except when I'm coming off a round of prednisone for my asthma), I don't eat in response to emotions, I don't eat uncontrollably... Of course, we also talked about all my "wonderful" attempts at dieting. I told her that I really did well with WW... but it was the mental frustration of not being able to think of being anywhere's near goal for 7 or 8 years that was a huge stumbling block. The other problem I had with the plan was that I couldn't moderate- I could do all low fat and low cal and end up with 20 point days... or I could "open the floodgates", but I couldn't do just a little "regular" foods to keep my point intake where it should be. She again saw nothing wrong with that and made me feel so good that I WASN'T a failure.
She had me describe my surgery to her and asked me what the risks were- to which I replied embollisms and staple line leaks. She also talked with me at length about what my concerns were for postop. I told her quite honestly that I am not afraid of having the surgery done but that I did have concerns about being able to follow the regimen. I mean, I know I can follow a plan and that the purpose of the surgery is so that I have the tool to help me with it, but I have had years of failure at every other attempt so I do fear this failing too. She said that if I didn't worry about that, she'd be concerned. That it's totally normal to feel this way. I also told her that since I have overlapping skin now and deal with skin issues now, I'm NOT looking forward to more extreme issues post op. Again, a normal concern and she said that the support group would really help with those issues.
All in all, I was quite pleased with the appointment and she clearly let me know that she was recommending me for the surgery. I do have to go back in a few weeks to fill out some surveys but she didn't seem to think anything will turn up with them. I respect quite a bit that she said if something does come up in the surveys, she would call me before calling Dr. Aranow. She ended the appointment by telling me that if I felt I needed to come in at any time to talk about my concerns, to feel free to do so and that she also runs a therapy group if I am really having problems post op.
*11/16/03*
I had my physical today. Wouldn't you know... last minute my doc had to switch hours with the other doc and I ended up with her for my appointment. I was not thrilled with her, the exam, her attitude, or anything about that appointment and I'm so glad it's over.......
*11/17/03*
I met with Amy- the nutritionist. Wow! She went over everything about my diet both pre-op and post-op and put things in very literal terms for me. Pre-op I'll be doing an "approximation" sort of of the post op diet. I'll continue to count points, but I also will be tracking carbs and grams of protein. She also wants me to start weening off coffee (GULP!!!) and not drinking with meals. I'll also start taking a daily multivitamin and calcium supplement.
One of the things she showed my husband and I was a medicine cup with a "O" drawn on it. The medicine cup IS the size (more or less) of my stomach post op. The "O" represents the opening to the stomach. I'm glad she did that because I don't think my husband was really getting it.
She introduced me to some of the products I will be using after the surgery and went over protein amounts in each- taking care to select things that would go well with my lactose intolerance (no Carnation Instant Breakfast for me!) and diabetes. She also showed me something called Beneprotein which is a protein additive (powder) that you put in your food. It's 6 grams of protein per scoop and it's basically tasteless. Not bad!
It was a very informative session and she did say that she would be letting Dr. Aranow know that she feels I'm a good candidate for surgery. WHHOOOO HHOOOOOOOO!!!!
*11/20/03*
Now that I have some time... I figured I would post this:
Before Surgery Meal Plan
8-10 Carbohydrates (Starch, Fruit, Milk groups combined)
6 oz Meat and Protein group
3 or more Vegetable group
3 or less Fat group
Total Calories: 1200
Morning Meal:
2 Carbohydrate Servings; 1 oz Meat group (optional), 0 fat
Sample: whole lender's bagel= 2 carbs. 2 wedges Light Laughing Cow cheese.
Noon Meal:
2-3 Carbohydrate servings (2 starch, 1 milk), 1 or more Vegetables, 2 oz Meat group, 2 Fat group
Sample: Roll= 2 carbs., 6 oz light yogurt= 1 milk, salad= 2 vegetables, tuna salad= 2 fats, 2oz meat
Evening meal:
3-4 Carbohydrate servings, 2 or more Vegetables, 3oz Meat group, 1 fat group.
Other Pre Op Eating Goals:
Chew Food Well: each bite chew 20-30 times before swallowing.
Drink 8 8oz cups of fluid per day: No carbonation, sugar, or caffeine. Drink between meals ONLY! (Wait 1/2 hour before and after meals to drink)
Eat 3 planned meals/ 1 snack daily. Weigh and measure foods. Keep daily food journal.
Increase physical activity. Goal is 30 minutes 3-4 times a week.
Start 1 multivitamin daily.
Start calcium 2x's a day (1000-1200 mg/daily).
There's an extensive guide she gave me and she took care to cross out anything that didn't agree with my lactose intolerance or diabetic needs. It's a lot like WW and in fact, she gave me a point range (18-22) to go by and to work with what I was familiar with.
*12/29/03*
Today I met with Dr. Phillips, the pulmonologist. First of all, let me tell you- he totally impressed me with the way he entered the room. He looked me in the eye, he shook my hand and introduced himself. No looking down at the chart and writing impersonally for this doctor! He went on to ask all sorts of questions about my asthma and my current medications. He then asked questions related to my suspected sleep apnea. By the time we were done, he said there was no question I had sleep apnea and probably pretty bad and he was going to try to get me in for a study as soon as possible. He also said that if I didn't have a pulmonologist, he'd like to have me as a patient and felt that he could do some things with my meds that will have me feeling better. Of course I said yes! I will be seeing him again once the pulmonary function test and sleep study are done to be fitted for the cpap and then after I'm adjusted to that, he'll send his report to Dr. Aranow.
*12/30/03*
Today was another good appointment as I went to have the echocardiogram done. It was pretty cool to see my heart working and the tech said the blood flow looked good. I don't know yet if I'll still need the filter, but I'm willing to do whatever I have to do to have this surgery as safely as possible!
*1/5/04*
I got called for both the pulmonary function test and the sleep study today. I have the pft on the 14th... but I'm really disappointed about the sleep study. The earliest appointment they had available was for 3/2/04. The sleep apnea is really killing me. I am barely able to function on a day to day basis and I literally fear (considering where I work- a juvenile prison) falling asleep at work. It takes nothing more than me slowing down for a moment for me to doze off. If I sleep, I wake with a killer headache that stays with me all day. If I don't sleep, I can't concentrate and barely function. It's been a lousy cycle that hits it's lowest once a week or so when I literally can't fall asleep because I'm so overtired. There's no way to explain this to someone that doesn't go through this just how much sleep apnea really affects your entire life and goes so far beyond just a bad night's sleep.
*1/14/04*
I had the pft today... no big surprises there. My lung function without medication (I was told not to take my meds that day and the appointment was for 3pm) was 50% of predicted. There were a lot of other numbers, but Dr. Phillips will go over them with me... that one I knew. After medication (albuterol), my lung function was 75% of predicted- obviously medication does have an effect!!! Now to wait for the sleep study...
*1/15/03*
WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW!!! I got called by the sleep center and guess what??? They had a cancellation and I go in on Monday! I'm so thrilled!!! This is the last test and I'll be done with the preop testing... and on to approval and getting a date! OMG- I feel so awesome today! I am also thankful that the sleep apnea will finally be evaluated and I should soon be on the cpap and SLEEPING!!!
*1/20/04*
And first off, I will have to say THANK YOU for suggesting that I ask to try the machine last night! I was scheduled for a split study anyway, but it was good to ask and find out that I was going to be on the cpap.
It was an interesting experience. For those of you that are scheduled and don't know what to expect:
I arrived at 7pm and went over the survey with the technician. She was wonderful and really... they must look for personable people to do this. She was easy to talk to and I felt pretty comfortable about being there. You would not believe all the wires they connect you with! 3 on my scalp, 1 by each eye, 1 on my neck, two bands- one under my arms and one around my chest, two on each leg, and a microphone on my chest to hear my snoring (like she'd need that?!)- oh, and a tube measuring my breathing from my nose and mouth. After getting all hooked up, I had a couple of hours to "relax" before she plugged me in so I could sleep.
She told me ahead of time that if I "misbehaved" as bad as reports say I do, then she would stop the study and start me on the cpap and work on trying to adjust the levels to the right amount of pressure.
Well, I felt like I hadn't slept at all but she came back in some time later (no clock so I don't know how long it was) and said that the reports were accurate- I "misbehaved" plenty and she was going to put me on the cpap. I was also wheezing so bad from my asthma that she ordered an albuterol treatment. She gave me the treatment and then put me on the cpap.
I wasn't too uncomfortable with it- I guess years of nebulizer treatments prepared me. I found out real quick that you can't talk when you have the mask on and breathing through your nose really is your only option! I still recall waking a couple of times but she said when she woke me at 5 that I actually did fall into a deep sleep- even REM sleep!- once she got the pressure level set correctly (I must have been waking prior to that level being set correctly). She said that I rebounded very well after REM sleep which is also an indicator that I haven't had REM sleep in a while.
As we went through the last of the surveys and stuff before I went home, she gave me some really good tips. First of all, and most importantly, make sure you are really comfortable with the mask you get. When they come or you go to pick it out, try several. She said when she first started this 5 years ago, there weren't many options and you picked what worked best out of those few choices but that's not the case today. There are many different models to chose from and because you only get a new one every few months, you really do have to make sure that it's the best option for you or else you won't use it and that just makes all this pointless. She also said to try it out where you will be using it- on your bed or recliner and in the position you usually sleep. That's the only way you will know if it will work for you.
I will say that I actually feel refreshed this morning- and I don't know the last time I felt this way!!!
So good luck to all of you waiting for your test... and I can't wait for my machine!!!
*2/24/04*
The last 24 hours or so have been a complete shock to me. I have had two doctors appointments that have me here in a state of complete shock... not knowing how to feel. On one hand I feel relieved and "vindicated", if you will, by what has happened. On the other hand... I am ANGRY and hurt ... and have cried quite a bit.
First of all, I'll give you the results of my sleep apnea study . I stop breathing on an average of 95 times an hourand while they monitored, my blood oxygen level dropped to 81%! The doctor said that my oxygen level probably drops much more than this on a typical night because they did stop the study and put me on the machine whereas I go all night without treatment. Umm... guess there is a real reason for me to feel like I'm dragging, huh?
The next set of results are the ones that have really put a shock on me... and a warning to all of you. I had made the assumption that since I have talked to doctors for years about the growing seriousness of my weight problems and the lack of results from diet and exercise that when the pooh-poohed me it was because there was no medical cause for my weight issues. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! It seems my doctor was the first person to ever run a thyroid test!!!! There's a lot of debate on whether to diagnose hypothyroidism when the level is between 3.0 and 4.0. I wish that was the question... my TSH level is 45.54!!!!! I most likely have Hashimoto's Disease- to be confirmed with another test. I definitely have hypothyroidism... it's just what type that is to be determined. I am just totally in shock. Everything I've been saying about my diet and activity level just not adding up to the increasing weight issues and lack of success dieting... and no one ever thought to run this test.
So I sit here tonight just trying to process all of this and figure where to go from here. I asked my doctor about the surgery and without a second's hesitation he said I still need it. It seems the hormone replacement will stop further weight gain and take off some (maybe 20 pounds).... but I need this weight off NOW and the surgery is the only way to make that happen.
Some 24 hours, huh? One thing I can say is that the preop process alone has most likely saved my life- I was a walking time bomb and I had no idea!
LOL... I do have to add one chuckle.... You would think with a BMI as high as mine, I would be a poster child for high blood pressure and high cholesterol... yet both those numbers are FINE! Go figure!!!
*3/08/04*
I was officially diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease yesterday and put on Synthroid. My only problem is that I take calcium... 4 a day, two in the am and two in the pm, but you have to take the Synthroid first thing in the morning and need 4 hours between Synthroid and Calcium. Taking my medications is becoming a HUGE confusing mess!!!
*3/16/04*
Oy, what a weekend I have had :( I had a pimple early last week on the side of my nose... not a big deal, right? Well, it happens to be in a spot where my bipap machine rests and I guess the pressure from that all night turned a simple pimple into a raging staph infection. By Friday, the whole right side of my face was swollen and I in so much pain from the swelling and burning that I left work. By the time I saw the doctor an hour later, the swelling had gotten so bad that my right eye was half- closed! I am on mega doses of antibiotic and I will be returning to work tomorrow. I've stayed out because it's still open and weeping and it really hurts to wear my glasses.
On the surgery front, it seems I should have had a follow-up to the echo and they didn't schedule it. That office has been a pain in the butt to deal with so I just finally called back the surgeon's office and they are going to take care of scheduling this appointment. This is the doc they want to determine if I need a greenfield filter put in (to catch any blood clots) so it's really important. Hopefully, we can get this one scheduled already!
*3/28/04*
Talk about getting hit with a whopper? If I thought finding out about Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and the sleep apnea were bad... nothing could prepare me for this. I was in the hospital again three days ago for my asthma- admitted, but I pushed to be released (the care there was awful) the next day. Well, like last year, with the mega doses of prednisone, my blood glucose levels were out of control. When I left the hospital, I was told (like last year) to continue monitoring but no medication because it was the prednisone causing this.
This morning... I hit 429! I can't describe how I felt, although I guess it was like being drunk. I couldn't get words out and just calling the doctor was an effort.
I'm on insulin until I'm off of the prednisone. He confirmed his suspicions that the diabetes was induced by the prednisone last year and not just "discovered" because I was hospitalized. My blood sugars are reacting too wacky!!! I was all over the place today and I've been very careful with my diet- carbs, sugars, all of it. My lower lungs are clearer... but my upper lungs are still raspy and any exertion brings on an awful attack so I am home for a minimum two more days. There is improvement, though, and I'm thankful for that.
*4/19/04*
I went to the doctor in the am. She started me on long acting insulin and a water pill agreeing that both were definitely called for. I am officially diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes- brought on by the prednisone. I then went to the mall to spend a gift certificate my students got me. I didnt' know what I wanted, I just knew that I wanted something for ME! Well, we got as far as Brookstones and I found the perfect gift for me... a massaging foot spa! Oh man, does it feel nice!
Yesterday, I took the water pill. OK, I knew I would pee a lot but 20 times in a day?!?! LOL!!! But... the great news is... the long acting insulin worked! I woke with a blood sugar of 203. Took the long acting and my regular scale and lunchtime was 189... and dinner was 145- NO INSULIN NEEDED!!! and then bedtime was 164. Great numbers considering where I have been! I then called Joslin's... but my doc has to send over the referral so hopefully today I will get an appointment.
THE BIGGEST NEWS??? Checked in with the surgeon... and I am DONE with pre-op testing!!! I spent about half an hour on the phone with Lois (office coordinator) and let me tell you, I feel awesome! I have to weigh in tomorrow and I have my fingers crossed, but the only thing they need now is blood gasses (ouch!) and if weigh in goes well, I'll have a date!
*4/23/04*
It went so fast... but I must admit I was so thankful for the break. I got a lot of stuff done and finally, as of yesterday, I am set up with Joslin's. I have an appointment with one of their doctors on June 1st and then on June 8, 10, 15, and 17th I have classes for 2 1/2 hours each night with a follow up 6 weeks later. That should at least get me going! I also set up an appointment for tomorrow to get my support stockings and an appointment the end of May with the nutritionalist I saw for my surgery for some assistance with making some sense out of all my restrictions.
*4/27/04*
What a day yesterday...
I was swamped the minute I came into work yesterday. People in and out of my room all morning- but it was all good stuff so I'm not upset about that, it was just busy. Then I had what was a good WW breakfast- a Honey Nut Cheerios cereal bar. Well, it's not good for diabetes- or at least my diabetes! My bgl shot up to 300! 26 g of carbs doesn't sound like much, but boy, my body didn't like that. I went straight from job one to job two and came home at about 8pm knowing my vacation was over, LOL!
At least there wasn't any time for anything else to happen yesterday :)
*4/28/04*
I ended up coming home from work due to my diabetes again yesterday. That's two half days these past two weeks. I can't wait for my appt. with the specialist already because this current routine is just not working. I'm sure that anyone that is newly diagnosed, though, goes through similar experiences.
One positive note about diabetes and trying to control those numbers- I am so much more accutely aware of what I am putting in my mouth. At this rate, weight loss should be a given because I really want to see those numbers coming down as I know what the long term effects of high blood glucose levels are. To get those numbers down, diet is a huge factor. I am finally journalling and really counting everything. Let's hope I can accomplish both goals- lowering those numbers... and the numbers on the scale!
*5/24/04*
I am struggling with the diabetes. I really screwed up big time yesterday when I gave myself the wrong insulin and I spent the entire night up and testing to make sure I didn't end up comatose. I am really fighting to keep my numbers where they should be and it's just totally frustrating.
Finally, I have to admit that I am really battling depression right now. Gaining weight in spite of a tightly controlled diet and increased exercise... having to watch every drop of food that goes in my mouth- more vigilantly than with WW- and escalating bull at work are causing me to really be hanging on by a thread. I really feel like I'm just totally losing control and I don't know what to do.
*5/28/04*
I had another disappointing weigh in at the surgeon's office. I am on 1200 calories a day and journaling everything... I am walking and doing everything I can to lose weight... and I'm now up 10 pounds from when I first went to him in October.
I did take the time to talk to the nurse and express my frustration, but she also explained that there is no way that the doctor will change my weight goals because it's a matter of being able to fit on the CT scan post op. If there's a problem and I can't fit on the CT scan, the only way to see what's going on is to open me back up which obviously makes the proceedure much more dangerous.
She also said that just being diagnosed diabetic, he won't do the surgery until my numbers are in control. She defined that by 2 good HbA1c's...! Both the hypothyroidism and insulin therapy are contributing to the weight gain/ stagnation according to her and I just have to stick with it.
I walked out in tears.
*8/15/05*
I have had a lot of people e-mail me and ask how I am doing and how my surgery went so I guess it's time that I update this. As my last few entries showed, I had been really struggling with the diabetes and lack of weight loss. I went through several months of basically giving up on everything.
For the past seven months, I have been back on track keeping track of my diet and blood glucose levels with the intent of getting those two good HbA1c's necessary to move forward with my dream of having bariatric surgery. I had a setback when my father died in April but my numbers were better this past time than they had been and I am not giving up. I know that I need to have the surgery and I want it for me. I have to get back into things here, too, and keep myself motivated.
Fast Day 1
Sep 21, 2009
OMG... only 13 more days and 78 more shakes to go?!! What the hell have I gotten myself into??? LOL, Joanna from the office called and only then did I find out that I can also have chicken broth, sugar free jello, and sugar free ice pops. Chicken broth never tasted so gooooood!
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Today's my party :)
Sep 19, 2009
Call it combination Birthday and Good Luck party :) My birthday falls in the middle of the fast (which I guess isn's such a big deal with Yom kIppur also falling on it) and I wanted one last "safe" hurrah and not to mess up my fast so I planned a party today with my fast starting Monday. I've told everyone that in lieu of birthday presents, bring some good foods to the party and we'll all celebrate together.
I had my endoscopy on Thursday. The did a biopsy because there was a little gastritis but they said that's normal and it looked fine. Dr. Barba shook my hand and said he'll see me on 10/2 when I have the filter put in... and then on 10/5. I can't believe that after 7 long years, I am here. I never thought I would get to this point and I'm excited about what lays on "the other side".
My only remaining concern besides the obvious is that I had a very rough time coming out of the light anesthesia for the endoscopy. I had a severe asthma attack and pulled all the muscles from my next to my waist. I haven't had a reaction like that from anesthesia for a long time. Here it is more than a day later (and several neb treatments later) and I'm starting to get past it. I am just hoping this isn't indicative of the reaction I'll have to the main surgery because it almost certainly means that I will be in ICU and on a respirator.
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I had my endoscopy on Thursday. The did a biopsy because there was a little gastritis but they said that's normal and it looked fine. Dr. Barba shook my hand and said he'll see me on 10/2 when I have the filter put in... and then on 10/5. I can't believe that after 7 long years, I am here. I never thought I would get to this point and I'm excited about what lays on "the other side".
My only remaining concern besides the obvious is that I had a very rough time coming out of the light anesthesia for the endoscopy. I had a severe asthma attack and pulled all the muscles from my next to my waist. I haven't had a reaction like that from anesthesia for a long time. Here it is more than a day later (and several neb treatments later) and I'm starting to get past it. I am just hoping this isn't indicative of the reaction I'll have to the main surgery because it almost certainly means that I will be in ICU and on a respirator.
Pre-Op Blood Work Done :)
Sep 14, 2009
One more step closer! Thursday is the endoscopy... Friday is the Pre-Op Education Class ... Saturday is my B'day/Good Luck party before the fast. I finished making up menus and shopping lists for the kids and my "just in case" letter. I have to work on MY shopping list now. All I got so far is the meal replacement, vitamins, and chap stick, LOL.
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About Me
New Britain, CT
Location
48.9
BMI
Surgery
08/11/2014
Surgery Date
Jan 11, 2009
Member Since
