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I hope this turns out okay because I have no idea what is on this screen. The backscreen is grey and it is not showing me what I am typing, although once I get done, it should go to the blog page and be there. So, let me say I am sorry for the typing errors in advance!

That is why there is no June blog on here either. I did not know that is why I could not put anything up. I just thought it was not working. Well, it seems to work, I just can't see any of it til it gets to the blog so, oh, well~~here goes nothing.

Let me start off by updating a bit from June~ The last NUT visit was on June 3rd, and I finally weighted in at 2242 for a lose of8, which was a 10 lb. weight loss from May. They turned in all my insurance and paperwork on that day and I got an approval the next day, June 4th! I was so excited! We set up the surgery for July 2nd, and to begin the infamous two-week liquid diet on tuesday, June 18th.

So, fast forward to June 20th, the pre-op appointment. I weightin at 242. . I see the NUT, nurse, and then the surgeon. He took his time, made me feel really comfortable and he answered al of my questions.

Now, to July 2nd. Weigh in at hospital 233! Whoot! Lost 9 lbs on liquid diet! So, surgery went fine. Had a morophine pain pump. Ppumped it a few times and then started having the vivid dreams and pushed one more time, and boom, here come the spiders crawling all over me!! This was all before two o'clock! Surgery was over and I was in my rom at noon! So~~anyhow, doc comes in and says you can have diluadid but it is 7x stronger. I say does it do all that like the dreams and things? He said no. So I said, give it to me! I took 2 doeses and that was enough. Too much and gave me a headache! Later that evening, I got toradol and stayed on that til I went home on the 4th. Now, on my 4th day out, I am only taking some Loratab elixir in the morning and at bed, mostly for the chronic back pain since I have the liquid pain meds! I have a little pain from the surgery, but nothing too bad! The pain meds I am taking are just replacing the usualy 4 that I take in a pill form every day until I can get some more of this weifht off.

So, there you have it! So far, so good. Been getting at least 30 grams of protein in via protein drinkks, and themn at least 40 oz of otheher fluid such as water, crystal light or broth. I have had some jello along the wqay, but am just worried right now about the protein and the water! Been walking at least 1 1/2 miles per day now. I am still in the recliner until the right lower quadrant feels a bit more comfy . I sure hope this is fixed by the next time I want to blog cause this is killing me not seeing what I am typing! Hope it isn't too bad and if it is, I am truly sorry! Take care ya'll and best wishes!

Nut visits that is. I have finished 5 of 6 on Wednesday, May 1st. Last month, I weighed in at 266. This month, I weighed in at 258. She looked surprised. Or stunned rather, was the word. She said," ummmm, that's 8 lbs. not good", not wow, or nothing like that, just ummm, 8 lbs. Did I lose too much? I just felt that something did not "sit" right with her. Maybe she just wasn't expecting an 8 lb lose from me.

Progress

Month 1 Jan- 275lb 4 oz

Month 2 Feb- 270lb 4 oz

Month 3. March 270lb 12 oz

Month 4 April 266lb

Month 5 May 258

Oh, well, that is what it is. And she also says that my insurance is a fast one to approve, usually within 48-72 hours, so I should have a surgery date within four weeks of my last visit (June 3rd) and possiblly have surgery the first week of July! Not getting hopes up, but that is coming quickly!!! Anyhow, I also asked how much time would be needed off of work, and since I do not do a whole lot of physical labor, then probably just the time from surgery to the two week check up if there are no problems! That would be wonderful!!! I am going to pray hard that God has all of this in His timeline, not mine. He is the one in control of this situation, not I.

Well, I am going to go for now, and to let you know, all paperwork is turned in and the psych eval was turned in and I am not crazy! Whew~~that was a load off my mind!

Best wishes to everyone who in line to get to the other side and swift recovery to those who are just on the other side! I will be there one day in the not-so-distant future!

Connie

Well, as I am looking here, and seeing that the last post I wrote, April 12th, did not get up here, I guess I will update and tell you about that. Friday, April 12th, was when I had the EMG test on my thighs for the burning sensations. The pain management specialist (PMS) sent me to this other physician after he could not find out what was wrong with me because I was not diabetic, only pre-diabetic.  And, I had not developed all of the "normal" symptoms. Whatever that meant! Anyhow........when I went to have this test done this other physician was great. The first thing out of his mouth after I had described the burning while standing, he immediately asked if I had put on a great amount of weight. I said yes. He told me to take him through the timeline. Long story short, went from 230 at March 2012 to 275 at Dec 2012. 45 lbs in 10 months!!! Of course, this was due to my ankle injury and surgery, and being off of work and not being able to walk and had massive restrictions. Had a ligament reconstruction!

So, he did the test, found my muscles were great, located the pinched nerve in the groin area from the weight gain, and sent a report to the PMS to recommend a nerve block and that I lose at least 50lbs by Dec. Then, I mentioned to him that I was in the process of seeing a WLS NUT for requirements for insurance for an RNY. He said that would be the best thing for me because if I did not lose this weight fast, then this problem with the burning sensation in the thighs caused by this pinched groin nerve would be a life long problem. Oh, not what I wanted to hear! So, that puts a big PRO in this RNY surgery column.

I have to go see my PMS on Tues to schedule this nerve block, and then see the NUT for the 5th out of 6 times on Wed. It is coming closer and closer to "go" time. My PCP has cleared me for surgery and will help in the lifelong process for yearly blood work. The NUT told me in April that she had all the necessary test results back except for the psych eval and the PCP clearance. The eval was done back in March so they are just waiting on that and have til beginning of June before last visit. The psych office is right there in the same hospital complex as the WLS center, so, it should not be an issue. The psych's office said it takes up to 60 days. So, it should be done soon.

Other great news, weigh in at last NUT visit was 266 in early April and then on April 12 at the other physician's office the scale said 261. I am not going to post that officially here because I am going to see my NUT next Wednesday and will just report that visit weight in. Wish me luck! I am also now release to full duties regarding my ankle and the worker's comp. I am working at JCP around 24-30 hours/wk and walk at work appx 2 miles a day. It is great to get back to work, although, somedays, I still have to come home and ice and elevate as the swelling and pain are still there. Not as bad as before, but still there. I am just glad that I am able to walk without that boot and that I am losing weight again. I just can't wait til this RNY and being able to look into jogging! I am so looking forward to getting back into shape where I can walk a flight of stairs at work without having to stop in the locker room and sit for 10 minutes to catch my breath before I clock in. (Sometimes the elevator is broke!) And, remember, I don't smoke!

Well, I hope everyone enjoys their weekend, as I am not feeling well today and did not go into work because of it. I hope this post makes it on here!

Connie

Well, went to the PCP today to talk about the paperwork for the social security. He filled it out and just said that I will be denied. I said I know that most people are denied and you have to keep trying at least 2 or 3 times. Well, after that appointment, the medical woman from the social security office (who had been trying to reach for me for two weeks) had called while I was on my way to work and she asked me about my back and how long I have had pain and the arthritis and how it affects my everyday life. Wow, we were on the phone for over a half hour. I had also put on there depression and we had talked about that and I am going to see about getting that approved as well. We shall see. We shall see.

Anyhow....back to the topic at hand, back pain. I am in tremendous pain tonight and have been since about 3:30 p.m. I was at work (JCP) and near a register, just trying to move my right leg and the pain just shot me in the lower back, and stopeped me in my tracks. Then, after I got off at 5, I got some supper, went to the church (I disciple a young lady), took a pain pill, ate a bit, took evening meds, it is about 6:10 at this point, and boom, sharp pain on the left low back as I am sitting and I cry it hurts so bad. Woooo! I finish the study with her, go into the church service that begins at 7 and when it is over around 8 and the pastor is praying, booooom, sharp pain again, on the right side, making me cry again! I go to my car, slowly, sit slowly, and pain in the left side. I cried at least half way home on the 20 minute ride. I sat for awhile then decided to get on here and just write. Oh, and other good news, doctor had me go to the lab this morning before work to get the other thyroid test instead of waiting til May, cause he doesn't want to wait that long if anything is wrong, and also told him that I need a clearance before June for the bariatric surgeon if the thryoid comes back fine. He said even if it does not, he will still clear me for surgery cause losing the weight will only benefit all that is wrong!

He surprised me with that answer! He was not fully on board at the beginning back in December when I had gone to the informational session. He had wanted me to make sure that I knew what all this surgery entailed and that this was a life-long committment and to make sure that I get all my lab work done every year! So, I have been telling him I have been faithful to my nut visits and to my research and that my surgeon sees my once a year after the first year for the rest of my life anyhow. He said great! So, that makes me feel better.

Well, getting ready to go lay down and rest. I have tomorrow off, and need to rest this back! Take care all! Well, one day closer!

NUT visits that is, or RD visits, which ever you prefer. Today was my 4th visit out of 6 required for my insurance! Whoohoo! That only means time is passing right along!! I have not written on here in a few weeks although I have had some changes happen. First of all, today, when I got weighed, I lost 4.8 lbs!!  That is good for me!

Next, last Tuesday, I went to see the Pain Management Specialist (PMS-from here on out), and my MRI on my low back showed that no nerve was being pinched by my bulging disc. I do have arthritis down there, but not affecting the nerve area. So, why are my thighs going numb? Well, it is not diabetes, because I am just pre-diabetic and the last check I had back in March, after being on Metformin for three months, did not alarm the doctor, because he never brought up the A1C results. His concern was the high thyroid result. He is going to recheck that again at the end of May (before my last nut visit June 3). So, back to the PMS~~~

Well, he is stumped by the numbness and tingling in the thighs so I am going to have the EMG test done next Friday, the 12th. That is where they stick needles in your leg muscles and do electrical tests on them. I am sensitive to a blunt object touching them (paperclip) feeling like needles whereas that same object on my arm feels like a blunt object and not like sharp needles. So, they want to rule out some things by this test first.

Nut visit went well. We have started to discuss surgery and what to expect afterwards. She told me to I will be expected to get in 65g of protein a day, but water is always most important! Then, I should only be in the hospital for a full Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and then go home on Wednesday evening that is if there are no complications and the upper GI goes well on Tues and I get the fluids in on Tuesday and Wednesday before being released. She said that Dr. Lalor usually allows for 2 weeks off of work and this includes the days for surgery and may extend it a few days til his check-up appt. I am glad about that cause I was just off for a bit over a year and I don't want to take a month or 6 weeks off if I don't have to! So, that was good to hear!

I had a great visit today, and I asked her if all patients have a fear before their nut visits are done, and she said yes, and it is very normal. I told her I just can't believe that I only have 2 more visits to go, then I can meet with the surgeon. I have to get my doctor's clearance and I explained to her about the thyroid issue and his concern with that first, and she said okay. I am going to see my PCP for another appt tomorrow for a check on the wellbutrin so I will discuss it again with him. I am just getting excited and can't believe I have already done 4 out of 6 required visits!! I have all the pre-op requirements done and the surgeon's office is waiting on the psych's eval which was taken on March 4th, and they said that takes up to 2 months, so that still has time. Then, just my doctor's clearance before June 3rd, and then..................wait for the go ahead to see the surgeon to check all paperwork in June to turn in to insurance and then wait.............

Getting closer......................

Well, here it is almost 2 weeks from the last blog. I have two more weeks to go to nut visit #4. Moving right along. Well, got on my home scale this morning and it says that I have last 3 lbs since march 4th. I am now back to work and hoping to lose another 4-5 by the next nut visit on April 2nd. I have done so well with not having sweets until today. I have had a snack cake brownie. I have not eaten many sweets since first starting the weight loss journey. I have had some, but have cut way back from my very, very sweet tooth. I am glad I have had to be required 6 nut visits because I don't think I could have just completely given up sugar in a couple of weeks. It is easier and easier to pass the stuff up, although, I got a craving today and gave in.

I just wanted to say that I love reading in the forums and really appreciate all the posts and replys. I take the info I want, and disgard that which does not apply to me at this moment, although, will keep in the back of my head for future reference. It is great to know that we can come together and support one another on this journey of life together. Thanks for the support! Other than that, I am really praying that this pain management doctor that I see on the 26th of this month can really tell me why my thighs are going numb and if my back is worse off than what my PCP says. My herniated disc from 2005 is now a bulging disc and there is masses of arthritis in the lower back and I can't hardly stand to even be on my feet for more than 1/2 hour before the thighs start to go numb and my back starts to hurt bad. And, did I also say that I work at JCP and am a floor associate and have to stand my whole shift 4-6 hours? Wow, I just started back last week after being off one full year for this ankle ligament reconstruction. What's next?

Well, I have rattled and rattled and should be going to bed. Have a great night (or day)!

Connie

Hi there. Well, update on my latest nut visit yesterday. Whoot, whoot! that was the 3rd of 6 which means 1/2 way done with these visits. I was worried about gaining weight from the stress and pain I have been in the last month, and I only gained about 1/2 lb. I was glad with just that! The nut told me not to worry about that! As long as I can maintain or lose and not go over my original 275, then I am good. I told her that my goal was to lose about 20-25 lbs before the 6th visit. Well, I don't think that is going to happen, although I would still like to lose at least 15 before that 6th visit. She told me not to "stress" over it, as long as I don't gain! Well, I explained to her that I still have not gone to a support group meeting, and she said since I live over an hour away, it was not a big deal since she has in her notes that I keep a blog on here and that I am always reading the forums on RNY and can get my information and support from a group and that this is a great place to get that kind of support! So, thanks to all of you for your help and information so far!

Well, not only did I go for the 3rd of 6 nut visits yesterday, I also got all my pre-op testing done! Gallbladder ultrasound, chest x-ray, upper GI xrays, and EKG. I had the blood drawn last week so I am good on that. I also had the psych eval done yesterday and the doctor told me it would take at least 6 weeks before Dr. Lalor would see any results. The receptionist told me not to ask before 8 weeks is up. That is exactly why they told us to get the psych scheduled as soon as we had our 1st visit done. I have followed all of the instructions so far, and I am praying that April, May, and June's nut visits go as planned so that things can be sent into the insurance. Look at me, I am acting like I did as a kid when it was a week before summer camp! I always had my back packed and by the door one week in advance~~every year!! I am praying that all tests are okay and there are no delays when it comes to seeking approval from the insurance in June! I don't want to delay this surgery any longer.

I am so ready to begin losing this excess weight so I can take alot of pressure off of my back. I am still in pain every day from just walking, and the tighs going numb!

Oh, had a check-up with my PCP concerning the pre-diabetes. He didn't even bring that up, so I am assuming that the pills 2x a day are bringing that under check. He did tell me however, that a 5 lb weight loss in two months is not what my body should be doing. He says my thyroid test showed a high number on that, and that I should have lost more than that! He said it has become hyper-thyroid, and since this is the first test result of that kind, he is going to let it "ride" for three months then come back for another blood test on it, and then consider medication if necessary. I told him I had been depressed since late October when my husband left, and not having money to pay bills and take care of my son, and just all sorts of things I am worrying about that makes me not even want to get out of bed some days! Some days, I will get out of bed, but the heck with getting dressed, especially on a day with nothing planned. I also told him of the inability to sleep. He told me to begin taking Wellbutrin 2 x day and it should give me more enery and help with that depression. He said it may even give me enough enery to do more things and begin to lose weight!

Well, at 48, I think I have tried everything to lose weight and keep it off, and nothing works, so this is why I am bringing in the tool of bariatric surgery. I know the risks, and the pitfalls, and if I didn't think it would improve my overall quality of life, I wouldn't be moving ahead. There are risks with lots of surgery, and this is no exception. We have to vigilant on the aftercare (my doc does 2 wk, 2 month, 6 month 1 year and every year thereafter, along with any concerns to the stomach area whenever the need arises), so I know they are with us through the whole life process. I had asked the nutrtitionist about this yesterday and she said that we will be told that after surgery that if we have any aches, pain, nausea, or anything unusual, even if we think it is just the "flu", that we need to call his nurse 1st and then they will decide on our symptoms whether to go see him, or our PCP. I pray this will be the kind of service we get afterwords. Any one else with Dr. Lalor in Bowling Green? So, far, I do like what I am finding out about him and his practice!

Well, I have rattled on and on, just like I always do, but one last thing~~the ankle surgeon has cleared me to go back to work at JCP for 4 hours a day for 2 wks, then 6 hours a day for 2 wks to see if my ankle can deal with it! Whoot, whoo! Since I am able to go back to work after one year, I may be able to drop at least 10 lbs in 4-6 weeks since it will be more movement! Looking forward to being able to become more active! Have a great day! Take care until next time..............

Hi all. Am still in pain in the low back from when I stepped my right foot down too far over the left side in my last physical therapy session on Tuesday, the 26th, for my ankle. I was balancing on my left (bad) ankle and had my right leg off the ground throwing a medicine ball up against a small trampoline and had to bounce the ball back and forth as many times as possible. I have done this before, and gotten about 12-15 out of 20 at a time. Tuesday, I was loosing my balance at 11 and my right leg landed why far past the left leg in the front. I felt something stinging quite badly in the low right back. I already have an old hernitated disc, and degenerative disc disease, along with arthritis of the spine since in my early 20's due to some car accidents.

I went to my ankle surgeon yesterday and am released back to work with restrictions of 4 hours the first two weeks, and then 6 the next two weeks. They won't re-orientate me until the 12th or 14th, so..........I also had to get some bloodwork done for my re-check on pre-diabetes on March 7th. I went to the chiropractor yesterday for some help on the back, but as he was stretching me and rubbing my low back, I began to cry because of the pain. He stopped and told me to wait to get the MRI and bring him a copy as well. So, called doc and all he said was "arthitis of the spine". I knew this, but I wonder how big it is. I am going to doctor on the 4th instead of the 7th, because I can hardly walk again today. Need lots of prayer!

Getting anxious again for Monday. That's when I have my testing done for this WLS along with my 3rd nut visit. The doctor said it was not to early to get everything into his office although my last nut visit is June 3rd. I am getting excited to get all of this behind me. Last visit the nut said the doc was back about 3 weeks in setting up surgery. So, after June 3rd, she said with insurance approval and provided all testing and psych eval is all done, and clearance from family PCP, then I should have surgery in July. I am praying that still holds true as time draws closer!

Take care, and I am calling this one done for now!

Hi there. Just writing down a few things tonight because I have not been able to sleep, literally for months. Okay, so let me take that back. I have not had good sleep in 4 months. I have had nights where I am in the bed, room dark, tv off, and cannot fall asleep for hours. Last night was not exception. I watched a bit of tv in the evening out in the living room. I had to get up around 7ish to get ready for a few appointments today. After laying down about 11:45 p.m., I am wide awake, thoughts just racing back and forth. Husband left in late October, back has been hurting, ankle is slowly getting better, got teeth pulled in January, waiting on dentures, lost a few lbs. last month, and my future daughter-in-law continually puts me down and disrespects me on facebook. I talked to my son about this and then she tells him she does not want to get married. ??  She hates me and calls me a "hypocrite" trying to give advice when I have had two failed marriages! I told my son if she "talks" (writes) to me like that, I just can't imagine how she talks to her parents! She will be 23 in a week or so, and will be graduating from Ohio State University in May!

They plan on getting married in September, although, she did tell me on Sunday evening that she is being "forced" into marriage and having children once married by my son! If she don't want to do this, she needs to get out now. But, wait, she can't. He pays the rent, electric, cable, and her school bill! Then, on top of that, he feeds her, clothes her, and still gives her $$ for the week while he is out on the road driving truck!  She is so ungrateful! I am a mess right now!

I don't get into their business and don't tell my grown kids how to live their life. I do give advice and from both sides so they can think and make informed choices. I do not want them to go through life and make the same mistakes I do.

I think I do give good advice on marriage, because I left the first one because of physical abuse for 15 years, and then this one fell down hill when my husband up and told me he wanted a divorce and threatened physical harm. I kicked him out. Well, he has not bothered to help me or even call to see if I need anything. He is a truck drive, making the good money, and I was on worker's comp at $212 every two weeks. Yes, $212! So, what happens when I am not back to work yet? I have not worked since Feb of 12! I have a 16 year old son and I feel so bad, because we are two months behind on rent, and thank goodness, my sister-in-law (on husband's side) felt so bad for me that she took me to Sam's Club and Wal-Mart a few weeks ago to stock up on our personal hygiene items. What a Godsend she is! I love her to death!

Then, back to the whole month of February! I had not really cried or missed my husband until this month and that was probably due to him showering me with gifts on Valentine's Day all the time. We had been together since 2005, and married in 2007. I truly loved this husband. The first husband, I thought I loved, but it was more of just because we had kids. This second husband, I fully, and truly loved and hate to say it, but still do, although, I am smart enough to know that he could care less about me, and that is so obvious!

Being the good Christian woman, I pray for him every day. Not that he will come back, because I won't take him back, but that God keeps the man safe. I have forgiven him for bailing, but, I never "mourned" his leaving. I have cried almost every night since the beginning of the month!

I just had an MRI on my back this past Saturday, the 23rd. My thighs have been going numb and the doc thinks that my sciatic nerve is pinched. I do have a herniated disc from 2005, but that is the last time I had an MRI done, and for almost two months, I have been in lots of low back pain along, with loss of feeling in the thighs. If I go see the specialist and he suggests surgery, I will tell him I would like to wait until I have WLS, so that I can at least get some of this weight off and see if that reduces quite a bit of pain. I hurt it today, and sitting here in pain now. I just took another pain pill, but I hate the feeling I get from taking them and the after effect of feeling sick and lathargic after a few days.

Please remember me in your prayers as I have been dire straits for a few months and the stress these past few days have made me swell up and gain some weight. I think about 4 lbs, and I know this is not uncommon with stress and pain. I just pray that I can relax a bit and loose them before Monday's nut visit.

Oh, good news from the dentist today! Denture molds look good, he filed the top down a bit today, and we ordered the teeth to go in them and I will have teeth on March 19th! Well, I got 10 bottom ones and I will have a full top denture and a lower back partial! I am so excited since he pulled the teeth back on January 10th!! Whoot, whoot! And also, March 4th will mark the 1/2 way mark for the nut visits!! June 3rd is last visit!!!

Well, I have rattled on, and will come back on here after Monday's nut visit, along with the psych eval visit! Wish me luck! Seriously, keep me in your prayers!

Until next time!

Well, in a week and a half, I will be having two tests (x-ray of upper GI, ultrasound of gallbladder) before my 3rd nut visit. After that, I will head back to the x-ray for the other two tests, chest x-ray and EKG. After those tests, then I go to the psych eval appointment. I go next week to get blood drawn for those vitamin, mineral, and other levels they do from the blood sample. After that, no tests to worry about! All I will have is the 3 more nut visits and then wait on approval, and that will be "all she wrote". I don't any kind of delay to be my fault, that is why I am getting all these "ducks in a row". I had ordered the sample package from UNJURY (with 10 packets, a shaker bottle, and a cooking thermometer) on Tuesday, and it arrived today! I am so excited. I have several kinds of protein shakes right now in the cupboard, waiting on all this to be accomplised and ready to go when I get the okay to do the 2 week pre-op liquid diet! I am buying a few kinds of protein shakes a week to store up for the surgery and am going to buy a big container of unflavored protein to put in food when I am post-op and ready to take in regular food.

I have read many a story on here about losing alot of hair. I have done some more research and have found that I take this biotin before hand and continue post-op, that I should not loose as much hair as if I had not taken it pre-op. I am just praying that this will all work out. I just had to go to the doctor because my GERD has been acting up lately and everything has been getting "stuck", even pills, in my esophagus! I have been burping quite a bit and sometimes so much that by the end of the night, I can end up with a sore throat from the back up of bile! I saw him on Monday, and he has put me on protonix 40 mg in the morning, and continue with pepcid 20mg at bedtime. Well, if this combo of medicine does not work, I go back to see my doc on March 7th for a recheck on pre-diabetes, and will let him know if this medicine for th GERD has helped. If it has not changed, he wlll do the scope.

Who knows? Also at my pcp appointment on Monday, my blood pressure reading was 132/90. Not the first time it has been high, but have not had too many readings where it is high, so the doctor is not concerned yet about it. He said that if I come back in a couple of weeks with a high reading, then maybe we will look into it, although, I have had rather great bp readings the past few years that he is not so concerned yet.

With me having some doubts lately on whether to really go through with this RNY, I think that the high reading and the GERD going crazy has just made me realize that I want this surgery so that I can get off this pre-diabetic medication, GERD meidcation and loose this weight so that I can walk without feeling all the pain in my knees and hips from this arthritis. If I did take off 100 lbs. I know I would feel much better.

Well, just a blog to let myself know, I am watching me!! LOL

Until next time...........