Cindy J.
11/8/06 Surgery was Monday, November 6th, my new Birthday! Yeah! I had some doubts again just before the surgery. It was delayed three hours so I had time to think...way too much time! But with the help of my sweet brother and son who came to support me, and some great Christian CD's I was ble to wait it out. I prayed for the emergency operation that preceded me that she would come out well, and then it was my time. I was asleep before I knew it, and awake before I knew it! Everything went well, Dr. Foster and the anestheologist, the hospital staff at Mills Penisula Hospital in Burlingame were top notch and I was treated like a queen! I could not be more pleased! My thanks goes out to them. I could not et anyone to eat the See's candy I brought for them, however!!g
My first day out from the hospital today was a little rough. The pain is not too bad, but I confess to being uncomfortable with what feels like a bad side ache, and had some diarrhea and very bad gas today! I did not have the heart to wake my brother up who came to take care of me! But all is well this evening, and I feel so loved and supported! I really look forward now to this journey I am taking, and I know I will be very successful and feel so mch better in a few months time! Thank you all in the Lab Band world who offer such great support and wisdom! I so appreciate each and every one of you!
10/22/06: I had my third appt. with Dr. Foster Friday. It went well, and I had my pre-op visit at the hospital and met with the presurgery nurses (two of them!) and the nutritionist, as well. The Doc is pleased with my continue weight loss. I now weigh 256 pounds. She said I did not have to do the full liquid diet preop diet this last two weeks..whoo hooo! I was not looking forward to that!
A surprising thing happened, but maybe not so surprising. I got scared and unsure after my appointment. It is only two weeks away before my life changes forever, and a way of life I have known and clung to like a lifeline is about the change. Can I really do this? Do I really want to? Part of me says "heck no, this is ridiculous!"
The other part of my mnd (the sensible sister) says..."keep going, girl! It is a struggle to not do one last meal after the other. I have come so far; it would be so foolish to blow it now and regain the weight I have worked so hard to lose!! I do feel so mch better these days. I am exercise 3 to 4 times a week, longer periods of time. I die to my old self ...so I can live life more fully as God intended! Yes!
Now that the date has been set, I confess, I am feeling somewhat apprehensive and wondering if I have made the right decision...Normal jtters, I think, so I am not going to dwell on it, and am going to contine to work on weight loss and eating healthy. My preop stuff is in a mere three weeks. That will break up the time until surgery!
Now if I can just get my hind end in gear to do more exercising!
9/14/06. Well, I could not help myself. I had a "last meal." It was my son's 21st birthday, and I overate, big time. I was not hungry after halfway through my meal, and kept on eating. I don't suppose anyone else has done that! :):):) I go back to see the surgeon for a 'weight check" on Septmeber 29th. Hopefully, everything will be in that I need to submitt and get approval for the insurance co. I thought the coordinator was going to put in for approval sooner, but she says "no." Oh well, I am getting kind of discouraged, after making the decision, then having to wait so long before I even get to know if insurance approves it or not. I know my surgeion is very busy, so fear I will have to wait a long time for a date, and taking time off for work, also, is a consideration, as I should schedule in advance to make it easier for my boss to cover me. Our schedules are made out a month ahead of time..sigh...
I am slowing losing more weight, but am so consipated right now, even with taing extra fiber that the Doc suggested, that I am sure I have lost more than I know! LOL! My scale says I am 267 at work, down from 285 when I started in May. I realy am working hard...so why am I not loisng weight faster? I sure hope the band works better than this!!!
9/1/06 I saw my surgeon today for a consult, Dr. foster. She was pretty matter of fact, and thngs are in motions to get insurance approval. I go back for a weight check at the end of the month! Any breakfast receipe ideas??? I get tired of eggs! I am concerned that she will be very busy and will not be able to get a surgery date for October...oh well, all good things come to those who wait, right? I lost 15 poinds since May, guess that was not good enough for her. But I look at it this way. I don't want to lose time losing weight "while I wait!" So I will work hard until m surgery, where I guess I will be working harder! My mind is rebelling right now...hope it behaves! I keep telling my mind that I am in control, not it! LOL!
August, 2006: About me: Hi! I am 55, an RN and work in an Intensive care Nursery for sick Newborns. It is interesting and challenging and rewarding work. I am a single parent, but my bird has flown the coop and will be 21 in two months! Generally I am positive and upbeat; this weight situation sure "weighs" on my mind..and other parts, however :):)
I have benn overweight my entire life; on a diet most of that. I have given up the last year and gained back 23 of a 40 pound loss. I am sick to death of it all. I have high hopes for the Lap-Band surgery and am encouraged by people's input in this forum. I look forward to being on the other side and able to encourage others as you all are doing.
I used to love to hike and walk. I hope my feet stop hurting enough to get back to this, and get back on a bike, too. I love to read, but hope to do less of this once I lose weight and feel better!
I am afraid I will feel too restricted and be sorry I can't t eat that big bowl of ice cream, or that 12 ounce steak and baked potatoe! This is my biggest fear!
I would appreciate any support and encouraging words right now.
Thanks so much, you great banders! Cindy
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Pamela Foster, M.D.
Insurer Info:
Healthnet
This company has been been very respnsive so far. I hd to meet a 6 month supervised diet requirement, plus weight and comorbidities reqirements, which is reasonable. I am waiting for approval or denial, but my surgeon scheduled the date, none the less. Post date 10/13: Approved!!! Only one week!
