HollyJ

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Tomorrow I will be three months out from surgery.  What a crazy time this has been so far and so worth it.  I have been back to work for two and a half weeks now and feel great!

I am 3.6 lbs away from my Easter goal of 220lbs...so close.  The biggest thrill today has been discovering that my BMI is 39.6 which makes me simply obese.  No longer super morbidly obese or even morbidly obese...WOW.  This is really working...even for me.

I have had great fun in the past week shopping for, or even just trying on new clothes.  I can now wear a regular 16, not a womens size 16 in bottoms and some tops.  Shopping is so much more fun, can't wait to be at goal and go on a major shopping trip.  I refuse to spend too much money on clothing at this point as it seems such a waste, but I did splurge on a couple of pairs of dress pants and blouses for work.  I've discovered that Jay Set is a great place for great sales in many sizes and styles and sure beats Value Village.

I am so excited to break 200lbs...that is my next goal and only an amazing 23.6lbs away...unbelievable!  When you think only 3 months ago I was 15 lbs away from 300 lbs!!  I am so thankful for this surgery and so glad that I did this for myself!

                          MARCH 12, 2009          APRIL 9, 2009

BUST                       48"                              45.5

WAIST                     43"                               41.5

HIPS                       48"                                46

RT THIGH              26"                                24

LT THIGH              26.5"                             24

RT CALF               17.5"                              17

LT CALF                17.5"                              17

RT ANKLE            10.5"                              10

LT ANKLE            10.75"                            10

RT UPPER ARM 14.5"                               13.5

LT UPPER ARM  14.5"                               13.5

RT WRIST              6.5"                                6.5

LT WRIST               6.5"                                6.5

NECK                    15"                                   14

Wow, it has been two months and what a difference time makes...I feel fantastic!  I have lost over a third of my excess weight already and have not even really had to work at it.  Other than taking vitamins and attempting to get in 100 grams of protein and 64 oz of water/ fluid.  I had such a rough time the first four weeks, but it is all so worth it!

I am eating pretty good now, steak is one of my favorites as well as crab legs and shrimp and poached egg on toast.  I can really eat almost anything now, in small portions and eaten slowly.  I have never vomitted, not even in the early days, but have come close.  I do not feel deprived and am definitely developing a heathier relationship with food.  If you have recently had DS, hang in there, it gets so much better!

I cleaned out my closet last night and got rid of a ton of clothes that are too big and that will NEVER fit again...that was awesome!  I tried on some old clothes that I had outgrown and that have been waiting for me to fit back into and they all fit! I cannot get over the changes 52 lbs has made on my 5'3" frame.  My legs look and feel so much leaner and I have to look twice at my face just about everytime I look in the mirror, I no longer have a double chin, my dimples are back and I am seeing cheekbones emerge.  My belly has shrunk a fair bit too and my husband says that my ass is diminishing quickly as well!   

I will definitely need to do some shopping soon as I am returning to work in two weeks from today.  I am definitely ready to return and am actually a little excited to get back into the routine.  

I am anxious to see what changes the next couple of months bring and am actually looking forward to attending a high school reunion in July.  I probably wouldn't have gone before the WLS, but am excited to attend now.  I will likely be lighter than I was in high school by July...unbelievable!

I am so thankful to have had this surgery and to Dr. Lutrzykowski for his expertise in the field.  I will now live a much longer, healthier and happier life!

I was nervous about the appointment because I knew I did not lose 15 lbs.  According to Dr. L's scale it was worse that I thought...I only lost two.  He actually didn't even mention it, bless him!  He was very thorough explaining the risks of surgery, but also very reassuring.  He is such an amazing man!

I am so impressed with the Crittenton Hospital and the staff  have dealt with so far.  They have made me even less fearfull of surgery tomorrow.  What an experience this is...I am even enjoying my low sodium chicken broth!

Well, we arrived in Michigan tonight after quite a drive.  The weather was terrible between Sudbury and Barrie, but pretty good from Toronto through to Troy.  We decided to stay at the Red Roof Inn, it is not the Drury, but not bad either.  Clean, comfortable and a lot of room, not to mention the excellent price!  Had a great dinner out, liquids clear only tomorrow.

The whole thing is a little surreal to me, I cannot believe I am actually getting this done on Friday!  Time has flown and I can only hope that time moves as quickly through my recovery stage.  I'll meet with Dr. L in the morning and am prepared to get proper shit for not losing the 15 lbs.  I think I am down 7, but am worried that his scale will be different than mine...yikes!

I have to go to Crittenton tomorrow too, according to pre-admitting two of my blood tests are expired, I know one is the CBC and can't remember the other, the results are only good for 30 days.   I'm glad to have the opportunity to check the hospital out before Friday anyway.

It was a horrible, almost scary experience, but with the help of a stomach flu last night, I dropped 5 pounds.  Only 6 to go to meet Dr. L's 15 lbs target.  Let's hope I can keep these 5 off once I'm back to normal.

Saw my PCP today.  He expressed his amazement at my approval and the speed at which the process has gone.  It really is amazing.

Have all my requisitions for blood work and imaging and have made all the appointments.  Now there is just the issue of the 15lbs Dr.L wants me to lose!  Does he not know it's Christmas??  I know it's not much to ask...I really need to get my ass in gear!

Oh...and I have an Angel too.  Thanks Heather M!

Oct 6th: Initial appointment with PCP and signed OOC sent.

Oct 14th:  OHIP requests further info from my PCP

Oct 16th:  Further info sent into OHIP

Oct 20th:  OHIP approves consultation.  Dr.L's office calls with the news.

Oct 21st:  Official approval arrives via Purolator, consult booked with Dr.L for November 21st.  Couldn't make the earlier available appointment of October 31st :(

Nov 26th:  Surgery date booked for January 9th!!  Only three months span between OOC being sent and acutal surgery...amazing!!

 

I cannot believe it...I am virtually approved...consult anyway and then it's all up to Dr. L from what I've heard.  This has all gone way, way faster that I expected.  I now hope to be switched in the New Year!!

I picked up the response letter from my PCP this morning and I think I'm closer to being approved than I thought I was yesterday.  Here it is word for word.

The duodenal switch is recommended by Ontaro experts usually only for super obese patients with a BMI of 50 or higher because of a higher incidence of complications both during suregery and long term - such as vitamin dificiency and malabsorption.  Please indicate why you have chosen this type of surgery for your patient?  If your patient encounters a post-surgical complication, please provide your plans for repatriation and follow up care.

Most is easily addressed, such as why he chose this type of surgery.  We are not sure how to address the follow up, post-surgical care and repatriation question though. 

I'm feeling so hopeful now!!