instibob

Send Message

Block

Add Friend

December 30, 2007
Yesterday was my one year "surgiversary"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also my 6th wedding anniversary!

Dear hubby and I slept in and then he wanted to know what I wanted to do. Personally, I would have liked to stay at home, but I knew he had been off work for a week and was stir crazy. We ended up going to Paducah to hit the after Christmas sales. When we drove by Lourdes, he asked if I wanted to drop by, and the rest of the day we recounted what we were doing a year ago--waiting in preop, my being in surgery so long, him being told about the complications during surgery, etc.

Yesterday, I weighed 153. I wore size 6 jeans, a medium turtleneck, and a size small cardigan.

I have been hovering between 151-153 for a while now. However, I am not displeased. I try to follow my diet, but during the holidays I have not done well. I am trying to do better.

I feel great. People tell me I look great. My bloodwork looks great, and my doctors (Dr. A & staff and my PCP) are thrilled.

I am so blessed.

August 26, 2007
I DID IT!!!!! I weigh 158 (and a few ounces)! Boy, does it ever feel great.....

I have been at a conference this week and was so afraid after eating restaurant meals that I would have gained weight. I tried to make healthy choices, took the stairs as much as possible, and I swam. It paid off.

Thursday, I had a checkup at Dr. Argotte's. My bloodwork was excellent. I am only a little low on B12 and iron. I am taking B Complex sublingually once a day now (after the appointment) and 1 iron tablet.

For those who are reading this profile, I have two pieces of advice. First, get your protein in...at any cost. I tried, but I had a lot of hair loss from the combination of rapid weight loss and not always getting my protein in. The second piece of advice is that when you are losing your hair, start taking Biotin. I take 2 tablets each morning, and my hair is coming back in very well.

August 10, 2007
I really did not think I would be one of those people who would quit posting to my OH profile, but look what I did.

Hello to all reading this. I am now 7 and 1/2 months out from RNY Gastric Bypass, and I am doing great!

I have lost about 85 lbs., and right now my weight loss is very slow. I keep wavering between 161-163, and I really want to lose a couple of pounds so I can be in the 150 bracket.

I tend to forget that people who haven't seen me in a while continue to be shocked at my appearance and some don't recognize me anymore. My family (aunts, uncles, cousins and their families) gathered at my parents' home on July 4th, and I was surrounded by them all, gaping and asking questions. I heard again and again, "You look like you did in high school!"

This journey is not an easy one. It is not the "easy way out" as implied by many misinformed people.

The benefits for me outweighed the risks, and it has paid off big-time. I no longer have diabetes. I no longer have hypertension. I no longer have sleep apnea.

I do have determination, stamina, and a new sense of pride.

And, by the way, the last pair of jeans I bought were a size 8--I haven't had on an 8 since I was 11 years old.

Life is good!

March 30, 2007
Still doing well after my gallbladder surgery. My nausea has almost completely vanished.

I cannot eat greasy or fried foods. They make me sick instantly. I still have some texture issues as well. But all in all, I consider myself very fortunate.

Some wonderful things that have happened as a direct result of my success:
--I am off blood pressure and diabetes medicines.
--I can climb a flight of stairs without huffing and puffing.
--I can cross my legs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
--I can buy clothes in the regular size department.
--My BMI is down from 42 (morbidly obese) to 30 (the low end of obese). With just a few more pounds, I will be only overweight!
--My husband brags about me to friends and family.
--I actually bought a size 12 pair of jeans and have them on right now.....SIZE 12!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so grateful.

March 15, 2007
I went to Dr. Argotte on March 1 for my 2 month checkup. He walked in the door and said, "You look great. Your gallbladder has got to come out."

Crap.

So I asked when. He said, "Next Wednesday." (March 7).

Crap.

Guess what? I had gallbladder surgery Wednesday, March 7. I went home the next night and was back to work on Monday, March 12.

I didn't know I had any gallbladder problems, but the HIDA scan showed my gallbladder was functioning at less than 5%.

Since my surgery, I haven't been having nearly as many nausea or vomiting episodes. I am guessing that having my gallbladder removed was a good thing after all.

I am not scheduled for any more procedures until April 20, when my IVC filter is scheduled to be removed.

On another positive note, my BMI is down 10 points. Yippee!

February 10, 2007
I have officially passed my six-week mark! I had an appointment with the PA yesterday to make sure all is well after my third (and final, I hope) EGD to dilate the stoma between my pouch and small intestine.

The appointment went well. I went from the "big" BMI chart to the "little" one!!!!!!!!! Wanda, the nurse, hugged me and told me how proud she is of me. I am proud of me, too!

I am solidly in size 16 jeans now, after wearing a 22W to the hospital. That delights me.

This week I had two problems: 1) Eating too fast--it hurts and can only be relieved by throwing up, and 2) Eating too much--forgetting my limit and being VERY uncomfortable from it.

I have learned to take a bite and walk away. Go get another bite in no less than 2 minutes. 5 or 10 is better still.

And when you are told to "Chew, chew, chew!" please listen. It is imperative.

February 12, 2007
Went to the PCP today. I absolutely loved making him tell me "You're doing great!" since he didn't want me to have this surgery in the first place. I am down 15 lbs. since I saw him one month ago. My blood pressure was 118/78--picture perfect. I don't have to see him again for 3 months.

February 17, 2007
Tuesday night I began having symptoms of a stomach virus and spent 3 hours throwing up. What a way to start Valentine's Day!

Wednesday, Wanda from Dr. Argotte's left a message on my cell phone that my gallbladder ultrasound and HIDA scan had been scheduled for Friday. ????????????????????? I didn't know anything about it, so I called the office. Seems that the P.A. decided to schedule me for those tests since I had been having some problems with throwing up, etc.

I went yesterday for both tests. No big deal. Test results should be to Dr. A at the beginning of the week. I have said that if he recommends gallbladder removal I may scream, but thankfully that is usually an outpatient procedure now.

I also met with the dietitian. I think she is the first person in my life who told me I need to eat more!!!!!!!!!! I am to transition to full diet next week, including salads and fruit. I don't know if I am ready. I am still working on solid food.

I have thrown up several times this week, and I am hoping it is just viral. If it persists, I will have to call Dr. A's office again, but I am scheduled for a March 1 visit. That is less than 2 weeks away, so I hope I can tough it out!

January 30, 2007
Yesterday was my official "One Month Out." I am going to Dr. Argotte's today for my one month post-op check. Of course, that seems funny to me since I have been in his office 3 times and had 2 outpatient procedures with him in that month.

One of the pitfalls is weighing too often. I refused to buy a scale for years because I "didn't want my life to be measured by a number on a scale." I bought a scale the week after surgery and now step on it 4-5 times a day! Such a sick and sad habit....

I did have fun getting ready for work last night. DH walked in the bedroom just as I put on a pair of size 16 dress pants that fit--very snug. I asked him if he thought they were too tight, and he told me to wear something a little more comfortable. He assured me that I would be wearing them before long and that I had plenty of time to get into my smaller sizes.

I was fretting with clothes and then said, "Well, I guess I can wear these!" and picked up the pair of pants I wore to the hospital (size 22W). I pulled them on and had TONS of room in them. They are one of those pairs I am keeping for "posterity's sake."

September 28, 2006
I've been waiting for months to get into an informational seminar on WLS with Dr. Alex Argotte of Paducah KY. The day has finally arrived! One of his "success stories" is my friend Treva, and she is going with me for this first step.

September 29, 2006
The seminar was good. As I thought before I went, I want RNY instead of lap band. I decided to go ahead and call Dr. Argotte's office to see if I could go ahead and get this process started immediately. I beat them to the punch--the lady in the office was making the calls to the people who qualify that afternoon.

My appointment is October 19.

October 5, 2006
My husband is on strike. My insurance will not pay for the surgery, but my coverage under him will. We have 3 months to get this done or it may never happen if the insurance he has when this is over excludes the procedure.

October 17, 2006
The doctor's office called late this afternoon. They have a cancellation for tomorrow and asked if I want it.

Took me a millisecond to say yes.

October 18, 2006
Arrived at Dr. Argotte's with my paperwork in tow. Staff seems friendly. I had to drink some super strong lemon drink (tasted like Crystal Light on steroids) as part of a test to detect H. Pylori. I don't have it....yippee.

Next meet with Cleo, Dr. Argotte's P.A.--she is very upbeat and thorough. Then Dr. Argotte comes in and explains everything he plans to do (testing) prior to surgery and the RNY itself. I explain to him that my husband is on strike and the time crunch we are in regarding insurance. He listens and orders the staff to expedite my testing--wants all tests possible done within 2 weeks.

October 27, 2006
I had already scheduled a colonoscopy with my gastro guy, Dr. Patel, due to IBS problems. Colonoscopy reveals diverticulosis but no polyps.

October 31, 2006
I look like a Halloween ghoul. Am having a sleep study. I didn't know they super-glued the electrodes to your body (including scalp).....woo hoo!

November 2, 2006
My husband and I were supposed to be flying to San Diego today for a safety conference. The strike cancelled that trip. Instead I find myself driving to Paducah for an appointment with a psychologist and a dietitian. The standard pysch questions made me laugh out loud. Hmmm....wonder who was watching me????

The part-time dietitian, Sarah,  was (dare I say it?) perky. The best part of my day was that she gave me the pre-surgical checklist, and tomorrow I will have 10 of 16 items checked. The worst part was she told me I must give up caffeine.

November 3, 2006
We have to leave by 5:30 a.m. to arrive at the hospital for my tests. I haven't had anything done at Lourdes ever, so I dread the registration process.

It was wonderful. Dr. Argotte's staff already had my information provided to registration, so all they really needed was copies of my insurance cards and to ask a couple of questions. They also did not make me wear an armband.

I was waiting as the lab technician came in to start her day. She was extremely nice and good, despite the fact she had to stick me 3 times to get all the blood she needed. I have bad veins anyway, but having nothing to eat or drink prior to testing only worsens the problem.

Off to the cardiology wing for a stress echo. Liked the staff there, too. They make me laugh and then put me on the treadmill. I did my best Big Bad Wolf impression (I huffed and I puffed) and got my heart rate up to their target then quickly got off the treadmill for the after picture. Got dressed and waited for a cardiologist to read the result. He tells me it looks very good. Whew!

Now off to the pulmonary lab for testing. One word for it--interesting.

All done at hospital then off to Dr. Argotte's again. Heather hooks me up on the metabolic testing machine. More blowing in a hose.

November 7, 2006
To get another check mark on my pre-surgery requirements, my husband and I went to the bariatric surgery support group meeting. Susan Mason-Tarr, the full-time dietitian, gave the program on holiday eating. It was really good. After the formal presentation, she asked people around the room a few questions about how they deal with things. Three ladies that came in an sat beside us seem really nice and approachable.

I started to ask them questions after the meeting, and one of them showed me her "Before" photo. I said, "I know you. I saw this picture on obesityhelp.com." Susan came over. I was probably the only person in the room (patients) she did not know. I told her about the insurance issue and being on the fast track for surgery before the end of 2006.

Dr. Argotte requires patients to be on a 30-day pre-op liver shrinking diet. (According to Sarah, the diet is low-sodium, low-fat--nothing out of a can, bag or box. All fresh foods.) The particulars are presented in a classroom setting. Susan told me to remind Dr. Argotte of the time pressure, and she would get me into the class on November 14.

November 13, 2006
Another appointment with Dr. Argotte. He had gotten most all of my test results back (didn't have the psych report), and they were all good. I am supposed to get my colonscopy report and send it to him.

We discussed the insurance issue again. Because my own policy excludes all weight-loss treatments, including surgery, we may be able to expedite the filing with my secondary insurance if my primary insurance will give me a letter stating that exclusion. He said he is ready to write a letter of medical necessity in my case, which should further make the insurance process go more smoothly.

Dr. Argotte tells the staff to get me in for the remaining pre-requisites immediately.

We compare our calendars. I will have my endoscopy on the day after Thanksgiving, November 24, and my vena cava filter placement on Thursday, November 30. My next appointment with Dr. Argotte is December 7. Pending all the approvals, my surgery will be December 26, Merry Christmas to me.

November 14, 2006
Lisa called to tell me that Susan is unable to hold classes today and asked me to come next week, November 21. That works better for me, too.

I called my insurance company early this morning. The first person I talked to said they will not provide a letter that states the exclusion and I should talk to my group administrator. Since I am my group administrator at work, I think other folks might think I was crazy if I were seen having a full-blown conversation with myself.

Instead, I called my billing coordinator at the insurance company to ask for a favor. She faxed me what she had, but the fax was not readable.

I decided to call the customer service area of my insurance company again. I got a different person who said that sure, the correspondence department could send a letter stating the exclusion. I asked her to fax it to my doctor's office and send me a copy.

November 17, 2006
I got the letter today. The insurance person is out at Dr. Argotte's, but Sue told me to fax it to her attention. She assured me she will make sure RayAnn gets the letter and gets the other process started.

November 21, 2006
Today I attended the pre-op liver shrinking diet class. I rushed in (5 min. late) and Susan was still checking folks in. She had our files ready and was weighing folks in.

As I stepped on the scale, she told me to take a good long look at that number--it is the last time I will ever see it. 

I hadn't thought of it in those terms.

Wow......

The class itself was a breeze since I have been on exchange diets (Weight Watchers, Diabetes diet) before. The biggest thing I will have a problem with is the low sodium portion. I have always been a saltaholic, and cutting it out is going to be a stretch.

The good news is that I can have Thanksgiving dinner. Susan said that those of us who are not having our surgeries until after Christmas can wait until the day after Thanksgiving to start.

November 23, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving!

November 24, 2006
Today was my EGD at Lourdes. Paul and I had to leave the house at 5:30 a.m. to get to the hospital on time.

I can't say enough good things about Lourdes. The registration process is so quick and painless, and today I got to see the outpatient facilities. I like their setup. Paul got to stay with me the entire time, the staff was friendly, and there was a TV in the room so we could pass the time waiting for surgery.

When I was taken back to the endoscopy suite, there was music playing in the holding area. So soothing. Everyone was friendly.

Dr. Argotte came to my room after the procedure and said everything looks good.

I will be back at the hospital next week for my vena cava filter placement. I have to stay 4-5 hours that day.

I started the diet today. It was not too bad. I think my real problem was getting in all that I was supposed to eat today since I had the procedure this morning.

November 25, 2006
One of my employees had an emergency so I had to work the midnight shift. This is the first time I have missed caffeine.

November 26, 2006
Got another dreaded phone call--have to work midnight again. Since I didn't sleep much today, I am really tempted to have some caffeine, but no. I am drinking decaf tea and about to have an apple.

November 29, 2006
I don't know if I am having pre-surgery nerves, sodium and caffeine withdrawal, the holiday blues or what.

Yesterday was a "dark" day for me. Nothing seemed to go right in the least.....work or home. I called the insurance person at Dr. Argotte's to make sure she had received my exclusion letter from my primary insurance and begun the predetermination process with my secondary insurance. She called me back and said yes, she got it, and she filed everything on November 22. Then she said the words that stopped me in my tracks, "I filed for your surgery (to happen) the 29th." I could have cried, and not happily.

I have my heart set on 12/26. Three days may not mean a lot to many people, but I was really hoping to be home by the 29th. That is my fifth wedding anniversary, and my family is having a reunion on December 30. I know that if I have the surgery on the 26th, I might be able to attend for at least an hour or so.

Then I called my secondary insurance to see how long it will take to find out if I have been approved. The packet isn't even in their system yet. I asked if that could have been affected by the holidays, and the nice lady there said yes.

I am going to check back today.

I also realized that I was peeved about the surgery date because if it truly is the 29th, I could have waited to start this liver shrinking madness until today, instead of last Friday.

I am nervous, too, about the IVC filter placement tomorrow.

November 30, 2006
I am home recuperating from my procedure. I got to the hospital at 8:00 a.m. When I was taken up to the floor, the first nurse weighed me.  I had weighed at the grocery store Wednesday, and I thought their scales had to be wrong. But the hospital scales confirmed their result--I lost 10 lbs. from sticking to the liver shrinking diet for a 8 days.

The worst part was when the nurses tried to place my IV. They stuck me 4 times before getting a successful line.

When I was being prepped for the procedure, I had a great time with the staff. They told me a story that had me laughing so hard I thought I would fall off the table.

I didn't know that Dr. Argotte was going to do the filter placement. He came in and asked me how I was doing, and I told him great. He asked if we have a surgery date yet. I told him about I thought it was going to be the 26th, but when the insurance was filed, the date said the 29th. He asked if we have the insurance approved yet. I told him no, but I was sure it was going to happen.

When they started the procedure, I was pretty well knocked out by Versed, but then during it, I was feeling discomfort and pain. I asked for more Versed and they apparently put it in because I don't remember anything until they were rolling me back onto my bed. Then nothing again until I was back in the room.

Tonight I have been having discomfort, but I kinda figure that  was to be expected.

December 1, 2006
Still home recuperating. God love my co-workers--they all have insisted I stay home not doing a thing. And every single one of them have offered to bring me whatever I need, even if they have to drive 20 miles to my house. What a blessing!

I called my insurance company again. They still haven't received my packet. I called and talked to the receptionist at the doctor's office, and she immediately put me through to the insurance lady. I had to leave a voicemail, but I was able to give her the direct fax number to resubmit the packet via fax.

December 1, 2006--Second Entry
Today I had a bad setback. I told the staff and Dr. Argotte from day 1 that my primary insurance will not cover the surgery but that my secondary will. 

At Dr. A's advice, I got a letter from my primary that stated all treatment of weight loss, including surgery for morbid orbesity, is excluded. I faxed the letter to the office and called to confirm that everything was submitted to my insurance company. RayAnn told me yes, she submitted it all on November 22.

Just because it is the way I am, I called the insurance company to make sure they got it. November 28--No. November 29--No. December 1--No. So I called the office again today. RayAnn was really nice, and I gave her the fax number the secondary insurance gave me to make sure she had the right one. She also gave me the number she faxed my packet to.

Turns out, she faxed my packet to my primary, and I have now lost 10 days of critical time in making sure I get approval. I have been been going between being on the verge of tears to sheer wrath. PRAYERS, PLEASE!

December 4, 2006
Today I am 41. Somehow it is hitting me a little harder than 40, as did 31 over 30.

I called my secondary insurance company again today.....their stupid "Imaging" department does not have my request in their system yet. AAAARRRGGGHHHH! I will call them every day until I get some satisfaction.

My liver shrinking diet is going well. I am trying to follow it to the letter, and now my husband is trying to follow along with me to be supportive, but he knows he does not have to comply to the diet requirements so it is easy for him to "go off the wagon."

The only thing I miss right now is cheese.....one of my favorite foods.

December 5, 2006
The insurance company still hasn't received the packet in their system. The lady I spoke with said that Customer Service will be in until 8 p.m. EST. I called back at 6:30 p.m. EST and got an automated message that I had called after business hours.

I am so frustrated I could just scream.

The liver shrinking diet is getting to me. I am trying to follow the guidelines and trying to have variety. That is a bit challenging, to say the very least.

December 6, 2006
When I called the insurance company this morning, Jeff from Customer Service said that they had not received my papers. After explaining my plight, he told me he would personally check with Karen, the lady who physically gets predetermination paperwork from the fax machine to go to imaging.

She called me within the hour to ask for Dr. Argotte's phone number so she could have them refax. After she received them, she called me again to tell me she had personally walked them over to a lead supervisor for a case number to be issued and that the supervisor was going to make sure they got into their system TODAY.

God bless Jeff and Karen!

December 7, 2006
I had an appointment with Dr. Argotte today. When I weighed in, I had lost 2 more pounds, making 12 lost on the liver diet. Dr. A. complimented me on that. We discussed the insurance matter. Before I had a chance to "go off" on what happened (the screwup sending it to the wrong company), he told me that he and RayAnn had already discussed what happened. He said he understood that my insurance company now had the paperwork, and we were simply waiting for approval.

He advised me to try not to get too frustrated, as many people are trying to get things done before the end of the year. I do understand, but I guess the reason I am so adamant is that I know that the insurance that will pay for it goes away January 3 and may never return. My new policy does not pay for it.

I asked why the change in surgery date. he said that in order to get all the surgeries done before the end of the year, he has had to cancel an additional 3 days of patient visits in the office. The reason they changed my date was to schedule those people who already have their approvals in hand. I understand.

December 8, 2006
WooHoo! I called the insurance company this morning, and my paperwork has already passed predetermination and is now in precertification! The CS rep I spoke with told me that may take 7-10 days, but I can wait a few days to get word. One MAJOR hurdle over!

December 13, 2006
First thing this morning, Sue from Dr. Argotte's called me--she said, "Sherri, this is Sue from Dr. Argotte's. You're having surgery!" My insurance approved me. I will be having surgery at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, my fifth wedding anniversary.

December 16, 2006
Yesterday, I was sitting in my office when it hit me that I will be having surgery in two weeks! I am so close now..... I have lost 15 lbs. since Nov. 24, leading several family members to ask me why I can't just stay on the liver shrinking diet instead of having surgery. I don't think I could stay on the liver shrinking diet forever! I am ready to get to surgery day.

December 19, 2006
I am on the 10 day countdown to my RNY surgery. I can't believe that I have been on this journey almost 3 months (since the surgery seminar). I know that seems like a very short time for a lot of folks, as I have read about some people encountering months and months of prep for this surgery (as well as insurance upheavals).

But in a way, I have been preparing for this my whole life. It is a little daunting to think that I will, by this time next year, be a "normal" sized person, and not a "big girl" anymore.

I am saving the last pair of jeans that I bought for my reminder of progress. With the liver shrinking diet, they are already much looser, and I am wearing some jeans I haven't been able to get in (and was even afraid to try to get in them now, but I am).

This week is a test of willpower. Tomorrow night my bowling league is having our Christmas party--lots of finger foods and candy. I am planning to take vegetables or fruit. I know it will take a lot of resolve for me not to nibble, but I can do it.

Thursday night is my work party. My Board of Directors is taking the staff to a really good local catering place/restaurant for dinner. The diet calls for NO EATING OUT, but I will have to break that rule. I am in charge of the menu, and I am asking the caterer to honor some special requests, like a choice of sugar-free dessert. She always has salad, so I can do that.

My family will be celebrating Christmas on Saturday. I am going to take sugar-free cranberry salad, which I dearly love. I haven't decided the rest of my menu choices, but I am quite sure I will do fine.

December 20, 2006
I made it through my bowling league party without a hitch. I ate broccoli, cauliflower and carrots--no dips. No candy. No salty snacks. And I didn't mind it.............WOW!

My friend's 11 year old daughter, who is a beautiful young lady, just found out I am having WLS. She looked at me with big eyes and said, "Miss Sherri, you are going to be skinnier than me after this surgery." I told her not to worry--this is going to be a long process. But I am looking forward to the day when I can walk into any clothing section of any store and find SOMETHING suitable.

December 23, 2006
My surgery is in 6 days. Eating was a challenge at my family Christmas today, and I have to admit I cheated a little. Boy was it good, but not good enough to make me undo what I have been working so hard to since the day after Thanksgiving.

Thursday, I saw Dr. Argotte for my final pre-surgical visit with him. I HAVE LOST 16 LBS SINCE NOVEMBER 25!!!!!!!!

You know, I can say that here proudly, but when I said it to a few other people, their comment was invariably, "Well if you can lose that much in that short of a time, then why are you having the surgery?" They don't understand that the minute I quit the liver shrinking diet, I am liable to gain back that 16 plus 16 more.

My blood pressure is down. My blood sugar is doing well.

I am ready.

December 25, 2006
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! Since I worked all weekend, I promised myself to spend the day napping and relaxing. And so I have, and boy, has it been nice.

My husband told me at around 4:30 that I better get in there and eat, since starting tomorrow I am on liquids for surgery prep. I admit that I popped some popcorn in our home popcorn cart using the same ratios of popcorn, oil and salt that I have always used--OMG was it salty! I ended up not eating very much at all because it was TOO SALTY!

December 26, 2006
On full liquids today. The Isopure drink tastes good at the beginning but has a BAD aftertaste. I drank it in two sessions. I have eaten two sugar-free jello cups, and now I am getting hungry. I think I am going to run by Sonic to get a diet cherry limeade......

December 29, 2006
Well, today is THE DAY! I barely slept last night and was almost relieved when Lucy started barking before 6 a.m. so I could justify getting out of bed. I am thirsty, but I won't have anything to drink for the next three days, so I just better get used to it. After that, I will be drinking constantly, and I will get just as tired of that!

My OH friend Cyndi reported at 6 a.m. for surgery today, so she should be in surgery now. We finally met at the doctor's office on Wednesday. I asked the bariatric nurse Melissa if we would have private rooms, and she said the hospital tries to, but with all the patients right now, it may be impossible. I asked that if we had to do semi-private if Cyndi and I could bunk together. She made the request for us. We had already planned to walk the halls together regardless.

I will post again once I get home.

Oh, yeah....happy 5th wedding anniversary to us!

January 7, 2007
Happy New Year! I haven't updated since I joined the ranks of the post-op. Here is the chronicle starting with surgery day:

December 29, 2006
As we neared Paducah, I told my husband we needed to stop in KMart for a couple of things. He questioned whether we had time to do so since I was due at the hospital in 20 min. (The hospital was 2 blocks away). I told him sure we did. I really needed a robe--I looked at my robe when I was packing and decided it was too old and shabby for this wonderful experience. We found a rack of flannel robes (nice, cozy ones) on sale for $15. My husband hates my tastes in clothes because he feels I dress like a grandmother; he prefers whimsical for me. In keeping with that, he picked a lavender robe with snowmen all over it. It was just the ticket.

When I got checked in and taken back to the pre-op area, I got weighed. From the time that I started the liver shrinking diet on November 24 through December 28, I lost 25 lbs.

I found out that my surgery, which was supposed to be at 3 p.m., was probably going to be at 4 or 5 p.m. instead. I blew my stack. Mostly nerves. Because it was too far out, they couldn't give me anything to calm me down. My husband tried to get me to calm down, too, but it was not working. He said, "I can't believe you have gone through all of the testing and everything and NOW you are pissed because it is gonna be a couple of hours......."

My surgeon dropped by and told me that he was sorry for the delay, but they had trouble getting OR time that day. They were simply filled to capacity (probably with everyone trying to get everything done by January 1). Then they said it would only be 15-20 minutes before I was taken down.

The OR staff was perhaps the friendliest ever. They introduced themselves and tried to make me very comfortable. My husband had noticed there were handles on my mattress in pre-op. The mattress was the coolest thing--it was an airbag in disguise. They inflated it to transfer me over to the OR table. They said it is great because it is easy to move the patients over and definitely less traumatic when the patient is done with surgery. "My little friend," the anesthesiologist, then put something in my IV, and that is the last thing I remember until about 11 p.m.

I was in my room before I became aware of my surroundings. As promised, Cyndi and I were together. I began talking to both Paul and Cyndi and something was said about complications.

I had a full hysterectomy in 2002 due to severe endometriosis. In that surgery, my bladder was fused to my uterus, prompting a lengthy surgery. This time, when Dr. Argotte began, he found many adhesions in my abdominal cavity, a previously undetected hernia, and an ENORMOUS spleen. During the surgery, my spleen was nicked, and I lost 600 ml of blood. I did not require a transfusion or splenectomy, but it was a touchy thing. From all reports, my husband was pretty panicky.

He stayed with me until 12:30 a.m. 

December 30, 2006
Cyndi and I neither one could sleep very much, so we talked and talked. Her surgery went fabulously well. At 3:00 a.m. I begged the nurses to get me up for a walk, and they did. I made it from our room to the Nurses Station and back.

While Cyndi napped, I was bored, but thankfully my dear co-worker Lori was on the midnight shift, so I talked to her I think every hour. I was so relieved to see daylight.

About the time I got to sleep, all the nurses and staff began coming in to do their routines.

I called some of the folks on my list which Paul hadn't, simply because I emerged from surgery so late. My bowling buddy, church organist, and wonderful dear friend, Kristen, said that she was on her way to see me with Mary and Dorrie, her daughters. I was really looking forward to that!

Paul arrived and we walked. Kristen and the girls came by. I got my catheter out, and I passed gas! 

That evening, the nurse came in with a small bag to hang on my IV. I asked if it was antibiotic, and she said no, it was potassium. My potassium was low on my bloodwork. If you have never had potassium through an IV, just let me tell you that if the flow is too fast, it hurts like the devil. 

My IV bag ran out once during the potassium drip combo, and the pain was so excruciating. That was the only time in the hospital that I cried.

And so was (official) Day One.

December 31, 2006
The morning nurse came in with my daily Lovenox shot and said, "You have to give yourself your shot today." I totally freaked. I told her no, I was not going to give it because my husband will be giving me the shots and he wasn't there yet. She told me that I HAD TO give myself the injection, and she wouldn't take no. She told me she had other patients, too, so I just needed to do it. I told her she didn't understand how freaked out I was about shots. She had her jaw set, so I did it, and it hurt like the devil. I pouted for a long time.

I was really anxious to see Paul. I called him around noon and he said he was just outside Paducah. Then he didn't arrive until 1:30. I was getting really nervous about where he was--worried he may have had a wreck or car trouble.

Nope. Neither. My sweet, dear husband had gone shopping for me and Cyndi, my roommate. He walked in with gift bags with Happy New Year party hats, noisemakers, and a plastic champagne flute (even though we were both still NPO).

At 5 minutes till midnight, he helped us both get our party hats on, and one of the nurses walked by our door. She went and got the other nurses, and they were at our room for the countdown. We gave them some noisemakers to help us celebrate.

Happy New Year!

January 1, 2007
I slept better and at 5:45 a.m. I heard the nurse at the ice machine across the hall. I quickly put my bed up (which Cyndi laughed about). And here came the most awesome sight--ICE CHIPS!

Then I got to have broth. And popsicles.

We got our discharge education, and I was upset about one thing--it was a holiday, and I needed my pain meds filled before going home. I was really concerned about not finding a pharmacy. Paul then said duh, there is the Walgreen's where I got your party stuff yesterday.

One of our nurses that day had RNY last year. She was the lady who wheeled me out. One of my main questions was how long would it take me to lose the weight I gained in the hospital. I gained 15 lbs. from fluids. She said, "Oh, I wish you wouldn't have weighed. That's precisely why we don't weigh you. We don't want you to get discouraged about the fluid weight."

Walgreen's was really busy, but the tech could tell I felt really bad, and I think she saw my JP drain tube. She told me that they would get my prescription filled quickly. I was so appreciative.

I slept on the ride home, but per Susan's order, we stopped in Fulton at Wal-Mart to walk. I also needed a few things. 

Got home and was so glad to be here.

I realized that I look about 8 months pregnant (or how I think I would have looked 8 months pregnant) from all the fluids.

January 2, 2007
A rather uneventful day. My bowels started working again. That was a good thing.

January 3, 2007
Had to go to the bank to get a document notarized, then to the post office to send it off, then to the drugstore to get some chewable vitamin c. They didn't have it, so the pharmacist told me he would order it that day.

My emotions were so off kilter today. I cried when my husband left for work.

My temp was 99.6 this evening. Took some Liquid Tylenol for adults.

January 4, 2007
Woke up with a horrible headache. Took my blood pressure, and OMG! Because it had been under control in the hospital, I was told not to take my meds. Called the doctor's office and reported in with Wanda. She called back within the hour, told me to take my BP meds and check it again in 30 minutes. If it was not down, call them back. It came down.

That afternoon I felt my temp going up again. Took it, and it was 100.6.....that is quickly approaching the 101 level for a call to the doctor. Took Tylenol and it brought it down slightly, but I am really worried why I have a fever.

January 5, 2007
My appointment for my JP drain removal is this morning. I still feel like crap and know I have a fever but don't want to take Tylenol to mask it before my visit. I think they should know I have a fever. I am also scheduled to see Susan, the dietitian.

My hospital roomie and "twin", Cyndi, is supposed to be there before me.

I took my pain meds as suggested by the bariatric nurse.

Cyndi looks fantastic....she is recovering so well. Everybody hates that I feel like crap.

Once in the treatment room, Dr. Argotte's PA Cleo comes in to ask a lot of questions. I told her about my fever, and she rules out bacterial causes. She then told me they were trying to cross-train staff on removing JP drains and asked if I minded if Wanda came in for training on my drain removal. I said fine. And she did a really good job. It didn't hurt--there was just a really odd sensation during one pull.

Cleo then removed all my sutures but one. Wanda grabbed a large bandaid for two of my incisions, the one where the JP drain had been and another that was oozing a little bit. My temp was 100.3.

I went out to the waiting room to wait for Susan and Cyndi to finish. I looked down and my shirt front was wet. I realized the oozing was more than just a little bit. I went to the desk and showed Heather, who whisked me back to a treatment room and gauze padded and taped me.

When Paul and I met with Susan, we worked out a schedule of my meds that would work for me. Then she gave me my food plan for my first day of soft pureed foods---Thursday, January 11. When she told me she wanted me to eat a scrambled egg with cheese for breakfast, I almost did a happy dance! The other two meals will be cream soup with blended meat--yippee! I also will have two Unjury protein drinks and some yogurt. It sounds like a feast.

We got to stop by my office on the way home. I was so glad to see Lori and Lou. We had a couple of errands to run, and then I crashed after Paul went to work. I had to change my gauze almost every two hours from the "oozing."

I got to take a real shower today, too. I spent a long time in there.

January 6, 2007
The oozing continues. I am sick of changing gauze and tape. However, I have noticed the swelling of my stomach has gone down tremendously, and the incision which is oozing is not nearly as bruised now. As the incision drained, my temp kept going down, though I still was running a low-grade fever.

January 7, 2007
I woke up this morning and the oozing has finally stopped!

Paul took me to church, then Wal-Mart, Lowe's and the grocery. I bought eggs, cream soup, boneless skinless chicken breasts, and cottage cheese in preparation for the big day!

I slept on the ride home.

January 8, 2007
I am sick to death of broth.

Made an appt with my PCP for Friday. This should be interesting. After all, he didn't approve of my surgery and even told me he would do everything in his power to talk me out of it. He did write my letter stating that weight loss would benefit me, but he did not say weight loss surgery would benefit me.

Since he is my prescribing physician on my meds, Dr. Argotte insists on coordinating my care with him.

January 10, 2007
Tomorrow is the next exciting day in my journey. I get to have FOOD! My day will start off with a scrambled egg and cheese, the first solid food I have had since Christmas Day (jello doesn't count). I then get cream soup with pureed meat and a wonderful snack of cottage cheese. I can't wait!

My transition to solids will happen January 25.

I took Lucy for a walk today. We actually made 1/2 to 2/3 of a mile. I thought I could walk a mile easy--boy, was I ever fooling myself!

January 11, 2007
When I took that first bite of scrambled egg with cheese and swallowed, I realized I had built the prospect of having real food into a much bigger thing than it actually was. The egg actually sat like a rock for a long time. Thank goodness cream soup with pureed chicken, my Unjury chocolate protein shake, and cottage cheese were all much better.

January 12, 2007
Today was a landmark day. I went to my primary care physician to have a post-surgical monitoring of my meds.

First of all, since my referral visit for WLS on October 13 (three months ago), I have lost 32 lbs.

Second, the nurse didn't have to use "the big cuff" to take my blood pressure today.

Third (and best), my doctor officially took me off my diabetes and blood pressure medications!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In October, he told me that he did not want me to have this surgery and asked me why I couldn't just follow the gastric bypass diet without surgery. Today, he asked me again. I though about it and told him that with my pouch I now have a limitation for which there will be repercussions if I violate those limitations. He said fair enough.

I will see him again in a month to keep an eye on my levels.

January 17, 2007
I had my appointment with Susan, my dietitian, and Cleo at Dr. Argotte's on Monday.

I lost 14 lbs. from 1/5 to 1/15. While most of that was fluid, I lost it!

I told Cleo about my back and side hurting, and she said she really thought it was muscular, so she was going to prescribe a muscle relaxer. I told her my PCP definitely wanted me to tell them because of the complications with my spleen during surgery. She consulted with Dr. A., who said do a CT scan and lumbar x-rays. Went to the hospital and had to drink a whole sports bottle of contrast. Took an hour.

Yesterday I had not gotten results, so I called and spoke with Heather. She said that if there was anything abnormal, they would have called, so I am guessing the CT was good.

Monday evening after we got home, I got sick from 2 bites of soup. My first vomiting episode.

I got sick again during the night, just from fluids. That time, it tasted like the contrast they gave me while I was in the hospital. Yesterday I was able to keep a protein shake down. I ate some more soup for lunch and drank fluids, then mid-afternoon it came back up. I tried a bit more soup that evening, and there it was again. I waited until later to try again, but no luck. 2 bites of soup made me sick. Then I tried SF pudding. Nope. Worshipped the porcelain god again.

DH was really concerned, and though he had just gotten off work, wanted to take me to the ER. I told him I felt I could make it through the night. He  is worried about me getting dehydrated.

I called and spoke with Sue at Dr. A's office first thing this morning. She said to get in there to the office, and I may need an EGD. I forgot to ask about liquids, so I called her back. She said don't drink in case they want to do the EGD.

We will be leaving in about an hour to go.

January 19, 2007
We made it to Paducah on Wednesday for my emergency appointment. Cleo felt that my vomiting could be from one of three sources: 1) virus, 2) stomal stenosis, or 3) gallbladder.

We ruled out number 1. I haven't been exposed to any stomach virus and don't feel sick. We ruled out number 3 because I am having no symptoms of gallbladder trouble.

That leaves stomal stenosis, which means an EGD and possible dilation of the stoma, or where my pouch and small intestine meets.

I am scheduled to be at the hospital at 10:30 a.m. today for the procedure.

Yesterday my protein shake didn't settle well and I had to run again. But I was able to keep down extremely runny instant potatoes. I even ate some cottage cheese later, chewing until it was nothing but granules. I drank all of 17 oz. of water, too. I slept most of the day and evening, thanks to phenergan. 

DH told me I look terrible. How nice! Maybe by this evening I will be back to my perky self.

January 19, 2007 (Later Post)
We made it to the hospital on time. Major problem was that I was dehydrated. It took two nurses and an anesthesiologist six tries to get an IV line in. It was excruciating.

Procedure went well. My problem was stomal stenosis as guessed. Dr. Argotte said that the normal opening is 10-13 mm. Mine was 4-6 mm. Because I am only 3 weeks out from surgery, he wants to stretch the opening gradually. Today he went up to 8-9 mm. Next Friday I have to have it done again.

I am much better. I have gotten fluids down, as well as runny mashed potatoes. No throwing up!!!!

I will be spending the weekend relaxing, and if all goes well, I will be back at work come Monday!

January 20, 2007
Today has not been a good day so far.

1) DH took me into town to the pharmacy to fill my prescription for Protonix that Dr. Argotte wrote yesterday. The pharmacist told me that AETNA (my new insurance) requires a pre-approval for this medication. So I cannot get it filled.
2) Got home and got the mail. I had an EOB from my 2006 insurance (BC/BS of TN) which showed denial of of all my surgery charges (over $30,000). There was also a letter from Lourdes saying that Anthem had denied the charges. Since Anthem approved my surgery, I think they are mistaken. I left a voice mail as this is Saturday and no one is in billing.
3) I heated up some cream of onion soup to which I added water, milk and instant potatoes. I think I ate too quickly because I threw up.....again. 

January 20, 2007 Second Post
I was wrong that it was not a good day. It is a great day. I WORE A PAIR OF MY SIZE 18 JEANS TODAY! I haven't had them on in a few years. And I stood up to zip them, not lay on the bed and suck in.

I took a picture of myself and uploaded it today. I am pleased with how much thinner my face is. As of my emergency appointment on Wednesday this week, I have lost 40 lbs. since I began my journey.

I am still quite tired, but I haven't been able to take my vitamins as I am supposed to due to my problems this week. Tomorrow is a new day and a new week, so I am going to work on having my regimen down.

January 28, 2007 (Early A.M.)
It has been a long week. I made my return to work Monday, January 22. My dear friend and assistant director, Lori, was out all week because her son Jackson was in the hospital. Poor little fellow!!!!!!!!!!!

My iron tablets and vitamin C have made me nauseated every time I took them this week, and I finally said enough! I just could not bring myself to do it again.

Thursday I went ahead and transitioned to solid food. I had a South Beach Diet breakfast/protein bar that took me 4 hours to eat. I also had some refried beans with cheese and taco sauce. It was the only day I didn't throw up.

Friday I reported for my EGD on time. I asked the nurse to use the size 22 needle for my IV, and she got it in the first time. Bless her!

Dr. Argotte performed the EGD. When I woke up, I was still in the endoscopy suite, and he and I talked. Last week he stretched my stoma to 8mm; today it was back down between 6-8mm. He took it to 10mm, but I have to do this all again next Friday. And he said liquids for two more days. AAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!

When I went back to recovery, I got really nauseated and started throwing up foam and liquid. I asked for something for nausea, and the nurse got phenergan approved for my IV. 

After my release, Paul and I headed upstairs to see my "twin" and hospital roomie, Cyndi. Poor girl has a bleeding ulcer, but she looks great! Hope she gets to go home soon (actually I hope she is already home now)!

Dr. A. also told me to stop by his office for samples of Protonix. He said I really need to be on them, so samples may hold me until the time my insurance will pay.

I am working overnight and doing ok so far. Starting to wear down, but I will nap on Sunday after church.

January 29, 2007
I made it through my overnight shift Saturday, went to church and the grocery, then home. Slept a few hours. Then got called back to work another overnight.

Made some white chili, which went down good, and some chicken salad, which went down and came back up. Will the throwup fest ever end?

I am very tired and ready for bed.