katmom_02

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     So, I think I am changing my mind about the procedure that I want to have. Originally, I was going to get the lap-band...but after research I decided that the lap-band was not for me. The lap-band is too high maitenance and not enough WL impact for my tastes...yes, the quicker recovery time initally was appealing, but the 'fill' appts would more than make up the time in my opinion.
    WELL, after discounting that procedure I began to really research the roux en y gastric bypass, who wouldn't really, it IS known as the 'gold standard' in WLS. The more people I spoke to and the more research I did, the more sure I became that this was definately the procedure for me. The dumping, while a con for most people, would be a definate pro for me. Something to deter me from bad eating habits, yay! Also, the rapid weight loss was, of course, very appealing...I could be in a size 4 by next Christmas, yay! The one concern I had was the amount of vitamins I would HAVE to take forever...that is scary. If I were to forget for a couple days, it could be detrimental. I didn't like the sound of that. To top it off I wouldn't ever be able to take NSAIDs again. I hurt my should the summer we transferred to Florida from Maine, and I'm telling you now that the Motrin is my savior...that and ice. I have had an MRI and steroid injections (yeouch!) and done a round of physical therapy, nothing has helped much, they can't even tell me exactly what is wrong. After the first year, I kind of accepted the fact that I will just be living with this forever. Anyway, no NSAIDs=no RNY , which sucks. I know that there are other pain management methods post RNY, but narcotics make me nervous...don't get me wrong, they work well, but I don't want to be a druggie. One of THOSE patient's always calling for my pain meds.   Now I am thinking that I want to have the VSG, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. During the WLS seminar it was mentioned that the VSG has the longest single staple line of any WLS procedure and has a higher chance of leaks or bleeding. I am assuming (even though one should not ASSUME anything) that the risk is only until the staple line is healed, like the first few days (for serious leaks and bleeds) and then the first couple of months. I know I will not get the malabsorptive properties of the RNY so weight loss will be slower, but I should be able to take NSAIDs once my tummy heals. I have no problem going to the gym and working out, I actually love it even now as a  BIG girl. I can do 3 miles in 30 minutes on the elliptical...yay me! I can't wait to run the treadmill without stopping every few minutes and without my legs KILLING me for the next few days.
     Well, that is where I am right now. My first one-on-one appt is still on the first and I am composing a list of questions to ask the doctor. My doctor is one of two MDs in the USA that is doing the Gastric Imbrication procedure...if I had the money for a cash pay, I would SO do that! As it is now, I will probably have to fight Tricare if I decide on VSG, but I think I can win because I have to take the NSAIDs for a documented shoulder problem.

 

  I have struggled with my weight most of my life and I recently decided that I was going to have weight loss surgery.  I have just reached the point where I feel uncomfortable in my own skin. Half the time I feel like I'm in someone elses body and it's just weird. I have been married for 12 years to a (sometimes) great guy, and we have two children together; ages 9 and 11. I am done having children and I would like to have my body back. I have been on several diets in the last several years, and sometimes I even lose some weight....however, as soon as I stop dieting, I gain it all back and then some. I am currently about 120lbs overweight, which technically makes me MORBIDLY OBESE (yeck, that just sounds gross). I am 5'3" and I weight 248lbs, at least this morning I did. I have Tricare Prime for medical insurance and I asked my PCM (Primary Care Manager) to put in a referral for a weight loss surgery evaluation. The first appointment that I went to was to see a provider about having a lap-band procedure done...boy, that doctor was a jerk! He is definately in the WRONG FIELD! After some research, I decided on UF & Shands Bariatric Center and I called to enroll in one of their information seminars. I ABSOLUTELY made my husband go with me! I need him to be informed on this too if he is going to be my support system. Unlike most of the country, I don't have the luxury of living near my family, so my husband is my support and vice versa.  We have each other.  Anyway, I researched the different types of surgeries prior to our visit and had pretty much decided on the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. While at the seminar, amidst my husbands..."boy I'm glad I don't have any candy in my pockets" jokes (good spirited and trying to make me laugh, of course). So, I did that at the end of SEPT and I am scheduled for my first one-on-one visit with my surgeon on 01DEC2010. My master plan is to have the surgery on the 8th of March. Working with my vacation time and schedule at work...this would be best. However, I could just take con-leave....but I'llonly get about a third of my regular paycheck. Just lately, my husband and I had a BIG fight about the surgery. He basically wants me to guarantee that this surgery will not hurt me or make me sick. I told him that there are no guarantees in life, but that is not what he wants to hear. He is concerned about all the lifestyle changes that I will have to make, and if I will be able to adhere to them. I am pretty sure his is worried about how much attention I'll get from the opposite sex once I drop my weight. If other guy ask me out now.......WTH is going to happen when I am not MORBIDLY OBESE ? He is a VERY jealous type of guy. Oh, well, is what I have to say! I stay because I love him and I WANT to stay...he can't MAKE me stay. I can't MAKE him stay either...but hopefully he sticks around. I haven't told many people about this yet, I think if I tell people it will be like admitting defeat. Admitting that I was too weak to do it on my own. Whatever, how does the saying go...Life is about the JOURNEY, not the destination.


More to come...
CW-248, GW-130