Linda M.
September 26, 2008
Sep 25, 2008
Yesterday (09/25/08), I met with with the therapist for the psych part of this journey. She was very nice. Unlike some I've read about, I did not have to take an extensive questionnaire. We sat and spoke for about a hour. She told me that she was clearing me for surgery!
Now, I still haven't lost the weight I was supposed to in order to meet with a surgeon. As a matter of fact, over the last three weeks or so, I have gained weight. I'm back at 287! Argh! So, now that I know I'm psychologically "fit", I guess I need to buckle down and eat much more healthily. I would like to drop of the necessary weight by the end of October! Fortunately, I have increased my workouts and have that going for me, just have to make what I'm putting into my mouth fresh, healthy and low calorie.
So, I hearby pledge to myself and all who read this, I will be at 270 pounds by October 31, 2008. 
Wish me luck!
07/18/08
Jul 17, 2008
So, I now have my appointments scheduled. I have the lifestyles class on 08/01/08. I have a hematology appointment on 08/04/08 and I have an ultrasound today to look for any wayward blood clots. And, I have the psych eval on 09/25/08. I guess I'm supposed to lose 15 pounds before that one. I'm kind of worrying about losing that weight but it should average out to two pounds a week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I make it.
Update: I did not have any blood clots lurking and I am cleared on this part!
07/10/08
Jul 10, 2008
I met with one of the doctors today, Dr. Stiles. Very nice. She let me know she thought I was an excellant candidate for surgery (either lapband or bypass). She let me know I had to lose 15 pounds within two months. During those two months, they are going to schedule a lifestyles class (one class) and the psych eval. If those two things get done and I lose the 15 pounds by the time I go back in September, they will schedule me to meet with the surgeon.
I have to say, I really like the fact I have a specific amount to lose and a specific time. I'm better with a "deadline" than something that is open-ended. I talked to her and she is good with me doing the weight loss on Atkins (so long it is lean protein and good fats). I feel I can really do this now. I see the light at the end of the tunnel and am really excited.
06/23/08
Jun 23, 2008
I've been doing Medifast now to get the weight off. I'm really hoping to get down to at least 271, which would be 20 pounds off since my weigh-in with the nutritionist. The nutritionist's diet did what the other nutritionists' diets did for me - nothing. I lost a couple of pounds at first, but then I started gaining back a couple and just stagnated. Not only that, but my blood sugar went about 60 points higher every day (I stick myself every morning). Too many carbs for me! I started Medifast in ernest about a week ago and have lost 7 pounds!
Before the nutritionist, I was doing Weight Watchers. I had gained up to 306 by February 2008, and had lost back down to 291 by the nut's appointment, then did the nut's diet and got down maybe a pound or so. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'm actually finding the Medifast to be very easy to do.
May 31, 2008
May 30, 2008
Truth be told, I had gained weight up to 306 pounds after the orientation. I hadn't even realized it until I started feeling really, really fat and bloated. I joined Weight Watchers and was able to lose back down to where I had started! That has taken about three months to do; that's only 15 pounds; 5 pounds a month. Okay, if I didn't want to get my surgery.
So, I have decided to use Medifast until I get my surgery. I'm hoping this will help me lose my obsession with food and get me used to much smaller portion sizes. I also hope it will get me to the weight I need to be for surgery. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
I have an appointment with the physician's assistant on 05/19/08 and that is when I'm supposed to find out how much I have to lose from the initial weigh in (December 2007 - 291 pounds). I'll update after the appointment with the PA.
April 7, 2008
Apr 08, 2008
I gained a bit of weight over the holidays. I got up to 306! So, at the end of February, I joined Weight Watchers. I've lost 10 pounds. I weigh more than I did when I went to Kaiser's orientation.
Well . . . nothing else for now.
12/11/07 - Orientation
Dec 14, 2007
I went to Kaiser's Orientation for weight loss surgery today. It was okay. They weighed me with all my clothes on at 291.3 pounds! I guess I gained some weight.
They glossed over a lot of information and gave us a binder full of more information. They told us it will be another 20 - 24 weeks before we get to the point of deciding which type of surgery and maybe getting the surgery. They want us to "live the lifestyle" now, so they can assess whether or not we will live it afterward. I like this approach.
I've read many posts and I have noticed in some (especially on the forums) that so many folks don't seem to have been given enough post op and maintenance info.
I originally wanted only lap band. I am uncomfortable with my innards being cut and moved around. I like that the lap band is a device that still allows the digestive system to function the way is was designed.
I found out that my ex-husband had RNY in December of 2006 and said he has lost 184 pounds! He also said he is very depressed but didn't want to discuss it. That is so much weight to lose so fast. I have a really hard time understanding how it can be healthy for you.
I didn't gain my weight quickly; it took years. I feel that it would be best for me to lose it more slowly and with my having to still control what and when I eat (no digs to anyone, no offense meant!). I know with lapband, often times you have little or no restriction until you get a fill, so you still have to control everything you put into your mouth. Most do not have any "dumping." This is just a personal preference.
I have great respect for those who choose other methods. It actually seems like it would be harder to have RNY. You are forced to limit what you eat because it will make you very ill.
Well, this is going to be a long, long road . . . I am beginning to eat the way Kaiser wants to lose weight before surgery (amount still to be determined) and to adjust to a healthier lifestyle. Wish me luck!
