Almost 2 weeks out - 7/22/2011

Jul 22, 2011

Well it's bee almost 2 weeks and although I am light headed and not feeling the best (no energy and a fast heartbeat if I over do and it doesn't take much to over do it!) , I don't regret having surgery. I am still on a clear liquid diet only haveing 2 oz of Glucerna or Pure Protein shake at meal times. I am taking vitamins and calcium. I cannot wait to get to the doctor's on Tuesday so that I can move forward to soft foods. I know I will feel better with some nutrition.

I think I will ask for some blood work as well. While I was in the hospital, my Potassium level was low and someone on the board mentioned that part of how I am feeling may be due to low levels of Potassium. All of my incisions are healed with the exception of where the tube was pulled out after my second leak test.

Well that's it for now. Going to get in the shower and see how much that takes out of me! Wish me luck!
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Tomorrow is the day!

Jul 10, 2011

Finally a dream come true. I am having a revision from a leaking Lap Band to a Sleeve Gastrectomy. I am so excited and so scared at the same time. Here's to a second chance at a new begining!
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Been away a long time!

Jan 20, 2011

Decided to come back and update what is going on with me! I have been walking around with a leaking Lap Band for 2 years with insurance issues! I was so close to a revision  - had nutritional counseling done (for nothing - am now doing round 3 of nutritional counseling), psyc exam done, but insurance declined. They didn't have this or that, just long enough for the year to expire and for me to have to start over. I gave up!

But I am back again and going on month 2 of nutrirional counseling, and ready to go have my revision in June. My doctor has changed as my original Lap Band doctor (who I love) is not experienced enough in revisons to the Sleeve and actually wanted me to have a Gastric Bypass (which I don't want). I went for a second opinion, and I am using a doctor out of Yale who I am comfortable with as he has been present in many of my group meetings where I live in Southeastern CT. I hope time flies so I am back to doing what I really want which is to get myself healthy. The clock is ticking and I am already 51. I want to be healthy sometime while  I am on this earth.
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~~~~ October 10, 2008 ~~~~~

Oct 10, 2008

New Doctor!

Well after all my nutrition visits, my doctor's notes, etc. my original doctor who I love to death has decided that unless you pay in cash for the gastric sleeve, he will not perform the surgery. I just don't have the 20,000.00 sitting around and even if I did, I would have other priorities with it - times are so tough.

I called Dr. Bell's office today (he is actually a friend of Dr. Ehrlich's), and they will definitely see me. I just have to do a psyc eval which I didn't have to do this time around for Dr. Ehrlich because I had a great recommendation from the last one when I was getting ready for my lap band.

I do have an opportunity to switch insurance companies and I definietly am. I pay so much for BC/BS Horizon out of NJ and they are not even covering my durable medical equipment I need for my diabetes. I know United Healthcare does if I purchase their best medical policy but I want to look at all my options.

So here I go again, starting all over. I would just like to get on the road to weight loss, get this broken band out of me and have a revision.

Thanks for reading!

~~~~ November 14, 2006 ~~~~

Nov 14, 2006

I think I am having a run of bad luck. Last week I went to the doctors (PCP) and little did I know I would be told I had bronchitis, a sinus infection and an ear infection. I was so tired.. my entire week-end shot! I have so much to get done. I am having at least 16 people over for Thanksgiving!

Last night I went to a function for work and my food choices were either Chicken Picata or Pasta. There were 2 sides dishes, green beans and rice. So I chose the chicken, cut it up small, ate slowly and it still got stuck. I ended up coming home, spitting and foaming all the way home in a cup - I know gross! It continued for at least an hour and then I finally threw up 3 times - I mean violently threw up. I felt so much better, I feel asleep for an hour. When I woke up, I felt like something cold and all that was in the freezer was a sugar free popcicle. I took 2 tastes and had to run into the bathrrom again. I could not believe I was throwing up popcicle! I was hurting so bad, it was just awful. I called the doctor and first he wanted me to come in right away and unfill my band. Well I couldn't get out of the bathroom long enough to get in the car. I finally threw up violently again and felt much better. I called back and he told me if I felt that I could wait until morning, come into St. V's hospital emergency room and one of the docs (2 were in surgery in the morning), would come out and unfill me.

So I made it through the night and went in to Bridgeport in the morning. I saw Elaine who I just love, and she flushed everything out (never heard of this before but she said it opened up my stomach so whatever was left and stuck would go through), and made me drink water. I had tried water before I went to Bridgeport and I kept burping it up. Well it went down, didn't hurt and actually stayed down! So Elaine told me to go buy a yogurt and eat it and make sure it stayed down okay before i went home. She even gave me her pager number in case I needed her again - such a sweetie! Well the yogurt stayed down and I went home after a while.

I still hurt from heaving so hard last night and just really tired. Of course I had to come home and work, couldn't just rest. Some days I wish I was independently wealthy! If I didn't have to work another day in my life, it wouldn't hurt my feelings!!

So I am off to bed early, work tomorrow and another work function from 5-8 after work. I think that is it socially for the week! I do have to go to the eye doctor on Friday and I know I have had another bleed in my right eye because I can see the blood. Guess I will deal with that on Friday. I am sure I will need some laser surgery again. I really dread that - that needle in the eye is a killer!

Thanks for reading if you do...till next time...

~~~~ November 6, 2006 ~~~~

Nov 06, 2006

Well another long time in between posts. All I would have done was whine so I figured why write anything. I guess this will end up kind of whiny anyway so here goes...

I have not been able to keep protein down for some time unless it is soft. I have talked to the office twice and they say I need to learn to work with my band. So I am eating too fast or not chewing enough. I have had food stuck at work and had to come home, thrown up in my food, on myself, it has just been awful. Once I get the stuck food to move, I hurt so bad into the next day. I wanted to lose weight but not this way!

It has seem to have gotten a bit better. I did go out to dinner Saturday night and I had a Caprese salad  - well a few bites and then I had filet mignon. I cut it into tiny pieces and chewed it to death and had no problem. I ate the baby carrots  and a little mashed potato and took home about half the meat. I was so happy to have eaten something other than fish or ground turkey!

I am fighting a terrible cold right now and I just hate it! I am at the body aching part so hopefully I will just end up with the cold soon! I have a lot to do - holiday time is around the corner!!

So every scale I get on is different so I don't know how much I weigh. This morning mine said 5.5 pounds until onderland but I never trust it. I really need to stay off of it! I don't see the doctor until the end of the month. I got on the scale at the endo's and had lost 2 more pounds but there scale is different from Dr. Ehrlich's which is different then mine!

Well if you got through this massive bitch and complain post,, thank you for reading! This is my first post in my new profile. I still don't know what I am doing!

Till next time.... oh can i say I can't wait until the elections are over.. these damn commercials and mailings are drivng me nuts - okay I feel better, my last rant for this post!!

My old posts from 8/22/05 to 10/12/06

Oct 26, 2006


~~~~ 8/22/05 ~~~~
My journey began over a year ago, investigating what WLS was all about and what would be best for me and all my co-morbidites. I decided to write a little about my journey since it is such a long one! It honestly has been nothing but depressing, starting from my endocrinologist who will not support me in my WL journey to the insurance policy of my husband's that has an exclusion for treatment of Obesity of any kind.

I finally decided to do something about my situation and have an appointment with a new endocrinologist who supports WLS. I have to wait until October but at least I got the referral to get in. I hope I like him since I have to see him every 3 months for my Diabetes and Hyper thyroid.

I also found a bariatric group who met all of my needs. It is quite a drive for me but will be well worth it once I get past the insurance issues (trying to be positive here!!). It is the Fairfield Bariatric Group. I am so happy I found them. The set up of their office is just what I need.

I have contacted "the" Obesity lawyer and will definitely use him if the insurance renewals I am able to choose from do not work out. I have an option to renew my husbands insurance in November and as a contractor, I have a chance to buy insurance through my consulting firm (at full price). I won't buy mine if WLS is not covered and then deal with Jim's (my DH) to see what his offers. I spoke to his HR rep and asked if they could at least consider a policy rider to allow us to buy the WL option. I am sure it will be cheaper then paying out of pocket! If all else fails, I will call on the lawyer.

I have had some great support throughout my journey so far and will be following up on a few other suggestions that I have recieved. I would like to thank one person in particular for all her advice. If it weren't for her, I would not be updating my profile. She knows who she is- Thanks XXOO

 



~~~~ Oct.1, 2005 ~~~~
Well I bit the bullet and signed up for my own insurance. I am praying it will be better than what my husband's has to offer. Unfortunatly I couldn't compare because my company's plan goes from Oct.1 - Oct.1 and my hubbies goes from Jan.1 - Jan.1. I did find out I can drop my plan at any time so if his is better I do have an out.

I spoke to the broker of the new insurance contract for my company and she assured me that WLS (bypass) is covered. I did not see anything in writing. I find it hard to believe but they expect you to sign up for benefits by reading what is on their web site and you can not get anything in writing until after you sign up.
The web site did not speak to any exclusions and I could not find out any info for my insulin pump. Now that I have the group number, I will call Monday and get all of my questions answered. I can't wait!!

Oh! Just realized I never mentioned the insurance company!! It is Aetna PPO - lord knows what I got myself into. I did notice that half of my docs are not "in plan" so it will already cost me more but if they cover WLS, then it will be worth it. I am sure I will have some kind of run around with wanting to have Lap Band surgery but I believe that my case will be easier with insurance that covers RNY then the previous one that had an outright exclusion for obesity.

Well, wish me luck!! I will update again when I have more info. I pray this works out for me. I have weighted (yes I know which word I typed!) soo long for this.

Bye for now.

 



~~~~ October 10, 2005 ~~~~
Finally at last I can shout from the rooftops! I have an insurance company that covers WLS!! I am going to read the meaning of "medical necessity" so I shouldn't get to excited but I am sure I must fit a few of the descriptions!! Dr. Ehrlich is even in their network of surgeons!! I can't belive it. Guess my patience has paid off.

Okay I am off to read the meaning of "medical necessity" to make sure I am really covered. Seems to good to be true - I pray it is not!

Bye for now.

 



~~~~ October 12,2005 ~~~~
So I meet the "medical necessity" definition! I had a feeling I would. I now have to make the exciting call to see what I do next. I tried this morning and it was too early and I tried again around 4:00 (in meetings all day or no privacy to use the phone) and the office was closed. There is always tomorrow!

I will have to either do a long weight loss plan supervised by my doctor or a 3 month plan with the bariatric group - still haven't figured that one out! Hopefully the bariatric group will give me some direction.

I feel excited and scared at the same time. I can't wait to take the next step but it is scary for me. I still have not found a type 1 diabetic who has been banded. Would love to talk to someone in the same situation as me!

Well, I will update when I finally talk to the office - hopefully tomorrow! I haven't told the family yet - I want to make sure it is really going to happen. It is so hard to believe after all this time!!

bye for now

 



~~~~ October 13, 2005 ~~~~
I just called the office and have my consult with Dr. Ehrlich on November 17th - it could have been sooner but I am on vacation the first week in November. I am soooooooo excited to get this thing rolling. I might have to be on the 6 month diet but maybe not. I have an option B that I hope I can do. Either way I will have to wait at least 3 months but I have waited this long - what is 3-6 months. As long as there is an end in sight (you don't know how badly I want it now but I can't complain - I have coverage!!). I have a great feeling about all of this and can't wait for November 17th.
bye for now

 



~~~~ November 18, 2005 ~~~~
Well it has been a while since I have updated my profile. I finally went for my first appointment with Dr. Ehrlich and I have to say it did not go exactly as I had hoped. Nothing to do with the doctor, just my expectations were let down. I really thought my insurance would cover lap band but apparently I did not understand the policy.

I do have to have a medically supervise diet, excercise and psychology program for 3 months or a 6 month supervised nutritionist program. I chose the first. I did understand that part. What I didn't understand was that I don't have any of the qualifications to have Lap Band surgery. I was really hoping that I would fall under one of the reasons to qualify to have it covered but the doctor told me that he would submit me to the insurance for it but it would be denied. I am really disappointed.

So I have a lot of thinking to do. I could pay out of pocket (a loan), for 17,800 - don't have that kind of money or I could have gastric bypass which is something I don't want at this time. The doctor thinks I would do fine having RNY but I am very uncomfortable with RNY. I worry about my Diabetes long term since there are not any studies done on type 1 diabetics. I also am concerned about malabsorption with all of the meds I take for conditions that will not go away with the surgery. I am in a state of confusion. I know I have to start with the nutritionist, counselor and excercise but that is all I know at this point.

Well that's all for now. I have to really look into RNY since that appears to be my only option, other than being in more debt which I don't want to burden my family with. I am looking forward to joining Curves and getting some excercise.

 



~~~~ January 18, 2006 ~~~~
Happy New Year - WOW it has been long since I have updated my profile. A lot has happened.

I have switched endo's and I really like the new office. I work with a nurse, the doctor and a nutritionist. It is so nice to have access to everyone at each appointment. None of the hassle like I had at Yale (and certainly none of the attitude!).

I went to the the psychologist and nutritionist the Fairfield Bariatric group recommends and they both agree I am a great candidate for WLS. I will see them 2 more times as my insurance plan mandates. The only thing I have not done is join Curves. I now have a bronchial infection and have probably had it for the past 2 weeks. I have been so sick but going to work and running my daughter to dance 5 nights a week. As soon as I can breath without wheezing, I will be at Curves. So instead of starting in December like I should have, I started in January. December was way to hectic at work and at home. I never even got my Christmas cards out until very late and shopped the night before Christmas. I guess I should not plan vacations in November and come home to 23 people at my house on Thanksgiving. That is when everything went down hill!

I have been researching RNY, will be speaking to 2 type I diabetics who have had RNY and learn from them as well. I am resigning myself to the fact that I will be having RNY, long term studies or not. I need to worry about today and pray in 10 years I will be okay with my decision.

Hopefully I will not be waiting so long to update but you never know with my crazy schedule!

Bye for now.

Oh...forgot two things - I had an abdominal ultrasound and now know that I have small gallstones - guess that will be coming out!! Also had a basline bone density test done. I have been reading about WLS and bone density (as has my PCP), and we decided to get a baseline done. Turns out it is just fine at this point.

 



~~~~ January 27, 2006 ~~~~
I just got back from meeting with Dr. Ehrich. Did I ever tell you what a great guy he is?? He makes me feel so secure in my decision to have him as my surgeon even if he is an hour and a half away.

We discussed Lap Band vs, RNY and what I decided to do. I explained that although I really wanted to have the Lap Band, I know my insurance will never cover it and I have come to the decision that I will have RNY. I will be meeting with an endocrinologist from St. Vincents hospital who will take care of me while I am in surgery and after surgery, that is such a relief for me because it was one of my biggest worries. He will be in contact with my regular endo so they will work together.

I am going to have my gallbladder removed on March 10th. I thought I would have WLS and my gallbladder removed at the same time but that only happens with Open RNY and mine will be lap.

I will continue with the nutritionist, psychologist and excercising until April and then will be schedule for WLS. I can't believe it is finally coming together!!

Bye for now!

 



~~~~ February 6, 2006 ~~~~
Had my stress test on Friday and it was different then the ones I had in the past. I had a chemically induced stress test and an echocardiogram and the results were perfect according to my cardiologist (YEAH!!). He cleared me for both Gall Bladder surgery on March 10th and WLS.

The thing we didn't know is that I would have an allergic reaction to the stuff they injected me with to make my heart beat fast. OMG - I was away at a dance competition with my daughter and thank god my husband agreed to go with us. My ears got itchy inside and out, swelled until they were enormous and hard and my entire body was itching and red like I have never seen in my life. I ended up in an emergency room in Massachusettes and am on high doses of Prednisone and Benadryl. My blood sugars are all over the place but as long as it stops my itching, it is worth checking my blood sugars a million times a day!

Missed some of my daughters dances but I did see her solo and she did get GOLD for her dance. What a week-end, the good and the bad!!

Till next time!

 



~~~~ March 14 ~~~~
Well I had my Gallbladder removed on March 10th and I am home recovering. It really wasn't a bad experience, I am very sore but I never took a pain pill. I guess I will save those for my RNY surgery!!

St. Vincent's is a great hospital, my only complaint would be the anestesiologist (sp?). He was a little bit over cautious!! Because I have mild sleep apnea, I had to be observed for 4 hours keeping my sat rate at 94 or better. During the 4 hours if it dropped, I would of had to stay another 3 hours and then overnight if it dropped during the 3 hours. At the fourth hour my blood sugar was high so he made me stay another hour until it fell (little did he know that I cranked my insulin pump so no way would it be high!!). I just wanted to go home!!

He also gave me a fat lip (which I still have) and couldn't find my vein for the IV - I look like a bruised pin cushion. I told Dr. Erhlich to use a different guy next time!!

Dr. Erhlich said once I have my final visits with the nutritionist and psychologist this month, he was going to submit my stuff to the insurance. We will see what happens!!

Till next time!

                              

 



~~~~ March 17, 2006 ~~~~
OMG, OMG!! I am so excited!!! I went to have everything checked and my bandages removed from my Gallbladder surgery and everything is healing wonderfully. I met Toni there by mere coincidences (if there are such things in life!). I recognized her from her picture on here. I also talked to a few other people in the office, almost all had lap Bands - I was so jealous. THEN..

I went to meet Dr. Rosa who will be my endocrinologist during my stay at St. Vincents (since mine is so far away). Oh how I wish he was at my end of the state. I love love love him!! Did I tell you I love him???!!! He examined me and does not agree with RNY because of malabsorption of my medications. He is worried about my thyroid condition, my neurological condition, my lexapro, etc. I told him my insurance will only cover RNY. WELL.. he said I am a fightin' man and boy do I LOVE to fight with insurance companies. He said "HOW DARE THEY TELL ME THE DOCTOR WHAT IS BEST FOR MY PATIENT"!!

He is consulting with Dr. Ehrlich, Dr. Ferrar (my endo here at home) and they are going to put on the gloves for a great boxing match with the insurance. He is my kind of guy!! I don't want to get to excited (like it hasn't happened already!), but maybe I can have the lap band after all. I can only hope and pray. Please pray for me too!

It turned out to be a really great day for me and whatever the outcome, RNY or Lap Band, I know I will be in good hands with Dr. Rosa and that is the most important thing. I can't help but be excited about the possibility of having the Lap Band.
Till next time!

 



~~~~ March 30 ~~~~
Dr. Erhlich called me yesterday to let me know there is NO WAY my insurance will cover Lap Band so I am back to having RNY. I didn't think I would be as disappointed as I am. I couldn't even write it in my profile until today. I really thought there was hope. Can I say I do not like insurance companies - especially mine. Wish I had the out of pocket money to spend. Somehow after talking to the nutritionist and psycologist after my uplifting experience of meeting Dr. Rosa, they had made me realize I should go with my gut instinct and really fight for the Lap Band. Guess there are other plans in the works since I don't have a choice. Maybe that is the issue, I don't have a choice and I am not happy with that. I have that streak of rebellion in me and I hate when anyone tells me I have to do something. Yup..that's it. Writing is theraputic and I think I just figured it out.

I have to get over it and move on and be positive but god it pisses me off. Okay, I feel better now and will move on. Thanks for reading.

Till next time..

 



~~~~ April 7, 2006 ~~~~
It's been a great day! I found out my insurance changed their policy and will now cover Lap Band surgery. I called the office to inquire about paying out of pocket (getting a loan), and they returned my call with the good news. Now just to finish up the insurance requirements!! I have to call the office now...

Till next time

 



~~~~ April 19, 2006 ~~~~
I had my last test yesterday - an upper GI. It wasn't that bad but unfortunately they could not sweeten the stuff I had to drink because it is pure sugar. My diabetes would not have been happy!! I also saw the nutritionist for the 4th time. I have my next 2 appointments set up for early May and early June. Hopefully the pulmonary doc sent in my PFT test and CPAP settings!

Slowly but surely I am getting there. It is pretty exciting!! Decided not to buy any new clothes in hopes I get approval and have surgery sometime in July. God I hope I can do this!! No, I know I can...just a little anxious!!

Till next time..

 



~~~~ June 28, 2006 ~~~~

I can't believe how long it has been since I have updated. I have been so busy I haven't even looked at my profile! So... I finished up with the nutritionist and she sent her letter to Dr. Erlich's office. In the mean time I had my every 3 year colonoscopy and endoscopy. Guess I have lots of reflux so I have to take a Prevacid every day. My polyps were benign and I don't have to go back for another 5 years (thank god... I hate drinking that crap and being on the toliet for hours!!!)

My paperwork was submitted to the insurance company and after 2 weeks they had not even looked at my file. Doesn't really surprise me but boy was I pissed. They promised to look at it the next 2 days and I went to Michigan (to see my MIL- joy!) not knowing anything.

I did get a call on Friday June 23rd from Danielle telling me I got approved and we picked a date - August 1st!! I still can't believe it. I just realized we made a pre-op appointment and I don't know when it is!! I was so excited I did not write anything down. ***Note to self - call nutritionist*** I know I am going to foget!!

So now I am going to shop for all of the protein drinks I can use during the clear liquid phase. I have many samples of the bars as well as the other kind of protein shakes but nothing that is clear. I am so ready for this. As Towanda said "Get Ready Cuz here I Come"!!! Hopefully I won't wait so long to update my profile but no promises!! Summer is so busy!! Gotta get to the beach every second I can!

Till next time...

 



~~~~ July 29, 2006 ~~~~
Well my date is fast approaching and I have been on the 2 week low fat 1000 calorie diet. It has not been the easiest thing. I think it would have been a lot easier if I didn't have diabetes. Even though I cut down on my insulin, I still had my fill of low blood sugars. Tomorrow I start the 2 days of clear liquids. I hope these 2 days go by fast because I really hate clear liquid diets with my diabetes, and I just want to have the surgery and get it over with.

I still have a few things to pick up and I will take care of that tomorrow morning. I am packed for the most part, I have to buy some chapstick.

Well next time I write, I hope to be recovering and on the loosers side! Thanks for reading!

Till next time....

 



~~~~ July 30th 2006 ~~~~
Okay - now I was not going to write again until after surgery but today I started my liquid diet. I am able to drink some Isopure so I do get some protein. I can't take too much of it at one time, it is very sweet to me. I think I will cut it with some water tomorrow. So it has been a pretty easy day, I am not feeling great (not good for surgery), and I think it is all sinus related - dripping which causes a sore throat and my ears are driving me nuts as well. The good thing about it is I am really not hungry and thank god because every commercial is either for food or releated to food!! OMG I never realized this or maybe it because I don't watch that much TV! It really is disgusting.

On another note, I did take a nap today to help myself heal and I dreamt I was eating speghetti and meatballs. Now let me say if it was lobster and steamers I could understand my dream but speghetti - that is not a meal I eat on a regular basis by any means!! Too funny.

Today I also realized I never had my bloodwork done for surgery on Tuesday - I am really panicked about this and called the doctor's office but they never called back. I don't know whether to go to the hospital early so they do the bloodwork right away there or go to quest tomorrow and have it rushed. My experience at Quest labs is there is no rush!! I don't know how I forgot to get it done - so much to keep straight - who is going to stay with Olivia and what do I do with the dog and did I get everything at the store (still forgot the chewable vitamin), etc. and thinking about surgery but obviously not the bloodwork. I'll let you know what happens!

Till next time...

 



~~~~ July 31, 2006 ~~~~
Well I went to Bridgeport today and had my bloodwork done and a chest xray since I haven't been feeling good. Tomorrow is my day and I am excited and scared. I am not sure why I am scared...afraid of the unknown? I have had some wonderful support sent my way and I really do want to thank everyone. It is so nice to have this board to rely on.

Towanda is my woman!! She has sent me so many inspiring thoughts and ideas and it really has done wonders for me. I can't thank her enough. She is just an amazing person full of wisdom.

I can't wait to see Bette tomorrow night after surgery. I hope I am coherent!! I have been forwarned that because I use a CPAP machine, I may have to be in recovery longer or even overnight to be monitored. I hope everything will be okay.

Okay gotta go take measurements, pics and jump in the shower, I have an early day tomorrow. Thanks for all the prayers.

Till next time...

 



~~~~ August 5 2006 ~~~~
So I am finally a loser!! I am so happy I can't begin to express it! I can't believe how strong I am. I have to say I was so proud of myself! Up and walking in the recovery room. Granted I was shakey and didn't have much color but I did get to the bathroom!!!

I don't know if I have a high tolerance to pain or what but it really was fairly easy. I am sore where my incisions are but I have only taken tylenol (not since Thursday though), and I am just fine.

Surgery was suppose to be at 10:30 but Dr. Erlich was behind an hour and a half. I finally walked into the operating room (which I hate!), and there were 2 anestigioloists working with me. One was super nice, the other I didn't really talk to so I didn't know him.

I woke up in recovery and dozed on and off (they kept me there for 4 hours do to me using a CPAP machine). I even walked to the bathroom in the recovery room! I eventually got a room and just walked and sipped as I was told to do. Went home the next day.

I didn't have any gas pain until I was home the second day. It would just come and go and was tolerable. I knew it would eventually pass!!

I went to a 25th wedding anniversary party tonight and I was so proud of myself - they were all eating these wonderful beef and chicken dishes (not to mention the cake!) and I sat there with my broth and flavored water!! I am sure I will feel it tomorrow (being tired). I had such a great time - I wanted to dance so bad but hubby didn't think it was a good idea and made me sit!

I am going to Stage 2 one day early. The protein drink just goes right through me giving me horrible stomach aches. Guess they don't want me to be without protein too long. I am so looking forward to a new taste - this clear liquid stage seems to be going on way too long!! But seriously, I have to keep the end in sight and focus on why I am doing this. The scale says I have lost 12 pounds but I am sure that I will put some back on once I start eating something. That is kind of a bummer!

I think that is all for now..I am just so happy and truly grateful for the wonderful people I have met on this board.

Till next time...

 

                 

~~~~ August 12, 2006 ~~~~
So I had my first post op visit with the doctor and everything went well. I had lost 16 pounds from my pre-op visit. My incisions looked great and he said I was doing really well. I forgot to ask him a few questions but I emailed the office - I want to know what size band I have and what my goal weight is. My first objective is to get out off the 200's. Babv steps for me. I can start exercising mid week so I will be joining Curves. I have been walking but I want to add to that.

Stage 2 went pretty fast and I found a couple of protein drinks I realy like and I am so happy about that. I definitely don't like the taste of whey. Trader Joe's has Pure Protein in a can and I do enjoy that the most. I move on to stage 3 on Sunday to make sure I can tolerate pureed since I start back in my office on Monday. I did work part time from home last week. I will try and work all day but it will depend how tired I get! Vitamins and calcium are going well, I do forget sometimes until the end of the so I really have to make it part of my routine.

I have been learning lots from others and everyone is so encouraging, I am so happy I found this board and thanks to all those who responded to my email questions.

Till next time...

 



~~~ September 6, 2006 ~~~~
I can't believe I wait so long in between to update. I say I am not going to wait so long in between updates but it always seems to happen. I had a great lunch at Kathy's house in August and had some great conversation with Terri and Kathy. Hopefully more will be able to make it next time. I have lost 20 lbs but the scale has not moved since I have been able to eat again. I definitely need a fill but I am waiting until Dr. Ehrlich is in the NL office in September. As long as I maintain the loss, I will be happy.

I don't know what is going on with my monthly cycle but I have had a very light period after surgery (like a week after) and now I am miserable, bloated, hungry as hell, crampy and not getting a period. I wish it would get here already!!

I am suppose to start Curves today by my blood sugar was 400 before lunch and then 339 after lunch (and I waited to eat until 2:00). I just discovered my pump was not attached to my stomach so of course I feel like hell warmed over. I am so ready to go home from work but I know they will never understand. I am trying to flush myself with water to get the keytones out of my body but all I really want to do is sleep. I will never hear the end of it from my mom if I don't go tonight (although I don't think it is healthy for a diabetic to exercise with out of control blood sugars). I have to say this has not happened in years and I was wondering why I was so out of control.

Okay so I want to leave this on a postive note...I am so happy I had this surgery and I can't wait to make the most out of it by getting into an exercise routine. I do have the Leslie Samsone walking tapes, maybe i will do those if I feel better tonight.

Take care everyone and until next time...

 



~~~~~ September 16, 2006 ~~~~
Tonight it finally happened. My first piece of stuck food!! OMG did it hurt! I was eating a piece of chicken (small!) out of my daughter's Tai food and I guess I did not chew it well enough. I swear I thought I was going to die!! I wish it would of come up but it wouldn't so I ended up over the toliet just spitting (sorry, gross I know!). Eventually I burped enough and felt better but my body was so weak and my hands were shaking. I have to be more careful! I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later.

I have had some small NSV but something is better than nothing. I did loose 1 pound but I noticed my shoes are too big (too wide and stretched out), my wedding rings are swinging around my fingers, I am wearing rings I haven't worn in a while and my bracelets are falling much further down my wrists. So the scale may not be moving much but I must be loosing inches. Curves and walking must be paying off!!

The one thing I have noticed is many people telling me I look thinner but what bugs me is how many people ask how much I have lost. I don't know why it bothers me. I did this to get healthy and to lose wieght and so many things have improved health wise already, I can't wait until more improve. The weight is an extra bonus but I can tell I am a slow looser and that is okay with me. I'm just tired of saying "I haven't stepped on the scale in a while" which is the truth most of the time. Okay I am done ranting for this entry!!

I can't wait to meet many of the CT OH board members at the Obesity walk on September 20th. I had dinner with Kathy K and Terri the other night and it was so exciting to talk about the walk and who I couldn't wait to meet in person! Too many names to name and I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings if I leave someone out!!

Till next time... 

                    

~~~~ September 22, 2006 ~~~~
Apple Pie was such a sweetie and spruced up my profile. It is perfect!! I am so excited that it is not just a bland slate to write on and it is all about my favorite place - the beach!! That is my place of relaxation and quiet. I could have never done this myself and I am so greatful! I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do!!

Till next time!

 



~~~~ September 25, 2006 ~~~~

I had my first fill today! It was really uneventful as Bette had described. It was so nice not traveling to Bridgeport. I love that Dr. Erhlich is in New London once a month. The best part was that he had a seminar after at the Holiday Inn and I was so glad I went. The room was filled with people and I even spoke about the Lap Bad. It was a great time!

So I am back to liquids for a day and a half and then on to purees for 2 days.

I had the most incredible, dehabilitating migraine last week. It lasted from Wednesday through the week-end. I really thought something other than the migraine was wrong. I wouldn't let my hubby leave the house. If I thought they were bad before was I ever in for a surprise. It was the first since surgery and I thought I was going to die. I was getting them once a month before surgery and if I ate nutrisweet. I am wondering if some other food is causing this headache (which I still have the remnants of). Could it be whey or sucrolose? I don't know what to do because I am back on liquids and all my shakes have whey in them. I can't miss any more work! I also discovered I need a new neurologist through all this - mine was so unavailable and talk about nasty uncaring people. They were so obnoxious to my mom who called for me. I have to find someone who is not just in a hospital but in a practice.

Well leaving on an upbeat note, I did lose 3 more pounds without restriction so that is a good thing. I am proud of myself for that because it was like dieting again cuz I was hungry!! Hopefully this fill will do something but if not, I have an appointment in 2 weeks so I will have another bit added then.

Till next time...

 



~~~~ October 2, 2006 ~~~~
Well I did my first Walk from Obesity on Saturday and had such a great time. I think the best part was meeting all the people that I chat with but never really met. There were just so many but I was especially happy to finally meet Towanda. I just love her!! I think she is the best. I was also happy to meet Julio who is always a constant source of support.

I was very proud of myself, walking almost the entire way. I did stop to stretch my calf muscles, damn they were hurting. I realized where I stopped was almost at the turnaround so I didn't miss much of the walk. I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to finish! I woke up the next morning and my upper back was so stiff (and still is) and my gluts hurt as well (that is gone now). I wasn't sure if I should work out today and I tried to do a twisting exercise that I do on the machines and I was a hurtin unit. I decided against working out, I hope I made the right decision. I wonder if I would have stretched out my back enough to warm it up and make it feel better. Oh well to late now!!

I don't think my first fill did much. I do have restriction but I think it can be better. I am so glad I am seeing Dr. Ehrlich next week. I hope he will agree to give me a little more of a fill. The scale hasn't moved but then again I have so much water weight due to the time of the month, maybe it really has moved. I will just have to wait and see.

Well I think that is all, still hesitant to try new things to eat but am going to try the crock pot this week. I am sure the meat will be moist and tender and I won't have a problem eating it (at least I hope!)

Till next time...

 



~~~~ October 6, 2006 ~~~~

So I am kinda in a funk. I had my fill and really don't feel any restriction. On top of that, I have felt so bloated and have had such excessive water weight and my period just doesn't seem to arrive. I noticed last month was the same way. I hope this doesn't continue - I could eat a horse and the feeling lasts for 2 weeks. It is so depressing. Like being on a damn diet again and I always fail at them. I ate terrible today - like no other day, it was awful. The only good thing is I see the doctor on Thursday and will get more of a fill. I don't even know my true weight at this point due to all the bloating. I just can't stand it!!

I have been limiting my portions (although today I just ate the wrong foods - made the worst choices), and did not get to exercise at all this week other than walking at work. I had appointments everyday after work on the days I normal go to Curves. Maybe that is another reason I feel so down. I just want to work with this band so bad but with no restriction, it is so hard.

Hopefully the next entry will be more upbeat and I will have some better news.

Till next time...

 



~~~~ October 10, 2006 ~~~~

Last night I ate pork chops that I cooked in the crook pot all day. I used healthy choice cream of mushroom soup and cut up mushrooms and just let it cook all day. I couldn't wait to have dinner. I love pork and it would be my first experience with pork since surgery. WELL... on the second small bite, the meat got stuck. OMG - it hurt like hell. I took a papaya enzyme, but I don't think it did a thing. I ended up with my first case of the foamies. Then I just hurt the rest of the night. I couldn't stand the smell of the crockpot leftovers and made hubby throw it away. The smell just nauseated me. Needless to say, I won't be eating that any time soon. I was so sick to my stomach that I couldn't even put anything together for tonights dinner -I have to at least have it in the crockpot the evening before because I just hate mornings and barely get to work on time. So much for moist meat in the crock pot!

I am begining to wonder if I need an increase (or change) in my anti anxiety/anti depression meds. I have no motivation to do anything for myself. Feel like I am in a slump. I finally got my period and really thought I would see a lose on the scale - NOT! I can't wait to see Dr. Ehrlich on Thursday. I am also trying to get in to see the nutritionist.

Not that I can change it, or want to, but do wonder how I would be doing if I did have gastric bypass instead of the lap band. Guess I will never know so no sense pondering the subject. I have got to get out of this funk. I swear I need a vacation. Can't wait until the shutdown in Dec. when I have a little more then a week off - but I suppose I will worry because I don't get paid during that time. Always something to worry about for me. I need to get back to the shrink (a sudden realization!). Also need to get to a support group meeting. Wish I could drive at night - wouldn't need hubby to take me. I hate having to rely on him, especially during the week when he seems to be in the car so much.

Nothing upbeat to say today - I tried to think about something good. Okay I guess it is great I have this tool to work with. I just wish it would work with me!

Till next time...

 



~~~~ October 12, 2006 ~~~~

I went to the doctor today and got a little tune up! I had a little more fill and I now have 1.4cc's in my band. I feel restricted already, I hope it stays this way and is not a result of just being filled. It does feel different then the first time - I never felt restricted so I am keeping my fingers crossed. I had actually gained a half a pound. I was so bummed! Then I realized that it could of been worse and maybe tomorrow the half pound will be gone. My other disappointment was this was my second visit to the office and I did not talk to Dr. Ehrilich at either appointment. I wonder if this is the norm. Elaine did my fill and I really do like her a lot and trust in what she says but I thought he might pop in and see how I was doing.

Then I went to the endocrinologist - according to Danielle, my blood work was fine - NOT. My A1C, (average blood sugars over the past 3 months), was higher then it has ever been. I am not sure why that is but Dr. Ferrer made some changes with my pump settings and I am going to use the wave bolus which will help me when I am drinking a protein shake. I have to wait another 3 months for a repeat of that test. Additionally my cholesterol is sky high - higher then it has ever been, both good and bad are way off. I will be taking my cholesterol pill starting tonight. My microalbumin in my urine doubled since my last bloodwork. That is due to all the protein I am eating. It makes me nervous because it is suppose to be under 30 and it is 11 but again, it has never been that high. The doctor is not concerned and will test again in 3 months. I am also borderline anemic. I have to get another blood test for anemia, he only had an overall number and wants the break down. In the meantime, I have to make sure my chewable vitamin is a woman's vitamin because they have more iron in them (or so the doc says).

The good that came out of the endocrinologists appointment is that I spoke to a nurse who works in the office and has had gastric bypass (Liz). The doctor recommended I see the nutritionist in the office that specializes in the WLS patients. Liz told me she is just wonderful and that if I see her as she recommends and the nurse I see in the office every few months, they will make sure I am doing what I need to. Now I have had the best nutritionist in the world in Nancy Murphy so if she doesn't add up, I will be back to riding to Fairfield to see Nancy. I am seeing this new one tomorrow so we will see what happens. I hope my new settings on my pump will help with my blood sugars.

So I am on liquids for another day and looking forward to tomorrow. I hope this is a new start for me. I am going upstairs to do the eliptical machine.

Till next time...


About Me
Waterford, CT
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BMI
Jun 10, 2004
Member Since

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My old posts from 8/22/05 to 10/12/06

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