paksmiley
2-7-06
I'm 5' 7 3/4" and 37 years old. I've been overweight all my life. It began as a way to deal with abuse as a child. Now, I have been trying to correct bad habits. But, I need help to gain control over my weight and to get out of pain.
I started this journey at 360 (highest ever was 365). I was told to lose 27 lbs before surgery, and have lost about 7 lbs already. Yeah, I can do short term... I have enough history of "working" enough programs!
Just started with psych meetings today. Not sure how many meetings or how long this will take. As far as I know, after psych meetings done and she ok's me for surgery... everything will be sent to insurance for approval.
2-16-06
Had my second psych eval meeting. It was just the MMPI (something like that) test that I took on the computer. Now I know what others are talking about. Tons of questions and some real goofy ones that made me laugh. It was actually kinda fun for me though... ok, maybe I'm a little weird. :)
Next meeting to finish the psych eval interview is next Tues. 2/21. They she's gonna decide what I need to work on, then schedule more meetings with her. After all that, I'll hopefully be approved. Nothing is sent to insurance till all that is done. Sure is a long process!
2-23-06
Had my second psych eval meeting on 2/21 to finish the interview. Then I have to meet with her to go over the results and to find out what I need to work on and how many more visits before she'll approve me. I couldn't get in with her till the first Mon. in April! This seems to take forever!!! She's also getting me a referral for a counselor who deals with bypass patients who were abused in the past. I guess issues can come up when losing weight. I don't think this will happen with me, but better to be safe than sorry. I like the idea of having someone there to help me when I need it, esp. emotionally.
Still working on losing 20 more lbs. before surgery and developing better habits. It's weird... they want you to do all this stuff before hand, but when you think about it... that's part of the reason I need the surgery in the first place!?
I'm looking forward to being on the losing side of surgery, and later looking back at my journaling of the journey. It'll help for when I scrapbook! :) Thanks for "listening."
4-4-06
We got back last week from being with my sister after her surgery. I was a little jealous that she had her surgery already and I'm still in process. But, it was nice to be able to support her and just to visit with her and her family.
I had my result consultation from the psych eval yesterday. I'm always surprised at how far I've come when I take the time to look back at how I used to be (how I used to deal with issues, or not deal with them, etc.). I'm kinda proud at how much I've changed for the better. :) She referred me to a therapist who works with bypass patients who have been abused in the past. I guess issues may come up after surgery. So, I'll see the therapist and she'll decide how many meetings with her before surgery is scheduled. I don't think it'll take more than 1 or possibly 2 meetings. I just hope that they submit everything for insurance approval before then!
This process seems so slow!!! I wonder if I'll look back and think it went by fast?
6-5-06
I am finally finished with the psych eval. Everthing is being sent to insurance this week. My teaching appointment with the nurse clinician is scheduled. According to the nurse who has worked with this insurance co. before, we should hear from them in the next 2-3 weeks. She doesn't forsee any problems! :) There's progress!!! If all goes well, I'll know by the end of this month and schedule surgery for next month... maybe even the beginning of July!
7-21-06
Insurance finally approved me for surgery!!! Yeah!!! Only thing was that I couldn't get in to meet with the surgeon (and get my surgery date) until July 24, Monday. At this rate my date won't be until August. I was hoping for earlier since my step-daughter can only help out before school starts (need help with my two year old). But if I can at least get help for the first few weeks that's better than nothing! :)
Pre-weight loss hasn't been going well. It's one thing after another... hurt back and could barely walk for a few weeks, severe pain during period which lasted 3 weeks (hoping surgery will help this too), and tendonitis in left ankle/foot. Seems like all I can do is watch what I'm eating and try to get my water in. It's so frustrating! I hope it doesn't delay surgery! Please pray!!!
In the meantime, I've been doing a lot of reading and copying of recipes from books about WLS. Since we'll all be eating healthier, I want to find things that my husband and son will like as well. Also trying to pre-plan so I have enough variety that I'm not tempted or bored, and can find things I like if my tastes change.
My sister seems to be doing really well. I'm slightly jealous that she's already on the "losing" side of surgery... but I'll get there in time. I'm just so happy for her!!! You go girl!!! :)
7-25-06
Finally!!! I'm scheduled for surgery on August 9 (Wed.) at 9:30am. But I have to be there by 7am... they have to start an IV early because they have to use a different antibiotic since I'm allergic to penicillin. Oh well... I'm just happy to see the "light at the end of the tunnel." So far I'm not nervous, but I am excited! We'll see when it gets closer. I actually don't have to do much prep which surprised me. Just: eating light for 1 week before, 2 nights before take laxitives, day before have only clear liquids (just like diet for 1st week after surgery), and nothing after midnight. Besides trying to lose more weight before hand. I've lose 7 lbs. but they want more. But Dr. said that as long as I haven't gained before surgery we'll go ahead. But, if I want an easier surgery and recovery I'll work at losing more weight. I think it'll help having a date... a motivator.
8-8-06
Surgery is tomorrow!!! I've been so busy getting ready. Finding help for my son, shopping for stuff I can have after surgery, etc. So, I'm feeling ok about surgery... not sure if it's cause I'm too busy, or just so laid back. Course, we're praying a lot... that God has His hands in this and everything will be ok. Keep me in your prayers.
8-18-06
About 9 days post-op and doing pretty good. I had a few complications after surgery and so I stayed in the hospital a couple extra days (from Wed. - Sat.), but been pretty good since I've been home. Each day is better than the last! Just working at getting all my liquids in and exercise. Need to find some good sugar free mints for the nasty breath and taste in my mouth (I've heard that can happen). I'm actually surprised at how well I'm doing.
The hardest part right now is dealing with my 2 year old son. I've been elbowed in the stomach a couple times, but at least not right on the outside incision. But, boy that can really hurt! He's a pretty rough and tough kid... He's ALL BOY! I have help with him in the morning... issue is at night when my husband and I are sitting in the living room. Alex wants to crawl on me and sit next to me (probably needing momma time). I've showed him my "owie" and explained why I can't pick him up and why he needs to be careful. But, if anyone has had a little one, you know how long that lasts! Feel like I need a piece of armour over my stomach area! :)
8-23-06
Yesterday and today, after being awake for a few minutes, I got really dizzy, then ended up being weak for the rest of the morning. Not sure what's going on but it sure feels weird.
8-30-06
After 3 days of dizziness, I went to the Dr. and they gave me meds. I took one that night and the next day without anything really happening. I went to the Chiropractor!!! I guess during surgery they put your head in a position easy for them, then I came home and had to sleep on my back which I wasn't used to... meaning my neck was out pretty bad! I haven't had any dizziness since the adjustment and haven't taken any more meds. Yeah!
I'm 3 weeks out and mainly just a little weak and tired. Haven't really exercised yet, but trying to get some walking buddies for mall walking (less excuses I can use if I exercise inside). I started pureed food today! I was so excited to have something different! I'm really happy and surprised at how well I'm physically doing. I'd probably lose faster if I could exercise more. I lost 17 lbs pre-op and 16.4 post op. Each week it seems like I lose less than the week before... a little disappointing, but just trying to make sure I follow the plan and work on getting in liquids and exercise. Trying to stay focused here! :)
