RGR123
1/8/06--I have been trying to have this surgery since October of 2004. After I obtained my referral from my PCM, TriCare kept jerking me around for months waiting on approval of the referral. I think it was actually lost somewhere in the system. Anyway, I gave up. I took it as a sign that it wasn't meant to be.
In August of 2005, I tried it again. This time, the General Surgery Clinic at WOMACK called and scheduled me with Dr. Amy Olsen. I completed all of her preliminaries; physical, mammogram, blood work, dietitian, support group meetings, and a five hour block of psychological testing.
I was supposed to have my surgery in November, but we had a family event to attend out of state. I couldn't have it in December because I had to travel for work.
The day I returned from my travel, I called the hospital to get my date in January. I was so excited and happy! Imagine my disappointment when I was told that Dr. Olsen was deploying to the desert! I was crushed and heartbroken. My options were to either wait until they trained another Doctor, wait until Dr. Olsen returned in a year, or find another Doctor.
I knew of Dr. Mitchell because two other ladies at work had surgery with him, so I decided to go with him. I had to literally start all over.
I attended Dr. Mitchell's Orientation on January 5, 2006. I filled out his packet and my husband hand delivered it and my $500 to Chris, his secretary. The same day, Chris called to inform me of the preliminary appointments I would have to take care of prior to meeting with Dr. Mitchell. Let me tell you, the requirements for preliminaries are different for every doctor.
I can't say that it has been easy. I have discovered that I had other co-morbidities that I was not even aware of. It has been a very slow process. Hurry up, jump this hurdle, and wait, wait, wait. Kinda like having teeth pulled without Novocain! :) Just kidding, but it was frustrating to say the least.
Everyone says things happen for a reason and to be happy that Dr. Mitchell is so thorough. I've literally had to keep telling myself that as I keep chugging along to my appointments. I keep thinking of the pay off. Someday, I WILL be a LOSER!
3/9/06--I can't believe it! I think there is a light at the end of that tunnel! I have a tentative date of April 13 for my surgery. I am so happy. It has been a long and frustrating journey that began in October 2004. I had my EGD yesterday and now Chris can start the process of getting authorization from my insurance. I am getting my CPAP machine on Monday and will have my psych visit at the end of this month! I am so excited! I can't wait to be a LOSER! :)
3/24/06--Chris called to say that TriCare approved my surgery! Yay!!! First time go... :)
4/1/06--It's finally April! Only 13 days until my surgery, but it seems like it is forever. I had my visit with the psych yesterday and have to go back for the results on Monday. She had me do the exact same test that the psych at Ft. Bragg had me do; except, she had me answer only 355 questions and Ft. Bragg had me do all 500 and some. I don't know why Dr. Mitchell wouldn't accept their assessment. Anyway, when Chris gets the results I guess she will schedule my appointment with Dr. Mitchell and my pre-op appointment. I can't wait! I'm so excited, it seems like this is the only thing I can think of. My husband is deployed right now and I'm hoping he will make it home in time for the surgery, but if he doesn't, I'm not postponing my date. The last time I postponed, my surgeon was deployed to the desert and I had to start all over with Dr. Mitchell. Oh well, like they say, the 2nd time is a charm! :) Here's to hoping the next 13 days fly by!
4/4/06--Got an email from Chris today. She received my psych evaluation and scheduled me to see Dr. Mitchell on Friday! After my visit with him, I will go to the hospital and do all of my pre-op! YES! Getting closer! Only 9 days to go! :)
4/18/06--Had my surgery on April 13. Everything went well. As Brett put it, my surgery was a "textbook surgery." So I'm grateful for that. The staff at Moore Regional was excellent. I could not have asked for better care. My nurses Nicole, Dean, and Van were the best. I was released from the hospital on Sunday, April 16. I'm having a hard time getting in my 10 cups of liquid plus eating pureed food. I have mainly been putting my liquid in my G-tube and drinking my blue Power-Ade. I have already had an episode of dumping. I thought I would be smart and get a jump on those ten cups. I put my protein shake and 120cc of water in my G-tube. By the time I finished with the water, I was nauseated. Then came the sweating. I ran to my bed to lie down. Then came the bm. Not a nice experience. I remember laying there hoping I would just fall asleep! I did sleep for several hours, until my husband woke me up to drink. What a terrible experience! I never want to experience it again! Of course, this episode cost me precious time in getting my liquids in. Oh well, I guess it was a learning experience. I have been walking three times a day. Not far because I get tired and winded, but I guess the movement is what is important. OK, well I'm off to put some more water in my G-tube! :)
4/28/06--I had my 2 week checkup today. I weighed in at 228lbs. I lost 18 lbs, 12 fat and 6 water. Brett was not happy about the 6 lbs of water. I swear I have been getting all of my fluids in. I didn't understand how I could have lost water. I wondered if it were due to my cycle starting. The nutritionist informed me that the reason i was losing water was because I was not eating any carbs. So I have to add carbs to my diet. No problem. I'm on my Building Blocks vitamins now. I feel pretty good! Other than a bout with constipation, I haven't had any problems! Just wish I were losing weight faster. Oh well, at least I am losing! I'm a LOSER! :)
8/15/06--Haven't updated in awhile, so I thought I would post my weight loss scale. I'm kinda disappointed that the weight isn't coming off faster, but I guess its better than I would have done on my own!
Date Weight BMI Weight Loss Total Weight
Loss
5-Jan-06 249.51 42.8 0.00 0.00
7-Mar-06 250.51 43.0 1.00 1.00
7-Apr-06 246.01 42.2 -4.50 -3.50
13-Apr-06 SURGERY DATE
28-Apr-06 228.01 39.1 -18.00 -21.50
4-May-06 222.51 38.2 -5.50 -27.00
12-May-06 221.01 37.9 -1.50 -28.50
1-Jun-06 216.01 37.1 -5.00 -33.50
6-Jul-06 200.51 34.4 -15.50 -49.00
11-Jul-06 198.01 34.0 -2.50 -51.50
10-Aug-06 190.51 32.7 -7.50 -59.00