Robin N.
Things seem to be going so slowly
Oct 27, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Things seem to be going so slowly
I have gotten a lot done that needs to be done, but it seems like there is still so much to do. Also it seems like it is going to be so long until I get to have surgery. Now that I have done the research and the hard thinking about this decision and made up my mind, I am ready to get it done!My list now is this:
[x] gallbladder sonogram
[x] pap
[x] seminar
[x] nutritional consult / Lifestyle Change Class
[x] referrals for psych exam, sleep study, and gastric bypass
[x] psych exam (still waiting for results)
[x] appt 1 for sleep study (breathing test)
[x] appt 2 for sleep study (dr. consult)
[ ] appt 3 for sleep study (actual sleep study/CPAP fitting)
[ ] appt 4 for sleep study (followup and results)
[ ] appt with nurse practitioner
[ ] insurance approval (too early to begin this)
[ ] 2 week pre-op diet
[ ] blood work
At least I have more checked done than not. Found out yesterday that the nurse practitioner has no future available appt and they are booking into Dec. Will have to wait for either a cancelation or for when they open up more dates. Disappointed that I have more waiting to do, but at least that gives me more time to finish my sleep study up.
I did a search on Youtube and found a video of an actual gastric bypass. Not sure that was the best idea. lol. Have found some video blogs too that I enjoyed watching. One lady showed the bad with the good. I know it's not all roses, but it's different reading it and actually seeing a person the day after (week after, month after, etc) surgery talking about what they are going through. I'm thinking of doing a video blog also. Right now the thought of putting myself on video is too scary though. Do I really want people to see how bad I look?
Brian and I went to my Lifestyle Change Class this week. It was given my the nutritionist for my surgeon. I have done a lot of research so I knew a lot of what was said, but it was still nice to have it all explained to me in a clear manner. I look forward to my visit with the nurse when I will get a spiral notebook with lots more info in it. I can't seem to research enough! I did get a list of what protein supplements they approve of and have researched the different flavors and prices and various stores online so I know what I want to try first. I also got a list of what vitamin and supplements they want me on both pre and post surgery. I was glad Brian was able to attend with me. It was the first of the appt. I have had that he has been able to attend. The changes I will be making in my life will effect him also and I wanted him to realize just what all they are.
I was hoping I would have this done before Thanksgiving, but now it's looking like it could be Jan. I don't want to be in the hospital over Christmas break. I used to work in a hospital and I have always said I would not voluntarily be in the hospital over the holidays. Just like I don't want to be in there on a Fri afternoon or weekend.
I did hear that once I get my appt with the nurse practitioner from there things move quickly. They said the insurance approval for Tricare is pretty straightforward and all that will be holding me back is the 2 week preoperative diet.
Here is the list of the protein shakes that the dietitian for my surgeon approves of:
- Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein (Walmart)
- Pure Protein 100% Whey Protein (Target)
- Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard (GNC)
- GNC Pro Performance Whey Isolate 28 (GNC)
- Nature's Best Isopure Zero Carb (Naturesbest.com, GNC)
- GNC Pro Performance Soy Protein 95 (GNC)
- Unjury Medical Quality Protein (Unjury)
- Syntrax Necter (syntrax.com, bariatricadvantage.com, celebratevitamins.com, vitacost.com)
- Bariatric Advantage Meal Replacement (bariatricadvantage.com)
Right now I am going to go with Syntrax Necter and Opt. Nut. 100% Whey Gold Std. I have read reviews and they have really good ones for taste etc. Also the Syntrax one is considered a clear liquid so I can use it the first couple days post op.
I have researched vitamin and supplement prices and found the best deals for those are at bariatricadvantage.com.
The other surgeon I was thinking of using has a store at their office and their prices are competitive with online prices without have the shipping cost, so I am going to see if I can buy product from their store even though I didn't go through them for the surgery.
I have to get a shaker bottle for help mix up my protein shakes. I want to get a blender bottle that has the metal spring or ball in it to help break up the clumps. I also would like to get a new blender to help with the purees and stuff I will have to eat for the first few months. I have a fake magic bullet, but am not thrilled with it. Bed Bath and Beyond has one I want to do more research on before I get it: Ninja Blender If anyone has that, let me know what you think. I need to read some reviews and compare prices. Just learned of it today.
Well, I have typed enough. If you are still actually reading this... leave some love in the form of a comment!!!
My blog
Oct 27, 2010
Not doing a very good job of transferring my blog posts over to here. Here are the latest installments:
bmi47.blogspot.com/
I have talked to my PCM and he is agreeable to me having the surgery, so I know that when I need the referral it won't be a problem. I also learned that I am Glucose Intolerant. Yet another reason to lose weight. I am going to go on a diabetic diet until my surgery. I have an appointment with the local diabetic nutrition meeting on base to help me. I don't want to have it turn into actual diabetes.
I've been researching protein shakes too. I want to sample some and figure out which ones I like BEFORE I have the surgery so I am not having to deal with that when I am in pain. Here is one that has really good reviews: Syntrax Necter.
I have decided to write myself a note. In this note I am going to write about how unhappy I am heavy. What all I am unable to do and what all I look forward to doing when I lose weight. I am going to remind myself that when things get rough in the first days after the surgery it is for a good reason and that I did not make a mistake. I will use that note to remind myself how I feel now to give me motivation not to give up.
I have told my hubby I DO NOT want to be babied. That I HAVE to get up and walk and move even if it hurts.
I am being open about this plan. When I tell someone I am thinking of having this surgery, I am not embarassed. I am embarassed that I allowed myself to get this fat, but I will not be embarassed that I am getting the surgery. I am finally doing something proactive to correct the years of mistakes I have made.
Weightloss surgery is NOT a cure or an easy way out, but it is a TOOL and when you use that tool correctly, you have good results. I have decided that I WILL be a success story! I am going to stay on the positive side on this! I have been through 2 c-sections, 1 uterine suspension, 5 deployments and multiple field rotations. I have raised two small children in a foreign country with my husband deployed. I am STRONG and I can do anything I put my mind to!
Once I get approved I can set the date!! They are scheduling about 3 weeks out right now. Once I have a date set I will have to get bloodwork with 30 days of the surgery date and then there is a diet I will have to follow for 2 weeks prior to reduce the amount of fat in my liver.
The diet is as follows:
They gave me a list of which protein shakes to use and which ones to avoid and what to look for in a shake. The shakes will be a part of my daily routine after the surgery, so doing this before hand will help me figure out what flavors/types I like, can tolerate, etc.
There is a list of medications that I can't take for 2 weeks prior. Tylenol and Mobic are the only two I see I will have to stop. Of course I will go over my list of meds with the dr to make sure there are not also on the list.
Now that I have done the research, and done the soul searching I am ready. I wish I could speed time up to the day of the surgery. I am ready to start that part of the adventure.
I find myself checking out clothes and shoes in the misses/juniors dept and thinking "wow I will be able to wear that soon". I am afraid I am going to really enjoy shopping for clothes again once I reach my goal weight. Of course until then I will be hitting up resale shops and thrift stores since my size will be changing so quickly.
I don't just think about the good that will come from this surgery. I think about the bad too. The scary side effects. The worst case scenarios. I try not to dwell on them, but they do cross my mind. I know that this is not going to be easy, that there are days I will be crying in pain or frustration, but I also know that soon I will be able to actually JUMP for joy!
I read somewhere that some think gastric bypass is the easy way out. I guess those are the same people that consider a c-section easier that natural. Oh well, there are people like that and I won't let them get to me.
They are closer, won't have to go 3 hours away for surgery. They're at their close office 5 days a week vs. the twice monthly the other is in town for follow up appts. There is a local support group. Liked what the dr. said at the seminar better. Some other reasons. Just feel deep down that they are a better choice
My PCM has put the necessary referrals in. I have taken my psychology test (waiting for results ~ hopefully they don't find out I am crazy :P ). I still need to get a sonogram done on my gallbladder, get retested for sleep apnea and get my CPAP if needed. I will also need to get a current PAP done and routine bloodwork. Once all that is done and they have the results, they will submit it to Tricare for approval. At that point it could take as little as a week to get the approval. So... if all goes well and my gallbladder tests okay then it should be about a month.
Weird to think that by Thanksgiving I could be reworked inside and not be eating Thanksgiving meal. I don't need to eat to enjoy the holiday and will have lots of things to be thankful for.
0 comments
bmi47.blogspot.com/
Friday, September 24, 2010
Decisions, decisions...
So I think I have chosen who I want to go with. I have an appt on the 1st with them. I have done a lot of research on them and the other group and like what I have found. I am going with http://www.texasbariatricspecialists.com/ even though they are a few hours away. Just the surgery will be in San Antonio, my followup care will be local. I am hoping everything goes well at my appointment.I have talked to my PCM and he is agreeable to me having the surgery, so I know that when I need the referral it won't be a problem. I also learned that I am Glucose Intolerant. Yet another reason to lose weight. I am going to go on a diabetic diet until my surgery. I have an appointment with the local diabetic nutrition meeting on base to help me. I don't want to have it turn into actual diabetes.
I've been researching protein shakes too. I want to sample some and figure out which ones I like BEFORE I have the surgery so I am not having to deal with that when I am in pain. Here is one that has really good reviews: Syntrax Necter.
I have decided to write myself a note. In this note I am going to write about how unhappy I am heavy. What all I am unable to do and what all I look forward to doing when I lose weight. I am going to remind myself that when things get rough in the first days after the surgery it is for a good reason and that I did not make a mistake. I will use that note to remind myself how I feel now to give me motivation not to give up.
I have told my hubby I DO NOT want to be babied. That I HAVE to get up and walk and move even if it hurts.
I am being open about this plan. When I tell someone I am thinking of having this surgery, I am not embarassed. I am embarassed that I allowed myself to get this fat, but I will not be embarassed that I am getting the surgery. I am finally doing something proactive to correct the years of mistakes I have made.
Weightloss surgery is NOT a cure or an easy way out, but it is a TOOL and when you use that tool correctly, you have good results. I have decided that I WILL be a success story! I am going to stay on the positive side on this! I have been through 2 c-sections, 1 uterine suspension, 5 deployments and multiple field rotations. I have raised two small children in a foreign country with my husband deployed. I am STRONG and I can do anything I put my mind to!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Baby steps...
One step at a time. I keep reminding myself. It seems like everything is moving along so slow. I met one of the surgeons on Friday. It was a one on one meeting instead of a large seminar like other drs. do. I was able to ask questions, etc. After my appointment with him I had my nutritional consult. Now for the things I still need to get done before a date can be set:- I have to have my gallbladder sonogram done. My PCM ordered that before I went to see the surgeon due to my gallbladder acting up. Hopefully I will not need it removed. If I do, it will be in a separate surgery than the bypass. The surgeon said they don't like to do both at the same time.
- I have to have my second night of a sleep study done and get calibrated for a CPAP machine. I did my first night a long time ago and was diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
- I have to get a letter of clearance from a Psychiatrist stating I am mentally capable of handling the changes my body will go through and the emotional toll I will go through.
Once I get approved I can set the date!! They are scheduling about 3 weeks out right now. Once I have a date set I will have to get bloodwork with 30 days of the surgery date and then there is a diet I will have to follow for 2 weeks prior to reduce the amount of fat in my liver.
The diet is as follows:
- Breakfast - 1 protein shake, a multi vitamin and a calcium supplement
- Lunch - 1 protein shake, and a calcium supplement
- Dinner- 3 oz (palm size) lean protein serving (i.e. chicken, fish, turkey), non starchy veggie (NOT potatoes and corn), a multi vitamin and a calcium supplement.
They gave me a list of which protein shakes to use and which ones to avoid and what to look for in a shake. The shakes will be a part of my daily routine after the surgery, so doing this before hand will help me figure out what flavors/types I like, can tolerate, etc.
There is a list of medications that I can't take for 2 weeks prior. Tylenol and Mobic are the only two I see I will have to stop. Of course I will go over my list of meds with the dr to make sure there are not also on the list.
Now that I have done the research, and done the soul searching I am ready. I wish I could speed time up to the day of the surgery. I am ready to start that part of the adventure.
I find myself checking out clothes and shoes in the misses/juniors dept and thinking "wow I will be able to wear that soon". I am afraid I am going to really enjoy shopping for clothes again once I reach my goal weight. Of course until then I will be hitting up resale shops and thrift stores since my size will be changing so quickly.
I don't just think about the good that will come from this surgery. I think about the bad too. The scary side effects. The worst case scenarios. I try not to dwell on them, but they do cross my mind. I know that this is not going to be easy, that there are days I will be crying in pain or frustration, but I also know that soon I will be able to actually JUMP for joy!
I read somewhere that some think gastric bypass is the easy way out. I guess those are the same people that consider a c-section easier that natural. Oh well, there are people like that and I won't let them get to me.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Some changes, but still on the path...
I have done a lot of research and a lot of praying and have decided to go with another dr. I am going to go with the local one out of Scott and White. Scott & White link I liked the other dr group, but something about Scott and White appeals to me more. There are several reasons.They are closer, won't have to go 3 hours away for surgery. They're at their close office 5 days a week vs. the twice monthly the other is in town for follow up appts. There is a local support group. Liked what the dr. said at the seminar better. Some other reasons. Just feel deep down that they are a better choice
My PCM has put the necessary referrals in. I have taken my psychology test (waiting for results ~ hopefully they don't find out I am crazy :P ). I still need to get a sonogram done on my gallbladder, get retested for sleep apnea and get my CPAP if needed. I will also need to get a current PAP done and routine bloodwork. Once all that is done and they have the results, they will submit it to Tricare for approval. At that point it could take as little as a week to get the approval. So... if all goes well and my gallbladder tests okay then it should be about a month.
Weird to think that by Thanksgiving I could be reworked inside and not be eating Thanksgiving meal. I don't need to eat to enjoy the holiday and will have lots of things to be thankful for.
transferring my blog
Sep 16, 2010
I started a blog on my blogger account, but have decided to blog here instead. I will be transferring my posts to here.
Here are the posts from my other blog...
Sept 8:
RECYCLE ME:
I love the idea of recycling. Take someone old and worn out and redo it so that it is new again. Well, my body needs to be recycled. Underneath this tired and aching frame is a new me just waiting to get out. I am researching and looking towards having a gastric bypass and I wanted to journal my journey and I invite you along for the ride. It's always good to have a friend along.
FIRST STEPS:
Called today to set up initial visit. Have to see what my schedule is like for next week before I set the appointment. They will set me up with a patient advocate and stuff so that I am helped along all the steps to come. There is also an online support group and a group that meets in Austin. The surgery would be in San Antonio if I go with this group. There is another group in Temple at Scott and White so I will have to decide on which one I want to use soon.
Here is the San Antonio Website. I would only have to go to SA for the surgery, the rest would be here in town.
I don't know the website for the Temple one. My neighbor had her G.B. with them a couple months ago and recomends them.
Still have more research to do before deciding. This is not something I am taking lightly. I have been thinking/researching for sometime and know that it is a serious surgery with risks involved. There are risks involved in staying morbidly obese too. Brian and I have been discussing the risks and benefits also and I have talked with the boys about it too. While it is my body and ultimately my decision, I want us all on board for this journey. I will be depending on them a lot in the beginning. Thankfully I am married to a wonderful man who I know will support me and we have great kids.
I WASN"T ALWAYS FAT:
Growing up I didn't struggle with my weight at all, except 5th grade. In 5th grade I was a little pudgy, but I quickly outgrew that stage and didn't have other issues until after I had my first son. If you had told me 16 years ago that I would become morbidly obese, I would have laughed. I was even a firefighter (volunteer position) for a couple years. I was proud of how in shape I was and how strong I was. I was 125 lbs when I got preg. I was 20.
Then came the baby by c-section, surgery to repair damage by baby, then excuses, excuses, excuses....
I lost a bunch (around 40-50 lbs) of the weight when Kris was 2. Didn't stay off long before I started gaining it back. Lost about 28 in 1999 just by giving up sodas. Then I got preg. again. New baby, c-section, excuses, excuses excuses. Moved to Germany in 2001. There came Germany chocolate and pastries. Yummy. More pounds packed on. Husband deployed=weight gain X 5 deployments and multiple field exercise= one big unhappy Robin. I then fell down a flight of stairs, broke my tailbone, injured my hip and back. From there came more excuses. It became too painful to walk let alone exercise. Just got bigger and bigger.
I tried weight loss diets. Did slim fast (found out I have lactose problems). Atkins caused a 'backup' in my plumbing ;). Counting calories didn't work for me. I don't eat enough most days and had to force myself to eat enough calories. I gained weight by not eating enough and not making the right choices when I do. I have tried to just limit portions the last few months and have started working again and have lost 10 lbs since April. I have over 120 more to go.
I am not trying to make more excuses. I know the fault is mine. I didn't "catch a virus and get fat". I got fat because I didn't take care of myself and what I ate.
WHY:
Why am I choosing to make this blog you might ask. For one I talk a lot! Okay you knew that. Seriously I have a lot of thoughts on this subject and feel that by blogging it I won't have to talk to everyone about it and can get my thoughts organized. I also want a record to look back on in the future so I can remember what this time felt like.
I also feel the more people I have along for the ride, the more people I have supporting me and the more people I have to answer to were I to fail.
0 comments
Here are the posts from my other blog...
Sept 8:
RECYCLE ME:
I love the idea of recycling. Take someone old and worn out and redo it so that it is new again. Well, my body needs to be recycled. Underneath this tired and aching frame is a new me just waiting to get out. I am researching and looking towards having a gastric bypass and I wanted to journal my journey and I invite you along for the ride. It's always good to have a friend along.
FIRST STEPS:
Called today to set up initial visit. Have to see what my schedule is like for next week before I set the appointment. They will set me up with a patient advocate and stuff so that I am helped along all the steps to come. There is also an online support group and a group that meets in Austin. The surgery would be in San Antonio if I go with this group. There is another group in Temple at Scott and White so I will have to decide on which one I want to use soon.
Here is the San Antonio Website. I would only have to go to SA for the surgery, the rest would be here in town.
I don't know the website for the Temple one. My neighbor had her G.B. with them a couple months ago and recomends them.
Still have more research to do before deciding. This is not something I am taking lightly. I have been thinking/researching for sometime and know that it is a serious surgery with risks involved. There are risks involved in staying morbidly obese too. Brian and I have been discussing the risks and benefits also and I have talked with the boys about it too. While it is my body and ultimately my decision, I want us all on board for this journey. I will be depending on them a lot in the beginning. Thankfully I am married to a wonderful man who I know will support me and we have great kids.
I WASN"T ALWAYS FAT:
Growing up I didn't struggle with my weight at all, except 5th grade. In 5th grade I was a little pudgy, but I quickly outgrew that stage and didn't have other issues until after I had my first son. If you had told me 16 years ago that I would become morbidly obese, I would have laughed. I was even a firefighter (volunteer position) for a couple years. I was proud of how in shape I was and how strong I was. I was 125 lbs when I got preg. I was 20.
Then came the baby by c-section, surgery to repair damage by baby, then excuses, excuses, excuses....
I lost a bunch (around 40-50 lbs) of the weight when Kris was 2. Didn't stay off long before I started gaining it back. Lost about 28 in 1999 just by giving up sodas. Then I got preg. again. New baby, c-section, excuses, excuses excuses. Moved to Germany in 2001. There came Germany chocolate and pastries. Yummy. More pounds packed on. Husband deployed=weight gain X 5 deployments and multiple field exercise= one big unhappy Robin. I then fell down a flight of stairs, broke my tailbone, injured my hip and back. From there came more excuses. It became too painful to walk let alone exercise. Just got bigger and bigger.
I tried weight loss diets. Did slim fast (found out I have lactose problems). Atkins caused a 'backup' in my plumbing ;). Counting calories didn't work for me. I don't eat enough most days and had to force myself to eat enough calories. I gained weight by not eating enough and not making the right choices when I do. I have tried to just limit portions the last few months and have started working again and have lost 10 lbs since April. I have over 120 more to go.
I am not trying to make more excuses. I know the fault is mine. I didn't "catch a virus and get fat". I got fat because I didn't take care of myself and what I ate.
WHY:
Why am I choosing to make this blog you might ask. For one I talk a lot! Okay you knew that. Seriously I have a lot of thoughts on this subject and feel that by blogging it I won't have to talk to everyone about it and can get my thoughts organized. I also want a record to look back on in the future so I can remember what this time felt like.
I also feel the more people I have along for the ride, the more people I have supporting me and the more people I have to answer to were I to fail.
