Rosemary S.

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Well I did it. :) And what a ride. I really only remember bits and pieces from the time the doctor gives you that happy medicine until really later on that night. Surgery went very well - I do have a hernia from my gallbadder removal - maybe that's a blessing we'll see. I was up and sitting in a chair  around 3 that afternoon and took my first walk about 6 ish. Walking felt wonderful. Dr. Looser met Erin that morning and was astounded. I can't tell you how many people told her she could be a poster child for WLS. 
Sleeping that night was on and off. You get woken up a ton. I was walking the halls at 4 am on my own. Then they took me for the swollow test and well that was not so pleasant. The radiologist told me I had to take a big gulp. I said no I'm only supposed to sip. His response "Well I can break the rules and I need you to take a big gulp". Well the stuff didn't go all the way through and I had to go for another xray about an hour later. By then I was so sick. Dryheaving and pulling every muscle possible. That really did me in for the whole day. It frightened me and I was so afraid to sip anything. Dr. Looser and Dr. Gens were so kind. They said all the right things to relax me.
The next day I did feel so much better. I was walking again and went to stage 2 and then quickly to stage 3. They let me go home last night which was wonderful. I had a good night sleep. Today I've gotten down 2 CIB a popsicle and about 12 oz. water. I've only taken my pain med once and I gave myself the shot of arixtra. Not so bad. I cannot believe how disinterested I am in food. Even drinking is a chore.
Well thank you to everyone who said prayers and sent their well wishes. I know I looked at people's posts a lot before surgery so I will try to post often. For today all is well.

It's count down to my surgery - just about 14 hours from now. Nicole, Charlie and Nathaniel just left. It was great to spend the day with them. Any chance to spend time with my granson is a joy. I asked Nicole if she would do it all again and she said absolutley - even though she had complications that required a second open surgery! 
I am ready to take back my life from obesity!

Today I had another long conversation with Erin. Ofcoarse we discussed some mother daughter stuff but we also got down to some nitty gritty WLS issues. She is just a wealth of knowledge and how lucky am I that she wants me to succeed as much as I do. She has only my best interest in her mind and heart when she shares her accomplishments as well as her struggles. She will always be honest with me. Today she asked if I was getting nervous and I said yes but mostly that I would get sick or something and the surgery would be postponed. She had the same worries prior to her surgery. We made a pact to take the trip we planned 10 years ago but never took. She said we can pretend we're sisters . I know that if I have questions or fears she will be there to help me. I cannot tell you how proud I am of her. I just feel very blessed today.

What seemed so far away is almost here. I am getting nervous but it is not interfering with my excitement. I am spending this weekend taking care of my grandson. He is so cute and lovable. We have had him since Thursday and ok I'll admit it I am exhausted :) His mom and dad come home tomorrow. He has ket me busy. I went for my pre-op on Thursday. This Wednesday I go to the post-op class. I'll be busy this week getting ready to be out of work for a couple of weeks so I'm hoping it goes by quickly.

Monday June 2nd is my day! I was a bit disappointed I have to wait so long but everything has a reason. I figure this will give me more time to get as healthy as I can for the surgury.
I was originally scheduled for May 19th but I am taking care of my grandson from May 22nd through May 25. I'm so looking forward to spending that time with him - I don't mind waiting an extra couple of weeks.
I've been walking everyday going just a bit  further every couple of days. 
I'm wondering what the next few weeks will bring.

I called my docs office today and Gail said we still hadn't gotten a response.
I was getting nervous.
I came home from work and there was a letter on the table. Bill didn't even look at it. The return address was Anthem.
I got approved!!! Tomorrow I'll be calling the doctors office to see about a date.

So I called my insurance company today to see where I was in the process and they tell me they haven't received anything from my surgeon's office yet.
I'm trying not to be impatient BUT what the heck. I think I'll call the docs office tomorrow and ask a couple of questions. I guess if you haven't been in this position (like everything else in life) you really don't understand the anticipation you feel.

I met Dr. Looser today. And I liked him . He was all business but it was good. He explained everything and then asked if I had any questions. He answered them all. So now it's off to the insurance company. I am very excited and nervous about this part. I'm not a fan of insurance companies but I'm hoping to be suprised.  Wish me luck!

So I have my first appointment with Dr. Looser on 4/15.  That's a big step.
I'm trying to get things organized at home because we are probably going to put our house on the market sometime in May - if the snow melts by then.
Hubby does not like to throw anything away. I needed a break. I've lost 26 lbs since mid February -7 more then what they asked me to loose. I've been pretty open about the whole thing. Most peopel at work know and are being very supportive but unless you are on the journey or have taken the journey you don't really understand. I've already had 2 people say "you're doing so good on your own why do you want that surgery?" One of them is actually very overwieght and she doesn't get it.  I've also been asked how long after surgery will the weight loss be noticable. What a dumb question. People don't think. I still think I made the right decision for me in telling people. I hope I still feel that way 4 weeks from now :0)
Back to cleaning.

Since taking the first step on my journey I've seen so many doctors and had so many tests. So far so good. This Wednesday I have the upper gi, chest xray, and blood work. I've been able to move along because of my experience with the process. I've gotten clearence from my cardiologist, Dr. Kim (who I think it the best), my primary care is so supportive, and I've done the colonoscopy - which was not so bad. I've been to pt, met with Jackie, and Dr. Wagner. I start his classes on Wednesday night. My daughter Nicole is coming with me to the classes. Since having the baby she has gained some weight and wants to get a handle on it. I'm hoping for surgury sometime in April. If all goes well. I am anxious, and excited all at the same time.