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Tomorrow, I am scheduled for the Duodenal Switch.  I have a few things left to finish up before my departure tomorrow morning.  I need to pack my bag and pack up the dreaded cpap machine.  I need to spend some quality time with the 3 cocker spaniels.  I have had quite a few emails/phone calls from friends wishing me well.  I need to reply back to a few emails.  Mostly, I'm going to relax and remain calm, cool and collected....or as much as possible for me! 

My surgeon does not require the horrible bowel prep that so many surgeons do require.  This is slightly worrisome to me, but I do not really want that torture....so I'm not asking anymore questions about that process!  I'm just gonna go with it and trust that my surgeon knows best!   I have to use the hibiclens in the shower tonight and also tomorrow morning.  Anything to reduce my risk of infection....I'm all about!!!

I have lost about 15 pounds in my pre-op diet.  I am proud of that number.  I have worked hard for that number!  Hopefully, my liver shrinkage is satisfactory as I am hoping that this procedure will be performed laprascopically.  I am well on my way to meeting my weight loss goals.  Tonight, my Mom is going to take my measurements and some photos.  We took measurements before I began the pre-op diet.  It will be interesting to compare the measurements to see how the weight loss has made a difference even at this early stage. 

I also received my copy of my pre-op labs.  The blood work up was not as inclusive as what VitaLady recommends and my PCP is out of the office this week.  I will get my PCP on board regarding the required labs going forward.  Based on the lab results, it appears that my labs are normal and I am healthy going into the surgery.  I am ready to begin the healing process!

The BIG EVENT begins with my arrival at the hospital tomorrow at 12:30p.  Surgery is scheduled for 3p.  I have been told that it will take between 2-3 hours and in recovery between 1-2 hours.  I will have my appendix removed.  My gallbladder was removed in 1998.  I have spent the last few days remembering why I am doing this surgery.  I am also mesmerized by the before and after pictures that are so graciously posted on OH.  They are absolutely amazing and extremely motivating. 

This will be my last post prior to surgery.  I so appreciate everyone who has sent well wishes and prayers!  God bless each of you and God bless me!  See you on the Loser's bench! 

It's once again time for my monthly hurdles update.  Every day, I'm getting closer and closer...

1.  Sleep Studies and CPAP Fitting-7/13/2010
2.  Surgical Consult-6/30/2010
3.  Insurance Approval and Surgery Scheduled-submitted for pre-auth 7/16/2010-received on 7/29/2010
4.  Pre-Op Surgical Consult and Pre-Admission Work Up-8/23/2010
5.  Pre-op Diet-8/9/2010-9/1/2010
6.  Surgery and Recovery-scheduled for 9/2/2010
7.  Post-Op Diet
8.  Adjust to My New LIFE!!!

Next hurdle...SURGERY and RECOVERY....stay tuned!

It seems impossible to believe that in TWO very short weeks, I will be preparing for my surgery...the very NEXT DAY!   I can't believe it.  I know that this is what the calendar tells me, but I am having trouble grasping the reality of my decision.  Don't get me wrong....I know that this surgery will give me back my life and I will be forever grateful.  I know that I have to do this for my health and well-being.  I know that I have made the correct decision. 

I have fought hard to make this surgery a reality.  I haven't given up when it would have been much easier to do so.  I have read blogs and forums and websites and talked to people who have "gone" before me on this journey.  I have a list of items that I need to pack for the hospital.  I have a very solid understanding of nutrition and the effects of the DS on malabsorption and metabolism and restriction.  I completely understand the entire process.  I have made a very researched and informed and BRILLIANT decision.  I am ready to be 100% compliant. 

My surgeon requires a 10 day pre-op liquid diet.  Because I have a lot of weight to lose, it was discussed that a longer pre-op diet might be helpful.  I embarked on the "extended 10 day pre-op diet!"  If only I would have known what I was about to undertake!  I began my diet 24 days before surgery.  Today is day 9.  I am complying.  It is HARD.  I feel somewhat weak and my head has hurt for 9 days.  My stomach growls.  The good news....the scale is responding...I am down 9.5 pounds in 9 days.  I am focusing on protein and water. 

I feel like I truly understand everything that I can from a "pre-op" prospective, but I also understand that everyone's post-op journey is different.  Even though I am well read, have researched, have spoken to other DS patients, I can't help but wonder....what will it be like for ME post-op?, what will MY surgical tool do for ME?, will I be successful?, will I feel weak with headaches?, will I have to work harder than I am working now with my pre-op diet? and the questions go on and on and on.  This is where my head is having trouble with reality and attempting to understand what the future holds for ME. 

Time will tell.  I wish I had crystal ball and could see into the future.  There is one reality that I know for sure.....it hasn't been an easy road to get here and it won't be an easy road afterwards either. 

Back in June, I listed my hurdles and it appears as if my list is getting a little bit shorter every month!

1.  Sleep Studies and CPAP Fitting-7/13/2010
2.  Surgical Consult-6/30/2010
3.  Insurance Approval-submitted for pre-auth 7/16/2010-received on 7/29/2010
4.  Pre-op Diet
5.  Surgery-scheduled for 9/2/2010
6.  Post-Op Diet
7.  Adjust to My New LIFE!!!

Next hurdle...pre-op diet....stay tuned!

BIG SIGH!  I have to catch my breath!  I have been chattering and sharing my news with everyone, I have forgotten to breathe! 

I have had somewhat of a rough year.  My father had 2 surgeries and spent 51 days in the hospital in February/March.  I lost my job in February.  I have been holding off getting another job while interviewing here and there, but trying to hang on to this dream of wls.  My insurance required a 12 month physician supervised diet which ended in June.  I knew that my dream of wls was close and if I could only hang on for a little while longer, I *believed* in my heart of hearts that this is what the Lord wanted for me.  As is the case for all of us, it always seems like there is ONE more hoop for us to jump through.  This was definitely the case for me.  I have been waiting as my life has truly been on hold while I attempt to make this dream come true. 

As previously posted, the dietitian was the last hoop that I jumped through.  I received an email yesterday from the surgeon's office stating that they had faxed the dietitian recommendation to insurance.  I have been trying to be positive, but not get tooooooo excited....because, OMG what would I do if I wasn't given pre-authorization?!?!? 

This morning as I was preparing to leave the house to take my car back to the shop for the 3rd time in 11 days (and $1300 repair bill to date), "this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it" kept running through my head.  I couldn't shake the thought and I found myself singing this in the car on the way to dealership.  I dropped the car off, got a loaner vehicle and made my way back home as I have to prepare for a visit from a special friend!  This afternoon, another OH member is meeting me and we are going out for the afternoon.  I have never met this friend and I am so EXCITED!  A new friend and someone with whom I share similar feelings and experiences!  Oh it's the little things in life....

As I turned into my drive, my cellphone rang.  I looked at the number and it was my surgeon's office!  I answered immediately and it was the surgery scheduler calling to schedule MY surgery!  I am glad that I was home as I was shaking and giddy with excitement!  She gave me the details and I THANKED her profusely! 

I hung up the phone and called my Daddy, my Mom and then the rest of the family and then cried.  I'm so excited and yet I'm so nervous! 

This is truly "the day that the Lord has made."  May God bless each of you!

I met with the dietitian on Monday, July 26th.  She wrote my letter of recommendation for surgery that the insurance company required.  It was faxed over to insurance today.  According to all accounts, this is the LAST piece of the puzzle needed for insurance to give pre-authorization!  I'm still waiting...on pins and needles.

Last Friday, July 16th, my documentation was submitted for insurance pre-authorization.  This afternoon, my surgeon's office called to tell me that the insurance company needs ONE more documentation....a dietitian consultation.  When I checked on my insurance requirements early on this process, I was informed that this was not necessary.  Apparently, now it is.  So....like a good compliant patient-to-be, I scheduled an appointment with my dietitian for Monday, July 26. 

I asked the coordinator from the surgeon's office the following question...."is it safe to assume that once I have this last document, that the insurance will grant pre-authorization?"  She replied "yes, I would think so!"  

I'm cautiously optimistic....I want to be celebrating, but I don't want to get my hopes up....JUST YET!  However, I feel closer to realizing my goal by the minute!  I'm sure you all can understand these feelings! 

Stay tuned.....and prayers for speedy approval! 

I just received a phone call from my surgeon's office that my paperwork was submitted for pre-auth this afternoon-all 50 pages!!!!!!!!   

WOW. I feel like I have run a marathon to get to this point.  I know that this is yet another milestone in this LONG journey and I have to remain strong and committed.  I am nervous.  I am excited.  I am hopeful.  I am prayerful.  God is GOOD!  I know that I have completed every requirement that insurance has set forth.  I pray and have faith and trust in the Lord that this will be a quick approval process with no questions asked. 

I am so blessed to have this blog and this OH community.  Everyone here has been so positive and kind and understanding.  I truly appreciate all of the encouragement that I have received.  I know that everyone has a lot on their minds and in their hearts.  However, if you are reading this blog and have an extra prayer, please pray for a quick and seamless approval process for me. 

God has blessed each of us. 

I now have my very own CPAP and you can bet I am UBER-EXCITED!  NOT!  Honestly, I do not believe that I have had daytime symptoms related to sleep apnea.  To me, this is just something for the insurance company to have to pay for...I know, I know, people have died from sleep apnea.  I understand.  I get it.  I will comply.  HOWEVER, I am not excited about it.  Have you ever actually looked at the mask?  I mean it makes me look like I'm from outerspace!  Maybe it will scare away anyone who would try to kidnap me in the night!  HA!  Actually, if anyone tried to kidnap me, I would be returned as soon as I opened my mouth!!!  Giggling!

Back in June, I listed my hurdles and it appears as if my list is getting a little bit shorter every week!

1.  Sleep Studies and CPAP Fitting-7/13/2010
2.  Surgical Consult-6/30/2010
3.  Insurance Approval-submitted for pre-auth 7/14/2010
4.  Pre-op Diet
5.  Surgery
6.  Post-Op Diet
7.  Adjust to My New LIFE!!!

I am so excited with each passing day!  I will welcome any and all prayers for quick insurance pre-authorization/approval!  I will update soon!

Where to begin? 

Sleep study:  I completed the sleep study and was diagnosed with "mild to moderate" sleep apnea.  This means that I have to return to the sleep center for one more night to be fitted with the CPAP.  I am not excited about this....but if this reduces my risk of death both pre- and post-op, then I will comply!  Plus...the surgeon will not do the surgery if the sleep apnea is left untreated.  I will GLADLY comply in this case!  My second sleep study is on Wednesday, July 7th. 

Dr. Appt:  I had my appointment with the surgeon.  She was very easy to chat with and she listened to my concerns.  She answered my questions and left me feeling quite confident in her abilities to safely perform surgery on me.  Because my BMI is over 60, we also discussed the option of duodenal switch.  After praying, crying!, researching and reading MORE here on www.obesityhelp.com, I have decided to have the duodenal switch.  This decision has not been made lightly.  I am making the greatest decision of my entire life and I do not want to make a poor choice.  I understand that there are inherent risks with malnutrition post-op, but I truly feel as if this surgery will give me the greatest weight loss and overall better health for the years to come.  I will let the nurse know on Tuesday at which point we can submit for insurance approval. 

I am ready to submit to insurance!  I am ready to move past this point of laboring over the surgery types and the pros/cons of each!  I am ready to proceed to improve my health and well-being!  I am ready for the future!  I am ready for "MY INDEPENDENCE DAY"!

Happy 4th of July!