Tara0511

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    Ah, my journey... My journey begins here at Reynolds Army Community Hospital at Fort Sill, OK.  I first decided I wanted to do this surgery back in May 2010.  I made an appointment with my family doctor the beginning of May.  He was a very nice doctor, Dr. Daniel Joyce, and we talked a little about the possibility of surgery.  He said he'd like to get to know me some more before he would put the referral in, which in a way was disappointing because it meant I had to wait a little longer, but at the same time I was happy he was a doctor who cared about his patients. He made me get bloodwork done to rule out any other reasons for weight gain.  On May 24, I was sent to attend a group meeting with the dietician, Lt. Keiffer. AWESOME dietician!!!  Been to see 3 other ones in my life, and he was by FAR the most up to date and knowledgable! 
     June 9, I went and saw Dr. Joyce to get my blood results and also have my annual PAP done.  All came back with great results.  He said to make another appointment with him and we would talk more about the surgery since I had been patient and done everything he had said.
    July 6, YAY my appointment where I could talk about actually getting a referral for WLS! =)  I had not really dropped much weight since my first appointment with him back in May.  Each time I had an appointment my weight was down a couple pounds then back up to where it has been annoyingly staying, 272, but I had not gained so he put my referral in.
     August 23, I had a call at the beginning of August for the 23rd to attend a class about WLS.  It was about 2hrs long and very informative about the different surgeries offered here at the hospital and basic what to know about each.  In this class they gave us a 2wk diet and exercise log and a list of appointments that had to be done before we could call and make our one on one with the surgeon.
    September 3, I had my appointment with Dr. Joyce to get the okay for surgery and that I had no physical problems that would hinder me.  He also scheduled me for an EKG which I passed with no problems.  
     September 4, I went to a group session with Lt. Keiffer again but this time it was with others who were having the surgery.
    September 10, I had my physic eval which I was so super nervous about, but turned out to be really easy and simple.  Passed that also.
    September 16, I had to attend a support group which is held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 1:00pm.  Very interesting and informative.  I am now awaiting my last appointment before I can call and make my appointment for my one on one, and that is my one on one with Lt Keiffer.  Once he approves me, I'm good to meet the surgeon.  Now from what I have been told my one on one with the surgeon is so I can meet him/her and discuss which surgery I am going to have and what to expect.  Also to have the endoscopy to see if I have the h pylori bacteria or not, if I dont have it they'll schedule my surgery and if I do have it I'll have to take medication for 2wks to clear it, they'll check it again, and if it's gone then they'll schedule me. 

October 19, today I had my one on one with the dietician.  Passed that with flying colors!  Now I have to call and make my one on one with the surgeon. YAY! Finally the last steps to having a new me!  

October 20, today I took my husband to another support group so that he could learn more about what is about to take place in our lives.  He seemed to find it interesting and I'm very happy he came and is being very supportive.  I also got my one on one date with the surgeon... NOVEMBER 19!!!  The nurse said that realistically I'm looking at surgery around the middle to end of December.  I'm so excited!!!

November 19, finally got to do my one on one with my surgeon.  Everything is a go but I found out my surgery probably wont be until after Christmas, most likely January.  I was hoping before the new year but hey at least I'll start the new year off right!  My EGD date is Dec 6, and I should find out about a week after that if I'm clear or if I have the h pylori bacteria and have to be treated for that before I get my final date for surgery. Ahhh... so close but feels like its taking forever.  Lol...

December 17, had my post EGD appointment with the surgeon.  GREAT news, I do NOT have h pylori!!!   I could not believe it, so super happy!  I also lost 5lbs from my last visit which is good news too.  I now have my surgery date... FEB. 14  Happy Valentine's Day to me! 

February 14, MY SURGERY DAY!!!  OMG, can't believe my day has come and gone already.  Such a long wait for this one day, but worth the wait for sure!  I went to the hospital at 9am, was in surgery around 1pm, and was out of surgery around 4.  Man, the gas they put in you at surgery is a killer when you come out!  My chest hurt so bad when I woke up, I thought I was having a heart attack.  Doctor said that was normal, which was good and really the only pain I had the whole time in the hospital.  Of course I was sore but no major pain other than that.  I was at home by noon Wednesday and happy to be there since it was so nice outside and was tired of being stuck indoors.  I have been home for 2.5 days now and feeling so much better and being able to do alot more for myself without help.  Sucked for the first day and a half but continually healing and getting my independance back!

Hoping it all goes well, and having a positive attitude!  =)