Karen E.

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I can't believe it's been 6 months since I had my surgery.  Wow, did it go by fast!!  Living and actually being able to do things comfortably has been keeping me very busy these days.  3 months out actually seemed to be my turning point as to actually feeling the changes, I had lost about 70 to 75 lbs by then. I went to Disney for a week with my hubby; youngest daughter; and 2 of my grandchildren and actually had a terrific time.  We take the grandkids roller skating, and I have even tried it out a couple of times (hehe)lots of playing with grandkids (I have 8 all under the age of 9yrs); Hubby and I joined a bowling league, soo much fun! I have joined a gym and am beginning to work out with the machines and building my strength back up. Let's see, what else have I been able to do??  I can cross my legs; I can sit in a booth when we go out to eat; I can walk forever and not tire out or be in pain; I can shop for regular sized clothes (no more plus sizes)  I could go on but you get the picture *lol*

Currently, I seem to have hit my 1st 'stall' haven't lost any weight for about 3 weeks, but I have gone down another size in clothing and am now wearing size 12's.  Thank God I have had no complications, I am still experimenting with foods and have found I have much trouble with dairy; breads; and pasta ( the gas is horrendous) especially pasta, I blow up like a friggin balloon!  I am due for my next labs here in a couple of days so I will find out how that is going on my next appointment with Dr. Lane on March 13th.  I am not having any problems with getting liquids in, I mostly dring just water (still can't stand coffee or pop) I get over 100 grms protien in a day and starting to get in more vegies too! 

Had a couple of personal WOWS this week too!  My hubby and I went to dinner/dance and we were standing next to each other and I was 'bumping' him with my hip and he turned looked at me and told me that if he 'bumped' back now that I would be on the floor, then proceded to laugh at me. and day before yesterday we went to visit his parents (I hadn't seen them since Thanksgiving d/t work schedule) and my MIL told me in a very concerned way that I should consider stopping the weight loss soon because I am beginning to get too skinny... Went out to dinner with hubby and sat in a booth (ususally ask for a table, this is by habit because I could not fit plain and simple) and I had to actually sit up closer to the table to eat, I felt like so tiny in that big booth!!

Did you notice I added an updated avatar?  What do you think?  I also got some  pictures loaded and they are on my profile now if you would like to see them.

Well that's it for now... 

Got home yesterday all good on the healing front I may say    The first 4 days were killers though!  My husband said I actually looked at him and asked why the hell I did this to myself!!!   hehehe don't recall, still abit under the anesthesia affect I suspect.  Dr. Lane said I had it a bit harder because I was under anesth longer d/t adhesions.  I am doing better each day!  Was put on insulin for 2 days ( bs bottomed out) so no longer on anything, awesome!!!  I was taking 70 units Lantus each night and 10 Units Novalog before each meal and just barely keeping my A1c under 7.  I've progressed to soft diet and tolerating it very well. Am going to explore fitday so hopefully it will help me track my protien.  I want to Thank Every one for their thoughts and prayers!!  

On July 12th I had my official pre-op with Dr. Lane, paid the upfront fees and the realization that this was going to really happen hit me!  Before I left the office my anxiety went into bloom ....wow!!!  I got a script for Ativan and requested that as soon as I arrived to the hospital the morning of surgery that they give me a dose of versed (this stuff is awesome).  My hubby and I had the opportunity to meet Kim (Slim Kim), my DS Angel, and boy did we talk!!  It was soo wonderful to meet and speak with her in person. She is soo forthcoming with her experience and so beautiful... inspirational!!  My hubby was amazed when she freely told us her pre-op weight and said 'I can't believe it!'  Since then I have been in full force anti-clutter mode,  feel like I need to get it all done incase something goes wrong my hubby won't have to deal with it.     Yesterday I started my 10 day full liquid diet and an mixing my caffinated/noncaffinated coffee in hopes to ween off ... hoping by next week to be able to tolerate decaf... and with the weening, have less of a headache.

Well I got my 'real' final date today... ooh my gosh this has felt like a huge chore!!!  Much better now though.   My surgery date is July 30th, 8am.... 
I will be going for my 'official' pre-op and anethesia appointment on July 12th...  and laying down the cash required ....
I am still seeing my psyc... now every 2 weeks, she feels this is the best thing I could do for myself and that this is my 1st step to a much fuller and suceesful life!!   I am continuing to study Feng Shui, and decluttering my house...boy does it feel good!!!     Going to be leaving tomorrow for vacation ....   Going camping for the week.        

I've been procrastinating about posting this in my blog... hoping it wouldn't be soooo... you know how that goes.  The results from my Stress Test, though good TYG, didn't get to Dr. Lane's office soon enough now my 'tentative date' is July 24th.   Initially felt that the 2 week delay was an eternity, but after letting it sink in and taking a few sloooow deep breaths I chose to keep myself busy decluttering my house and reading up on Feng Shui.  This has been a good choice for too... feel much better!   Yesterday heard from my aunt, who is my inspiration at 84 yrs old, that she is going to come for a visit between the 15th and 22nd. Will spend 2 nights in Cleveland with my other aunt and go to 2 Ball Games, then stay in town for a few more days...so at least I will get some quality time with her...   

Oh my gosh where to begin!  My anxiey level is getting soo high that I started on Celexa and I took a LOA from working so I can concentrate on me.  All pre-op things completed except Cardiac Stress Test, seems my ekg was abnormal... doc feels d/t my weight and sees no impending problem so my surgery clearances will be sent off, pending my Stress Test, which is scheduled for friday.   My psych eval went good though she feels I need to do some serious work on my self worth issues (me too!) and I am too much of a perfectionist (which I already know).   About 6 weeks ago I quit smoking with the aid of Chantix, that seems to be going fair... now I have to quit drinking coffee... this I am finding is worse than the cigs!!  Gosh I'm dredding this and have been procrastinating starting this!!!   I am also anxious needing to be on liquid diet for 2 weeks, am diabetic and on some heafty insulin doses... My doc and I have planned the dosages for this time and the night before surgery.. though I am just petrified of bottoming out (the worst experience I have ever had!)... well I think I just needed to vent abit... Thanks for reading!!! 

The light is showing at the end of the tunnel finally!  I have gotten all my labs done, Pulmonary Functions test and ABG done, EKG, and Psyc Evall completed... (will get results of eval on thursday)... Very happy with psyc I chose, she works closely with WLS patients and is comfortable following me as I go thru this journey.  Dr. Lane is permitting me to do all pre-op and med clearances here at home with my PCP, this is a blessing since his office is 3hrs away.  I have my appointment with my PCP on the 11th to get clearance for surgery, he is knowledgeable of the DS and supportive, he told me that he himself cares for 3 other DS patients... ( no info though on them d/t HIPPA).   One of my friends had an RNY about 4 yrs ago and I just met up with an old aquaintance who had a RNY this past Dec.  Now that I know this journey will be continuing I'm am going to find out if there are any support groups in my area.   Wood County Hospital, is working with me since I am Self-Pay, the cost for surgeon and anesthesiologist and (depending upon your credit history) hospital downpayment will be about $10,000 and the remainder will be on a payment plan.   About 4 weeks to go now.... Working on getting my all nuts on a row...hehe

Well, I got a date  *S*   July 9th,  On my visit with Dr. Lane he told me mid June but after I spoke with his office manager, seems he is getting quite busy, and the 1st opening is the 9th of July so I took it!... Whew!  I cried at first, soo upset been waiting it seems forever and it seems soo far away, but now I am better... hehehe!  I guess I still have alot of work to do in the patience dept.

Well, the loan went thru... so I spoke with Michelle at Dr.Lanes office and she said she will put me as a surgical consult...don't have to go thru the initial things I already did.  Wwooo Whooo!!!  And have my appointment set for Thursday the 17th.   They will let me know what labs/test etc needed at that time I guess ... then once completed will see the internist and Michelle said will probably beable to schedule the surg for begining of June.   Gosh, I'm leary to hope or say anthing after what happend the 1st time around with my insurance and all.  Taking a deeeeep breath... trying not to let my anxiety take over.

Unfortunately any treatment for Obesity remains excluded,  I feel it will not change so I am paying cash.    We put in to refinance our home and has been approved just waiting for the appraisal to be completed.  Once this is final I am going set up appointment with Dr Lane.    Am hoping to have surgery the 2nd week in June if possible that way I will be at my job for 1yr and have job protection under FMLA.    

I read the boards daily just haven't had much to say sooo darn frustrated with insurance.   The medical facilities in my area all exclude anything with obesity treatment  so not much sense to go changing jobs...