Geri F.
Well here goes...I have been overweight since my early teens...size 13/14 (130 lbs) in grades 7 & 8 and up to 15/16 (150 lbs) by the time I finished high school.
Yoyo dieting begins...tried every diet and weight loss plan you can imagine...Weight Watchers (lost count how many times over the years), Liquid Protein, Atkins, 13 Week Optifast, Dr. Bernstein, South Beach, Dr. Phil...you name it, I've tried it only to put the weight back on plus extra...topping out at 223.
High blood pressure by the time I was 27 and put on medication...then came high cholesterol by the age of 35...Type II Diabetes at 39/40 controlling it with diet for about a year then onto pills and by age 48 started needles...currently 55 and taking 5 needles a day. Also have sleep apnea and acid reflux, not to mention restless leg syndrome and worst of all depression (thankfully controlled with meds).
I am very fortunate to have been afforded the opportunity to retire early "FREEDOM 55" from my career of 36+ years and have come to the realization that retirement is as good as you make it and I want to make it a healthy one! Needless to say with all the above co-morbidity issues I am a prime candidate for RNY and so thankful that my RPN made my referral to St. Joe's in the early fall of '09.
Here begins my journey:
Oct 21/09 - Dietician & Nurse TOLD I HAD TO BE SMOKE FREE FOR 6 MONTHS
Nov 4/09 - Psychologist
Nov 4/09 - QUIT SMOKING
Dec 11/09 - Endoscopy & Colonoscopy
Dec /09 - Barium Enema (Colonoscopy wasn't clear)
Feb 5 - Mar 5/10 Vacation in San Andres Island, Colombia
Mar 5 - 12/10 Lost Passport in Bogota, Colombia (took a week to get passport replaced...lmao)
Mar 16/10 - Sleep Clinic
Apr 7/10 - Internist/Endocrinologist
Apr 13/10 - Ultrasound
Apr 19/10 - Orientation
May 4/10 - SMOKE FREE 6 MONTHS
May 27/10 - Met with Surgeon & Life after Surgery Class - surgery dates for June all booked will now be in July
Jun 17/10 - Received Call from Krista with Surgery Date of Aug 18th
Aug 2/10 - Start Optifast
Aug 10/10 - PATS
Aug 18/10 - SURGERY DATE
Although I was anxious to get a date in early July I am glad that it is Aug 18th. I am not nervous, or apprehensive in the least but am glad that I have 6 weeks of summer I can enjoy getting prepared for my surgery...I have been shopping in the States (I am fortunate enough to live in a bordertown) stocking up on sugar-free carnation instant breakfast, and chewable vitamins etc that will be required. Also found a liquid calcium citrate with D3 at Costco.
I am so pumped and ready...so glad I have had the last 10 months to get my head around this life changing decision. I will succeed! The journey continues...
