jankben1
10/02/03
After many months of what seems like running in circles and jumping through hoops I have finally completed the required testing and have gotten my surgery date- Oct. 29! A little less than 4 weeks away. I am a little excited, but mostly I am apprehensive. This is such a big step to take, such a gamble. I am betting my life and my health on the chance that when I emerge on the other side I will be thinner, healthier, and happier. I wouldn't be taking this risk if I didn't feel that it is the only option left for me to be able to live the rest of my life to its fullest.
10/16/03
I have been approved by my insurance (Blue Cross HMO) no problems or questions asked. Today I had my one on one pre-op appointment with Dr. Waldrep and his new assistant, Mike. I had to read over another list of possible complications- they really want patients to understand the risks they are taking.
Both men answered all my questions (I brought a list) patiently and I never felt rushed. It was a very positive experience.
I am a little less nervous about surgery than I was prior to my meeting. Less than two weeks to go!
10/28/03
Well here I sit, a bundle of nerves on the night before my surgery. It seems like it took so long to get here, but it has now come too soon. This is the biggest decision I have ever made in my life, and I am hoping it is the right one, because after tomorrow at noon there will be no going back. I have been told to envision myself during tomorrow's process, and picture a positive outcome, which I am trying to do.
Thanks to everyone who has sent me encouraging notes, and posted to my surgery page. I really appreciate it! A special thanks to Jeannie and Karen who let me tag along and observe their WLS experiences. Your friendship has meant the world to me.
I will post again when I can.
11/03/03
I am now officially post-op!
My surgery was delayed and we ended up in the waiting room for 5 hours. I almost changed my mind when they put that mask on my face in the OR, I even pulled it off. But then I decided I had to bite the bullet, so to speak. Surgery went well, but the first day and a half post-op were an ordeal. I am extremely sensitive to narcotics and the nausea medicine made me dizzy, so the bed was spinning as I was dry-heaving. My BP started to drop alarmingly, so they put in a call to Dr. Waldrep at 1 am. He switched me to a non-narcotic pain reliever (less effective, but didn't make me nauseaus)and changed my nausea meds. After about 5 hours I began to want to live after all. Dr. W did have to come in and fix up one of my little lap incisions that wouldn't stop bleeding because of all my vomiting.
The nursing staff was the best, always there when I needed help. On my 2nd night my RN, Billie rearranged my meds and co-ordinated them so that they could let me have 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep. What heaven! My back was hurting, so I made myself sleep on my non-drain side. It was difficult to get comfortable but once I did my back felt better and I slept like a baby.
I came home on the 3rd day and have been doing very well. No pains from the gas they use for Lap at all. I wonder if it all came out when I was heaving? I am drinking OK and my pills go down with only a little discomfort. I am already sick of broth, Jell-o, and popsicles! Tomorrow I get my drain out and with luck will be advanced to soft foods. Scrambled eggs will have never tasted so good!
1/01/04
Well, here it is, a new year. I am a little over 2 months out and have lost 33 lbs. Seems slow when compared to others, plus I haven't lost anything in 2 weeks, but still, 33 lbs is more than I have lost in years! (Un)fortunately I don't dump, and rarely ever throw up, so I can eat pretty much anything (haven't tried ice cream yet) just in smaller amounts than before. I am having trouble with too much grazing, so I have an appointment with a behaviorist for next week. I suspect that she won't tell me anything I don't already know, but it is worth a try. I am trying to exercise, but I still dislike it as much as I did pre WLS, so it is a struggle.
I have high hopes that 2004 will finally be the year I win the battle of the bulge. I have been given a new start in life and I want to make the most of this opportunity!
Happy New Year everyone!
6/02/04
I am now a little over 7 months post op. I have lost 85 lbs. Compared to others I seem to be a really slow loser, but I console myself with the fact that I am feeling great and I don't dump. I can eat anything and have to be really careful not to eat the wrong things. It is a struggle, but I feel like I still have a shot at getting close to my goal weight and staying there. I now have hope, something I had given up before WLS.
I have gone from size 28 pants to size 18 and from a 3X top to an XL. Lots of flabby skin, but it is much easier to hide than the fat was!
My advice to new post-ops is to listen to the wisdom of those who have been there ahead of you. The keys to success here are Protein, Water, Vitamins, and EXERCISE!
Thank you Dr. Waldrep, you have provided me with the tools I needed to take back control of my health and my life!
10/31/04
A few days past my 1 year anniversary. What a wonderful year this has been! I have lost about 116 lbs. Today I bought a pair of pants in size 14. Amazing. I feel great, can walk and move around and fit into seats at restaurants and ball games. I have hope for the future, even though I know the hard work begins now. I don't really dump beyond occasionally feeling hot if I eat the wrong thing. I can eat more now and I know I need to be really careful in my food choices.
I need to work on getting in all my water, but according to my lab tests I am doing great on my vitamins. I would have the surgery again in a minute, and my only regret is that I didn't do it years ago.
04/24/05
Time does fly, doesn't it? I am now 18 months out. My weight loss is not what I wanted it to be. I wanted to lose at least 20-40 more lbs. I know I have only myself to blame. Too much snacking, not enough exercise. Now that the weather is turning warm I am going to put forth more effort into reaching my goal. I have come too close to stop now.
Yesterday I rode a bike for the first time in at least 15 years.
I feel great, my knees hardly hurt any more. I am having quite a bit of pain in my upper arms. Dr says it is tendonitis but I am wondering if it is some kind of a deficiency that is WLS related.
My surgeon, Dr. Waldrep is no longer taking my insurance so I am going to have to see someone else for follow up care. I am sad and anxious over this change. Even though I am not having any complications I can't help but worry about the "what ifs?"
I may be worried, but I still can say I would do it all again in a minute! Life is good!
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Donald Waldrep, M.D.
Dr. Waldrep seems quite young, but I have heard through his former and current patients that he is very competent, and has a good reputation. He requires potential patients to attend a 3 hour WLS seminar, which was both entertaining (he has a great sense of humor) and informative. I was feeling pretty anxious about my surgery, but after my pre-op appointment with Dr. Waldrep I felt reassured and more confident. He took his time and answered all my questions. I never felt rushed or like I was asking questions he had already heard a million times. The staff is quite helpful, but very busy. Be prepared for a long wait in the waiting room.
Insurer Info:
Blue Cross, CaliforniaCare
I had no contact with them. The surgeon sent in the request and Blue Cross approved me within 2 weeks.