KrisW
August 12, 2003
Completed the initial consult with Dr. Glorsky. Everything went exactly as I expected. I have already had 3 of the pre-op evals done, so I only need 3 more (EGD, sleep study and nutrition). I will be on the phone tomorrow making those appointments. Who knows... maybe I will celebrate the new year with a new me?!
September 13, 2003
Well, all of the pre-op evaluation tests have been completed. The sleep study was miserable because there was a 4-year-old next door who spent most of the night screaming, "I wanna go home!" I'll bet my test results are really useful. The EGD was not bad at all. Demerol and Versed are your friends. Now the hard part begins .... waiting for the insurance approval letter to go out and waiting for their response.
November 2, 2003
Had to change surgeons since Dr. Glorsky is leaving the UT practice. Had my first visit with Dr. Scarborough last week and everything went well. My file is complete and I don't need any further tests. The letter to the insurance company went out about 2 weeks ago, and the insurance company states that they haven't received it yet. So, another copy was faxed last week. I guess I'll be on the phone weekly until they come around!
November 19, 2003
Insurance company finally received everything last week. And I'm already approved! Now all I need is a date!
December 5, 2003
The holiday weekend delayed things a little bit, but I got the call yesterday. I'm scheduled for February 6th! It has been a long and arduous process, but I have never looked back or considered giving up. Now all I have to do is wait......
January 12, 2004
Well, just a little bump in the road. Dr. Scarborough will be out of town on my surgery date, so I was rescheduled to the 13th.... yes, Friday the 13th! Luckily, I'm not superstitious or anything! Just avoiding mirrors and ladders. Throwing salt over my shoulder. Can't avoid the black cat -- he lives with me!
February 12, 2004
Well, here I am on the eve of surgery. I'm the first case for Dr. S tomorrow so I have to be at the hospital at 5:30am. And I am so not a morning person. I have been so busy at work this week, I don't know if I will have trouble sleeping due to anticipation or if I will sleep like a rock. Anyway, say a little prayer for me and I'll check back in when I'm on the other side!
February 16, 2004
I am now 3 days post-op. Surgery went fine, and the morphine pump ("happy button") is your friend. I was up walking around the nurses station within 5-6 hours. Listen to the doctors and nurses! Hit your happy button then go for a walk.... it really will help get rid of the gas in your tummy. I did not have a drain tube or NG tube (the one in the nose). The swallow study was not pleasant but I passed with flying colors. Bring on the ice chips, water & crystal light. By Saturday night, I was untethered from the foley catheter, IV fluids and my happy button. I'm drinking more often than every 15 minutes so I don't get dehydrated, and I'm using one tablespoon of pain medication about every 6 hours; the pain medication helps with the bloating feeling. Anyway, its good to be home. I'm looking forward to my first post-op appointment next week. Take it slowly and all will be well!
February 25, 2004
Had my first post-op appointment yesterday. Already down 15 pounds. I'm getting plenty of protein and water, which seems to be a key to feeling good. Other than getting a little tired at the end of the day, I feel great. I've even gone back to work 4-6 hours per day. No problems. I get to advance my diet now and try more soft foods. I'm also eating on more of a meal-like schedule instead of every 15 minutes or so.
April 2, 2004
Well, its been a few weeks since the last time I updated. I have had some trouble with nausea and vomiting. I had about 5 days of vomiting; and earlier this week, I vomitied a small amount of blood. Because I couldn't keep anything down, I was readmitted to the hospital for a couple of days. Turns out, I have a stricture and I had something blocking part of the remaining opening. I had an EGD to dilate the stricture but Dr. Scarborough was only able to dilate a little bit due to the swelling and irritation in my tummy. So, I go back next week for another EGD and dilation. I am now down 41 pounds and I'm feeling pretty good (other than the whole stricture issue).
April 13, 2004
Today is my 2-month anniversary and I'm down 47 pounds! That whole stricture thing is behind me, and I feel great! Even renewed my Bally membership so I can start toning and building some muscle. Don't regret this decision in the least.
April 25, 2004
Down a total of 55 pounds now and feeling great. Weight loss is starting to slow somewhat, but I'm working out at a gym and can tell the difference in my clothing. I'm really going to have to break down and get a new pair of jeans. I have that saggy look and its not even on purpose!
June 4, 2004
I am 12 weeks post-op as of today. And I have lost 70 pounds! Folks at work keep telling me that I'm melting. I have already gone through several sizes. All that time at the gym really helps!
July 3, 2004
I'm about 16 weeks or 4 1/2 months post-op. Since my last post, I've lost another 15 pounds, which brings my grand total to 85 pounds! At this point, I normally would have begun straying away from good choices; but this surgery "encourages" you to stay on track. Maybe this time next month, I'll hit the century mark!
February 15, 2005
Wow how time flies!! I just celebrated my one-year anniversary as a post-op. I'm now down a total of 155 lbs and I'm only 20 lbs from goal. This year has been a real learning experience in so many ways, but I wouldn't change a thing!