LaPelona
Still Dropping Those Pounds
Dec 08, 2008
It's just over 1 1/2 years since surgery. I have lost over 135 pounds overall. I have about 80 pounds to go to reach my goal. Sometimes it seems unattainable but I am so grateful for what I have accomplished. My life has transformed. I am free and feel so much healthier, stronger, and more alive.
6 Months Post Op
Sep 03, 2007
It's been six months since my operation and I've lost a total of 105 pounds. People say I look very different but I still see myself the same. I feel 100% better however. It's like living a whole new life. I am so grateful for my surgeon Dr. Liu, the support of my family and friends, and my insurance coverage. I thank God everyday! This is the best choice I ever made in all my life!
12 DAYS POST-OP
Mar 10, 2007
Finally home from recovering at my mom's. The surgery went great! I weighed in at 317 upon arrival at the hospital. Everyone at Olympia Medical Center was very nice and so caring!! The anesthesiologist was so considerate to my fears and Rheumatoid Arthritis pain issues. Never felt a thing until waking up in the recovery room. My pain was horrible but it was only because the Morphine did not work on me (who knew?). Once they gave me something else all was under control. The overall stay at the hospital was okay. Staff was kind and wonderful but the second day they became swamped with patients and they did not have enough staffing. I started to feel neglected but in no time I was home at my mom's. It is really good to have someone to help you! Recovering at my mom's I only felt that I had done like a million sit-ups. There was never any pain or discomfort in the incisions. Dr. Liu is wonderful! He did not use stitches or staples on the incisions. He used surgical super glue (like a liquid bandage) and the cuts are virtually disappearing! The liquid bandage also protects the cuts from infection. There is no wound care required except keeping the area dry. I definately recommend this surgery! I feel so much lighter and better already. God is good!
Whew! All better now!
Feb 23, 2007
Okay, that passed, thanks to all the wonderful supportive folks on this site who gave me reassurance and support. I am calm and ready for my surgery. On top of that the Nurse just called and said I can just wait until Monday to go in and they'll insert the heart catheter right before surgery instead. Good News! Well, I'll keep posting my updates when I am out of the hospital. Ciao for now.
Freaking Out
Feb 23, 2007
Okay, now excitement has converted to fear. I just got the go ahead but also got news that I have to pre-admit on Sunday 2/25/07 so they can insert a Swan Ganz Catheter to my heart. I have not read anything about this from anyone's sharing on this site. I need some support! I am scared to death!
I'm ready
Feb 22, 2007
I lost 21 pounds since the initial consult and got all my tests done. I'm exhausted! I received my letter of acceptance from the insurance company today! I feel like the little girl from Little Miss Sunshine at the moment when she is listening to the voice message telling her that she has made it into the pageant. Just waiting on the results from the Echocardiogram and if all is okay I'm in for surgery on Monday. I hope it's not all a dream!
Consult With Surgeon
Feb 10, 2007
Had my consultation on 2/07/07. Everyone at Dr. Liu's office was really friendly, kind, and supportive. I have a tentative surgery date of 2/26/07. In the meantime I gotta jump through hoops:
1- Loose 15 more pounds
2- Get EKG
3- Get Stress-Echo
4- Get Chest X-ray
5- Get Upper GI Endoscopy
6- Get labs and barium swallow (sounds bad!)
7- Start liquid diet on 2/12/07
8- Get Medical clearance from Primary Provider 7 days before surgery
All need to be done by the pre-op appointment on 2/21/07. Whoosh!
I hope I can do it! I am so excited about the possibility of a new life where I can move, walk, and dance!
1- Loose 15 more pounds
2- Get EKG
3- Get Stress-Echo
4- Get Chest X-ray
5- Get Upper GI Endoscopy
6- Get labs and barium swallow (sounds bad!)
7- Start liquid diet on 2/12/07
8- Get Medical clearance from Primary Provider 7 days before surgery
All need to be done by the pre-op appointment on 2/21/07. Whoosh!
I hope I can do it! I am so excited about the possibility of a new life where I can move, walk, and dance!
First Post
Feb 02, 2007
This Website and everyone's contributions have really been an inspiration. I've been gathering the paperwork required for my PCP to refer since November. I've just been approved for initial consult with surgeon. (It only took 4 days for the referral to get approved - Blue Shield HMO.) I see Dr. Liu this Wednesday 02/07/07. I am praying for approval for Laparascopic RNY. I can't take it anymore and so many of you have had wonderful results! It makes me feel there is really hope for a new life for me. LaPelona
