mrsneff
February 13, 2006 - I had my first consultation with my PCM here on base. According to her charts I have 44.5 BMI and I would be an excellent candidate for RNY. She listened to my stories and my pains and then did a short exam. She informed me that my blood pressure was way thru the roof and wanted the nurse to check it again just in case. She was very concerned about the reading and on second reading got a better number but still not good. Regardless of what happens with the RNY she wants to see me back in a few months to check BP again and possibly put me on meds. She did put in the paper work for my referral and in the mean time I get to wait. She scheduled a blood test for tomorrow as well.
February 14th, 2006 - My blood tests came back negative for any disturbing news which on one hand is good!!! It doesn't help my referral process any, but it was a good base line.
March 2nd, 2006 - I talked with the Dr via email this week. She said I should be getting paper work anytime now telling me my next move. I think it means I am approved for the RNY but I am not 100% sure. I have to go down south to Ft Collins, CO area for my next series of appointments. My sister lives in the area so it wont be an issue for me. My kids will have a blast with my nieces and nephew. We moved admist the waiting and I am wondering if my paperwork is held up by the delay in change of address... I am waiting patiently for the referral.
March 6th, 2006 - I got my referral in the mail! But it's not for Northern Colorado it's for Sioux Falls, SD. I called the Dr's office and found out I have to go to a seminar first... that on the 21st. I called back again to find out if I can do my next couple of appointments the same couple days we were in Sioux Falls and after a bunch of tag your it phone calls we connected and I will be having my first 2 appointments on March 22nd and 23rd. One with the dietician and one with the Dr 1 on 1. Yes I am VERY EXCITED!!!!
March 20th, 2006 - We have had a snow storm and the roads are terrible... Its suppose to calm down today and be cleared by this afternoon (its not snowing anymore) so I am hoping to leave for SF this afternoon or tomorrow morning.
March 24th, 2006 - I am back from Sioux Falls and had a great couple of days with my husband and with my appointments!
Dr Harris was very informative and his nurses were awesome. His Dietician was INTERESTING and held me to the end... I had my pre-op done the same time I met with the dr and we scheduled based on my insurance coming back ok. So I should know in two weeks when my date is... HOW EXCITING!
March 28th, 2006 - Dr Harris office called today and told me to get my psych eval... so I made the calls and should be seen in the next week or so. They just need to get my referral and I will be in. They told me they dont require the 500 question test which is AWESOME... I hate tests... ;)
On the date front... I am thinking I am going to try for May 1 now... so much other stuff going on in April that it might be good!
May 17th... No surgery yet. The Dr's office failed to tell me I still needed a Psych eval and EGD to complete my packed to be submitted. Let me just tell you... I was mad. Yes beyond mad. I knew they didnt do it on purpose but I was frustrated. The Psych eval itself took longer to get in then expected... then after waiting 3 days after to call the Dr (didnt want to seem OVER ANXIOUS!) they informed me I needed the EGD as well...
So I had my EGD and they submitted my packaged.
I was diagnosed with Barett's Esophagus Short... which is a precancerous growth on my Z-line. This has clenched my reason for surgery. They will take this growth out during it.
Presently I am waiting for the scheduling phone call because I have been approved to go in for RnY. I know they are busy at the Dr's office but I just need to know a date to be able to plan care for my kids and my husband (who is military) to forcast his leave. So I did call them again today and re-mention that I need to get a date ASAP so we can get the plans moving... so hopefully the nurse will call me back today...
May 24th, 2006 - I got the phone call! I actually got it on Friday but forgot to update the page here. My date is set for June 6th. And I am sooo excited. I keep reading profiles and they are really encouraging me! I can do this.. I can use this tool and be healthy for the rest of my life. I can't wait!
I am starting collecting my things for surgery 12 days to go and I have to be prepared since I will be 6 hours from home.
June 10th - 4 days post op
I had my surgery on the 6th and now I am home. Nothing really exciting to tell but some few pointers for those who are getting this done..
#1 ask for a heating pad on day #2 it was heaven.
#2 dont be affraid to ask for more pain meds Tho by the start of day 3 I didnt need much
#3 walk walk walk.. and even when you feel like you cant... walk some more.
#4 Sip sip sip sip sip sip sip that water! It will help you get back to normal quicker (BM inlcuded)
Other then those few pointers everything went well. I was in surgery 12:00 on Tuesday... Out of the hospital on Thursday and home by Friday (6 hours away).
THe one thing I didnt expect was the pains in my chest and back. I knew I would be having pains in my belly but under my breast was a new concept for me. Only after me freaking out thinking I was going to die did the nurse finally tell me... Hello you know he had to play hocky in your rip cage for a while getting the surgery done... of corse you are going to be sore.
And the drainage tube stuff.. wow.. just have them do it at the same time.. Trust me on that one. ANd be drugged up 30-45 minutes BEFORE they pull them.
So I am on the end of day 4 feeling very normal. Eating pretty normal (just soft foods) and still a little sore from the Hockey playing in my chest...
Other then that. Things are good.
August 2, 2006
Well it's been 8 weeks and they were right! I feel pretty darn normal. I have lost a total of 37 from my first appointment. I am stuck on a small plateau of 3lbs... one day I will be 277 the next I will be 278 and then back down to 276... its nuts. But the dietician assures me that its normal. So I think I will be hitting back to weight loss soon.
I am doing my best to get my protien in and drink my water. Some days its easier then others. I still dont get hungry.
Oh and I still havent dumped... I count myself VERY lucky.
October 4, 2006
Here I am almost 4 months post op... and a total loss of 64lbs so far. I think I am losing more slowly then others that I have read but I have not had any hair loss or extreme fatigue... My dr has be eating much differently then others and I am sooo ok with that ;)
So my current weight is 249. Going down down down!
The only problem I am having right now is that I tore something in my stomach because I do too much (go figure!). The dr assured me that it just means I need a tummy tuck and my insurance will pay for it.... HOORAY!
So on to month #5 and 20-30 more pounds... wow..
It's the end of Month 5 and my total weight loss is about 70lbs... slower then I thought it would be but hey I am sooo not complaining. Just more slow... it could be because I am not able to exercise as much as I need to be. On to month 6!
September 2008
Wow, it's been a while since I updated. Sorry. I hit my goal weight about 8 months post op and have been there ever since. I am sitting at about 175lbs (give or take depending on the day.. ;)) and loving life! I would do this again in a heart beat!
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Fredrick Harris, M.D.
Dr Harris and his staff are very knowledgable on Gastric Bypass and I feel very comfortable about putting my life in their hands. He is straight and to the point. He isnt a man of many words but that is ok. He will answer your questions honestly and give you the facts. When you see Dr Harris you have to go thru lots of education. I feel like I know EVERYTHING i need to know after 3 days with the staff. Sheila, Kay and Kristin are GREAT!
Insurer Info:
Tricare - Military
Kaiser- as of 2008
About Me
Littleton, CO
Location
25.1
BMI
Surgery
06/06/2006
Surgery Date
Feb 14, 2006
Member Since