Pam S.
WLS for Me?
Welcome to my WLS page. I'm planning to have WLS done, if I can find a doctor to do it. My BMI is nearly 40. I have type II diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, GERD and a host of other ailments that should be much improved with the surgery.
I am hoping to have my surgery done in Traverse City, MI. I have a "seminar" to go to there before I can schedule a consult with the doctor. That takes place mid February
Just a quick update on me.
I met with the surgeon for the first time on March 3. He's a nice guy in Traverse City Michigan. Dr. Nizzi.
I also met with the nutritionist, and the psychologist on the same day.
Recently had my sleep study done and have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. I now have a CPAP machine at my bedside that I'm trying to get used to.
I have my stress echo scheduled for today, and this Friday, have an appointment with the doctor who will be managing my diabetes and hypertension while I'm a in patient after surgery.
Next Tuesday I have a gastroscope scheduled so that Dr. Nizzi can know for certain that I've got a healthy stomach lining.
I'm told things might move fast for me because I had all my ducks in a row when it came to my first appointment with my diet history and health history. My insurance also doesn't require a pre auth as long as I meet all the criteria they've set.
Well, the surgery date has been set. April 11, 2005. I'm anxious to have it done. I pray for no complications because one month post op I plan to fly to San Diego, CA to watch my son graduate from the marine boot camp.
I've got several brands of protein supplements on hand so I'll be ready post op. I've got broth, crystal light and jello on hand and will get some sugar free popcicles and some juices in the house as well for that liquid diet I've been hearing about.
May, 11, 2005 - Well, I'm 4 weeks post op today. When I weighed in at the doctors office last week I'd lost 25 lbs. It was a rough first couple of weeks, but I think I'm getting a handle on it all now.
I've developed a lactose intolerance. I'm hoping it's a temporary thing though.
June 15, 2005 - 8 weeks post op! I have no doubt in my mind that I made the right decision. The first couple of weeks were pretty rough especially with messing with my medications. I've gone from 14 prescription meds to 4. Off insulin for now too, but my fastings are still a bit high. I wonder if I'll ever really be off the stuff. Would be just my luck that I'd be one who still has diabetes after all of this, but I guess over all I'm still in better health!
I have a total loss of 45.5 lbs. Amazing!!
July 21, 2005 - Well, I've lost 58 lbs so far. I think that's wonderful. I'm in a place now on the scale that I don't ever recall being before in my life, the 170's.
I recall weighing 101 in 5th grade, and then 190 in 10th grade when I began my first diet, which was an exchange plan given to me by my doctor. I managed to lose down to 180.
So anyway the 170's are a whole new dimension for me and I have to admit, it really takes some mental adjusting to see that number when it's ME on the scale.
Life is great so far with no adjustment issues within the family in regards to my weight loss. I have to say the family is quite supportive when it comes to what I will allow myself to eat and things I avoid.
I'm still avoiding breads and processed carbs. I haven't tried real chocolate or desserts yet. The fear of dumping have stopped me along with the fear that I won't dump and will want more of what I shouldn't have, if that makes sense.
I'm getting in on an average about 80 - 90 grams of protein daily and this involves at least 2 protein shakes each day. Carbs, I try to intake fewer grams than the protein grams, but since I've added fruit, they're higher than I'd like. I figure though it's natural carbs though so I'm allowing it to happen. I've always been a fruit eater and figure there are worse things I could be eating.
Food staples at this time are yogurt with bran buds, string cheese, cottage cheese and ham rollups with onion and chive flavored cream cheese.
August 18, 2005 - Well, I'm down a bit more than 60 lbs. I try not to get to fixed on the numbers because the weightloss has slowed to a crawl. I continue to weigh almost every day and it helps keep me on track. I'm still avoiding processed carbs and getting in my exercise. Calories are between 800 - 900 and I'm keeping the faith
I signed up for OH's chapter leader training. As of right now, there are no support groups that I'm aware of for WLS patients on my side of the state. The group meeting sponsored by my surgeon's office is a 3 hour drive, one way, from home. There is a group that's supposed to begin again this fall. If they don't restart, then I guess it's up to me to make it happen. I'm sure there are more than just me here in North Eastern Michigan who could use some support!
I discovered some excellent protein made by Bulle Nutrition. I can't buy it around here, so I had some sent from Washington state. It sure is great! I'm not sure I'm supposed to enjoy my protein this much!
Photos
 |  |  175 What a difference 4 months and 60 lbs make! |
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Insurer Info:
Blue Cross Blue Sheild of Michigan
