Barbara J. H.
While living in Sacramento,Ca in 1999 I was approved through TriCare and scheduled for Gastric Bypass Surgery at U.C. Davis Med Center. I had my surgery date after a year and a half of fighting my PCP and Insurance. However, I found out that I was pregnant and the surgery had to be canceled. During my pregnancy, my husband got out of the Air Force and we moved to the East Coast. We now have Aetna(HMO) and I'm considering this surgery once again.
****UPDATE 1/21/05 **** I went to see my PCP today to request, for what seems like the millionth time, a referral for Gastric Bypass. He stated that "Until I get my thyroid under control, he will not discuss this with me." I'm so very mad at this moment. I was diagnosed with Hypothyroid(Hashimoto's)in 1998 while going through all the testing at my first attempt at getting GB. At this point, I don't feel like I'm ever going to get my thyroid "under control". Every med I've been on has given me hives and an allergic reaction. What makes this all the more upsetting is that I have been walking on my treadmill and cutting back on how much I eat... only to have gained 10 pounds!
****UPDATE 8/17/05**** I have a new PCP and a referral for surgery!!! I met my new doctor today because I've been having severe back pain. I was floored when she OFFERED advice about Gastric Bypass to me. I fully expected to get told the same old diet and exercise line, But instead, I didn't have to say a word! Now I have to find a doctor that will accept my insurance. Woohooo I'm so happy for the first time in months!
****UPDATE 9/19/05**** I have an appt. with Barix Clinics on 10/28/05. I'll post updates after my appt.
****UPDATE 10/29/05**** I had my appointment with Barix Clinics in Langhorne,Pa. I was very impressed! The staff was friendly and respectful. They were very helpful and didn't mind that I had a ton of questions! My baby sitter canceled at last minute and the staff didn't mind that had to bring my boys to the appt. In the main lobby they had toys for kids. Kelly (patient counselor) commented on how good the boys were being and gave them a reward. She went out of her way to make us comfortable. I met with Dr. Brader. I was very impressed with him and hope to have him as my surgeon.
***UPDATE 1/15/06*** I've decided to self pay for my Lap band surgery. I've been given the contracts to sign by Barix Clinics. Now I have to wait for my pre Op appt. and surgery date.
******I HAVE A SURGERY DATE!!!!!!******
I recieved a call from Barix Clinics today informing me that my pre op testing will be done on Feb 27th and my surgery date is set for March 30th!!! woohooo! Now I'm getting nervous.
**Pre OP Testing 2/27/06**
I had my pre op testing today. I found out that I have high Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Diabetes and some type of blood clotting disorder. I have an appointment to see my pcp tomorrow. The good news is that I have about a month before my surgery date to get these issues under control. The bad news is that I might have to postpone the surgery. I'm scared to death and feeling so very ill right now.. Update tomorrow after my pcp appt. The other good news is that I'm down to 295! Haven't been past 297 in years!
***2/28/06***
I went to my PCP and she put me on meds for my high blood pressure,diabetes and cholesterol. Now I have to see the Hematologist about my clotting problem.
***3/6/06***
I saw the Hematologist today. He thinks that I have a vitamin K deficiency. I had a horrible sinus infection about a month ago and was on antibiotics. He thinks that and the diabetes might have depleted my vitamin K. So I got a vit k shot and I need to come back in a few days to have more blood drawn. I'm still nervous about all this but feeling a little better.
***3/8/06***
My husband took the day off to take me to have my blood drawn. He's been so great through all this. I called my pcp because my blood sugar levels haven't been below the 150's since she put me on the meds. She's increasing my dose. I hope this is enough to get my numbers down. I haven't had a "real" coke since the 27th.. I'm doing better each day.. only a few headaches from the caffeine withdrawal.
***3/9/06***
WOooooHOooooo! My labs came back ok.. it was just the low vitamin K... I've been cleared for surgery by the Hematologist. He's faxing over his report to Dr. Brader at Barix. I'm soooo relieved! Now to get my blood sugar and blood pressure down!
***3/23/06*** I called the bank today to find out if they had sent the check to Barix for my surgery. Only to find out that they had been dragging their feet. I was told that they couldn't send the check until the day of my surgery. So I called Barix.. they were going to cancel my surgery!!! As if that's not bad enough, they wouldn't be able to get on the schedule again until MAY!! By the grace of God, and I praise him for it... Things got worked out.
I also found out that Pat at Barix hasn't recieved the lab reports from the Hematologist. So I called his office to have them re send them. I'll have to check back on Monday to make sure this is getting done.
***3/24/06***
John and I went out to dinner alone for the first time in over a year. We went to Texas Roadhouse, my favorite place. I thought my blood sugar would be through the roof. But I was pleasently surprised it was within normal limits! Not sure how because I ate way too many carbs....loaded cheese fries and their awesome rolls with cinnamon butter. I think all the walking we did after dinner must have helped. We went to test drive a Chevy Tahoe and Toyota Sienna. Even though I will be getting smaller...... my kids are getting bigger and we don't fit in the minivan I'm currently driving. My soon to be 15 yr old son is already 6 ft and still growing.
***4/3/06***
I'm four days out from surgery and doing well. I would do this again in a heart beat! I met two really nice women while at Barix... Hi Kathy and Georgia!!... that had the same surgery and surgery day as me. I hope to stay in contact with them. I stopped taking the Lortab today and started on regular Tylenol. It was giving me major headaches and all I wanted to do was sleep. I'm finally starting to realize when I'm full. I get this feeling like I have to burp, but can't and a really uncomfortable fullness. I would recommend LapBand and Barix to anyone thinking about Gastric surgery. Dr. Brader is awesome, and so are the nurses and staff at Barix!
*** 4/12/06***
I'm two weeks post op and feeling great! I'm starting to get some energy back. However, I need to remember to not over do things just because I'm feeling better. I have to keep telling myself that my flower garden can wait... even though it's driving me nuts! LOL My blood sugar levels have been within normal ranges... I'm off all Diabetes meds. And I'm on half dose of blood pressure meds. I found out that I'm allergic to milk protein and not lactose intolerent like I thought. So after a week of reactions to the protein shakes and milk products from the full liquid diet..I"m on pureed foods per Dr. Brader's permission. I never would have thought that I could eat pureed tuna salad but it's the best stuff! I prefer it over mashed potatos.. now there's a real "WoW moment" coming from a CARBOHOLIC! Speaking of Wow moments.... here are a few that I've noticed since getting my Band...
For the first time ever.. I weigh LESS then what my driver's license states! woohooo And I point this out to everyone that looks at it ;)
My watch that I bought in San Fran back in Oct actually fits!
My clothes are getting too loose. I can fit into some of my oldest son's T shirts.
Everyone that hasn't seen me in a few weeks tells me that I look happy and that I have a "glow" about me. For the first time in years I actually am happy. I'm feeling better..loosing weight and we just bought a brand new Kia Sedona..fully loaded!
Some people never knew how long my hair is.. I used to wear it pulled up all the time because I had no energy to do anything with it.
All in All.... this is the BEST thing I have done for MYSELF!
**4/17/06** Not much to update other then I've started walking in my neighborhood at least 30 min a day....everyday! And to think.... this time last year I could hardly walk to my mail box at the end of my driveway. Even when I'm tired and sore, I make myself get up and go. I put on my head phones and take my Chihuahua Bella Blue and off we go! I'm hoping to join a gym next week.
***5/19/06*** I went to Langhorne for my first fill today. I was a little disappointed that I hadn't really lost much weight. But Dr. Brader said I am on target and doing well. Hey, eight lbs is nothing to sneeze at.. It's more then I've been able to maintain on my own prior to this surgery. He only had to stick me once. Thank God! Man that needle was huge. But thankfully he numbed me first. I got 2cc's in my VG band. He then had me sip some water and I felt no differnce in the office. But in the parking lot I started to feel a little nausious. My next fill appt is scheduled for June 23rd. That seems so far away. Especially since I am not feeling any restriction. Hopefully it will start to kick in.
***6/19/06*** My daughter and I went to my sister's for a week. We went to Kennywood in Pittsburgh. I haven't been there since I was a teenager. Man did we have a blast! My sister and I went on the "Pittsburg Plunge" 3 times and the "Raging Rapids" 4 times. We were soaking wet but having the time of our lives. I haven't been on rides like that since I was a teenager. I've always been afraid I wouldn't fit. But I did! I think I laughed off about two pounds! Even my nephew and daughter were surpised I got on most of the rides. I can't believe how much we walked. I pretty much fell off the wagon as far as eating goes. I have no restriction,but I did try to make good choices.. it's hard when you are eating on the run all week.
***6/23/06*** I had my second fill today. I got to see Georgia for a brief few minutes. She had her surgery right after me on the same day. Boy does she look good! Dr. Brader asked me if I could eat more then a fist size amount of food at each meal.. and I can. Since I have to travel four hours to and from my appts he planned on being a little more aggressive with this fill. So he did it under fluoroscope. I was surprised he had to stick me twice. I don't know which bothered me more.. the pinch or the pressure. Once he got in there.. he said I had "good" restriction with only 1.5 cc's more. For a total of 3.5cc's in my VG band. I did feel a tiny bit of a difference.. We'll see if it lasts! Again, I felt a little nausious after the fill. But it was manageable. My port site hurt more.. lol!
***6/29/06*** My sister and her son visited me for a week. Although I had a nice time visiting.. my eating was somewhat off again.... but I still managed to loose 2 lbs! It must be the fill and all the walking I've been doing. I have a little restriction but no where near what I need! And to top it off.. I wasn't able to go to water aerobics or my daily walk all week. Back to the Bandster rules for me!
***7/13/06*** Wow, I can't believe it's been almost 4 months since my surgery. Summer is here in full swing and I've been keeping myself busy. Between having four kids home for the summer and working on my subdivision's pool committee.... I've no time to myself! But I'm not complaining. This time last year I was a hermit. A huge... and I mean that literally..lazy couch potato. I started back with water aerobics on Monday. Paula, our instructor was on vacation all last week. I went this morning too. I just wish there were more then two classes per week offered at our pool. I'll have to join the wellness center where Paula teaches if I want to go more often. I think once summer is over, I'll do that. I want to continue through winter doing the water aerobics. It's really fun and you really do get a good workout. To top off my day I went for a 30 min walk with my Chi Bella Blue. I think she loves the walks as much as I do. For the life of me I can't figure out why it's so hard to get my butt out there more often. Because once I am out walking.. I enjoy myself! I even jogged the last block home!! Can you believe it? ME JOGGING?!! I haven't done that in years. I'll probably be sore as heck tomorrow though. But I DID IT! I still don't have any restriction. More then I did.. but not as much as I feel that I need!
***8/5/2006***
I've been feeling no restriction since my second fill. I wasn't scheduled to see Dr. Brader again until the end of Aug. He told me to call if I was eating more then a cup of food at a time. So I called and got my appt moved up to Aug 4th.
I asked John to go with me because that's an 8 hour round trip. I really thought Dr. Brader was going to give me another fill. BUT I DIDN'T GET MY FILL! I've lost 6 lbs since 6/23. Dr. Brader is very pleased with me. He checked under fluoro and said that I have adequate restriction with 3.5 cc's in my VG band. I have to admit.. I can eat way the heck of a lot more then one cup of food per meal. So I don't understand how he can say I have "adequate" restriction. But he's the one with the degree so I will have to trust him. He had one of the nutritionists come in and talk to me. She told me to try sticking to the Lean Cuisine meals since they will give me "portion control". The other nutritionist yelled at me for doing that the last time. She said they are loaded with sodium. UUHHGGG! She acted like I have been drinking calorie filled liquids and eating junk. That pissed me off! I only drink water and decaf iced tea with splenda. I haven't touched a soda since Feb 06..and I never will again. I stopped eating fast food. I eat solid proteins first then veggies then carbs etc. I walk every day for 30 to 45 min. And I do water aerobics three days a week. I was told "if I'm not working until I'm sweating my butt off and out of breath then I'm not getting a good enough workout." Um? Hello?! I'm leaving it at this...because what I have to say isn't nice.
Anyway, I'm going to step up my exercise,drink more WATER and stick to smaller portions. She wants me to eat 6 small meals a day. Instead of 2 -3 that I've been eating. I'm also going to work harder at not drinking for 30 min after meals per Dr. Braders instructions. I'll do it their way for now.
***8-5-06***
Ok now that I'm done being pissy about my appointment yesterday and I'm calmed down and thinking right again... I had to post again. I want to say that I'm my own worst enemy. I'm my own worst critic. I knew going into this that it was going to be slow going. I just didn't think it was going to be THIS slow. I am not expecting to loose as fast as people who have had the RNY.. but more then 1 lbs a week would be nice! It's easy to get into a rut. I have to remember that I'm supposed to be eating 6 small meals. I'm not supposed to go all day without eating. I have to keep in mind that my body needs fuel. Prior to surgery I lost 50 lbs by following the Diabetic Diet. From Oct 05 to March 06.. that's five months. I can't keep loosing 10 lbs a month. IF I want to come close to that then I need to eat more often. I need to remember that this band is a tool. Not a cure all. I hope that anyone reading this pre op knows that this is a day to day thing. We tend to get busy and loose sight of our journey. That doesn't mean I'm (we) are a failure. I have to remember that I'm gaining muscle and loosing fat. I have to remember that I'm wearing smaller clothes and feeling 100% better. And I have to remember that I didn't gain over 160lbs in excess weight over night. I need to be proud of how far I've come and not look ahead at the battle I have ahead of me. I'm going to take it one day at a time. One meal at a time and be successfull!
**10/22/06** I went for my fill today and was surprised that Dr. Brader was willing to be aggressive with this fill. I guess getting stuck at 267 for 2 months made the difference. He started out giving me 1cc under Fluoro. Then he said I could handle more and gave me another 1.5 cc's bringing me to 5.5 cc's total. I'm starting to feel like I'm getting to my "sweet spot." I'm eating Lean Cousine meals and getting full! I'm scheduled to go back for a check/possible fill the day before Thanksgiving. While most people would probably be upset with that date.... I say...bring it on!
**11/21/06** Well it's the day before I'm scheduled to go to Langhorne for my next check-up/fill appointment. My husband wants me to reschedule because he says traffic will be crazy seeing as it's the day before Thanksgiving. It usually takes us 4 hours to drive there. But with Holiday traffic it will double.. He's right,but I want to keep my appt. I have had slow weight loss and slow fills.... I don't want to keep wasting time. I only have a few months left of fills before I have to start paying for them. I'm not even sure at this point if Aetna will pay for my fills. I'm finally starting to have restriction! I'm currently at 5.5 cc's in my VG band. I think I will only need a tweak on the next fill. I'm starting to get a little bit of hunger back. It's managable right now but in a month I can see it becoming a problem. That's why I don't want to reschedule this appt. If I do, I won't get in til after the Holidays. I'm finally starting to see the weight come off again after a 2 month stall. I don't want to backslide at this point!
