windyacres

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Two years ago today I had a sleeve gastrectomy done, and it has changed my life!  I think the main things I've learned have been that I have to eat right and obey the rules "almost" every day.  I've learned that an in person support group is invaluable, and I've learned that almost everyone is afraid they will regain.  I have gone up 15 pounds from my lowest weight, but am still fitting into most of my clothes.  I have made a commitment to myself to get fit, and live an active lifestyle.  I have had no ill effects from the surgery whatsoever and would recommend it to anyone.

 Okay, I seem to have hit a bit of a stall.  It's my own fault, I stopped tracking my eating, and allowed myself a few treats.  Nothing crazy, just more than I really need to have.

I'm at 153 and in a med to large top, and size 10 pants.  I don't remember being in size 10.  I think I look really good!  The loose skin isn't bad at all.  I feel like there is still weight to lose - my goal was 140, and the nutritionist suggested 130 to give me room to gain as I get even older.  She's also the one to told me to up my calories and add carbs, which may have put me into this stall.

I wasn't on OH to much either, and I forgot how inspirational it can be to read everyone's stories.  

I feel excellent, and my labs were perfect, so I am getting in what I need.  Drinking enough is the hardest thing, and I hate to eat breakfast.  

People are telling me I have lost enough, and that I am going to "blow away" if I don't stop losing.  Very complimentary, but not really true.  I will be in a swimsuit this weekend!!!  Not sure how my wrinkly butt will look.  Arms aren't too bad, belly isn't too bad, but the legs and butt definitely have baggy wrinkles.  I also have a set of vertical wrinkles under my chin, which replace my old double chin.  I'll take the wrinkles!

 I feel great!  Things are going so well.  I haven't had any reflux at all, which is a commen problem after sleeve surgery and I was pretty worried about it.

I broke 190 pounds for the third time today (scale goes up and down) and that feels geat.

We went to a motorcycle rally and they were selling these amazing sandwiches made of chunks of steak.  I had eaten one scrambled egg for breakfast, and it really felt like too much food - yuck.  So, for lunch, I had about 1 oz. of the steak and that completely filled me up.  

And, when I took a nap this afternoon, my husband said he smelled ketones on my breath when he woke me up, so I'm in ketosis too, which is a good thing as far as a high protein, low carb diet goes.

Oh, at the Rally, I bought  a T-shirt. Size Large - just to be optimistic.  I have been wearing a 2X.  When I got home, I tried it on and it fit!  This is all pretty hard to believe, but I am sure happy with the whole thing so far.  I am also off all of my diabetes meds, and my blood pressure meds have been reduced.

 Things went really well.  No horrible experiences at the hospital. I've been tired, but not in a lot of pain.  Getting in my fluids.
I can't wait until all the holes in my belly are healed.

 I saw my surgeon on Tuesday for a "results" visit, and to schedule the surgery.  I am scheduled for MONDAY - less than a week away.  This is pretty overwhelming, but I am so excited to get started on this journey.

I have a vacation planned with my sisters on October 15th, so hope to be able to eat some semi-normal food and to feel well and have energy.

Our budget is tighter than tight, so buying all the protein powder and supplements is hitting us hard.

I'm on a pre--op diet now, and don't feel very well - terrible headache and no appetite.  I am supposed to drink 4 shakes a day and I have to force myself to do it.  Sugar free jello and chicken broth have been my favorites so far.

 I was up until 4AM on OH reading for inspiration.  Wondering how long it would take for the insurance company to respond to my surgeon's letter, submitted last Thursday.

The phone rang (earlier than I would have liked) on Monday morning - approved!  I thought this day would never come.  They are contacting the GI doctor so he can clear me.  I don't know if he will want to wait until the biopsies he took come back from pathology.

Just a little longer!

 So, my husband got a new job in North Carolina.  Our house didn't sell.  His insurance is Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Carolina, and considered sleeve surgery "investigational".

Our house still didn't sell, and finally we did sell it at a great loss (in fact we paid).  So there went the money for my Mexico surgery!  So depressing!  

I decided to fight the insurance company.  So I had an appointment with a surgeon in Raleigh - Dr. Bruce, who said we could submit for the sleeve, and fight the insurance company.  The insurance person was all for it.  I started doing all the pre-op testing and so on that I could.  I was supposed to have a colonoscopy at the end of December 2010.  A snowstorm cancelled it, and a new year and new deductible (4K) started.  I couldn't afford to just incur that bill without the funds to pay it.  

I am a midwife, and love doing missions work.  I had a sudden opportunity to travel to Haiti and work there for two months.  At the end of the two months, a few days before I was supposed to leave, I herniated a disc in my back.  So much for the deductible!  Back surgery, then went into a deep depression.

Anyhow, today, I went online and checked the BCBS page ONE MORE TIME and Lo and Behold - they have changed their policy regarding sleeve surgery!  

So, on we go.  I have a call in to the doctor's office - I am very excited (not so much about the colonoscopy) 

I'm adding the link to the policy change.

www.bcbsnc.com/content/services/medical-policy/updates/medical-policy-updates-2011-07-01.htm

I am new here, and I hope to make some friends to walk me through this journey.

My story is below.  I am 53 years old now, and feeling every year!  We have put our house on the market, and plan to downsize.  In the process, we will pull some of our equity to pay for WLS.

The newest thing in my life is that on Wednesday I go for a second sleep study and get set up for a CPAP machine.  It's pretty pitiful that I am excited about this, but I hope it will help with my migraines, my blood pressure, and maybe even my blood sugars.  Not to mention FATIGUE!

I felt so validated to find I had sleep apnea.  I have been telling my doctor that I sleep way too much - 11 hours per night, and am still tired and have no energy.  He would just tell me that not getting enough sleep was more of a problem and that most people didn't get enough sleep.  I'm like - NOBODY needs this much sleep.  This is ridiculous!

I'll let you know how it goes.