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Tasha's Blog
 

It's Been Almost A Month

I was banded on 8/7/2012, I had my first fill on Monday and I’m really not sure how I feel. I have more anxiety than before, I can't sleep well. Physically I’m alright, pain from the surgery is gone but emotionally I'm all over the place. I'm losing weight which is great, it's I guess the reality that one day I will be thin again and maybe that scares me a bit. My friends and family don't really understand why I would feel scared or uncomfortable in my body they all say that I’m ridiculous and give me lines like you’re lucky or your aren’t starving or you have a long way to go, don’t worry so much. In a way all of these statements are true, unfortunately when I’m lying awake a 2am they do not comfort me. Maybe that is something, food was a comfort to me and now it’s gone. I guess I should find comfort in something else, but what?
Tashah

Tashah

2
Thyckness718's Blog
 

My Last Fat Girl Meal*lol*

So you guys all know that Wednesday is my surgery and I have been on my pre-op diet for almost 2 weeks. Tomorrow I start 2 days of just liquids leading up to the surgery and I am not worried about that because I have been really good with this pre op diet. So this is where my problem starts. I want to have a double cheese burger, with fries and ice cream for my meal today because I know I will not have that again in a long time.   Did any off you guys have a last meal*so to say* before surgery,and if so what did you have? Was it worth it? Did you feel guilty afterwards? More importantly did it effect your surgery in anyway?
Thyckness718

Thyckness718

9
IcEbOx32's Blog
 

12 Days Post Op!!

Today is day twelve!! Im feeling great! Besides wanting to have "normal food" Im handling the diet stages pretty well.. WIth only one major break down.. Im only taking in 2 oz and it seems Im full. I actually forget to eat??? I dont know if this is normal without a fill. I burp now pretty much after every meal or drink I take. (which NEVER happened before) I was always proned to getting the hiccups but NOW It seems like I ALWAYS have them, is this normal? I check in every monday, so tomorrow you can bet your bottom Im mentioning all of the above. I toss and turn ALOt more at night. Im not feeling any pain or anything. I swear by the Jay Robb unflavored unsweetend protein whey. I couldnt handle anything else. I really want to just sit down and eat some grilled chicken or have a homemade taco or a salad or something.. Ill even go with tofu. I have all these new recipes I want to try out. Im cranky at dinner time when I have to walk away from the food! I feel like I could start the next phase of the diet now. I had a scrambled egg yesterday chopped and it was fine. But I didnt want to push it . Im hoping tomorrow I can move on to chopped foods. because I dont have a puree thing. And Im eating baby food ::TEAR:::
IcEbOx32

IcEbOx32

2
Mimi's Journey 07/03/2012
 

New Level Of Frustration....

Ok. I'm not losing as fast as I think I should. I'm stressed to no end at work. I have a boss that is backstabbing me daily and a my indirects are begging for leadership. I'm normally a great leader, but I feel I'm letting them down. I just don't have the passion anymore. It's hard to come in to work when you're walking into a land mine. That's exactly what it feels like....   I am so emotionally compromised when I get home that I'm snapping at my husband and feeling the old bad habits creeping up in me. I've dwindled down to only two true exercise days a week. While I'm still not physically hungry, I'm wanting to eat sweets to make me feel better. Thank heavens I'm clinging to SF popsicles and the occasional SF dove chocolate.   I'm having trouble eating on schedule. I'm not gaining weight, but I'm really not loosing either. (abt 1lb a week now). Reading the other posts of ppl losing 90 lbs in 4 months makes me proud of their success, but questioning my own. I KNOW I SHOULD NOT DO THAT.....I'm envious, but scratching my head at the same time. I had 80% of my stomach removed for heavens sake! I think the scale should move.   I'm definitely not grazing. I'm trying to stay on track with my meal schedule. WTF?   I'm thinking of taking Yoga or some form of meditation to get my mind focused. I hate feeling this way....I'm so disgusted with LIFE at the moment. The grind is taking its toll on me. WORK SUX!
Mz_Elle

Mz_Elle

4
Michele S' Blog
 

First Post

B)This is my first blog entry. I am 41 yrs old, married to a wonderful man (Stan) who is my number one cheerleader together we have a very energetic 5 year old (Zoe). I have always been a big girl and have decided now it is time to make a change not only for me but my family. I need to do this for my health ( type 2 diabetic, want it gone) have been told by hubby I stop breathing in my sleep and I know I snore since I wake myself up sometimes lol, but also I want to be able to go on rides with my daughter at amusement parks and not worry I won't fit into the ride. I want to be around to see her get married and have kids of her own. I want to be able to buy the cute clothes and not sometimes have to shop in the mens dept for shirts. I was in a MVA in 94 and I think that was the only time it was good to be big, head on with a van wound up with a broken knee, very bad multiple breaks in my arm and have the original Harry Potter scar in my forehead, Dr, said if I hadn't been the size I was I would have been killed, I think ( know) I used that as an excuse for years but no more. I know if I lose the weight it will be better for my knees besides being better all around. I have been married for 10 years and have yet to look at my wedding album because I hate how I look in pictures, I only have a few pics of me and my daughter and I want that to change I want to have pictures of the three of us together we are planning a surprise birthday trip for my daughter to Disney for her birthday next year and I want to be able to show people pictures with us in them as a family. I had gone to a doctor about a year and a half ago but his staff gave me a hinky feeling, needed to get five years worth of weight but she said don't worry we can dates if needed, didn't get a worm fuzzy from that so I put the idea out of my head. But now it is at a point I know this is probably the only thing that is going to help me make the change I want and need, I haven't told anybody about doing this just not ready for the rest of the world to know. I know it isn't going to be easy but I know with the love of my hubby and daughter I can do this. I have my first meeting with a doctor on the 7th, Dr. David Greenbaum, have contacted my insurance co about the surgery and they said they just need a letter presert from the doctor with my current weight my BMI is 53 so I think it would be in the best interest to approve me for surgery (cost effective for them since if I can get rid of my type 2 they would like that). Well that is about it for now, talk to you all soon.
Michele S

Michele S

2
Angela777's Blog
 

What I Was And What I Am Now. Decisions!

Band removal is in 6 days and now I am nervous. I have literally been eating a lot lately and I think it's from complete stress of getting this band off and NOT knowing for sure if the sleeve will work, not to mention if insurance will cover it. I really want to be HEALTHY, go running, go to the waterparks and be able to walk up the stairs without taking 5 breaks! This is not normal for me, I am normally pretty strong but I feel like I am breaking down and losing faith in myself.   I dont want to be a negative nelly, really I don't but saying that I am scared of my failure and lack of control is just an honest step for me. I, ugh, I don't know.   Here are some photos- What I was and what I am.   I want to be that girl again!
Angela777

Angela777

2
reignoftara's Blog
 

Stall

So I am almost 4 weeks post op and for the past week and 1/2 I have been stalled at 256. I don't understand why I am stalled this early. Granted I know I'm not getting in enough fluids or protein but still shouldn't I still be losing? It's depressing to me I have lost 19 pounds since surgery and 13 preop, but I still feel I should be loosing. Any advice?
reignoftara

reignoftara

7
RareGold3000's Blog
 

Suggestions

I see the nutritionist on the 4th, my 2 week post op appt.....and am praying to move to Pureed foods. Any suggestions for good pureed meals that I'll be allowed to have?
RareGold3000

RareGold3000

3
J. Fabulous' Blog
 

Lifestyle Changes

In this past week’s meeting with my therapist, I said that I felt like I was not losing weight fast enough. I’m still fat. I still have a “beer belly”. She stated that I needed to make lifestyle changes to be successful. In her opinion, I need to do better.   We discussed the life changes I’ve made to be able to lose 86 pounds. I used to eat at fast food restaurants about four times per week. That is down to about twice a month. And just to be clear, I’m not eating a burger meal, usually it is something small. I’m very careful to keep it under 200 calories.   One of the tasks I used to hate while dieting was writing down everything I ate. Now I actually enjoy seeing how many calories, protein, and fat I’ve consumed. I’ve been using myfitnesspal.com and it has made all the difference in the world. My friends on there are very supportive to the point that if I don’t log on for a few days, they send me notes asking me where I am and how I’m doing. Now that I’m logging my food, I also measure it before I eat it; not everything all the time, but putting my food into a 1 cup measuring cup helps me know how much my stomach will tolerate. All of these things that I thought were a pain in the ass, I am now doing.   I still make a lot of poor choices and I do need to make more changes such as exercising regularly. But with each pound lost, I feel like I am slowly making the changes required of me to lose the remaining 60 pounds. I only have 40 pounds to lose for my doctor, but I want to lose another 60. If this 86 pounds made this much of a difference in my life I can only imagine what losing another 60 pounds will do! I’m fairly confident that I will reach my goal but it is frustrating not being there already.
Jack Fabulous

Jack Fabulous

1
rabrijumo's Blog
 

What Is Up With Me

So I was at work today Wednesday the 29th, had a bitch at a Drs office kinda yell at me, and next thing I know I am crying. Back in my younger years as a new nurse I would cry whenever I had a confrontation. I hated that so much I trained myself not to cry. I haven't done that in many years so this was a shock. I think I am just in a fragile state. I have gotten alot done for my WLS here is my checklist   Pre op testing checklist   ☒ Cardiac clearance redo ❏ Incentive spirometer “bag” from Kathy ❏ IVC filter placement scheduled IAH 9/21 w/CVIR ☒ Labs ☒ Chest xray ☒ Ekg ☒ Sleep study ☒ GI consult: colonoscopy& EGD ☒ Medical clearance ☒ Psychiatric consult ☒ Education program ❏ Nutrition and surgery pre op post op class@IFOH 9/20 ☒ Behavior modification/compliance ☒ Nutrition counseling ❏ 1:1 Coaching with RN-IFOH bariatric education ❏ Doctor and Dietician appointment scheduled 9/12   I got some reassurance from my cardiologist. I had an appointment friday morning and I went into Atrial fib the afternoon before (right after my 2 hour nutrition class at my baritric drs office) I was still in FIB when I went to the appointment. I have been very worried that my fib state would postpone my WLS. In discussing it with him we worked through many aspects of my condition. The new medicine has changed the episodes from completely debilitating: I would be dizzy, short of breath with any exertion, and have a raging headache to functional: I do not have the headache, shortness of breath, or dizziness. I just can feel a little fluttery in the chest and I have limited energy. Thus I am able to go to work driving myself where as before I was laid up in bed. The Doc says the main thing is to maintain my anticoagulation and control the rate by doubling one of my meds while I am in FIB. I also will need to be off my anticoagulant prior to my IVC placement and pre op WLS. We will bridge that time with lovenox (a shot that anti coagulates you). So now I have a plan. Unfortunately it is now saturday and I am still in FIB. YUCK! Just wish I would convert already.
rabrijumo

rabrijumo

0
TamaraS' Blog
 

Thoughts Of Death

I have been so focused on getting approved for the surgery, focusing on other people success and imagining my own that I hadn't really thought much about the possibility of dying in surgery until recently. It’s terrifying. I have a six year old boy. when my grandmother had passed in April, it was the first death He had ever experienced. I just keep replaying through my mind when he told me "mom if you ever die and go to heaven, Id make myself die to so we could be together" indescribably upsetting words to hear your child speak :’( Three nights ago I was lying in bed and panic came over me as I thought of how I will be putting myself in a position where it could definitely happen (DEATH) if I go through with the surgery. I’ve read differing statistics: 1 in 400 die, 1 in a 1,000 die, and honestly those don’t sound good. I woke up the next day still very much worried. I sat in my recliner as I do every day because my knees hurt. I watched t.v. and played on my laptop as I do every day, to numb my mind of my barely getting by existence.I sit home alone in isolation most of the day until My beautiful boy gets home and then I’m too tired to play and have a short fuse with him because I’m constantly exhausted (just like every other day). A couple tears ran down my face at the realization that my hope for a better life has to be stronger than my fears of dying this time.   Im not happy being in pain and always tired. I’m not the good mom or wife I know I can be. I can’t fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse because I can barely shower and dress myself with out resting in between. I have had to stop wearing socks with my shoes because when I try to put them on, I pull muscles in either my leg, stomach or back. My life is so far from where I want it and I know I can get it back on track with this surgery. I might die because of this surgery. I will definitely die early if I don’t get this weight off. But I might be able to live AFTER this surgery… I don’t consider this living now.
TamaraS

TamaraS

14
Which Clinic?
 

Choosing A Clinic

Hello everyone...I'm new to this forum.   A bit about myself,   My name is Lyds, a 34 yrs old female from Toronto weighing about 190lbs. I have been looking and doing research on lap-band for the past 2yrs and have finally decided to go through with the procedure. However, the biggest issue I have right now is choosing a clinic. I had consultations at 4 different clinics and have narrowed it down to 2 (greeeeaaaaat). But unable to pick between CIBO and SWLC.   I am considering CIBO because they offer life time after care as supposed to the 5yrs after care provided by SWLC and if you need fills or defilss afterwards, there are additional fees. But with SWCL, they have been around longer, and are well known, Dr. Coburn I feel is more out there promoting the topic and so forth (a bit well known and perhaps more experienced). Wheres as at CIBO, I have never heard of those surgeons, and they are reluctant to even name them on their website. When I asked the consultant I met with regarding that, she stated naming the surgeons were against some boards rules...can't remember what board she said.   So I got a package from CIBO and in there they listed their surgeons; and I do plan on doing a bit more research on their backgrounds.....What do you guys think? I have been told that after care is extremely important, based on that, I would love to go with CIBO due to their life time after care. On the other hand (until I research the surgeons at CIBO) I would also think it is more important to go with the more experienced surgeon who is well known.   please your feed backs wil be appreciated.... what clinics did you guys use, why and which do you recommend?
NurseLydsss

NurseLydsss

4
rang77's Blog
 

North Face Outlet Online Store

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rang77

rang77

0
slojo's Blog
 

Changed To Vsg (From Lap-Band) 45 Min. Before Surgery!

So I was scheduled to have lap-band surgery Aug 28th with Dr. Almanza 45 min before the procedure they asked me if I wanted to change to VSG and i said YES! I had thought of changing but thought I was obligated (and had only paid) for the lap-band. They recommended the VSG over lap-band very highly and I changed to VSG. I'm glad i did, and am glad they let me. The experience there was great. I didin't get to stay at the recovery house (remodelling) but the clinica was exceptionally clean, staff was VERY attentive (i'm a RN) and i was very impressed with the care and cleanliness of the facilities. It's not fancy mind you, but it was a very good experience. Close and personal care is what i received. Never got in severe pain post op, meds brought every 4 hours on the money every-time... I would recommend this facility and Dr. Almanza to anyone who is considering VSG. THanks for reading my jumbled thoughts, kinda tired will post more some other time on the experience...
slojo

slojo

8
bridgetbeckham's Blog
 

8 Days -Post Op Questions

Im 8 days Post Op, had surgery in TJ couldnt have gone any better, treated like a QUEEN! Today and for a few days now I have been really tired/weak Also, 1 of my incisions, the largest one, is really red, warm to touch, peeling and looks a bit yuck. Emotions are up and down Have some anger   DID you expierence any or all???   THANKS.
bridgetbeckham

bridgetbeckham

4
emmalia's Blog
 

North Face Outlet Objects.

highlighting the classic taste with the up and down gestures reveals a calm composure; although the same elegant, and Tokyo Women's crafted entirely different. The trip back, I think about this question: Parisian ye then to enjoy life? Paris's wage levels are not high, but the price is expensive. Why are people willing to spend time and money to food and clothing to enjoy it? I do not have enough knowledge to do in-depth analysis from the perspective of French culture, but on the surface, I think there are a few reasons. First, the Chronicles of France for the sake enjoy stupid, waste of resources,the north face sale the construction of extravagant palaces, and amassed countless priceless works of art, the hands of the rebels until killed Louis XVI and Queen. And the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York suddenly eclipsed; and Versailles, the Japanese Imperial Palace humble like a shack. The French government, from Napoleon to the incumbent Nicolas, Sarkozy, not flower lovers of large sums of money Preservation and Restoration heritage, resulting in France's cultural and artistic heritage, preserved to the greatest extent possible. Paris city center, the size of the palace sites Linz pick than, Fan Qing bronze sculpture, carved details on the buildings, beautiful and amazing. People living in the city so beautiful luxury, how can we prevent the clothes dress and intraday with a good fit of pride and self-confidence How could this not written on the faceDenali Men's Dark Blue Stretch-fleece Windproof Jacket?Parisians will ye then enjoy life? The second and the first point, I discussed previously eaten seen the theory. Frenchman created a luxurious, therefore understand luxurious. From generation to generation is passed down the Frenchman on a good cashmere coat should be what kind of texture, delicious butter cookies should be what that smell is. Ordinarily, the Emperor of China is not how to save for the subjects were kept on making more than two dozen, why the Chinese tradition of luxury? Chinese emperor, too dark, only allowed themselves to arson, allowed to do anything. Coupled with the before and after the on the the Cultural Revolution interrupted three or four decades, creating a the nationals of the two generations of I do not know luxury goods why the objects.
emmalia

emmalia

0
Tiffany's WLS journey
 

Why?!?!?

I havent been on here in a few days and since then ive been wondering....   WHY DO I HAVE TO BE ON LIQUIDS FOR FOURTEEN FREAKING DAYS!!!!!!   okay but seriously i am so tired of water, powerade and tomato soup.... nothing else tastes good and now now I'm getting tired of the only things that tastes good -__- i move to soft foods on tuesday/wednesday and it cant come fast enough
mrscastillo

mrscastillo

6
The Woman in the Mirror
 

August

What a month this has been! This month I made the decision to stop hiding my head in the sand and to take control of my health. It was not easy, but I no longer feel disappointed in myself. That decision motivated me to start doing small changes from now, so that when surgery comes along I will not feel overwhelmed. I'm determine to succed, so I came up with a plan for the next five months, that will hopefully get me on the right track. 20% of this is physical, the rest is all mental, well for me it is. I need to change the way I think, I know the 2 year old temper tantrum my mind can throw and the patience and reasoning the mature side needs to do, it's a constant battle not just about food but for exercise also. It's for this reason I started changing little things. I've heard that a takes 3 weeks to make a habit, I'm giving myself six weeks and not throwing a pity party when I slip, just get back on the wagon. So far, I've cut out sodas, drink 32-64oz of water per day and working on getting rid of my fast food habit. It's a bit more difficult but I'm getting better at it. This started as a weight loss, but as time goes by I see that the weight loss will only be part of it, I'm going for a full "make over". The funny thing is that I don't know what my "make over" entails, I believe I will figure it out in time. I had to put a plan, on paper, not only for my obsessive personality to have something visual, so that I can follow and see where I'm at, but also to have solutions to the common pitfalls and hills every time I try to lose weight.So instead of pretending it will not happen again, I'm preparing myself mentally for them. It's why I'm currently looking for a therapist who specialize in obesity. In order to have long term success, I will take whatever help is out there, no more head in the sand.
Anew77

Anew77

0
Weekly Updates
 

2 Weeks Post Op

Today marks my 2 week mark since surgery...   I must admit this has been a rough week. My sleeve has gotten fed up with all the sweets (sweet protein drinks, pudding, jello, fudgesicle, popsicles etc). To eat anyone of them anymore caused my stomach to be upset and I threatened throwing up several times...Top that all of with heartburn and finally getting to the point where I truly miss food...I am not at all hungry but I just want to chew. Some say chew gum but last time I did, I actually swallowed it so I am staying away from gum. I am on fluids for another week and then I moved to soft foods...Boy am I looking for to some salmon. I want sushi but not sure my sleeve will tolerate it.   On the flip side, I did introduce foods that I did not like pre-surgery as I thought my taste buds would appreciate them now since they hadnt had much. Both cottage cheese and yogurt are on my full liquids list. I could not stomach either one before surgery but now I am loving both of them and given they are both high in protein that is a good thing...   I also got into some pants I could not wear pre-surgery...My skin is clearing up because it doesnt have all the greasy fatty foods running through me...I love water now...and my pee is so clear and lady like...   My incisions are healing quite well. I had glue and steri strips on my incisions and only two of the incisions (one being the largest one) still have on the strips. The tenderness is mainly gone but if I make a wrong move, I am reminded that I did get cut on recently.   I also starting walking on the treadmill. I am doing 2.5 miles or 50 minutes...so a slow place...but did not want to push it too much. I plan on adding the other half mile next week...Get the walking on down so that at month one, I can begin to alternate walking and jogging...I even managed to mow a portion of my lawn on Wednesday. I left the hills to my ex boyfriend but I felt good I was able to do that without any pain.   So while I had a rough week, I am not going to complain because this surgery is truly life changing. Sure the firsts few weeks are tough and everyday represents another day to stay committed to our new lifestyle but in exchange I get the body I have wanted a long time. I also get to participate in all the fun and crazy atheletic events (i.e. Tough Mudder) without fear of being the fat girl that gets stucks as the wall. So again I cannot be a complainer. I have such a wonderful future ahead of me thanks this tool. I have no regrets...no complaints...   And for the numbers   VSG 08/17/12 HT 5'8 HW 232 (08/13/12) SW 227 CW 212.8   Total Weight loss 19.2
helgaready

helgaready

1
4ALongerLife's Blog
 

Cat Scan Happened Today

So I went for my CAT scan this morning. It was actually two CAT scans, one of my chest and one of my upper abdomen. Jeesh that crap is expensive. Thankfully on this insurance policy, I've met my deductible for the year. Unfortunately I begin a new job next week so I'll have a NEW deductible soon. I am praying that I won't be eaten up with more bills. I am thankful (or rather, trying to be) that God has given me the options of being able to make arrangements to pay most of these bills thus far. I'm praying that continues. And I'm not going to think of Bora Bora or Tahiti, my life long bucket list places that I dream of going, and how I probably could have if I would not have done all of this to myself. Anywho, I digress. Yeah I'm a rambling queen, what's new?   So the CAT scan was "interesting"... as interesting as having my large toe cut off slowly. The technician was someone that I knew from prior experience, very nice man. He said that the results will probably get to my pulmonologist either Wed. or Thurs. So then I'll know "what's next". My pulmonologist is a little bit 'different' so I'm praying that experience with him isn't as jarring as the last one that I had with him! You go in and have to drink these two large bottles of clear liquid. It's very sweet stuff, not far off from a protein bullet but not quite as alarming as one of those. I choked down the 1.5 bottles the tech told me to do, then off I went.   After the CAT scan was over, I took hubby to lunch. Least I could do since I "made" him take the day off. He was going to 'work from home' and just go with me but I didn't want him half here you know? That was the other day whenever I cried so much I swole my eyes shut that I made him take the day off, but c'est la vie. I am better today after having spoken to my bariatric dr. yesterday. I fully trust Dr. Meyers. He is a skilled surgeon who has helped me so much in all of these bills and figuring out what is next. He told me that if they find a cavity or area of trapped cells somewhere in between my diaphragm and lungs, they would probably have to get a cardiac thoracic surgeon to drill it out. It would be done laproscopically, but still he said to call him and let him know so I can discuss who is on my plan and who is good to do this if needed. If it's not a cavity or pocket of cells, then it might just be 'water' in my lungs leftover from the first surgery... then my pulmonologist can drain that himself per my bariatric dr. I hope that's the case. And I'm praying all of this just gets resolved.   After lunch with hubby (btw, we made a 'good' choice today in managing my environment... we went to cowboy chicken and had rotisserie drumsticks with campfire veggies and watermelon and split it). Then I went to macy's... every year I try to remember in August to go look at bathing suits for next year. So this year, I reallllly needed to. I got 10 pieces for $48! And I even got one bikini. Who the hell is this girl buying a two piece? IDK but whenever we hopefully go somewhere next year (or the year after, we'll see) then I'll be wearing that. But not at the community pool, like I need to see PTA peops in a bikini with my scars.   Who knows though... I might just get that daring after all.   Thank you to anyone and everyone who has been praying for me. I truly don't have words to tell you how much I appreciate it. Felicia you are the bomb btw. She may never see this, but I sincerely appreciate all of your texts and prayers.   tc, write soon... xx
4ALongerLife

4ALongerLife

2
TamaraS' Blog
 

My 1St Week Of Appointments

I just had my first consultation this last Friday! I was so anxious and excited I could barely sleep the night before but the actual appointment was very basic, not at all what I had worked up in my head . I met with the surgeon’s physician assistant and filled out a lot of paperwork and discussed how the surgery was performed, length of time in the hospital (2 - 3 days), nutrition, she asked me some questions about my obesity history and current health problems, I took a short quiz and she also asked me why I wanted the surgery. After about 20 to 30 minutes she sent me to talk to the girls who deal with insurance and they sat me down and told me the requirements of my insurance. I have California Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal so my personal insurance requirements were to get primary doc’s approval, a tsh test, see a nutritionist and a psychiatrist and get them to state I was fit for surgery. Most insurance also want a 6 month doctor supervised diet although that was not the case with mine. As soon as I got out of the appointment to the car, I made my nutritionist and psychiatrist appointment. I just finished them both yesterday and I feel so relieved!!     The meeting with the nutritionist I paid for out of pocket because it takes insurance a while to get around to approving you to go. I met with her Monday and the cost of the appointment was 65.00. My particular registered dietician was very pleasant. When I arrived I had to fill out the diets I been on and what I ate the last 24 hrs. It took a while for me to recall the info. We spoke for an hour and a half. She had lots of children’s play food and empty bottles of protein shakes and vitamins which she used as props as she went over the new way I would be eating. It was very helpful seeing the portion sizes while we talked since I had no idea what small amounts I would be able to consume. She asked me questions about how much I usually eat, the kinds of foods and when. Most of the time was spent with her telling me about the different stages of food intake after surgery and reinforcing over and over chew at least 20 – 30 times, no water with meals or up to an hour after, and the importance of protein and vitamins. At the end of the session she tells you whether or not she will recommend you for the surgery and then has to create a report (can take up to two weeks for her) to send to your surgeon. By the way, she never asked me what surgery I was getting and assumed it was for the gastric bypass. Make sure you tell them on arrival you are getting the sleeve! Our appointment ran over 30 minutes because she had given me bypass info.     I went to see the Psychiatrist yesterday. I also paid out of pocket to get in and be seen sooner. He was the least expensive at 150.00 but some of them went up to 450.00. I spent around 45 minutes there. I will share something with you; I wasn’t at all nervous about seeing him but as soon as he seated me in his office and went to go get paperwork for me to sign, I had an anxiety attack. I wanted to get up and run out of his office for no explainable reason. I knew if I didn’t get his ok for surgery I couldn’t get it so I am not sure if it was self-sabotage or if I just put too much emphasis on the importance of the meeting. Either way, he was gone long enough for me to pull myself together and as soon as he started asking me questions everything went really well! The majority of the appointment was him asking me questions and I realized my answers were too long based on how he kept cutting me off! I’m sure you can tell by this, I am all about the details. Better to keep it short and sweet with the psych since they have so much information to cover. The questions were about where you grew up, family relationships, have you seen a psych before, medications you have been on, any history of trauma, are you an emotional eater, what’s your stress level like, hobbies, do you have a support system, what you expect from the surgery and why do you want the surgery. He then gave me a survey to take home of almost 400 questions which ask about drug/alcohol abuse, violent or suicidal tendencies and self-esteem. (I did the survey in my car outside the office to cut down on mail time to send it back.) At the end of our appointment he told me he would be recommending me for surgery! What a relief     Now I just have to play the waiting game and wait for the registered dietician and the psychiatrist to send their reports to my surgeon and hear if my insurance approved the surgery! If the surgery approval comes through I will take a four hour pre op class and that’s it!!
TamaraS

TamaraS

2
Annie RN's Blog
 

Preop Jitters

Surgery is 2 weeks away and I picked up my Opitfast for the next two weeks--Dont know how this is going to work with my job as an ED nurse, and of course the first day I start, I work. Trying to stay focused on the big picture!
Annie RN

Annie RN

4

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