12/10/08 One Down, 5 To Go...Oh NO!

I had my first month’s weigh in with my PCP this morning. I came out 2 pounds lost (from my eat and drink fest last time), but at least I wasn’t water-logged/bladder bursting again so I could actually have a nice discussion and pay attention this time. My PCP visit went well and we discussed my building a support system (talked about online and the Healthwise Company support program I enrolled in). I’ve been having more trouble with my osteoarthritis in my lower back…not sure if it’s because I’ve just about eliminate the almost daily pain relievers since they started me on migraine medicine. I was afraid to start any pain relievers for my arthritis in fear of the migraines coming back (the arthritis is nothing compared to the migraines). She said it’s OK to start some Tylenol as needed, so we’ll see what happens. It’s also likely that I’m having more pain now that I’m exercising…my body saying “Exercise??!!! What’s that?!!” I’ve had some toe numbness on one side, so she’s having me get an x-ray just to be sure the discs are still OK.

I was so frustrated at the beginning of this process with learning I’d have to do the 6 mo. diet (Diet?!!! Been there, done that…if that worked I wouldn’t need a LAP-BAND®!), but after spending some time researching the LB I began to think 6 mo. was a good thing. There’s so much to learn and to prepare for. For example, this month my “Education Task” with my PCP was doing research and putting together my questions for my surgeon consult coming up. I’m actually amazed that even after 3 different hospital seminars how many questions I still have. I’ve been thinking about this and it’s because this isn’t like most procedures. Heck, when I had my hysterectomy & bladder sling it was pretty much textbook, no choices, standard procedures, I knew what would happen (except the failing part). With this I still have a million questions not only because every surgeon requires different pre & post-op testing/care (let’s not even get into all the differences in fill schedules/procedures/amounts)…but even with the surgery there’s differences….ie. I have a choice of which type of LB and a choice of where my port goes…and look at all the other differences we hear about on LBT: 1 incision or 5?, catheter or not?, CO2 heated and removed or not?, overnight or out-patient?, on and on. So having 6 mo. to research and prepare isn’t all bad and I know now I’ll be more successful afterwards because of what I’ve learned…

My only problem is…I started researching this in summer so I’m ALREADY almost at 6 mo. of preparing/researching…yep, when I look at it, the past 6 mo’s. went fast, but these next 5-6 months are going to be longggggggg! Help me make the time go faster...tell me a story…....anyone have a good joke?

BG - you are amazing! It sounds like your appointment went so well!!! Yay for you girl! I have been bad about the exercising part and okay, yeah, the food part too. I started trying protein drinks and they, well, they constipate me more than I already am but I am working through it. I was up at the dr. yesterday. Had to run in for some cipro...I felt a UTI coming on and wanted to nip that in the bud. I mean yeah, I had a wicked full bladder so I could produce a sample but still. So I got my new protein powder in. I tried Designer Whey this morning and liked it!!! Spirutein is also good but the DW was thinner and more like chocolate milk. I think I'll keep on with the pro in the AM and then lunch. Today I had vegetarian chili. I do find it's a great meal replacement when I am busy and the only other choice would be fast food.

Anyway, this isn't about moi..it's about you. You are well on your way!!! YAY! When do you think you'll get your band???

Shira

Amazing-NOT! That's you...protein drinks (left you a note at your blog).

Where did you get vegetarian chili? Can? UTI- no fun at all (only thing worse maybe is a camera up there...me-tomorrow...yay!).

Band? Hmmm...I just did a thread about that...I've been wondering how insurance will handle it if I cut a few days/week off my "diet sentence"? My 2 oldest are graduating in Spring-big parties/company...so a week earlier would help a LOT. My initial weigh-in was Nov. 10, 2nd Dec. 10, so I was wondering if I have to end May 10? I think that's out the window already though because PCP could only see me on the 8th in Jan. Watch me get denied for a week early...dag insurance (didn't I just say that?)! I don't know how long it takes after you're done with the diet...I'll have to ask them! Late May might be too much to pray for huh?...one can hope. June probably :-(

My last class is April 6 and I started in November. Do we have the same insurance - BCBS? For mine we can stay the same or show a loss but NO gain. I am panicked since I ate well last week and now I am struggling to get it off by next Wednesday!!!!

Anyway, that would put my surgery in May which would be great especially if I could take advantage of the long Memorial Day weekend!