augustkiwi

My Pre-op Prep-work
 
 
For anyone interested here is what I have done, or am doing, as far as pre-op prep-work:

Stopped drinking carbonated beverages in January (procedure scheduled for March). I drank diet coke probably one to two times a day so I didn’t have a giant habit to overcome (although it seemed like it that first week because it had become so habitual at certain times of the day). I replaced my soda with crystal light and water.


Bought the sample pack of protein powders from Unjury to see if I would like them. I liked the vanilla and chocolate. I wasn’t a huge fan of the chicken soup only because it mixed weirdly and I had to take the temperature of the water. I wouldn’t say I was a fan of the unflavored one but it truly did mix in well, and tasteless, with my yogurt and oatmeal and if it gives an extra protein boost then so be it. Presurgery I ordered 6 packets of the chicken soup, 6 packets of the vanilla, and 6 packets of the unflavored to take with me to Mexico. I also ordered a container of each for the house when I got back home. I wanted to be well prepared for my liquid phase.


I also tried the high protein Slimfast chocolate and vanilla ready to drink mixes and shakes. Liked the chocolate but wasn’t a huge fan of the vanilla.


I also tried the Atkins meal replacement bars and Go Lean meal replacement bars. I love the Atkins chocolate peanut better ones (all can be purchased at Walmart by the pharmacy diet stuff).


I purchased 2 loose workout pants at Target to have when traveling. I love love love them and they have quickly become my go to pants when I am at home. They sit low on my waist, have boot cut legs, and a drawstring. The only drawback is no pockets.


I bought full coverage underwear (I like thongs but thought that might be a bit inappropriate in the hospital new PJ’s and a cheap robe that I am unlikely to wear after this procedure HOWEVER I dye my own hair so I can use it as my hair dying robe so it is not a total waste!


Bought a better bathroom scale. My old one needed replacing so it wasn’t an unneeded expense.


Established the “I’m dieting and exercising” talk at work so that my weight loss is more believable and less shocking (I’m not telling anyone about the procedure).


Started growing out my hair (since Jan.). It is really short and if I might lose some of it I figured I better start growing it.


Joined the three gastric sleeve blogs and looked at posts so I know what to expect.

 
The things I haven’t done and feel bad about….

Established a walking workout routine.
Stopped chewing gum (although that is pretty high on my list to quit…I don’t like chewing gum in public but I do like to chew it in the car and it curbs my desire to stop at drive thru’s).
Make the “just in case I die” list for my husband of things he will need to know (will be doing that this weekend)
Stuck to a low carb eating plan (I did for a few weeks but Valentine’s Day at school did me in and I have been back sliding since).

 
 
Things I am worried about….

Complications which will cost a million dollars to fix which won’t be covered by insurance causing a severe financial burden and a strain on my marrage resulting in me having to work until I am 90 years old (that is extreme worst case scenario so you bet it is the one that is worrying me the most).
I won’t recognize the signs of a leak and I die
The leak test fluid (taste)
Getting all my money, passport, and ID stolen while traveling by myself.
Gaining weight
Dealing with my mother-in-law’s love of pushing food on anyone walking into her house (she means well but sometimes it is just easier to eat the food then it is to tell her “no, thank you” a million times).

 
Things I am looking forward to…

Fitting in airplane seats easily
Buying clothes in the normal section of the store (not the womens or plus size section)
Having more energy
Feeling “pretty”
Enjoying working out

 
Things I still need to buy…

Heating pad
Travel sizes of shampoo, conditioner, etc.
Another pair of the awesome Target pants.

 
STATS:
 
Height: 5’ 5” Weight: 244.6 lbs (as of 3/13)
Pant Size: 20/22 Shirt Size: 2XL

Alright so now I am officially a blogger, right? First things first, I will map out my journey;
October 5, 2011- I attended a seminar about weight loss surgeries at KC Bariatric (which is far off in Lenexa Kansas)
October 20, 2011-I had my first meeting with Dr. Kowalski (that's my surgeon)
October 25,2011- I had my EGD which was required pre op
November 2, 2011- I went to the nutrition class, the physical therapist, and took the post op education class
November 7, 2011- I had my physical which was also required
November 18, 2011- I paid my program fee to the surgery center (skipped the cable bill, too)
November 19, 2011- I had my psych eval...they found out that I am only a little nuts
November 21, 2011- I had my f/u psych consultation where the previous findings were confirmed
December 12, 2011- I got insurance approval (and I was glad it was on the phone because I would have kissed the lady
December 14, 2011- Started my pre op hell diet
December 18, 2011- Had my pre op labs done
December 19, 2011- Met with Dr. K a second time (decided that I will call him Dr. K because he will be looking all up in my guts, may as well be friends!)
December 26, 2011- HAD MY SLEEVE INSTALLED
That's it.
Here I am January, 20, 2012 36 pounds lighter and ready to blog about it!

I did it! I'm finally on the other side. Surgery day was definitely the hardest. I wanted something to drink the entire day but that wasn't allowed. To keep my mouth moist I brushed my teeth and gargled water. The hospital gave me a binder and that made things so much easier. I was able to get in and out of bed with ease and walking was so much easier. My back and stomach were supported and no pain. I walked the entire night and I think that was my key to success. It awoke my bowels and I didn't have any of the horrible gas pain. The day after surgery I had my upper gi test to check for leaks. I sipped the barium. They kept trying to get me to drink more, but I knew sipping was advised. Sipping is so important and probably the most frustrating. No more gulping. I need to keep moving so I'm planning a walk with husband to get me back in the swing of things. The hunger is gone. I'm no longer starving or agonizingly hungry. I don't have the urge to stick whatever is nearby in my mouth. It's the most peculiar feeling. Wishing you all the best on your journeys.

i started my journey on 10/6/2011 the day i was scheduled for my consultation with my bariatric doctor Dr. Andre Graham ...actually my primary care physician referred me to him because i of course am overweight with a BMI of 57, recently diagnosed with diabetes. high blood pressure, leg swelling, PCOS..just to name a few...i never considered weight loss surgery because i thought it was something i could do on my own with diet and exercise..for one i was active since the day i was born through out high school and then when college time came i of course put on the freshmen 15+++ i really dont know what happened honestly! so i have been battling obesity for 9 years..which is not alot according to some but it was enough for me...
 
i was married, then divorced (happily btw lol) no kids...moved away from my hometown and moved to Dallas where things just spiraled out of control...fast forward my current boyfriend had a major scare and ended up in the hospital due to medical conditions related to his heart and weight and at that moment a light bulb clicked over me and i was like...this could be me...made a doctors appt and low and be hold found out things i didnt know i had...losing weight is a roller coaster..up down up down and uuuuuup..never able to lose more than 6-10 pounds at a time! so super frustrating.
 
left dr grahams office with a smile on my face knowing that the end of my struggles is right around the corner. i know its going to be hard work before during and after but this is something i HAVE to do for myself..and i will do it! my insurance is really good so i know it wont be that financially binding for me thank GOD.. look forward to seeing my own progress
 
my family is very supportive and my mom is already ready to come take care of me after surgery lol