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angelburch

LAP-BAND Patients

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Blog Entries posted by angelburch

  1. Good and Bad

    · angelburch · 12/01/06 09:59 PM

    So today my BF was approved by our insurance company BCBS of MN (we have the same insurance) for her band. I am so incredibly happy for her. She wants to be banded by the 2nd or 3rd week of Christmas. :girl_hug:
     
    Today, something happened with both my daughters, and while I am not willing to put it in this journal, suffice it to say they have both broken my heart and I feel a deep and profound sense of loss. I am scared to death for my youngest (she's 19) and very angry with my oldest (she's 22). After my divorce from their father, it was just the 3 of us, and we were so close. We were the three amigas! Now, to listen to them talk to each other and then make me feel as if I have to chose, is more than my heart can bear. Being an only child, I can't begin to describe to them how precious it is to have a sibling. No matter what happens, family is top priority. I am really considering cancelling Christmas.

  2. Cold Weather A'Coming

    · angelburch · 11/30/06 01:53 AM

    Well we got all of our outside and inside decorations done :clap2: .
     
    My BF should find out tomorrow from the insurance company if she will be approved. I spoke to Ricardo at Dr. Jay's yesterday, and he has faxed over all my paperwork to the insurance company, so hopefully I should find out if I'm approved next week. Once approved, all I'll have to do is schedule my surgery. I want to do it the 2nd week of January.
     
    My DH's dad is very ill and in the hospital. He's had another heart attack, and the doctors have told us it's not a matter of "if", but "when". It could be days, or weeks. We will be going to Lubbock to see him next weekend. This is very hard on my DH, especially at this time of year.
     
    I'm still smoke-free -- and man does it feel good. Again, the cravings only hit 2-3 times per day, and last only minutes:clap2:
     
    I LOVE this time of year -- we have a cold front moving in and should not get out of the 30's all day tomorrow. I love cold weather (but only for short periods of time).

  3. Chili . . . .YUM!!!

    · angelburch · 11/25/06 01:46 AM

    Tonight I made chili for my DH and I. I used the recipe that the nutrionist gave me because it has LOTS of protein in it and actually is very simple and quick (NOTE: I am not big on home-cooking, and usually only fix things that have minimal ingredients and require very little time. But I am going to have to get over that once I have my surgery):
     
    1lb lean ground turkey (browned and then drain and rinse meat)
    2 10 oz cans Ro-Tel Tomatoes (being from Texas, we like things spicy:)
    1 14.5 oz can Diced Tomatoes
    1 15.5 oz can Dark Red Kidney Beans (rinsed)
    1 package McCormick Chili Seasoning
     
    I let it simmer for about an hour, and man is it good! Add a little cheese, whatever "floats your boat" for toppings.
     
    As I learn new things, I am going to post the one's I like best in my journal so I won't lose the recipe:clap2: .
     
    I'm almost through Day 13 of not smoking:paranoid and still doing okay. I just wish these darn cravings would go away! I am tired of thinking about a smoke (just one, I promise). But I haven't fed the beast yet. Hopefully it will starve, shrivel up and die soon.

  4. Christmas Decorating

    · angelburch · 11/26/06 05:01 PM

    Today, my daughter and her hubby are coming over to help decorate for Christmas. We do it up pretty good around here. 10ft tree, lots of lights outside. I love the final product, but the work is really hard, and since my DH had shoulder surgery only 5 weeks ago, he can't really help much - but he sure does TRY!!
     
    15 days smoke-free! Hooray!!! DH brought be a card last night in celebration of 2 weeks smoke-free. He's such a sweetie!!

  5. In My Dreams

    · angelburch · 11/24/06 04:50 AM

    1. I can cross my legs at the knees comfortably
    2. I can wear sleeveless shirts with confidence
    3. I can sit at a movie theatre and not have my hips "oozing" into the people on either side
    4. I can fly on a plane without the people on either side of me being uncomfortable
    5. I can tie my shoes while sitting down and not have to hold my breath
    6. I can shop in the "regular" size clothing stores/sizes
    7. My BMI will go from 44.5 down to the mid 20's
    8. That when my husband hugs me, my stomach won't be in the way
    9. That I can look at myself in the mirror and not feel shame
    10. That I can go out in public with my head held high and feel that the people I'm with aren't embarassed by me
    11. That I can have sex with my husband and feel sexy

  6. Thoughts For Today

    · angelburch · 11/23/06 12:56 AM

    I saw the psychologist and nutritionist yesterday and both gave me the thumbs up for the surgery :omg: . I can't believe how quickly everything has happened up to this point. I especially enjoyed visiting with the Nutritionist. She was funny but also very informative. She's been working with bariatric patients for years, and has a tremendous amount of experience and information. I really look forward to working with her throughout my journey. I feel that she can be very instrumental to helping me achieve my life long goal.
     
    I have been incredibly hungry today, and want to eat everything insight! I think it's because I'm about to start my period:embarassed: . I could eat the entire side of beef right now.
     
    I found out today from my BGF that our insurance company is extremely bogged down with their data entry, and it could take weeks before they get her information input and approved for surgery. She wants this surgery before the end of the year so bad. I really hope that she can get it! I think that would just about the best present ever.
     
    Even though I want this bad, I am willing to wait until after the first of the year. I have a way to pay cash (if necessary), and I guess I could go ahead and do that, and then file it with the insurance company after they approve me, but I think I will still wait until January. That's my goal, to have this by the end of January.
     
    Oh . . . and in case you're wondering, Yes, I'm still smoke-free -- 11 days :clap2:

  7. Good Stuff!

    · angelburch · 11/22/06 01:04 AM

    Today I am smoke free for 10 days (HOORAY :clap2: ). It's not been easy, that's for sure! But I'm really proud of that accomplishment.
     
    Last night I went for my very first Yoga class. It's a type of Yoga called "Vinyasa" - or also known as "hot yoga". The room is extremely hot, and you really sweat a lot. It was amazing! I will continue to go, even though I can't do half of the stuff, I know that eventually I will be able to. Everyone in the class (including the extremely skinny, inhumanly flexible young chick) said I did great for my first time. I know that for my exercise, working out at a gym won't work for me, and walking is "OK", but I really believe that this Yoga thing could really turn out to be something extraordinary.
     
    Also, saw the psychologist and had a consult with the Nutritionist today, so all my "requirements" by the insurance company have been met, and Ricardo at Dr. J's office said they would be able to submit everything to the Insurance Company tomorrow:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: !!!!!!
     
    It's a good day!

  8. One Week Anniversary!

    · angelburch · 11/18/06 07:02 PM

    Today I have been smoke free for one week! No cheating . . . not even once. I will admit that I feel better. My DH and I went for a walk this morning (with the puppies) and I didn't wheeze as much as I have in the past! One week down and a lifetime to go!
     
    I completed my letter to BCBS for my surgery. I will send it to the Doctor's office Monday morning. After that, the only thing left to do is to see the psychologist for my results, and the nutritionist (all at the same time) on Tuesday. Hopefully the Doctor's office will send all my info to the insurance company before Thanksgiving. I hope it only takes a week or two to get approved. If so, then I can have the surgery prior to Christmas. That would be the ultimate Christmas gift! :clap2:

  9. Patches are a Miracle

    · angelburch · 11/17/06 03:03 AM

    I got the nicotine patch and started wearing it today. NO CRAVINGS!!!!:clap2: Today has been very easy with no desire to smoke. I just hope that it will continue throughout the next few weeks. My DH sat down with me to eat, and he cut his food up into teeny tiny pieces, and ate very slowly and took his time. He did this with me so he could learn what my eating habits are going to be like. He has read everything I've brought to him, and has asked a lot of questions. He's being very supportive.
     
    I see the nutritionist and get the results of my psych eval next Tuesday. I will work on my letter to BCBS this weekend. Hopefully next week, I too will have my paperwork submitted to the insurance compamy.

  10. I've Been Psyched!!!

    · angelburch · 11/15/06 01:24 AM

    Today I had my psych evaluation. They let me out without any meds, so I must have fooled them good . Actually it was a good experience and they said "You have a good and realistic understanding of what is expected before, during and after the surgery". I wonder if they've ever really turned anyone down and said that they weren't psychologically ready for the surgery.
     
    Anyway . . as far as smoking goes, it's been tough. I almost cheated today, but made myself picture me skinny. However, the cravings are waking me up 5-6 times during the night, so I contacted the "Quit Assist" program that is offered through our health insurance. Several people at the office have used it and said it's a really great program. So I called and signed up. This evening one of the "Coaches" called me and we talked about my smoking habits in the past, what worked, what didn't. We also talked about things for me to do differently. They are going to send me the nicotine patches for me to use (insurance gives me a deeply discounted rate - $15). In the meantime, I fear I will slip off this cart and buggy :help: . But if I do, I am getting right back on! I am sick and tired of this and once I get free, I will NEVER EVER go back to smoking EVER AGAIN. And yes, you can print this entry and tape it to my door to remind me!
     
    Back to the psych eval -- I go back next Tuesday to get my "results", and will also see the nutritionist at the same time (also required by my insurance company). Once all that's done, the only thing left will be to write the letter to the Insurance company. I'm lousy at writing letters, and I dread this one thing most of all!

  11. Toughest Day So Far!

    · angelburch · 11/13/06 11:43 PM

    The cravings are hitting really hard. Especially this afternoon. The is by far the hardest it's been. I can't believe how stupid I was to pick up the stupid cigarette, after being smoke free for so long! Stupid stupid stupid!
     
    But this is the first step to getting my band. Dr. Jay won't do the surgery unless I am smoke free for at least 14 days, so this is part of it. I figure if I can get through the next 10 days I should be okay.
     
    I go for my psych evaluation tomorrow at 1:30, and they called me today at 4pm and I have to say, that when I heard their voice, my heart stopped. I was so afraid that they were wanting to reschedule. All I could think of was if they want to reschedule, I'm going to crawl under my desk and cry. Thankfully, they were just confirming.:clap2: I am really excited about tomorrow! Then I just have the meeting with the nutrionist, and then the only thing that I need to complete before they can send the request to my insurance company is a letter from me. I am really lowsy at writing letters. I will have to look through this website to see if I can find copies of "suggested" letters.

  12. 2nd Day Smoke Free

    · angelburch · 11/13/06 03:26 AM

    Okay, so far so good. I've had some pretty harsh cravings, but haven't given in. As the craving hits, I just try to pretend that I'm on a surf board, and try to "ride the wave" all the way in. I know that the physical cravings only last 2-4 days, and there after it's all psychological. I quit before (cold turkey), and I can do it again. This is what I get for picking up a cigarette after being smoke free for 3 1/2 yrs. But this is what I must do in order to be banded. Not to mention the fact that it's great for my over all health.
     
    My office is offering free workout classes twice a week. At 5:15 on Monday's and Thursdays. I'm going to go. I think it will help me through this. Not to mention it will help me physically.
     
    My husband is very patient with me, and is being a huge source of support.

  13. TGIF

    · angelburch · 11/10/06 07:44 PM

    Today is my last day smoking. I find that I am actually looking forward to the day ending so I can start the "non smoking" part. I have only 6 cigarettes left, and once they are gone, that's it.
     
    My BF is out of town on business, and I miss having her to talk with about this process. She's working on getting Banded too.
     
    However, another lady at my office talked with me about today, and she has an appt with Dr. J next week. She says that since she has decided to do this, it's all she can think about, that she's obsessing about it. I told her I felt the same way. It's like the LBand is the "Holy Grail", and I think about it all the time, and dream about it. I'm sure this is common (I hope), and probably once someone reaches that decision, that's all they can think about.

  14. Wednesday

    · angelburch · 11/09/06 12:56 AM

    As I headed home from work today, I sent my husband a text message that said "Going home to drink!". He sent back "Save me some!" Today was quite stressful, but still very good. Once again, I look forward to Friday. That will be my last smoke day. I have quit smoking in the past (for 3.5 yrs), so I know I can do it.
     
    My BF had her psych visit today . . . they let her out, so she must be safe to be around :scared: .
     
    I updated my Mom about my journey to Lband Heaven, and she is glad that I have found something that I feel very comfortable with. She is very supportive.
     
    What's really weird, is that now that I am on this journey, I find I'm not as hungry as much . . . I wonder if it's normal. I seem to have become more aware of what I am eating (which is good). This should help me with having to make the decisions on what to eat once I have the surgery.

  15. Just More Thoughts

    · angelburch · 11/08/06 03:45 AM

    When I got home this evening, my husband greeted me and wanted to know all about my Dr's visit. He asked a lot of questions, and was very happy for me. He has truly come full circle and is back to being my 100% fully supporting husband. He has expressed his fears of me having surgery (of any kind), and we talked about those. I can tell when I look in his eyes that he is truly supportive
     
    My anger has gone away since it's had a place to go (this journal), and I hope that I didn't make anyone think that I needed some major psych help. It's just that I have always been the kind of person to hold back on what I truly think and feel with about 95% of the people I come in contact with. I consider myself a very private person when it comes to my feelings and rarely trust anyone enough to be honest with them. However, I do have a terrific support group. My hubby, my BF and her husband (whom I affectionately refer to as my brother-husband), and my two daughters. Those 5 are the only one's I feel completly at ease with when expressing my emotions.
     
    So, again, my appt today was great, however I was surprised that their scale said I weight 276 instead of the 282 that mine said this morning. So this evening my hubby and I "reset" our scale. My BMI is 43, and my body fat was 52.5% :omg: . I don't know what is considered a healthy body fat, so I guess I'll have to research that.
     
    And yes BF -- we will live a long long time as skinny and HEALTHY BF's!!! Hugs and Kisses.:scared:

  16. My 1st Dr's Appt

    · angelburch · 11/07/06 06:38 PM

    I saw the Intern at Dr. Jay's office today. She was wonderful! She said I was an excellent candidate. The only thing is that I must quit smoking -- which is cool. I knew I'd have to do that. I quit for 3.5 yrs and then for some stupid reason picked it back up again. So this Friday 11/10 will be my last day smoking. I know it will be hard (been there, done that), but at least I know what to expect. I'm sure I'll be journaling a lot during that time. I've already called and set the appt for my psych and nutritionist. So it looks like it's coming along! Now I just have to write a letter to the insurance company, and I'm not very good at that, so for me, that will be the hardest part.

  17. Changed Appt

    · angelburch · 11/06/06 11:56 PM

    Today, Dr. S office called me and said that there was a family emergency and he wouldn't be in this week. They would call me later next week to reschedule my appt. That was really really hard for me. After all the emotional ups and downs, I was really looking forward to my first Doctor's appt. So I called a different Doc . . . Dr Jay, which a lot of people on this website use. I was shocked when they said they could see me tomorrow morning at 9:30am. My BF saw him earlier today and she was very impressed. That was really reassuring to me. I might still see the other doctor when their office calls, but we'll see what happens.
     
    I showed my hubby the website, and he told me that he had reached his decision, that he was in with me whole heartedly and 100% - Thank GOD (I'm sure the fact that they both graduated from the same College have NOTHING to do with it - go RAIDERS) That pretty much did away with some of the emotional stuff that I was going through over the weekend. I know my attitude was incredibly lousy, but this journal really helps me to get it out of my head. I feel a lot better about things today.
     
    Why is it that once you make a decision to do something (after researching for almost a year), you are ready NOW!!?? It would make more sense for me to wait for the surgery until after the 1st of the year (time off from work), but at the same time I'm afraid our insurance may write this out of their policy. Well, once again . . . we will see :nervous

  18. ANGRY

    · angelburch · 11/05/06 05:57 PM

    I am very angry. I discovered that yesterday when my husband came back from getting his hair cut (we use the same person), and said "We were talking about you getting the LapBand, and she (the hair stylist) said she sure wished you could see a nutritionist before doing this". Something snapped inside my head . . . I actually heard it. It took me a moment to realize that it was inside my head and not something that my husband heard. The anger came out . . . not literally, but all the anger that I have kept inside of me for years and years. I've never been good at expressing anger because I have always been "the nice one". Whenever my family or friends want to do something I do it (whether I really want to or not), because I'm "the nice one". My Mother taught me that we always put others first (that's what Christ did), and everyone's feelings come first. So, whenever I have gotten angry in the past, I felt guilty and so I hid it. Well, not anymore. I told my husband that I did not appreciate him discussing my LBand with anyone else. It wasn't his to discuss. It was my decision, and I will choose who I tell and who I don't. I left to go get ready for this award supper for his 15 years at the company, which I cannot tell you how much I did NOT want to go. I cried the entire time I was getting ready. He came in about 20 minutes later, and that's when I let him have it. I told him that he needed to take a couple of days and decide whether or not he was really going to support my decision. He's either on board with it or not. And it doesn't really matter to me at this point. His decision doesn't affect mine. For the 1st time, I told him this was ALL ABOUT ME!!! I am tired of being fat, and fearful that each time I step on the scales I will tip the 300lb mark. I watched "The Half Ton Man" on the Discovery Health Channel yesterday, and my husband said, "I don't have any idea how people can get to that point". I told him I understood completely, and that I could get to that point so very easily. He said he didn't believe me, so I got up and left. People with addictions get that way. I have an addictive personality. Smoking and eating are my addictions. The truth about a food addict is that it's the one addiction you can never get away from. Smokers, alcoholics and people who use drugs . . . . once they get sober, they don't ever use cigarettes, alcohol or drugs again. When you're a food addict, you can't not ever eat again. It's the one addiction that you have to keep using.
     
    Who am I angry with? Everyone and no one. I'm angry at my family and friends, the strangers I see at the store. I'm angry at me.
     
    Last night was torture. I smiled, made polite conversation and laughed in all the appropriate places, because socially that's what they expect you to do.
     
    Today, my husband asked me what was wrong, and I told him that I was angry. Not the yelling, spitting kind, but the kind that comes from way down deep. He asked if I was angry at him, and I told him that this wasn't about him, but me. I will talk with him about it when the time comes, but it's not now.
     
    Tomorrow I go for my first appt with the Doc about getting the LBand. I told my husband I didn't want him there.

  19. Shopping

    · angelburch · 11/04/06 05:52 PM

    Last night I had to go shopping for something to wear to a company function. A very nice dinner at a very expensive restaurant to celebrate employees who have been with the company for 15 years or more (My husband has the 15 years, I just celebrated my 13th with the same company). I HATE shopping . . . absolutely hate it. I hate that I wear a size 24, or 3X. I hate that everything I try on looks like an something my grandmother would wear. I hate that everything "dressy" has sparkles and rhinestones on it. Is that supposed to draw the eye away from how fat I am? I hate that what ever is fashionable does not come in a size 24, or everything is in "Petites". Don't fashion people know that some fat people are tall? I'm 5' 8" and weight 285lbs. There isn't a single article of clothing that has ever been created that looks good on someone that size. So I settled for some stupid outfit that yells "Look at me . . . I'm fat". So when we go to dinner tonight, I'll look at the other people there who have a shape other than "round" and feel extrremely inferior. Oh well, it's how I'm used to feeling.
     
    I can't wait to see Dr. Scott on Monday. If my insurance doesn't pay for this, I still have the ability to pay cash for the surgery (thank GOD).
     
    My husband and I talked a lot Thursday evening. I was very blunt and honest about my feelings. He cried and said he didn't realize how much I was hurting. He is scheduled to have lasik surgery on January 5th, and when I told him that was when I was hoping to have my surgery, he said he would reschedule or even cancel his. I can't let him do that because this has been his dream for 10 years. My dream of being slimmer and healthier has been going on for over 20. At least his is scheduled and everything is settled. My surgery will happen . . . I just don't know when.

  20. My 1st Dr's Appt

    · angelburch · 11/03/06 01:33 AM

    I am so excited! I got an appointment with Dr. Scott at UT Southwestern for Monday at 3pm:clap2: I can't wait to go see them and start this journey. Today, my husband informed me that he was having his dream come true . . . he's getting lasik surgery . . . on January 5th! While I am very happy for him, I was hoping to have my surgery the 1st week of January. So, now it will have to wait another week or two. Perhaps I can get mine prior to January 1st. Either way, I'm very please about my decision and it seems like each day, there are signs that only reinforce my decision. My Best Friend, Steph has an appt on Monday morning too, only with a different doc. We are going to get together afterwards and compare notes. We may or may not end up using the same doc.
     
    Now, the downside . . . I don't think my husband is quite as supportive about this as he says. He expressed some concerns today, and also told me that he believed I was fully capable of losing weight "the hard way" (his words). "You just don't believe it yourself" -- that's what he said. My hubby has had some issues with his weight in the past, but he has been fully capable of losing it on his own, even to the point of looking anorexic. However I told him he was right, that I don't believe I can do it the "hard way". I've tried it for over the last 15 years, and it hasn't stuck. The slimmest I have been in over 15 years is 224. My ideal weight would be about 165. At 44 years old and being 5'8", I think that's an achievable, realistic goal. Either way, I'm doing this for me, not him. So he will have to accept that.

  21. Decision Made

    · angelburch · 10/29/06 07:43 PM

    After many days/weeks of reviewing this website, I have finally decided to to do. I called the Bariatric Surgery Center (at UT Southwester in Dallas) on Friday (10/27) to make an appointment. They asked me if I were interested in the by-pass or the lap band. I told them that I was interested in both. They are supposed to call me back next week for my first appointment.:drum: I have be trying to decide which surgery is the best option for me. Then yesterday, my best friend, Steph (who is considering the same thing) told me about a lady at our office who had recently been banded. She had it on a Thursday, and was back on work the following Monday. Our insurance paid for it, even though she doesn't have very many health issues (other than being over 100lbs and a high BMI (38). Steph and I spent all day Saturday shopping and talking about the surgery. Her husband is getting the by-pass surgery. While I like the idea of the by-pass surgery (quicker weight loss), I don't like the idea of it being permanent. Also, I've heard that if you develop stomach cancer, they can't scope you with a by-pass surgery.
     
    My fears are that once banded, what if there are complications? Slippage, erosions, leakage. Will I know when that happens? What if I over eat, or eat too fast (while in public) and start throwing up, or whatever?
     
    I'm so sick and tired of being fat. I've been seriously overweight since I was 22. At my current age of 44 I know that I have a very small window left to lose weight before I start seeing some serious long term health consequences. Currently, my health issues are relatively small, and are weight related. Joint pain, border-line diabetes, snooring, and a general feeling of just not feeling good.
     
    Bottom line - I've decided to go with the lap-band. I will update as soon as I hear back from the Doctor's office.

  22. Monday - Oct 30

    · angelburch · 10/30/06 11:48 PM

    Today, my friend Steph called the Plano Surgery Center, and they've already set up her 1st appt for this Wednesday at 2pm. I am soooo excited for her. I had called the UT Bariatric Center last Friday, and they said they would call me this week to set my appt. If they don't call this week (or they set my appt out in to December), I am going to call the same place Steph did. I have already met all my deductibles for this year, and would like to get banded this year.

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