livineachday

I started the process in July  09, first discovering who my insurance sent bariatric patients to (Pacific Bariatrics, San Diego) and then attending their seminar in Bakersfield, CA.  Went to my PCP to get her to write a letter for insurance approval, but because she had only been my doctor about a year, it was denied.  I then went to my previous Dr. and had him write a letter, I found old statement from Nurti System and Gym reciepts etc, all I could find to prove I had attempted to lose weight over the last 3 years, and finally in December my insurance approved my visit to Dr. Taller of Pacific Bariatrics.  I met with him in Jan and because I have a blood issue, Protein S deficiency (which means my blood clots more than normal) and a previous Pulmonary Embolism, he wanted me to have an ultrasound to make sure I had no blood clots.  Well, wouldn't you know it, I had a DVT (Blood clot in my leg), wow, what more could happen?  I was required to go on Coumadin (blood thinner) and no surgery for at least 3 months, till the coumadin was regulated.  However, the Doc also decided he wanted me to have an IVC Filter put in before surgery.  So, since I live in the middle of nowhere and have to travel a couple of hours to get to a hospital, it was decided I would have that done before my surgery but while in San Diego (four hours away).  Finally all was in place and my surgery date was set, however they only gave me a weeks notice, so it was wait, wait, wait and then bam, next week!!  So had my surgery on June 11,2010.  Was in the hospital for 2 nights, because of the blood thing, and have been home now for 1 week!   Pain, lots of Pain!!  The pain mainly is from the fill port site because it is sewn to my stomach muscles, so everytime you move, sneeze, cough it stretches those muscles and the stitches, hurts!  however, after a week it is so much better, can really tell it won't be long till it's just a memory!  Have been on liquid since the day before surgery and will continue for one more week.   I have read where people say you're not really hungry for a couple of weeks anyway, but I have been.  Just drink more water or have a protein drink and it goes away, so not too difficult.  I am looking forward to being able to eat some real food, even if it will be mushy stuff!!