Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

This is my month and my year!



Recommended Posts

Hi! This is my first post. I've enjoyed reading through all the fabulous posts. I'm posting now because I have my first WLS visit with the Surgeon on 1/7/2016.

A little about me. Divorced for 8 years. Two grown children who are happily off living their own lives. I work full time as a nightshift RN. Three 12 hour shifts a week plus the occasional OT.

I've been off and on about having WLS. I actually filled out the online application a year ago but canceled the appt. I ignored my weight for yet another year. When my clothes got tighter, my energy level tanked, my knees/back hurt and I was breathless climbing a flight of stairs, I got back on the scale and saw the 25 more pounds I had gained over the year.

That was it. I did some serious research and I called in November and made the appt. I won't be changing my mind this time.

I feel like I've been dieting my whole life. Every diet known, I've given it a whirl. I've had some success. I lost 50 lbs right after I got divorced. Stress and revenge might have been factors there. Ha. I kept it off a bit but I piled it back on and more eventually.

I'm 54, 5'2 and about 225 lbs. I'm going to wait for my official weigh in at my appt to be official starting weight. This is not the heaviest I've been but it's close. I don't have a lot of comorbidities. Hypothyroidism.

If all goes well, I should have surgery in June or July. I'm leaning toward the gastric sleeve but I'm open to gastric bypass if that's what the Surgeon feels is best for me.

So here's to 2016. Happy New Year, Happy new me.

Edited by Lemm61

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks! I'm nervous and excited but mostly committed. As an RN in a Hospital setting, I see the health issues associated with obesity. And it gets worse, the older you get. I also see obese Nurses who retire after a long career with ruined knees, chronic back pain and constantly hurting feet. They hobble into retirement.

I don't want that for myself.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Here's to a healthier you!!! ????

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@Lemm I too am an RN and I know the wear and tear our bodies take in this profession. I made the decision to have surgery in July and after all the hoops required by insurance I was sleeved 12/17. I've not had 1 single regret since surgery. Good luck on your journey.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good for you!!! I must say, in my long running health issues, the nurses are who have over and over again saved my mental and physical health.

Thanks! I'm nervous and excited but mostly committed. As an RN in a Hospital setting, I see the health issues associated with obesity. And it gets worse, the older you get. I also see obese Nurses who retire after a long career with ruined knees, chronic back pain and constantly hurting feet. They hobble into retirement.

I don't want that for myself.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Getting real. Just finished my Nutrition questionnaire for my Appt tomorrow. I see the Surgeon and the Nutritionist both tomorrow. Then on Monday I have the Psych Evaluation. My insurance requires the 6 month preop diet.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Appt with the Nutritionist and the Surgeon this am. They were running behind so I waited 30 minutes beyond my appt time.

Checked in with vital signs, general med history review and weigh in with the RN.

Wt 1/7: 223 lbs (I'm 5'2") So that's my official starting weight. Owning it.

Saw the Nutritionist first. She reviewed my Nutrition questionnaire that I had completed at home. We discussed my weight/dieting history and eating patterns. She was so very nice. We went over the pre op diet and post op diet. Protein products, Vitamin products, portions, Water intake, etc. Very thorough. Lots of detailed handouts to take home and some samples. I will be able to see her 5 more times per my Insurance. There is also a group class that I'll attend to review the post op diet requirements again before Surgery.

The Surgeon went over my medical history, weight goals and dieting history. Did a physical exam. He agreed I was a candidate for WLS. He presented information on both the VGS and the Gastric bypass. He said he would be comfortable with either of these procedures for me.

He said no decision had to be made today. I felt comfortable with him and he took his time. I think I saw him for almost 30 minutes.

After that I met with the WLS Coordinator to review my Insurance requirements and WLS timeline. Good news is I only have a 3 month requirement for a pre op Diet program. There is no set amount of weight loss requirement, just don't gain. I'm going to try to get a good jump start to healthier eating and exercise habits for these 3 months.

Finally, I went next door to the Outpatient Lab and had an EKG, CXR and Labs drawn. I see the Psych Doctor on Monday. The only other procedure I'll need is endoscopy. WLS Coordinator will call me to schedule.

Whew, it was a long day but I felt good about it.

Feel free to ask questions if anyone is getting close to their first appt or contemplating making an appt.

Edited by Lemm61

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Psych evaluation done today. Doctor told me at the end that she would have no problem recommending me for Surgery. Took about an hour and a half. There was a 12 page form to complete and then a one on one meeting with the Doctor.

Still have the endoscopy to get done.

Moving along!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

As for Protein Shakes you want isolate to be the first ingredient and you want less than 7 grams of sugar and 10 grams of Protein per 50 calories

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had 2 endoscopes done. Six weeks apart because the first found a small duodenal ulcer and a large hiatal hernia. After weeks of meds, the second endoscopy showed the ulcer had healed.

I finish my supervised diet on 5/1. Paperwork for Insurance approval will be sent right after that. The Surgeon scheduled me (tentatively) for 6/1.

I've lost 30 lbs on the supervised diet and that moves me to a BMI of lower than 40 now. I hope that doesn't screw up the approval.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      Just for fun last week, I ran two 5Ks in two days, something I would have never done in the past! Next goal is a 10K before the end of this month.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Teriesa

      Hi everyone, I wrote back in May about having no strength. I still get totally exhausted just walking from room to room, it’s so bad I’m using a walker with wheels of all things. I had the gastric sleeve Jan. 24th. I’m doing exactly what the programs says, except protein shakes. I have different meats and protein bars daily, including vitamins daily. I do drink my fluids as well.  I go in for IV hydration 4 days a week and feel ok just til evening.  So far as of Jan 1st I’ve dropped 76 lbs. I just want to enjoy the weight lose. Any suggestions or has anyone else gone thru this??  Doctor says just increase calorie intake, still the same. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Stone Art By SKL

      Decorative Wall Cladding & Panels | Stone Art By SKL
      Elevate your space with Stone Art By SKL's decorative wall claddings & panels. Explore premium designs for timeless elegance.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Losing my hair in clumps and still dealing with "stomach" issues from gallbladder removal surgery. On the positive side I'm doing better about meeting protein and water goals and taking my vitamins, so yay? 🤷‍♀️
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      · 1 reply
      1. BabySpoons

        Amazing! Congrats!!! Watch out for the sharks. 🦈

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×