So, if all the stars align, I only have 24 more days until I'm banded! Here's hoping!
I still need to get my final blood work (Nov. 3rd), set up my financing, have my surgery consultation with the surgeon, and do my pre-op diet (starts Nov. 6th, I think).
However, other than the "official" things, above, that must be done, I have many unofficial things I must do in order to prepare myself for surgery. The list:
-Stop drinking with meals
-Stop drinking flipping Diet Cokes!!!! (hard one)
-Get my ass in the gym
-Buy my protein drinks (I think I'll do that right after I hit "publish post")
-purchase my post-op essentials
I need to purchase the post-op essentials prior to surgery b/c immediately after surgery (well, the next day) my family is driving down to our beach house in Panama City, FL for a week. So, I need to have all my items prepared prior to the 6 hour drive.
So, for any post-opers what are the essentials other than the obvious (bouillon cubes, sf popsicles, sf pudding, pillow for tummy when coughing or sneezing, etc.)??? I'd love any advice you can offer.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Bad News...
Got my blood work back and it's not good. Lipids AND sugars keep going up. My doctor is concerned. So, she's putting me on meds for both. On top of that, I have to check my blood sugar each day.
I'm not diabetic. My blood sugar levels are actually about 150, but a normal person's are under 120. So I'm pre-diabetic. I'm sad and angry at myself. I knew my sugars were high, but did nothing about it and chose to ignore it. Now it threatens my surgery date.
On top of that, my mom is so incredibly UNSUPPORTIVE of this whole thing. She doesn't want me to get the procedure and never has, but she doesn't understand. She's 5'2" and 110lb. She has no idea what I've gone through my entire life. She continues to think that by diet and exercise alone, I can lose the weight. Yes, mom, I can, but history shows that I can't keep it off.
When I told her about my test results she just said, "Well, sometimes you need a baseball bat to the head. And maybe this is a sign you should postpone the surgery indefinitely." Eff that. Sorry, mom.
Another thing: I found out that my parents have told their parents about my procedure. My grandparents are the Mouths of the South. They tell everyone everything they know. I just wish they could keep this within the immediate family. It's my news, my business, and my problem...not theirs.
Ugh. Complete frustration lately! Someone throw me a bone!
I'm not diabetic. My blood sugar levels are actually about 150, but a normal person's are under 120. So I'm pre-diabetic. I'm sad and angry at myself. I knew my sugars were high, but did nothing about it and chose to ignore it. Now it threatens my surgery date.
On top of that, my mom is so incredibly UNSUPPORTIVE of this whole thing. She doesn't want me to get the procedure and never has, but she doesn't understand. She's 5'2" and 110lb. She has no idea what I've gone through my entire life. She continues to think that by diet and exercise alone, I can lose the weight. Yes, mom, I can, but history shows that I can't keep it off.
When I told her about my test results she just said, "Well, sometimes you need a baseball bat to the head. And maybe this is a sign you should postpone the surgery indefinitely." Eff that. Sorry, mom.
Another thing: I found out that my parents have told their parents about my procedure. My grandparents are the Mouths of the South. They tell everyone everything they know. I just wish they could keep this within the immediate family. It's my news, my business, and my problem...not theirs.
Ugh. Complete frustration lately! Someone throw me a bone!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
2 posts in 2 days!
I think I'm going through a "Quarter Life Crisis" or is it "Third Life Crisis" now? Yes. I think it's "Third Life Crisis."
I am not happy where I'm at in my life and it's not just because of my weight. I'm not satisfied with my career path. I don't like where it's going. I fear that if I stay in this industry I will end up angry and hating my job (which I currently do). Therefore, I want to change industries. However, in order to change industries, I would most likely have to go back to school and, being that I am self pay for my Lap-Band, it is unlikely that a bank would give me a loan to cover my tuition, books, mortgage, living expenses, etc.
So, it makes me want to sell my house! Then I wouldn't need money for a mortgage. I can rent an apartment for 1/2 of what my mortgage is. BUT the real estate market is still in the shitter and there is no sign of it getting better. Example: I bought my place in 3/08 and now, my neighbors are listing (not actually selling) their places for $25k less than what I paid. Can you say screwed?
Anyway, I don't know what to do. I was thinking of looking in to becoming an Office Manager of a nice medical practice. Serious title cut, but I think the work would be more satisfying. If the practice is nice enough I would make comparable money, I think.
I'll look into it. It's nothing pressing.
I am not happy where I'm at in my life and it's not just because of my weight. I'm not satisfied with my career path. I don't like where it's going. I fear that if I stay in this industry I will end up angry and hating my job (which I currently do). Therefore, I want to change industries. However, in order to change industries, I would most likely have to go back to school and, being that I am self pay for my Lap-Band, it is unlikely that a bank would give me a loan to cover my tuition, books, mortgage, living expenses, etc.
So, it makes me want to sell my house! Then I wouldn't need money for a mortgage. I can rent an apartment for 1/2 of what my mortgage is. BUT the real estate market is still in the shitter and there is no sign of it getting better. Example: I bought my place in 3/08 and now, my neighbors are listing (not actually selling) their places for $25k less than what I paid. Can you say screwed?
Anyway, I don't know what to do. I was thinking of looking in to becoming an Office Manager of a nice medical practice. Serious title cut, but I think the work would be more satisfying. If the practice is nice enough I would make comparable money, I think.
I'll look into it. It's nothing pressing.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Getting Nervous
The countdown has begun...I can't believe it! I'm less than a month away from being banded (hopefully)!!!! My surgery date is November 20th. However, I'm also nervous.
I'm not nervous about the procedure or the change in lifestyle. I'm nervous that it won't happen at all. I worry that they won't be happy with my blood test results and I worry about the financing going through. Now, I can't do much about the blood test results. Que sera sera, but I have been trying to positively influence the outcome of what CareCredit will say. By the time I apply for credit (yes, I'm waiting until the last possible moment), I will have paid off two credit cards. They were never high dollar cards, but boy were they high interest! I'll only have one credit card left and it is a doozie. High debt to equity. That's the one I'm concerned about. However, I pay chunks on it each month so we'll see.
Please keep your fingers crossed for me! I wish a thousand dollars would just fall into my lap so I can pay a large chunk of that cc off. Unlikely, but I'll keep wishing!!!! :)
Also, went to my general dr today and noticed that I lost 4lb! Granted, I've gained weight since I posted my weight on here, but still. It just shows that in the last month I've been moving in the right direction.
I'm not nervous about the procedure or the change in lifestyle. I'm nervous that it won't happen at all. I worry that they won't be happy with my blood test results and I worry about the financing going through. Now, I can't do much about the blood test results. Que sera sera, but I have been trying to positively influence the outcome of what CareCredit will say. By the time I apply for credit (yes, I'm waiting until the last possible moment), I will have paid off two credit cards. They were never high dollar cards, but boy were they high interest! I'll only have one credit card left and it is a doozie. High debt to equity. That's the one I'm concerned about. However, I pay chunks on it each month so we'll see.
Please keep your fingers crossed for me! I wish a thousand dollars would just fall into my lap so I can pay a large chunk of that cc off. Unlikely, but I'll keep wishing!!!! :)
Also, went to my general dr today and noticed that I lost 4lb! Granted, I've gained weight since I posted my weight on here, but still. It just shows that in the last month I've been moving in the right direction.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Football and Assholes
So, it's football season and I am a college football addict. It's insane. My Saturdays are planned around which games are on and, specifically, when Auburn (my alma mater) plays.
The other weekend we played Tennessee in Knoxville and I went to the game! My BFF, who lives in Orlando, has wonderful parents who just moved to outside the Knoxville area. So, we were able to crash with them (I promise this post has a weight related point...just hang in there!) I got in Friday night and Saturday morning her parents drove us to campus because they didn't want us driving after partying all day (a legitimate concern since we had 8 solid hours of tailgating to do).
So, we won the game! It was a great win and we were 5-0! Afterward, my BFF and I were waiting in a parking lot for her parents to get there to pick us up and some redneck guys in a pickup truck drove up to the stop light by us. They looked at us and yelled, "Boooo! Auburn sucks!" So, I said, "Get over it! You lost!" and one of the guys looks at me and says "F*** you, fat bitch!" It hurt. It really hurt. I mean, I understand he had nothing else to say so he decided to degrade me based on my weight whereas I could have degraded him based on his hillbilly upbringing, but I didn't. Luckily, my 90lb BFF stood up for me, as I was speechless with tears in my eyes and she said, "GO F*** YOURSELF, ASSHOLE!!" and proceeded to give him "the finger." Love that girl.
This is one of those instances brought on by my appearance that I will never forget. There have been many in my life, but this is the most recent. And, to me, it's so sad that my NINETY POUND BFF had to stand up for me because I couldn't do it myself. On top of that, I'm so ashamed of the way I look that I couldn't even say anything.
I wanted to make sure I blogged about this because I never want to forget it. I want it to be motivation for me to change and for it to NEVER happen again. And when someone talks crap to me, I can talk crap back and my weight won't be their comeback.
The other weekend we played Tennessee in Knoxville and I went to the game! My BFF, who lives in Orlando, has wonderful parents who just moved to outside the Knoxville area. So, we were able to crash with them (I promise this post has a weight related point...just hang in there!) I got in Friday night and Saturday morning her parents drove us to campus because they didn't want us driving after partying all day (a legitimate concern since we had 8 solid hours of tailgating to do).
So, we won the game! It was a great win and we were 5-0! Afterward, my BFF and I were waiting in a parking lot for her parents to get there to pick us up and some redneck guys in a pickup truck drove up to the stop light by us. They looked at us and yelled, "Boooo! Auburn sucks!" So, I said, "Get over it! You lost!" and one of the guys looks at me and says "F*** you, fat bitch!" It hurt. It really hurt. I mean, I understand he had nothing else to say so he decided to degrade me based on my weight whereas I could have degraded him based on his hillbilly upbringing, but I didn't. Luckily, my 90lb BFF stood up for me, as I was speechless with tears in my eyes and she said, "GO F*** YOURSELF, ASSHOLE!!" and proceeded to give him "the finger." Love that girl.
This is one of those instances brought on by my appearance that I will never forget. There have been many in my life, but this is the most recent. And, to me, it's so sad that my NINETY POUND BFF had to stand up for me because I couldn't do it myself. On top of that, I'm so ashamed of the way I look that I couldn't even say anything.
I wanted to make sure I blogged about this because I never want to forget it. I want it to be motivation for me to change and for it to NEVER happen again. And when someone talks crap to me, I can talk crap back and my weight won't be their comeback.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Slightly down...in a bad way.
I've been kind of down lately...and not in the I've lost weight sense. No, no. I've gained, I'm pretty sure.
That's the bad thing about scheduling your surgery so far out...you know it's coming up, you know you are going to be making changes, so why not go balls to the wall now? And that's just what I've done. I know I'll be losing weight come Nov. 21, so until then I've been eating worse than ever before. For serious.
However, it has caught up with me. For the past 2 months, I've had a bag of Halloween candy in my office that I snack on whenever I want...Laffy Taffy, Nerds and SweetTarts. So, I had to go get blood work done last week to check my fats and she checked my sugars, too. They went skyrocketing, as did my fats. So, I must now be very very careful for the next month until she checks them again. If they don't go down, she's going to tell my bariatric surgeon the results and my surgery may have to be pushed back until these numbers can get under control. :(
The last thing I want is for my surgery to be pushed back so I'm really going to work hard at this. Let this be a lesson to all those who are considering surgery: don't think that just because you are PLANNING on having it you can eat what you want now. You still have to try to be healthy.
That's the bad thing about scheduling your surgery so far out...you know it's coming up, you know you are going to be making changes, so why not go balls to the wall now? And that's just what I've done. I know I'll be losing weight come Nov. 21, so until then I've been eating worse than ever before. For serious.
However, it has caught up with me. For the past 2 months, I've had a bag of Halloween candy in my office that I snack on whenever I want...Laffy Taffy, Nerds and SweetTarts. So, I had to go get blood work done last week to check my fats and she checked my sugars, too. They went skyrocketing, as did my fats. So, I must now be very very careful for the next month until she checks them again. If they don't go down, she's going to tell my bariatric surgeon the results and my surgery may have to be pushed back until these numbers can get under control. :(
The last thing I want is for my surgery to be pushed back so I'm really going to work hard at this. Let this be a lesson to all those who are considering surgery: don't think that just because you are PLANNING on having it you can eat what you want now. You still have to try to be healthy.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Anticipation!!
I'm getting so excited about getting banded. I wish it would be possible for me to get it sooner, but I can't. Boo on you, job.
Howeva, I have been working with my general dr. to begin to get off some of my pills, namely my Paxil. If anyone has ever taken any kind of medication that alters your mood / anxiety, you know how difficult it is to get off this stuff. I've been titrating down (decreasing my dosage) for several weeks now and still feel wierd. I call it "the zingers." I can feel my eyeballs moving in my head and it makes me nauseaus. I was supposed to 1/2 my 40 mg. pills for 2 weeks, but I'm almost at my 3rd week doing it just because I can't see myself going down to 10 mg just yet.
I'm so excited about tomorrow night...tennis starts back up! Our practices are on Wednesday nights and I absolutely love my team. I haven't been able to play since April due to a foot injury so I missed the Summer season (but I'm okay with that because it's hotter than hell here) so I get to see all my chicas and exercise in a fun way!
I've also been taking Manolo, my dog, on 40 min. power walks. We did one on Sunday and one tonight when I got home from work. She needs to get her sniffs in and I need to get my heart pumpin. I look like a cow walking, but that's okay, I know that I won't for long!
Howeva, I have been working with my general dr. to begin to get off some of my pills, namely my Paxil. If anyone has ever taken any kind of medication that alters your mood / anxiety, you know how difficult it is to get off this stuff. I've been titrating down (decreasing my dosage) for several weeks now and still feel wierd. I call it "the zingers." I can feel my eyeballs moving in my head and it makes me nauseaus. I was supposed to 1/2 my 40 mg. pills for 2 weeks, but I'm almost at my 3rd week doing it just because I can't see myself going down to 10 mg just yet.
I'm so excited about tomorrow night...tennis starts back up! Our practices are on Wednesday nights and I absolutely love my team. I haven't been able to play since April due to a foot injury so I missed the Summer season (but I'm okay with that because it's hotter than hell here) so I get to see all my chicas and exercise in a fun way!
I've also been taking Manolo, my dog, on 40 min. power walks. We did one on Sunday and one tonight when I got home from work. She needs to get her sniffs in and I need to get my heart pumpin. I look like a cow walking, but that's okay, I know that I won't for long!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Migraines...die! die! die!
Since last Monday, the 3rd, I've had a migraine. It was pretty dull all week, but came on really strong over the weekend. None of my medication was helping, really. It would help for a few hours, but soon, that sneaky little sucker would come creeping back into my head. I basically stayed in bed all weekend. My poor pup had to have been bored out of her mind!
So, I woke up in the middle of the night yesterday with it and took more meds (which are NOT CHEAP!) and went back to sleep. When my alarm went off, I felt surprisingly great! I was singing in the shower, dancing with Manolo (my dog) as I was getting ready, etc.
THEN. A few hours after being at work, I started sweating profusely. I mean, it looked like I had recently taken a shower, my hair was that wet, my headache started pounding again, and I was beginning to get vomitatious. The vomitatiousness came in waves, as did the heat flashes. It got to where I couldn't even concentrate on what I was doing at work.
I called my neuro, the office lady was a bitch and basically told me I had to go to the ER, there was no way they could fit me in. So, I called my hero of a dad and he offered to finish what he was doing at work and go get Manolo at my house in the city while I left my work to go to their house and have my mom take me to the ER. I <3 parents.
My mom was in the ER with me (which really didn't take all that long...2 hours maybe?) and drove me home after my shot of Dilaudid. I was really disappointed that it didn't knock me out. In fact, I felt decent. But I was VERY grateful for my headache breaking. It broke almost immediatly when the nurse injected it into my IV.
The only bad part was the meds they gave me for that night (b/c Dilaudid given by IV metabolizes really quickly) kept me up ALL NIGHT. It was as if they had given me speed! I finally passed out about 2:30 or 3 and then woke up at 5 to get back to my house to get ready for work.
I'm feeling groovy today, though. I just know the increase in my migraines is due to this weight and I will be so very very happy to get this bulk off and not have to deal with as many migraines anymore. It's so inhibiting and I just can't wait to live my life!
So, I woke up in the middle of the night yesterday with it and took more meds (which are NOT CHEAP!) and went back to sleep. When my alarm went off, I felt surprisingly great! I was singing in the shower, dancing with Manolo (my dog) as I was getting ready, etc.
THEN. A few hours after being at work, I started sweating profusely. I mean, it looked like I had recently taken a shower, my hair was that wet, my headache started pounding again, and I was beginning to get vomitatious. The vomitatiousness came in waves, as did the heat flashes. It got to where I couldn't even concentrate on what I was doing at work.
I called my neuro, the office lady was a bitch and basically told me I had to go to the ER, there was no way they could fit me in. So, I called my hero of a dad and he offered to finish what he was doing at work and go get Manolo at my house in the city while I left my work to go to their house and have my mom take me to the ER. I <3 parents.
My mom was in the ER with me (which really didn't take all that long...2 hours maybe?) and drove me home after my shot of Dilaudid. I was really disappointed that it didn't knock me out. In fact, I felt decent. But I was VERY grateful for my headache breaking. It broke almost immediatly when the nurse injected it into my IV.
The only bad part was the meds they gave me for that night (b/c Dilaudid given by IV metabolizes really quickly) kept me up ALL NIGHT. It was as if they had given me speed! I finally passed out about 2:30 or 3 and then woke up at 5 to get back to my house to get ready for work.
I'm feeling groovy today, though. I just know the increase in my migraines is due to this weight and I will be so very very happy to get this bulk off and not have to deal with as many migraines anymore. It's so inhibiting and I just can't wait to live my life!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Nutritionist
I had my final hurdle last week, meeting with the nutritionist.
It was a great meeting. The nutritionist works with a lot of bariatric patients, specifically a lot of Lap-Band patients so I felt really comfortable. We spoke a lot about my history with food, the issues I have, how that will affect my progress with the Band, and what I can start doing about it now.
Basically, food and I have a really bad history. It's been an abusive relationship almost all my life and it's probably going to take some counseling in order for this Band to really work for me. I've researched ED counselors and I think I've found a good one not far from where I work.
Also, I found out that I am severely anemic. As in, I should be craving chalk, paper, and ice. Luckily, I don't have those symptoms, but I do have a few others and have had them for some time. I'm always very tired (now I understand why I'm so sleepy all the time), irritable, and slightly depressed. I've known that I've had low iron for years, but didn't know it was that low. Well, it was and it's contributed to my anemic state. Basically, a normal woman's hemoglobin level is anywhere between 12 & 15. Mine is 6. I really need it to be a 7 or 8 to have surgery. My surgeon will sign off at a 6, but that's dangerous. It could mean that I might need a blood transfusion (and I don't want that). So, I'm working on eating lots of iron rich foods and am taking iron supplements to help me absorb some of that iron. It's going to be a long process, but hopefully, I'll start feeling better soon!
It was a great meeting. The nutritionist works with a lot of bariatric patients, specifically a lot of Lap-Band patients so I felt really comfortable. We spoke a lot about my history with food, the issues I have, how that will affect my progress with the Band, and what I can start doing about it now.
Basically, food and I have a really bad history. It's been an abusive relationship almost all my life and it's probably going to take some counseling in order for this Band to really work for me. I've researched ED counselors and I think I've found a good one not far from where I work.
Also, I found out that I am severely anemic. As in, I should be craving chalk, paper, and ice. Luckily, I don't have those symptoms, but I do have a few others and have had them for some time. I'm always very tired (now I understand why I'm so sleepy all the time), irritable, and slightly depressed. I've known that I've had low iron for years, but didn't know it was that low. Well, it was and it's contributed to my anemic state. Basically, a normal woman's hemoglobin level is anywhere between 12 & 15. Mine is 6. I really need it to be a 7 or 8 to have surgery. My surgeon will sign off at a 6, but that's dangerous. It could mean that I might need a blood transfusion (and I don't want that). So, I'm working on eating lots of iron rich foods and am taking iron supplements to help me absorb some of that iron. It's going to be a long process, but hopefully, I'll start feeling better soon!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Motivation
I was thinking this morning about all the reasons why I can't wait to get my Lap-Band and what I hope the weight loss results in. I think I've mentioned a few of the reasons before, but I'll list most of them out here now.
-Migraines. I've had migraines almost my whole life so I don't expect them to completely go away, but it feels like they have gotten much worse now that I'm back (well) over 200 lb. The medication I'm on for them now is great, but that's just it; I hate taking so many pills!
-Quality of sleep. Lately, my sleep has been down right awful and I know it's because of my weight. I'm pretty sure I have mild sleep apnea and I know my fattness just gets in the way of my body trying to turn to get comfy.
-Self confidence. Or lack thereof. I'm miserable. I don't want to go out to bars with my friends or go anywhere in public that I don't have to. I'm embarrassed for people to see me who haven't seen me in a long time and I just hide in my house 99% of the time.
-Diabetes. I don't have it, but a few years ago I was tested and was insulin resistant. I stopped taking the meds, lost weight, felt better, and thought that was it. Well, now that I've put the weight back on (plus 20lb) I'm pretty sure I have it again. I know I'm not taking care of myself like I should and really don't ever want to have to take insulin.
-Energy. I have NONE. I cannot wake up in the mornings. I want to go to bed as soon as the sun goes down. I'm pathetic and I know it's because of the weight.
-Vanity. I don't need to be a size 6. I'll settle for a 10, but I just want to have my toned arms, tight butt, and bikini body back that I know I can have. I want to be able to play sports and people know how athletic I really am, not this tub of lard I currently look like :(
I'll add to this if I think of more motivating factors.
Since my surgery isn't for a few months, I'll probably only update a few times a week until things pick up. Just know, I'm around!!
-Migraines. I've had migraines almost my whole life so I don't expect them to completely go away, but it feels like they have gotten much worse now that I'm back (well) over 200 lb. The medication I'm on for them now is great, but that's just it; I hate taking so many pills!
-Quality of sleep. Lately, my sleep has been down right awful and I know it's because of my weight. I'm pretty sure I have mild sleep apnea and I know my fattness just gets in the way of my body trying to turn to get comfy.
-Self confidence. Or lack thereof. I'm miserable. I don't want to go out to bars with my friends or go anywhere in public that I don't have to. I'm embarrassed for people to see me who haven't seen me in a long time and I just hide in my house 99% of the time.
-Diabetes. I don't have it, but a few years ago I was tested and was insulin resistant. I stopped taking the meds, lost weight, felt better, and thought that was it. Well, now that I've put the weight back on (plus 20lb) I'm pretty sure I have it again. I know I'm not taking care of myself like I should and really don't ever want to have to take insulin.
-Energy. I have NONE. I cannot wake up in the mornings. I want to go to bed as soon as the sun goes down. I'm pathetic and I know it's because of the weight.
-Vanity. I don't need to be a size 6. I'll settle for a 10, but I just want to have my toned arms, tight butt, and bikini body back that I know I can have. I want to be able to play sports and people know how athletic I really am, not this tub of lard I currently look like :(
I'll add to this if I think of more motivating factors.
Since my surgery isn't for a few months, I'll probably only update a few times a week until things pick up. Just know, I'm around!!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Upper GI / Barium Swallow
Last Friday I had my Upper GI / Barium Swallow Test to look for a hiatal hernia. Even if they found that I did have one, my surgeon will correct it while putting in my band.
Having the test was not a pleasant experience. It was, by far, my least favorite thing I've done since researching weight loss surgery.
My appointment was at 9am, but I needed to arrive at the hospital by 8:30 so they could check me in and get my insurance squared away. No eating after midnight, which was not as difficult as it's been before, but certainly wasn't a breeze. I'm one of those people who has to eat within 30 minutes of getting up. Anyway, got there, got checked in, waited, was called back, and changed into my gown. My gown was enormous. It was like they didn't have an "in between size." I'm probably too big for a regular one, but the big ones swallowed me whole.
Once I was dressed, they did my chest x-rays (easy - breezy) then took me back to the GI machine. I immediately had to drink two alka-selzer like tabs and not burp for the next 10 minutes. Next to impossible. All you want to do is let out a big burp! Then, I stood on this platform while they put this machine on my chest and I drank this thick chalky paste like goop that had a hint of fruit flavor in it. It was disgusting. I just took large gulps to get it all down. Then, the table I was leaning against turned sideways so I was laying down with this other machine on my chest / tummy. I had to quickly roll around so my stomach would get coated with that paste. They kept telling me which way to turn and, honestly, I soon forgot my left from my right! Then, I had to drink another concoction that was slightly thinner, but just as gross and turn, turn, turn, turn, turn, so the radiologist could take pictures. The worst part, though, was when I had to lay on my side, raise my head and drink water...harder than it sounds!!!!
Afterward, they told me to take a laxative b/c it would be slow moving and would come out white (which it did, lol!!!). Apparently, I'll have to get another of these immediately after surgery to make sure all went well...not looking forward to that!!
Having the test was not a pleasant experience. It was, by far, my least favorite thing I've done since researching weight loss surgery.
My appointment was at 9am, but I needed to arrive at the hospital by 8:30 so they could check me in and get my insurance squared away. No eating after midnight, which was not as difficult as it's been before, but certainly wasn't a breeze. I'm one of those people who has to eat within 30 minutes of getting up. Anyway, got there, got checked in, waited, was called back, and changed into my gown. My gown was enormous. It was like they didn't have an "in between size." I'm probably too big for a regular one, but the big ones swallowed me whole.
Once I was dressed, they did my chest x-rays (easy - breezy) then took me back to the GI machine. I immediately had to drink two alka-selzer like tabs and not burp for the next 10 minutes. Next to impossible. All you want to do is let out a big burp! Then, I stood on this platform while they put this machine on my chest and I drank this thick chalky paste like goop that had a hint of fruit flavor in it. It was disgusting. I just took large gulps to get it all down. Then, the table I was leaning against turned sideways so I was laying down with this other machine on my chest / tummy. I had to quickly roll around so my stomach would get coated with that paste. They kept telling me which way to turn and, honestly, I soon forgot my left from my right! Then, I had to drink another concoction that was slightly thinner, but just as gross and turn, turn, turn, turn, turn, so the radiologist could take pictures. The worst part, though, was when I had to lay on my side, raise my head and drink water...harder than it sounds!!!!
Afterward, they told me to take a laxative b/c it would be slow moving and would come out white (which it did, lol!!!). Apparently, I'll have to get another of these immediately after surgery to make sure all went well...not looking forward to that!!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Diagnostic Appt.
So today I went to my surgeon's office and had my first round of tests run. Because my insurance will not be covering the procedure, I have to jump through many fewer hoops than the average potential bander.
I arrived, gave the nurse my packet of paper work, we went back and they took my height and weight. I came in at 252lb and 5'9". Next, I had my waist and neck measured. They came in at 39" and 15", respectively. Next, I met with the Nurse Practitioner who went over my medical history and performed a light physical (lungs, heart, ears, eyes, etc.). Then, the Exercise Physiologist came in and did my EKG. It came out normal so no stress test for me! Finally, they took some blood.
Then, I met with the Lap-Band Advocate (who did the seminar) and we discussed additional testing, potential surgery dates, and financing. Basically, the only testing I have left to do is an upper GI / chest x-ray and meeting with a dietician. I'm actually getting the upper GI / chest x-ray done tomorrow morning. They will be looking to see if I have a hiatal hernia. I haven't scheduled meeting the dietician, but will.
As for surgery dates, she asked if I would like to do it in a few weeks, but to be honest, I can't. I recently started a new job so I must build up some days to take off. Also, I'd like to save a little more money before having to finance. Also, I have so much going on within the next few months. I just can't slow down for 2-4 weeks. So, my tentative date is 11/20. If, for some reason, that date falls through, I'll do it one of the last few Friday's in October.
I'm really excited and can't wait for it to actually happen so I can get this MARATHON underway!
I arrived, gave the nurse my packet of paper work, we went back and they took my height and weight. I came in at 252lb and 5'9". Next, I had my waist and neck measured. They came in at 39" and 15", respectively. Next, I met with the Nurse Practitioner who went over my medical history and performed a light physical (lungs, heart, ears, eyes, etc.). Then, the Exercise Physiologist came in and did my EKG. It came out normal so no stress test for me! Finally, they took some blood.
Then, I met with the Lap-Band Advocate (who did the seminar) and we discussed additional testing, potential surgery dates, and financing. Basically, the only testing I have left to do is an upper GI / chest x-ray and meeting with a dietician. I'm actually getting the upper GI / chest x-ray done tomorrow morning. They will be looking to see if I have a hiatal hernia. I haven't scheduled meeting the dietician, but will.
As for surgery dates, she asked if I would like to do it in a few weeks, but to be honest, I can't. I recently started a new job so I must build up some days to take off. Also, I'd like to save a little more money before having to finance. Also, I have so much going on within the next few months. I just can't slow down for 2-4 weeks. So, my tentative date is 11/20. If, for some reason, that date falls through, I'll do it one of the last few Friday's in October.
I'm really excited and can't wait for it to actually happen so I can get this MARATHON underway!
Monday, July 13, 2009
A visual...
I was supposed to attend my 3rd seminar on Saturday, but I f'ed up the time and missed it. So, now I'm pretty sure I know the surgeon I will be using and will be going to his office on Thursday morning for my diagnostic appointment.
Just to give a visual of how I can look when I am thinner (and this is still heavy for me) and what I look like now, I've decided to post a few pictures:
Now:
Thinn(er) times:
Just to give a visual of how I can look when I am thinner (and this is still heavy for me) and what I look like now, I've decided to post a few pictures:
Now:
Thinn(er) times:
Friday, July 10, 2009
Where I am, how I got here, and what I'm doing about it
Where I am....
I currently weigh 254 lbs and am 5'8" tall. Weight has been something I have struggled with every.single.day. of my life. I have been on a diet since I was 4 years old and have always been the chunky, heavy, chubby, larger, overweight girl. I've always been the girl with such a pretty face.
How I got here...
I always felt restricted as a child. My mom wouldn't let me have PB&J as a kid; I had to eat a turkey sandwich (no mayo, mustard only). I couldn't have ice cream at lunch like all the other kids; I got carrot sticks. So, I began hording and bingeing. I would come home from school and, while my mom was still at work, would binge on whatever I could find and would hide it. I wouldn't purge, either. I've done this since I was 7.
I've been able to get "thinner." Not skinny, but probably what the average person would call normal...it's just taken me working my ass off in the gym, spending $$$ on diet programs, or being very closely supervised in terms of what I eat. As soon as I get to that good size, I balloon back to the weight I was before, plus some. And that's how I got to 254.
What I'm doing about it...
I've decided to get a Lap-Band. This is the heaviest I have ever been in my life and I hate it. My foot is screwed up because of the weight, my migraines have gotten worse, I can't sleep at night, my (fat) clothes don't fit, and I sweat like the fattest pig ever.
I no longer want to be the fat girl. I don't want to worry about what I'm wearing or where I can buy clothes. I want to get married. I want to have kids. I don't want to be a fat mom. I would give my right arm just to be "normal." Not thin, just normal.
I am currently in the process of deciding who will be my surgeon. I already know that my insurance will not pay for it so I will be footing the bill all on my own. I am looking for a surgeon who accepts credit, whose staff I like, and who has a decent price. I think I have found the place, but I will be attending one more seminar on Saturday for another surgeon just to be sure.
In any event, I have an appointment with my likely surgeon's office next Thursday for my diagnostic appointment. There, they will go over my paperwork, take bloodwork, and decide if I need further testing.
I'm really excited about this journey and can't wait for it to begin!
I currently weigh 254 lbs and am 5'8" tall. Weight has been something I have struggled with every.single.day. of my life. I have been on a diet since I was 4 years old and have always been the chunky, heavy, chubby, larger, overweight girl. I've always been the girl with such a pretty face.
How I got here...
I always felt restricted as a child. My mom wouldn't let me have PB&J as a kid; I had to eat a turkey sandwich (no mayo, mustard only). I couldn't have ice cream at lunch like all the other kids; I got carrot sticks. So, I began hording and bingeing. I would come home from school and, while my mom was still at work, would binge on whatever I could find and would hide it. I wouldn't purge, either. I've done this since I was 7.
I've been able to get "thinner." Not skinny, but probably what the average person would call normal...it's just taken me working my ass off in the gym, spending $$$ on diet programs, or being very closely supervised in terms of what I eat. As soon as I get to that good size, I balloon back to the weight I was before, plus some. And that's how I got to 254.
What I'm doing about it...
I've decided to get a Lap-Band. This is the heaviest I have ever been in my life and I hate it. My foot is screwed up because of the weight, my migraines have gotten worse, I can't sleep at night, my (fat) clothes don't fit, and I sweat like the fattest pig ever.
I no longer want to be the fat girl. I don't want to worry about what I'm wearing or where I can buy clothes. I want to get married. I want to have kids. I don't want to be a fat mom. I would give my right arm just to be "normal." Not thin, just normal.
I am currently in the process of deciding who will be my surgeon. I already know that my insurance will not pay for it so I will be footing the bill all on my own. I am looking for a surgeon who accepts credit, whose staff I like, and who has a decent price. I think I have found the place, but I will be attending one more seminar on Saturday for another surgeon just to be sure.
In any event, I have an appointment with my likely surgeon's office next Thursday for my diagnostic appointment. There, they will go over my paperwork, take bloodwork, and decide if I need further testing.
I'm really excited about this journey and can't wait for it to begin!