Sunday, October 14, 2007
Weight Progress
Sorry I have not posted lately, will give full updates soon.... thus far:
Hubby 96 pounds lost
Me 58 pounds lost!!! (12 weeks)!
Hubby 96 pounds lost
Me 58 pounds lost!!! (12 weeks)!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Update on Hubby!
Okay, so let the weighing begin! Its hard not to be tempted to weigh everyday I am sure but somehow Grant has been able to contain himself until his 10 day appointment. So drum roll... 10 days and 23 pounds!!!!! WOW WOW WOW. Isn't that awesome.
It is pretty neat to see from the side line before surgery that it really seems to all pass fast. By that I mean the dreaded liquid diet everyone talks about. In the end you are on clear liquids for a week, thicker liquids for a week, then soft foods (eggs, cottage cheese, pudding, etc), then it goes right on to tuna/chicken/fish slightly pureed. It really doesn't seem so terrible when you look at the sample menus they give you. PLUS the vitamin regimen has begun for him and its a little tricky to get a rhythm for how to balance regular meds with the right combination of vitamins but that is why you have a nutritionist. I am so excited.
I am still on schedule for July 9. BUT my paperwork has not been sent to insurance yet so I am worried that will hold things up. Next week I have cardiologist appointments and that is pretty much the last of the big appointments before surgery. Can't believe I am this close.
Well enough for now. More again before surgery.
It is pretty neat to see from the side line before surgery that it really seems to all pass fast. By that I mean the dreaded liquid diet everyone talks about. In the end you are on clear liquids for a week, thicker liquids for a week, then soft foods (eggs, cottage cheese, pudding, etc), then it goes right on to tuna/chicken/fish slightly pureed. It really doesn't seem so terrible when you look at the sample menus they give you. PLUS the vitamin regimen has begun for him and its a little tricky to get a rhythm for how to balance regular meds with the right combination of vitamins but that is why you have a nutritionist. I am so excited.
I am still on schedule for July 9. BUT my paperwork has not been sent to insurance yet so I am worried that will hold things up. Next week I have cardiologist appointments and that is pretty much the last of the big appointments before surgery. Can't believe I am this close.
Well enough for now. More again before surgery.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Recovery Days
Wow. That's the best way I can say it. Grant has been up and walking starting about 5 hours after surgery... and then about once every three hours and now we are home and he is just doing remarkably well. It is truly amazing. I mean he isn't in any real pain. I keep pestering him to tell me if he is just being strong for my sake so I don't get cold feet or something... but he says its true. And to top it all off since he was rolled out of recovery to this moment he has only had three doses of any pain meds... wow.
Today we went to the mall. We parked close to where the kids could play at the indoor playground but we still had to do a bit of walking... and then while they played and I watched he went for a short walk.
Eating in front of him is a bit awkward, but we have talked about this to great length. He isn't hungry. He is doing great getting water, jello, and little broth in as directed... but he watched me eat pizza and said it didn't bother him. He couldn't really even imagine eating it because he feels basically like he is full all the time. Weird.
The kids and I ate dinner and he took his shower, I guess so I wouldn't feel so bad about eating in front of him. It has however seriously curbed my snacking in between meals since he isn't eating it just doesn't even really strike me as though I am hungry. Interesting, eh? I am sure there are psychologists just chomping at the bit to comment on that whole scenario.
None the less I am so encouraged and motivated by his surgery that I can not wait to have mine. I know that together we will do even better and it will be an amazing journey into "one-derland".
Our friends and co-workers have been so great. His friends at work even went to great lengths to send a gift basket of NASCAR goodies instead of cookies or treats to wish him well on his journey. He certainly seems to be making great strides and I am so proud of him for everything his has accomplished already. I can't wait to hear how his 10 day check up is going to be!!!! Will post and let you know!
One more thing, as far as it goes for couples doing this together, I think that it could have gone any of a hundred different ways but for us we have found we are talking more about intimate things never discussed before and it has opened a channel of communication that is so alive and healthy for our marriage that I can only predict strong results and wonderful outcomes for us both. I think we are both realistic about the end results... and as long as we come out looking like Cindy Crawford and George Clooney we will be just fine!
(That was a joke you know!)
Today we went to the mall. We parked close to where the kids could play at the indoor playground but we still had to do a bit of walking... and then while they played and I watched he went for a short walk.
Eating in front of him is a bit awkward, but we have talked about this to great length. He isn't hungry. He is doing great getting water, jello, and little broth in as directed... but he watched me eat pizza and said it didn't bother him. He couldn't really even imagine eating it because he feels basically like he is full all the time. Weird.
The kids and I ate dinner and he took his shower, I guess so I wouldn't feel so bad about eating in front of him. It has however seriously curbed my snacking in between meals since he isn't eating it just doesn't even really strike me as though I am hungry. Interesting, eh? I am sure there are psychologists just chomping at the bit to comment on that whole scenario.
None the less I am so encouraged and motivated by his surgery that I can not wait to have mine. I know that together we will do even better and it will be an amazing journey into "one-derland".
Our friends and co-workers have been so great. His friends at work even went to great lengths to send a gift basket of NASCAR goodies instead of cookies or treats to wish him well on his journey. He certainly seems to be making great strides and I am so proud of him for everything his has accomplished already. I can't wait to hear how his 10 day check up is going to be!!!! Will post and let you know!
One more thing, as far as it goes for couples doing this together, I think that it could have gone any of a hundred different ways but for us we have found we are talking more about intimate things never discussed before and it has opened a channel of communication that is so alive and healthy for our marriage that I can only predict strong results and wonderful outcomes for us both. I think we are both realistic about the end results... and as long as we come out looking like Cindy Crawford and George Clooney we will be just fine!
(That was a joke you know!)
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Hubby Had Surgery!!!
Yeah, Grant had surgery. He did so well!!!!!! It was a long wait for me of course. But the surgeon said the surgery itself only took 1 1/2 hours (though prep to end was about three hours!) And then another 1 1/2 hours in recovery. Surgeon did another one right before his and said that took 1/2 hour longer! ALSO let me remind people that today was the surgeon's first experience doing the entire surgery from beginning to end (under close supervision of a very expereinceed doctor of course). None the less he was amazing.
I am so proud of Grant. He was brave enough to go first, and he is maintaining his pain like a trooper and was even contemplating getting out of bed to walk when I left the hospital (only five hours or so after surgery!) Amazing. His only complaint - dry mouth. Seriously, think about not drinking for more than 24 hours and think about how dry you get!
Made the decision to let the kids see him in the hospital, even though they are young I was kind of in a bind anyway so I decided to take them and let them see he is okay, and perhaps that will keep them from jumping all over him when he gets home!
Meanwhile I am dealing with my own jitters about having 39 days until I go in. Will be strange for him to be on this side and see how long the process is... to him it was into the op room and then awake in recovery moments later. Crazy!
Anyway wanted to post for the dedicated readers to keep you updated on his situation. Tomorrow he will get another leak test (our surgeon does one in op room while still under). Still thinking of letting the media follow my story because I think that people need to realize that this amazing surgery is offered right here in Sarasota... and its available through some insurances or people can finance (as another lady today did). I think people lives can change and they need to know how to do it. I hope our story can provide some insight into the process.
Will post update of his progress tomorrow.
I am so proud of Grant. He was brave enough to go first, and he is maintaining his pain like a trooper and was even contemplating getting out of bed to walk when I left the hospital (only five hours or so after surgery!) Amazing. His only complaint - dry mouth. Seriously, think about not drinking for more than 24 hours and think about how dry you get!
Made the decision to let the kids see him in the hospital, even though they are young I was kind of in a bind anyway so I decided to take them and let them see he is okay, and perhaps that will keep them from jumping all over him when he gets home!
Meanwhile I am dealing with my own jitters about having 39 days until I go in. Will be strange for him to be on this side and see how long the process is... to him it was into the op room and then awake in recovery moments later. Crazy!
Anyway wanted to post for the dedicated readers to keep you updated on his situation. Tomorrow he will get another leak test (our surgeon does one in op room while still under). Still thinking of letting the media follow my story because I think that people need to realize that this amazing surgery is offered right here in Sarasota... and its available through some insurances or people can finance (as another lady today did). I think people lives can change and they need to know how to do it. I hope our story can provide some insight into the process.
Will post update of his progress tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Today in a nutshell
So it has been a really exciting day. I had my visit with the surgeon. I immediately felt comfortable. I know that this is the person I want operating on me. After having him answer some questions and just putting me at ease I am once again renewed with excitement. It couldn't come at a better time... because tomorrow is Grant's surgery! He is nervous enough for both of us of course.
It is hard to know how to feel. I am anxious to get the surgery, I am okay waiting my turn of course... but its almost like having it twice. The hard part is when my day comes (in about 40 days from now! I will likely be more nervous because I will know what is coming. Then again its so hard for me to think about me having it right now because I am so nervous about Grant having his surgery! Of course the most obvious thing on every one's mind is the ULTIMATE risk of surgery. But I am confidant that it will be good, it will be successful, and it will most definitely be life changing. Its hard not to think about the future and all the times we have pigged out in the past and knowing that it will be out of our hands in the future. That life is over. Our new lives begin tomorrow. Even if I am not having my surgery tomorrow I am certainly going to be respectful to Grant and try to lose a little before surgery for me so my surgery will be safer and successful.
I met a woman today at the surgeon's office while I was waiting. I knew the minute she walked in that she had surgery. She glowed. She dressed nicely and was very confident but friendly. I never caught her name but she told me somethings while we waited. She had lost over 100 pounds and it was her 1 year and 1 month appointment. She had no complications and of course said she would do it all over again. She mentioned that she never really feels hungry (can you only imagine?) and that she still eats too little but always eats protein first. Amazing. They showed me her before and after later and it was amazing. She really made me feel comfortable... today was a great visit.
We added Grant's appointments up the other day and he had something like 39 Dr visits plus lab visits which he didn't include in that number. Anyone who thinks this is a quick fix or an easy fix should talk to someone in depth who has gone through the process. Even people who pay for it out of their own pocket are subject to nearly as many visits before actual surgery.
Today marked several land marks for me... I met the surgeon, got a tentative date... and scheduled my Cardio and Pulminology appointments. I had my final blood work and one more general physician appointment before surgery. They will submit for surgery sometime in the next week. My tentative date will be July 9. Very exciting!
I will keep you all posted about tomorrow... wish us well!
It is hard to know how to feel. I am anxious to get the surgery, I am okay waiting my turn of course... but its almost like having it twice. The hard part is when my day comes (in about 40 days from now! I will likely be more nervous because I will know what is coming. Then again its so hard for me to think about me having it right now because I am so nervous about Grant having his surgery! Of course the most obvious thing on every one's mind is the ULTIMATE risk of surgery. But I am confidant that it will be good, it will be successful, and it will most definitely be life changing. Its hard not to think about the future and all the times we have pigged out in the past and knowing that it will be out of our hands in the future. That life is over. Our new lives begin tomorrow. Even if I am not having my surgery tomorrow I am certainly going to be respectful to Grant and try to lose a little before surgery for me so my surgery will be safer and successful.
I met a woman today at the surgeon's office while I was waiting. I knew the minute she walked in that she had surgery. She glowed. She dressed nicely and was very confident but friendly. I never caught her name but she told me somethings while we waited. She had lost over 100 pounds and it was her 1 year and 1 month appointment. She had no complications and of course said she would do it all over again. She mentioned that she never really feels hungry (can you only imagine?) and that she still eats too little but always eats protein first. Amazing. They showed me her before and after later and it was amazing. She really made me feel comfortable... today was a great visit.
We added Grant's appointments up the other day and he had something like 39 Dr visits plus lab visits which he didn't include in that number. Anyone who thinks this is a quick fix or an easy fix should talk to someone in depth who has gone through the process. Even people who pay for it out of their own pocket are subject to nearly as many visits before actual surgery.
Today marked several land marks for me... I met the surgeon, got a tentative date... and scheduled my Cardio and Pulminology appointments. I had my final blood work and one more general physician appointment before surgery. They will submit for surgery sometime in the next week. My tentative date will be July 9. Very exciting!
I will keep you all posted about tomorrow... wish us well!
Friday, May 11, 2007
It's Official!
Yeah! It's Official! Got word yesterday, after an initial decline by insurance, Hubby's verdict was overturned and was officially approved by insurance! Amazing. The date might even move up one day based on available space and surgeon schedule of course.
Now a lot of people may not agree with this... but the husband has in fact opted to allow an experienced surgeon, who has never performed this operation before, operate. Before you freak out in horror... the truth of the matter is the surgeon has a great reputation first of all. Second, they are expanding the practice here so they want more surgeons to help keep up with the demand. Third, and most important, it would be under direct supervision of a "proctor" Doctor who has performed more than 2000 of these surgeries.
I don't know that I personally would want to go down that road... but it is kind of him to let the doctor get his start somewhere!
Hubby did have to endure his sleep study, but it was already the "second part" of his appointment. They let him sleep with a mask on. So we initially thought that it was going to delay the process by having to make another appointment to say "yes, you have sleep apnea, go have the other part of the study where they fit you for a mask". Now he just needs to get it... and well... use it between now and the surgery.
Butterflies all around as this date gets closer and he will finally be on the flip side of the surgery. I will only be two months behind! Can't wait.
Now a lot of people may not agree with this... but the husband has in fact opted to allow an experienced surgeon, who has never performed this operation before, operate. Before you freak out in horror... the truth of the matter is the surgeon has a great reputation first of all. Second, they are expanding the practice here so they want more surgeons to help keep up with the demand. Third, and most important, it would be under direct supervision of a "proctor" Doctor who has performed more than 2000 of these surgeries.
I don't know that I personally would want to go down that road... but it is kind of him to let the doctor get his start somewhere!
Hubby did have to endure his sleep study, but it was already the "second part" of his appointment. They let him sleep with a mask on. So we initially thought that it was going to delay the process by having to make another appointment to say "yes, you have sleep apnea, go have the other part of the study where they fit you for a mask". Now he just needs to get it... and well... use it between now and the surgery.
Butterflies all around as this date gets closer and he will finally be on the flip side of the surgery. I will only be two months behind! Can't wait.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
My Progress Thus Far
About me... Finally got the Head Doc to turn in her paperwork so I was able to score an appointment with the Nutritionist/Dietitian in two weeks and finally one with the surgeon late this month. Will be interesting. I am very excited and a little nervous. This level of appointments brings the reality of it all to the forefront and you can't help but start to feel the buzz of excitement that it is really coming... you are finally going to have surgery!
One thing that my quick trip to the hospital with chest pain did for me the other day was get me a chest x-ray which meets the requirements before surgery. I certainly was glad to hear I wasn't having a heart attack but I was equally pleased to learn I can salvage something I really needed from the experience.
Who knows, I have never had a sleep study so that it a possibility that they make me do all that as well... but that at least gives me an idea of the time line for all my appointments. My goal is to get approved about the same time as Hubby so I can be ready for my surgery when my time is here.
So now with the surgery date fluid for the Hubby it appears that I am definitely moving into the late August or early September dates for mine... keep ya posted.
One thing that my quick trip to the hospital with chest pain did for me the other day was get me a chest x-ray which meets the requirements before surgery. I certainly was glad to hear I wasn't having a heart attack but I was equally pleased to learn I can salvage something I really needed from the experience.
Who knows, I have never had a sleep study so that it a possibility that they make me do all that as well... but that at least gives me an idea of the time line for all my appointments. My goal is to get approved about the same time as Hubby so I can be ready for my surgery when my time is here.
So now with the surgery date fluid for the Hubby it appears that I am definitely moving into the late August or early September dates for mine... keep ya posted.
Speed Bump
So, we knew it was bound to happen eventually. Hubby got a speed bump on his road to progress. Today he went to the pulminologist who decided that he needed yet another sleep study. Which means the surgery date that has been moved to May 31 (another story) is in jeopardy. He is obviously very upset and frustrated.
According to the Pulm Doc he was told he would have to be put on C-Pap machine prior to surgery and would even need to bring it in for use after surgery while recovering. The thing is his surgery is scheduled for the 31st, his sleep study is the 9th, and they won't read that one until the 22nd... which means he will have 8 days to get it read and fitted for a c-pap! Wonder if it can be turned around that fast?!?
According to the Pulm Doc he was told he would have to be put on C-Pap machine prior to surgery and would even need to bring it in for use after surgery while recovering. The thing is his surgery is scheduled for the 31st, his sleep study is the 9th, and they won't read that one until the 22nd... which means he will have 8 days to get it read and fitted for a c-pap! Wonder if it can be turned around that fast?!?
Friday, April 27, 2007
Rain Delay
Okay, so it appears things have been moving along far too smoothly for us. Turns out that my Psyc Dr. has a lot going on in her own life and isn't able to finish my report any time soon. Thus everything is on hold for me. This is very upsetting. Its not like its the end of the world or anything but it is frustrating since I am doing my best to follow all directions and taking steps to get everything done in a timely fashion. I tend to be a bit over-controlling on schedules and such... just the way I am. Like that control, and this most definitely, is out of my hands.
So it should come to no surprise that I have, with everything going on in my life, recently landed myself in the hospital with chest pain. I had to go to the ER because it really felt like it was starting to get serious. This being said, I am fine. Blood work was great, xrays great, God if I wasn't more than 100+ pounds overweight I would be considered perfectly healthy!!! Ha ha. ANYWAY turns out I am going to have to curb my enthusiasm towards taking on new projects and occasionally say no to a project or two. Not really my style, but I guess I can adapt.
So I planned on taking a day off with the Hubby and being the kind guy he is, let me sleep in. WELL, as rain often does... it poured... meaning an hour after he dropped the kids off at school (and almost exactly the moment he got home) the phone rang... school called. One of the little ones was sick and he had to turn around (another hour) and get the kids and bring them back home (another hour). Royally sucked! But he is a good sport about it all and we were able to salvage some quiet time during the day... you know when it rains, it pours.
Speaking of pouring. I went to drop off his paperwork at the center today only to find out I needed to take it to the surgeon's office at the hospital. Ugg. But I also learned his surgeon has not completed his paperwork so it can be submitted to the insurance for approval. Not a problem except that it is almost the 1st of May and his tentative date is May 21st!!!! So the insurance rep in the office doesn't seem overly concerned but it is starting to wear on us both. His date being held = my date being held = more stress in my life if it gets back into the busier time of my job. Yikes. Keep fingers crossed and I will keep you posted!
So it should come to no surprise that I have, with everything going on in my life, recently landed myself in the hospital with chest pain. I had to go to the ER because it really felt like it was starting to get serious. This being said, I am fine. Blood work was great, xrays great, God if I wasn't more than 100+ pounds overweight I would be considered perfectly healthy!!! Ha ha. ANYWAY turns out I am going to have to curb my enthusiasm towards taking on new projects and occasionally say no to a project or two. Not really my style, but I guess I can adapt.
So I planned on taking a day off with the Hubby and being the kind guy he is, let me sleep in. WELL, as rain often does... it poured... meaning an hour after he dropped the kids off at school (and almost exactly the moment he got home) the phone rang... school called. One of the little ones was sick and he had to turn around (another hour) and get the kids and bring them back home (another hour). Royally sucked! But he is a good sport about it all and we were able to salvage some quiet time during the day... you know when it rains, it pours.
Speaking of pouring. I went to drop off his paperwork at the center today only to find out I needed to take it to the surgeon's office at the hospital. Ugg. But I also learned his surgeon has not completed his paperwork so it can be submitted to the insurance for approval. Not a problem except that it is almost the 1st of May and his tentative date is May 21st!!!! So the insurance rep in the office doesn't seem overly concerned but it is starting to wear on us both. His date being held = my date being held = more stress in my life if it gets back into the busier time of my job. Yikes. Keep fingers crossed and I will keep you posted!
Monday, April 23, 2007
What a Pain
So we are only one month out from G's surgery!!! Very exciting. In an effort to get a head start (and under strong recommendations of the Doctor) he is starting to at better and follow a high protein diet. It is hard to follow along because I am about three months out from mine but I am trying hard not to be a bad influence.
So, he has a chest x-ray scheduled and is planning on attending the monthly support meeting this week, which is another highly suggested (almost required) aspect of it all. It should be interesting to meet a variety of people in various stages of pre and post surgery.
SO we decided to start walking and exercising. Holy crap! I am so much further out of shape than I even thought. AMAZING. A year ago I was losing weight on a low fat/high exercise diet and was walking miles a day. I did a 1/2 mile loop around the block and thought my calves would explode. My head was pounding, my legs burned, and I sweat in a way that was totally unlady like... and yet it *kinda* felt good. Haha. Seriously! It was a good hurt. I mean when I came back I sat down and cooled off. But that night I felt less bloated, I ate a little better since I had "worked" for it, and even slept a little better. Have to say the back wasn't a big fan of me walking but that will get better soon too. It is entirely laughable that a year ago I was damn near jogging (though wouldn't suggest it at my weight with knees/joints/etc pain). But I could very easily walk a 12/13 minute mile... now can't do 1/2 a mile in 15 minutes. Small steps!
Wait and see how far I walk in my new thinner body! I will feel like I am floating around the block I imagine. No more lead for legs... just wait. The time is nearing!
So, he has a chest x-ray scheduled and is planning on attending the monthly support meeting this week, which is another highly suggested (almost required) aspect of it all. It should be interesting to meet a variety of people in various stages of pre and post surgery.
SO we decided to start walking and exercising. Holy crap! I am so much further out of shape than I even thought. AMAZING. A year ago I was losing weight on a low fat/high exercise diet and was walking miles a day. I did a 1/2 mile loop around the block and thought my calves would explode. My head was pounding, my legs burned, and I sweat in a way that was totally unlady like... and yet it *kinda* felt good. Haha. Seriously! It was a good hurt. I mean when I came back I sat down and cooled off. But that night I felt less bloated, I ate a little better since I had "worked" for it, and even slept a little better. Have to say the back wasn't a big fan of me walking but that will get better soon too. It is entirely laughable that a year ago I was damn near jogging (though wouldn't suggest it at my weight with knees/joints/etc pain). But I could very easily walk a 12/13 minute mile... now can't do 1/2 a mile in 15 minutes. Small steps!
Wait and see how far I walk in my new thinner body! I will feel like I am floating around the block I imagine. No more lead for legs... just wait. The time is nearing!
Friday, April 20, 2007
He Got a Date
Hi all. The hubby finally got his date. Although it is tentative, based on insurance approval, the date is scheduled for May 21! That puts me about 7-10 weeks behind him so I should be scheduled around July 9, 16, or 23 (he only does this surgery on Mondays). VERY Exciting.
Met with Dr. L (psychotherapist) for the last "pre-surgery" appointment, at least as far as the requirements go. It has been a really good experience working with her. She has a way of making both of us feel comfortable. She is also a solid voice of reason and reality. It is good to hear that she is supportive of our decisions (while not necessarily a big fan of the surgery per say) she talks about the future and the way thins will be different and issues that you may face in the future. I guarantee at some point we will land up back on her couch talking about the changes we encounter. It is hard to even know what we might face as thinner people who have never lived that way before. It will probably be hard sometimes knowing we HAVE to eat a certain way and that we can't rely on our old habits to get us through a tough spot. But that is where she comes in and can help. I totally recommend that even if your plan doesn't require it, you make a decision to have therapy BEFORE and AFTER surgery.
Kudos to Dr. Lisa Mowrey for all her help!
Met with Dr. L (psychotherapist) for the last "pre-surgery" appointment, at least as far as the requirements go. It has been a really good experience working with her. She has a way of making both of us feel comfortable. She is also a solid voice of reason and reality. It is good to hear that she is supportive of our decisions (while not necessarily a big fan of the surgery per say) she talks about the future and the way thins will be different and issues that you may face in the future. I guarantee at some point we will land up back on her couch talking about the changes we encounter. It is hard to even know what we might face as thinner people who have never lived that way before. It will probably be hard sometimes knowing we HAVE to eat a certain way and that we can't rely on our old habits to get us through a tough spot. But that is where she comes in and can help. I totally recommend that even if your plan doesn't require it, you make a decision to have therapy BEFORE and AFTER surgery.
Kudos to Dr. Lisa Mowrey for all her help!
The "Weighting" Game
It is really frustrating to be so close to actually having surgery and then to just be waiting around for insurance to decide if you are qualified candidate or not... I mean seriously. One look at either of us and you just know we are perfect for this surgery.
I had my annual girl visit yesterday and told them all about the surgery. They were very excited and several asked me about the surgery for either them or for someone they know. Its amazing that once you start talking about it, how many people want to know and are just too scared to ask.
I told my co-workers about the surgery. A few mixed reviews. It was refreshing to have their support and for them to understand that I don't have some weird disease or whatever it is that they thought when I leave for all these doctors appointments! Some were actually tremendously supportive and perhaps even a little relieved that I have decided to "do something" about my weight.
I went out this week and bought a pedometer. Over a year ago a friend gave me a gift certificate to Sports Authority (yeah because I am so athletic... umm... no) but it was very thoughtful and at the time I had been trying to lose weight. So this week I decided to go there, and most of the people just stared at me like, you know this isn't a restaurant, right??? Or I am sure they were thinking... the shoes are over there... as if I were interested in nothing else. OKAY, I did try on the shoes too... but I decided with my $20 to buy a really nice pedometer that converts steps into distance walked and tells about calories burned (based on your weight, not an average computer generated weight). Very exciting. Wearing it today. Yesterday I only walked about 1,500 steps. That is majorly pathetic, I know. I mean that's like the distance to the mailbox and back. LOL. Well will work on improving it soon! Before you know it, I will be running!!!!!
I had my annual girl visit yesterday and told them all about the surgery. They were very excited and several asked me about the surgery for either them or for someone they know. Its amazing that once you start talking about it, how many people want to know and are just too scared to ask.
I told my co-workers about the surgery. A few mixed reviews. It was refreshing to have their support and for them to understand that I don't have some weird disease or whatever it is that they thought when I leave for all these doctors appointments! Some were actually tremendously supportive and perhaps even a little relieved that I have decided to "do something" about my weight.
I went out this week and bought a pedometer. Over a year ago a friend gave me a gift certificate to Sports Authority (yeah because I am so athletic... umm... no) but it was very thoughtful and at the time I had been trying to lose weight. So this week I decided to go there, and most of the people just stared at me like, you know this isn't a restaurant, right??? Or I am sure they were thinking... the shoes are over there... as if I were interested in nothing else. OKAY, I did try on the shoes too... but I decided with my $20 to buy a really nice pedometer that converts steps into distance walked and tells about calories burned (based on your weight, not an average computer generated weight). Very exciting. Wearing it today. Yesterday I only walked about 1,500 steps. That is majorly pathetic, I know. I mean that's like the distance to the mailbox and back. LOL. Well will work on improving it soon! Before you know it, I will be running!!!!!
Monday, April 9, 2007
The Process
Anyone who says Gastric is the easy way out has never met someone who has gone through it before! Sure it sounds easy, get your stomach altered and then you eat less, absorb less, and thus lose mass amounts of weight.
Well starting with the actual processing and approval it is quite an ordeal. First things first, if you are thinking about getting either the LAP-Band or having Gastric Bypass you have to find someone who specializes in those surgeries in your area and then attend some form of introduction meeting. Some places also make you attend a support meeting with people in various stages of surgery (pre and post).
Then the fun begins. You must check with your insurance to even see if they cover the surgery, at all. Some people I know who had the surgery have even hanged just so they can be covered. We are fortunate to have an understanding insurance company. Aetna HMO.
After that you see your Primary Care Physician (PCP) and start a documentation process of a supervised diet. You can be doing that before you even do any other step and it will greatly speed up your processing time. Our surgery center (Sarasota Memorial Hospital) http://www.smh.com/sections/services-procedures/weight_loss_surgery/meet-the-team.html asks that you attend a course offered by the hospital called Eating Healthy for Life. I know other places have similar programs. It is run by Dieticians and offers weekly weigh ins, food log evaluation and suggestions, and has guest speakers such as psychologists, nutritionists, physical therapists and other health related topics.
All the while you are still meeting with your PCP. You have blood work done. You meet with a Psychotherapist (PhD) for a minimum of three visits. On that note I would like to say that this is really beneficial, here you can talk to someone about how scared you may be and they can help you understand your “after life”. I now see that there will be things that come up, especially in a marriage, when someone has surgery. I think we are lucky to go through it together, so we have each other as a support group. It also minimizes the potential jealousy issues of only one person having it, etc.
You will at some point meet one-on-one with a certified Dietician who will give you your pre and post surgery diets. The real important thing they seem to be stressing is to keep the binging and gorging to minimum, especially when it gets close to surgery time. Seriously, minimizing the carbs help keep the liver smaller which means the more likely you can have laparoscopic surgery vs. open surgery. No question it is worth the extra effort to contain yourself and your eating habits.
As your surgery date draws closer, you meet with the surgeon, get all the appropriate paperwork filled out and turned in (and there is a lot, especially those – like most – who have extensive medical issues), continue (uninterrupted) visits with your PCP, and schedule appointments with a Cardiologist and a Pulmonologist. In my husband’s case he also had to undergo a Neurologist appointment and have a sleep study as well.
That is pretty much where we are at this point now. From here we await final approval and then get an actual date. Our plans are to have surgery about 8-10 weeks apart (as we have children). This should allow for Grant to heal enough by the time I have mine.
It seems so short on paper, but it is actually months (and for some years) of work to just get approved. Keep your fingers crossed, we are near the finish line!!! From here, we will keep you posted!
-Michelle
Well starting with the actual processing and approval it is quite an ordeal. First things first, if you are thinking about getting either the LAP-Band or having Gastric Bypass you have to find someone who specializes in those surgeries in your area and then attend some form of introduction meeting. Some places also make you attend a support meeting with people in various stages of surgery (pre and post).
Then the fun begins. You must check with your insurance to even see if they cover the surgery, at all. Some people I know who had the surgery have even hanged just so they can be covered. We are fortunate to have an understanding insurance company. Aetna HMO.
After that you see your Primary Care Physician (PCP) and start a documentation process of a supervised diet. You can be doing that before you even do any other step and it will greatly speed up your processing time. Our surgery center (Sarasota Memorial Hospital) http://www.smh.com/sections/services-procedures/weight_loss_surgery/meet-the-team.html asks that you attend a course offered by the hospital called Eating Healthy for Life. I know other places have similar programs. It is run by Dieticians and offers weekly weigh ins, food log evaluation and suggestions, and has guest speakers such as psychologists, nutritionists, physical therapists and other health related topics.
All the while you are still meeting with your PCP. You have blood work done. You meet with a Psychotherapist (PhD) for a minimum of three visits. On that note I would like to say that this is really beneficial, here you can talk to someone about how scared you may be and they can help you understand your “after life”. I now see that there will be things that come up, especially in a marriage, when someone has surgery. I think we are lucky to go through it together, so we have each other as a support group. It also minimizes the potential jealousy issues of only one person having it, etc.
You will at some point meet one-on-one with a certified Dietician who will give you your pre and post surgery diets. The real important thing they seem to be stressing is to keep the binging and gorging to minimum, especially when it gets close to surgery time. Seriously, minimizing the carbs help keep the liver smaller which means the more likely you can have laparoscopic surgery vs. open surgery. No question it is worth the extra effort to contain yourself and your eating habits.
As your surgery date draws closer, you meet with the surgeon, get all the appropriate paperwork filled out and turned in (and there is a lot, especially those – like most – who have extensive medical issues), continue (uninterrupted) visits with your PCP, and schedule appointments with a Cardiologist and a Pulmonologist. In my husband’s case he also had to undergo a Neurologist appointment and have a sleep study as well.
That is pretty much where we are at this point now. From here we await final approval and then get an actual date. Our plans are to have surgery about 8-10 weeks apart (as we have children). This should allow for Grant to heal enough by the time I have mine.
It seems so short on paper, but it is actually months (and for some years) of work to just get approved. Keep your fingers crossed, we are near the finish line!!! From here, we will keep you posted!
-Michelle
Meeting the surgeon
So tomorrow is a big day! G will finally meet his surgeon! We might find out if the insurance is accepted and we might actually find out the EXACT surgery date. Right now it appears it will be mid May! Can't wait. That means my surgery will be late July/early August. Great just in time for our kiddo's big birthday! Oh well, can't wait for every event to pass or we would just sit still!
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