A Hot Date with a Surgeon....in the OR...

Two days after my last blog entry about being submitted to the insurance for approval, I received a call from my caseworker at the surgeon's office that I was officially approved to have the surgery. That sure didn't take long!

Yesterday was my follow up with the surgeon to go over my test results from all of the pre-op tests and assessments that I had to endure. I think waiting the 2.5 hours in the waiting room just to wait my turn was the most painful part (and I was 20 mins EARLY for my appointment)! He said that my test results all look good and that I appear to be in good shape physically, mentally, and emotionally to have the surgery. He said my risks of complications appear slim given my age and test results. My only orders are to try and lose 5-10 pounds before surgery with the "liver reduction diet" - similar to the SlimFast plan - 2 high protein shakes a day and a "sensible" dinner. I had to laugh when he said that, he sounded just like the commercial for SlimFast! The only difference is, I won't be drinking SlimFast shakes, I will be drinking high protein shakes that they sell there or they gave me a few "over the counter" options to try. I think I will start next week, maybe I can drop a few pounds before going on vacation the first week of August. I sure am not going to worry about it on vacation, except maybe to have a shake in the morning. I'm not much of a breakfast person anyway.

So with that, my "date" with the surgeon in the operating room is Monday August 29th. I have to be at the hospital at 5:00am to get ready and be prepped for surgery at 7:30am. The surgery should last about 1.5 hours and I will be in the hospital probably 2 nights, maybe 3. I am hoping for only 2 nights, though! I am definitely praying for a smooth surgery and recovery. Since I don't get paid for being out of work, I am hoping 1 week off and 1 week working from home will be all I need so I don't lose more time (and money). And afterwards, comes the weight loss...and I will be truly on my way to a healthier, and thus happier, me!

Another Step Closer

I received a call from the surgeon's office today and they confirmed that all of the reports are in and that they have prepared and submitted the paperwork to my insurance to get approved for the surgery. The review and approval process, they said, usually takes 1-2 weeks. So I should have a definite approval in the next couple of weeks. Then comes setting up the next appointment with the surgeon and setting the date!

Last Friday I got my CPAP machine. It sure is a nifty, high-tech contraption! I have been using it for 4 nights now and I do feel a difference. Today is not a great example because at some point last night, the breathing mask came apart and I just set it to the side. I don't remember doing this and I have no idea how long I slept without it, so I am more tired today than I have been the last couple of days. I am still getting used to it, but it does seem to be helping a little bit. I can't wait until my husband gets his set up to wear, too. I hate feeling like I'm the only alien in the house! Much to my disappointment, the technician who set up my machine for me told me that only 18-20% of bariatric patients ever go completely off of the CPAP machine. That is a very depressing statistic, but I am praying hard that I am one of those 18-20%! But in the end, if I sleep better and have a better attitude because of it, I will be a happier, more active person and that will make it worthwhile!

On another note, my friend and inspiration, Ginger, is now down to a size 6! I am thrilled for her! I pray that I have the will to be as strong and as consistent as she has been in this process!

Coming into the Home Stretch

I have officially completed ALL of my pre-op testing/assessments! Woo hoo! Today was the psychological assessment so the doctors can make sure I'm not going to "flip out" after I'm all skinny and stuff. The main thing the psychologist looks for is to make sure it's being done for the right reasons, that you understand the changes - physical and mental - that come with the dramatic weight loss , and to make sure you are mentally ready to be compliant with the new way of eating and living after surgery. Seems I "passed" with flying colors and the psychologist announced she will recommend me as a good candidate, psychologically, for surgery.

As for the meeting, it was very interesting and enlightening. We talked about my fears of life after surgery and also what my hopes and goals were. The main thing I said I was afraid of is the weight loss causing a change in my relationship with my husband. She seemed very supportive of the fact that he and I are going through this together, so we will be able to be supportive of each other's struggles since we will be enduring them together. Still, knowing that the ex-wife walked out 3 years after her surgery (I know, ironic, right?), I am determined to make sure that this does not happen to our marriage. This family does not need to go through something like that again. My hope is that our relationship will grow deeper and more meaningful in ways that we are unaware of yet. All in all, I feel pretty good about taking this step in my life and I am looking forward to getting back to doing things I truly enjoy, but have had to stop doing because I just can't anymore. At 36 years young, I should NOT be saying that and I don't want to lose anymore of my life than I already have!

Last weekend I also completed my second sleep study to get fitted for the CPAP. I should be getting word on that this week...and have my CPAP machine soon. I'm not looking forward to using it, but if it will help me sleep better and feel better, I'm willing to give it a shot! Hopefully once the weight starts coming off, I will not need it anymore and I can return to my sexy sleeping self! :)

So where do we go from here? Well, the next step is to set up my follow up appointment with the surgeon. He will go over all of the results with me from all of the testing I've been through and his office will submit the paperwork to the insurance company to have my surgery approved. Then, we set the date. So we're not quite in the home stretch...but we're getting there and I get a little more excited and a little more nervous each day. But I'm looking forward to life in the long run after surgery!

Insecurities...

Well, it's down to the last 2 appointments before my case is submitted to the insurance company for approval of the surgery. I had my sleep study a little over a week ago and found out that I have moderate-severe sleep apnea. So I get to go back and spend the night in the sleep lab again so they can fit me for a CPAP machine. Just what I wanted, to sleep hooked up to a CPAP! Just another reason for me to go through with the surgery. Then, in 2 weeks, I have my final appointment - the psychological evaluation. I am thinking I will have the surgery date set by the end of June.

But...to get on with insecurities. I knew that after this surgery I would not look the same. Not only would I be thinner, but I would have to deal with the flabbiness (a nice way to put it) that also follows. The closer I get to having the surgery, I am starting to prepare myself mentally for what is to come after and I'm realizing that my insecurities aren't going to go away, they will just be different. Right now I'm insecure about being fat. After, I will be insecure about the "leftovers" after the weight is gone. I will have to come to terms with this somehow because plastic surgery just isn't an option, at least not for several years.

I am also starting to pay more attention to food labels so I can start looking at things that will be safe for me to eat after surgery. I think the first month is going to be the hardest, I will need a lot of prayer to get through it!

Let the Testing Begin!

So a little over 2 weeks ago, I had my initial consultation with the surgeon. I found out that the procedure I really wanted done, the Sleeve Gastrectomy, is not an option for me because my insurance doesn't cover that procedure yet. So, I have decided to go for the Gastric Bypass. Ten days ago, I went for my first set of tests - the upper GI scan, chest x-rays, EKG, and bloodwork. It all went fine, but that barium stuff they make you swallow for the GI scan is nasty. The taste isn't horrible, but it is so chalky and thick - it reminds me of a really thick milkshake but it doesn't taste as good. :) I've already had my follow-up with the Gastroenterologist and he confirmed that my upper GI scan came back completely normal and that he is going to approve me for surgery, no additional testing needed for GI. There was a chance I might need an endoscopy, but I'm happy that I don't! That hurdle is clear, so now the next appointment is on Wednesday for my nutrition assessment. The ball is rolling and I'm starting to get more nervous with every passing appointment. Don't get me wrong, I am not having second thoughts. It's just the thought of going through something so major, especially for someone who has only had 1 surgery in my entire life and it was outpatient! Plus, a 14-year old body recovers a lot faster than a 36-year old body. I know it will change my life for the better, though, and there are so many things I want to do again that have become more difficult as the weight has piled on. I have so much to look forward to!

The Consultation

I received the call from the surgeon's office today and have scheduled my initial consultation for April 7th. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. It is a 2-hour appointment...wow!! I don't remember spending 2 hours in a doctor's office unless it was urgent care or the emergency room! I'm glad to know that the surgeon is going to take his time with the initial consultation, though. Surgery is such a serious step to take and I'm relieved to know that the doctor gives the appointments the time and consideration it deserves. At this appointment we will discuss what procedure I'm interested in and all of the options, as well as begin to set up my appointments for pre-op assessments and tests. The insurance company will approve me for surgery only after all of my pre-op assessments and tests have come back and those doctors have approved me for the surgery. With any luck, maybe I will have these done by the end of May!

And So it Begins: The First Step

Being overweight sucks. I have had the unfortunate "luck" to be overweight since my pre-teen years. I've been on many diets and exercise programs and have managed to lose some weight here and there, but it always found it's way back and then some. I know there are many people out there who can relate to my story and my struggles.

So yesterday I took the first step in what I hope will be a permanent, positive change with my weight struggles. I attended an information session on Bariatric Surgery, which is the first step in a road to surgery and the weight loss beyond. I still need the insurance company to approve me for the procedure, but I am not too worried about that. I am more nervous about being in the hospital for a couple of days since I have never had to stay in a hospital overnight my entire life!

The next step is gathering my medical records from the last couple of years and scheduling the initial consultation with the surgeon's office. At that point, I will decide with my surgeon which procedure will benefit me the most and pursue that one and move on to the next phase of my life. I will chronicle each step in the process on this blog, maybe it will help someone else who is going through something similar.

In the meantime, let us not forget Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me" and know that regardless of our struggle - weight or otherwise - Christ Jesus is our ultimate strength!