Mel's Journey

Ch ch ch ch.... changes!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:11:00 +0000

Changes indeed.

Well, I know I said I would be back full force but, as you can most certainly see, that did not happen quite as I had hoped. However I am here with an update, some words of encouragement, and the hope of a return to blogging (once and for all).

This blog has a lot to do with changes (hence the title) so I am just going to cut to the point:

I've changed.

Am I am sooooooooo thankful.

This past May 28th was my 1-year anniversary of my RNY Gastic Bypass. As of this point I have lost 129lbs and am currently weighing in at 216lbs. I have lost a full grown person! Or, as I love to picture, I've lost 129 guinea pigs (they average 1 lb apiece you know!). I honestly don't even know where I would stick them on! It's insane! At first when I went in for my 1yr appointment I was a little disappointed with myself. I REALLY wanted to be at 199 by that appointment and was 17 lbs short but then I said to myself, and both Dr Hart and Rachel have said, I have done amazing! Some people don't so as well as I did in the first year and I need to just get over the stupid number and look at it as an amazing accomplishment! So now my current mini-goal is to get to 199 and after that 170 (Dr. Hart's original goal for me). Once i get to that point I will re-evaluate and see what my next goal will be.

The past year has been full of struggles - no one said this was easy after all! I have had to work my butt off to be as successful as I have been and I continue to work my butt off to continue to lose weight and be a success. I am coming out and saying this is a struggle because I don't want anyone to think that this is easy and all they have to do it cut and stitch you up and that's it. My battle with obesity is ongoing - it never stops and it never will. I will spend the rest of my life working to get to the point where I am happy with my weight and then working to stay there. I read a friend's blog recently and she talked about why it is good to have a healthy dose of fear - fear of failure. I couldn't agree more! I live with this fear everyday, and when I have bad days I remember this fear, this battle, and pick myself up and move along. I will not allow myself to fail - it just isn't an option.

Changes. Yes, I have changed physically there is no doubt. But I have also changed emotionally and as a person. Many will say that just because you have lost weight doesn't change who you are, and I will agree with that but only to an extent. I don't see how losing so much weight CANT change you. I was always the fat funny chick - hiding behind my larger than life personality, friends with all the boys, and the bringer of food for all my friends. Now I am the funny chick that doesn't have to hide behind these others things. I still love being the bringer of food, its just who I am. I feel that I don't go out of my way now to be a "big personality" to overcome for my size. I am a little more reserved now, but I like that about me. I also have changed how I look at things. I have a new outlook on life in general. I have TAKEN MY LIFE BACK out of Death's clutches and now I am running my life again. Right after surgery I decided I was ready to go back to school after a 2-year hiatus. I'm working on going into medicine - ever since surgery my focus has been leaning more towards Bariatrics. I want to use my life experiences to help others. Before surgery I was just coasting on the ride of life and now I am an active participant - and it feels amazing! Don't misunderstand me - I am still the super geeky outgoing gal I've always been, just a better version :)

Like Ghandi said: "be the change you wish to see in the world"

It is something I am striving to do, and I encourage - no, I challenge, you to take up that mantle and be the change you wish to see in yourself.

peace out

Mel :)

Still alive!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:16:00 +0000

Don't worry my dear friends - I have not abandoned you! :) In fact, I think I may be able to make a return to the world of blogging! I have been so very busy lately that many things got pushed to the side - my blogs included.

Until I can give a big long update (with pics!) here are my current stats:

RNY 5.28.2008
Starting: 345lbs
Current: 221
Total loss so far: 124 lbs in almost 10 months

Needless to say I am so very happy and thankful to the amazing Dr. Hart & his wonderful staff at Atlanta Bariatrics.

Maybe i'll be able to post a good update tonight - if not i will get it posted soon.

Thanks a ton for staying tuned :)

All my love,
Mel

Yeah Yeah....

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 04:02:00 +0000

OK.. so i kinda lied about posting soon. Things have been nuts and I've been trying to finish that dang post for awhile now - I now promise that I WILL get it posted eventually.

In the meantime a little update. Last Monday I was 2 months out and I am now down 43lbs since surgery and 56 overall! HOLY CRAPPOLA!! Talk about amazing.

I am a lucky girl.

Upcoming...

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:59:00 +0000

Just a note.... i will be posting soon:

- an update on my progress (including pictures)
- protein bar reviews (with pictures as well)
- maybe some of what i've been cookin up.. we shall see.

:)

Things that suck about being fat

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:39:00 +0000

I saw an old post of Shelly's which inspired me to make my own list so here it is:

- Having to drive around for "diva parking" because walking across the parking lot is tiring

- Being looked at funny for being interested in things that are very active (marathons, playing sports, etc.)

- Going shopping with friends and not being able to try on the cute clothes

- When people ask for a booth and you aren't sure you can fit

- Going to concerts and not being able to fit into the cute concert tees

- Weighing at the Dr. office and seeing them move that little metal weight over one more notch

- Being limited to three clothing stores.

- Airplane bathrooms. Enough said.

- Tray tables on planes and sitting in the middle seat (flying coach in general)

- People always saying, "You have such a pretty face."

- Those desks with attached chairs at University

- Not fitting on roller coasters and amusement rides

- Feeling like my family is disappointed in how bad I let myself get

- Worrying when I hear a creak in a chair

- Old-fashioned movie theater seats and stadium seating

- Summer clothing (sleeveless, short, revealing, definitely not fat-friendly)

- Never getting a piggy back ride or being swept off my feet

Even with just an overall loss of 49 lbs (36 since surgery) I can feel a difference in some of these things. I want to get away from them all. I never want to go back.

I want to ALWAYS remember.

TWOTERVILLE!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:03:00 +0000

Yes that's exactly what it sounds like... I am under 300lbs! woooo hooooooo!!!! I'm currently at 297! Hurray! I've lost 35lbs in 6weeks!! Its surreal!

On Tuesday I had my 6-week f/u with Rachel (my NUT) and I am sooo stoked about what I can eat now (and blown away a bit too!).

With that here is my transcription of the notes I got for my "stage 4" diet. *REMEMBER*: Every NUT/Doc has different guidelines and some things that i can eat may not be allowed by your team or by your team at that stage. That being said, my doctors office and NUT have had huge success and their plan works (I've seen it) so no flaming b/c i can eat something your team may not allow yet/ever ;-)

** Continue to take 2 MVI w/ iron, 2-3 Calcium Supplements, 2000mcg/B12/wk (Personal Note: Rachel is having me add another iron supplement to up my iron intake and we are switching me over to 500mcg of B12 Daily)

**Exercise:
- Minimum 3 x week (I am doing this now)
- Goal is 5 x week
- Focus on increasing speed and duration
- 15-17 minute miles ( I'm already beating this! woot!)
- Add 2 x week of resistance training ( I am doing this now)

** Continue with one protein supplement or protein bar per day until at least 3 months post op (Note: OK to change protein. For Bars make sure ≥ 15g Protein and ≤ 7g sugar)

** To ensure adequate intake of omega-3 fats/healthy fats:
- Cook only with Canola Oil (not evoo)
- Eat Salmon or Tuna 2 x week
- Use soft tub spreads (eg: Brummel and brown/ smart balance)
- Consider fish oil supplement if no tuna/salmon
(Note: Per Rachel I need to eat more fatty fish like salmon. right now all the fish I'm eating is lean fish. If i don't do this 2 x week she WILL put me on fish oil supplements)

** DIET PROGRESSION:
- Fresh fruits - no skins until 6 months (Note: per Rachel if I can tolerate the skins its ok to have them now)
- Fresh tomatoes and cucumbers - can add salads once you can tolerate the tomatoes and cucumbers
- Pasta/Tomato Sauce (Personal Note: I will not be partaking of this at this time. Pasta is too big of a trigger food for me so i am just not even going to go there!)
- Ground round or ground sirloin (those specific cuts - not "ground beef")
- Pork tenderloin, center cut pork chops, lean ham
- Ground turkey breast
- Cold Cereals ( <10 grams of sugar per serving) with milk
- Nuts (no honey roasted) (Note: per Rachel can have a lower sugar granola like bear naked)
- All Beans
- Any reduced calorie frozen meals (ex: Weight Watchers/Lean Cuisine)
- Light microwave popcorn
- Toasted english muffin or toasted quesadilla

Continue to avoid steak and rice until 6 months post op

**Meal Pattern:
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Snack
Dinner

(Personal Note: Rachel is telling me to add snacks into my day b/c I am not getting enough food in and also she wants me to bump up the carbs a bit - not getting enough of those either! Never thought I'd hear that about ME!)

**Make sure to include a protein source at each meal/snack.
Protein sources:
- Beef, Chicken, Pork, Turkey, Fish
- Milk, Yogurt, Eggs, Cheese, Cottage Cheese
- Nuts/seeds/peanut butter
- Beans/lentils
- Soy products

**MEAL SIZE @ 3-6 MONTHS: 1 cup of food
Traditional Meal:
Protein: 1 palm
Vegetable: 1 palm
Starch: 1/2 palm (starch: potatoes,corn,beans,pasta,rice,bread)
Pasta Meal:
Pasta dish: 1 hand
Vegetable: 1 palm

ALWAYS eat Protein first, vegetable second, and starch last

CONTINUE TO AVOID ALL REGULAR SWEETS AND FRIED FOODS!

*** OK to have Alcohol (Wine/Beer/Liquor) at this point - Stay away from the sugary drinks and use light juices and tonic) ***

Focus on Variety
Everyday in addition to protein make sure you eat at least 1 serving of: Fruit, Veggies, Dairy & Grains

So yeah... that's it! :)

30lbs gone forever

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:23:00 +0000

Hello everyone out there in cyberspace!

As of this morning I am down 30 LBS from surgery and 43 overall! wooooooo hooooooo!!

Things are loose on me and I can fit some smaller sizes which is just freakin awesome! I'm going out dancing tonight for the first time since about a week before surgery thats almost 6 weeks... holy poop batman!

My 6-week appt is Monday morning with the NUT. I should have more to report then.

:)

Wow...

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:21:00 +0000

I’m down 19 lbs today! Freakin woot!!! In 3 weeks!! That’s pretty damn sweet in my opinion! :)

Sorry I haven’t posted much of an update recently. The first two weeks after surgery were sort of busy. The first week I was still really sore and tired all the dang time. After the second week I was feeling a lot better and 100% off the pain medication (that was during week 1 really) and was getting super stir crazy! I think because of that I’ve been going out and doing stuff constantly. I can’t stand to just be sitting and bumming! I’m sure things will slow down a bit again soon but right now I am on a ‘get up and move” roll! Been doing lots of Karaoke and just getting out of the house :)

I’m on soft foods now – basically stuff I can chew down to a mush. This really gives me quite a few options, which is nice. I still can’t have raw veggies or fruit but soon enough… If I stay at the rate I’m going I may be down 40lbs by my 6-week appointment! That would be exciting! I’m feeling much better so it’s easier for me to get my “movement” in for the day. Yesterday I did a 30min aerobics tape and WHEW it wore me OUT! I guess I’m not as ready to go back to the gym as I thought – still getting tired a bit easy. Lame-o.

Things are getting better every day and that makes me excited. I promise to be better about blogging again. I may even start taking pics of my food! Ok… well maybe I’ll wait until its not all mush! Hehe!

-Mel Out.

I'm Home!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Sat, 31 May 2008 01:19:00 +0000

Well the Dr said the surgery went well and overall i'm feeling decent... could be worse. I'm sore which is to be expected, but doing much better today. I REALLY do NOT feel like eating (bleh!) but i'm making sure I get my protein shakes down and trying to get as much water down as i can.

I can feel the gas moving around and making noises - bleh! But I just keep walking trying to get it to loosen up! I am hoping it eases up soon.

I am a little bit loopy from the medicine so I will give a more comprehensive update later. heheh!

It feels good to be home... thanks for all the well wishes - you guys are the BEST!

P.S. A HUGE thank you to Dr Hart, Emory Johns Creek Hospital & Rita for being awesome and getting me through the surgery!!

8 DAYS..... single digits baby!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:01:00 +0000

So... before surgery I have to:
- Meet with Rachel (the NUT) for my 6-week post op instructions (DONE!)
- Meet with Dr Hart to go over the final paperwork, sign consent forms, yadda yadda (DONE!)
- Meet with the Anesthesiologist for pre-op consultation (DONE!)

Yeah.... I'm totally awesome! hehehe! :)

So i've ordered and recieved my vits. I'll be taking the Bariatric Advantage Multi, Iron, Calcium Citrate & B12. I've also ordered my 2 cans of UNJURY (1 vanilla and 1 chocolate) and it should be here tomorrow according to UPS. I also had to go to a different pharmacy to pick up my liquid pain medication, as there isnt enough time for my normal one to order it and it get here in time. lame-o. oh well.. whatever.

So yesterday was my day-long adventure with the doctors office and the hospital :P

I went into work for about an hour and a half before i had to leave for my meeting with Dr Hart & LaTonya. It went pretty well... it was just a lot of signing papers for surgery and all that jazz. They also got vitals - great BP and i have lost 12 lbs since i first saw Dr Hart! Yay! After all that stuff and getting my perscription i left and went over to the hospital. I had to sign in and fill out all the anesthesia paperwork . Then the hospital took my vitals again and my BP was a little low they said... interesting.... Then I had to talk to the person from Anesthesia abotu any allergies... you get the picture. They gave me a Spirometer to mess with and drew some blood. I then got to go view the Bariatric wing of the hospital (Atlanta Bariatric Center) and check out the rooms and such... very nice! They have flat screen TVs and wood panelling and all that jazz. AND they have nice bathrobes ;-) I honestly couldn't have picked a better hospital to be laid up in! hehe! It was also nice to get to talk one-on-one with Rita, the Bariatric Coordinator. She also had RNY and has been very sucessful. :)

So yeah... i didn't leave the hospital until almost 3 and then decided to go eat some lunch. After that it was just too late to go back into the office :P

Now if time can just speed up a bit so the 28th can get here already....

Two Weeks!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:28:00 +0000

Two weeks until the start of my new life!!!

So... before surgery I have to:
- Meet with Rachel (the NUT) for my 6-week post op instructions (DONE!)
- Meet with Dr Hart to go over the final paperwork, sign consent forms, yadda yadda (scheduled for next Monday the 19th at 10 AM)
- Meet with the Anesthesiologist for pre-op consultation (scheduled for next Monday the 19th right after meeting with Dr Hart)

So.. yesterday was the meeting with Rachel, and it went well. It was a mini-class that had about 6 upcoming patients in it. She gave us these paper packets that had all the info we need and then she went over it. So.. (in the words of V).. here's the 411 for the demolition:

*EXERCISE*
CARDIO
-you may start as soon as you can, there is no restriction on when you can start exercising after surgery.
-start only with walking until first post opp appointment with surgeon (JUNE 5th)
-minimum of 3 times/week for 30-60 mins per session GOAL: 5 times/week for 30-60 mins
-exercise in Target Heart Rate zone
-consistency is key
-PRIMARY cause of plateau is LACK of consistent exercise
RESISTANCE TRAINING
-2-3 times/week when cleared by Surgeon

EXERCISE WILL HELP YOU REACH YOUR WEIGHT LOSS GOAL
AND
EXERCISE WILL HELP YOU MAINTAIN YOUR WEIGHT LOSS

*VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTATION*
MULTIVITAMIN & IRON - 2 multi & iron with breakfast
CALCIUM - GOAL: 1000mg to 1500mg of supplemental calcium with vitamin D per day
-2-3 per day
-split dose, do not take 2 at a time
-take separately and with meals to enhance absorption, wait at least 1 hour between doses
-do NOT take at the same time as the multivitamin
-Calcium Citrate is best
B12 - 2000mcg per week
-must only take sublingual B12 or once a month injections

YOU WILL NEED TO SUPPLEMENT FOR LIFE TO MAINTAIN YOUR HEALTH. DO NOT SKIP DOSES

*POST SURGICAL GUIDELINES*
-there are 4 stages
STAGE 1 - in Hospital- Clear Liquids
STAGE 2 - until 1st f/u appt (june 5th) - Full Liquids
-goal is to consume 3 protein drinks and 2 servings of liquid food
-menu: 8-10AM Breakfast-Protein Supp #1 10:30-11:30AM Snack 12:30-2:30 Lunch-Protein Supp #2 3-4 Snack 5:30-7:30 Dinner-Protein Supp #3 7:30-bedtime Water or other non-caloric non-carbonated beverage
DO NOT EAT ANY FOODS THAT REQUIRE CHEWING AT THIS STAGE
SNACK LIST: cream of wheat, plain oatmeal (can sweeten with splenda or equal), sugar free jello,pudding, or Popsicle, instant mashed potatoes (very thin), light fat free yogurt (no chunks), 98% fat free cream soups(strained), broth based soups(strained)
Do not choose foods that are not included in the above snack list
Protein Supplement: 80z of fat free or 1% milk (or Lactaid) plus 1 scoop of protein powder. Add 1 serving of Benefiber powder to 1 supplement, may add to all 3 if needed to help with constipation. Use UNJURY Protein.
By the end of the day, you should have consumed 24oz milk, 3 scoops of protein powder, 1 serving of benefiber and 2 liquid snacks. and water of course.

So yeah... that is through stage 2. I'll post the stage 3 & 4 stuff later! I will start stage 3 on June 6th I suppose. I'm getting anxious now.... not really scared yet, but anxious! The next two weeks are going to be sooooo long!

TTFN! :)

oh...my....gosh!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:19:00 +0000

I have a surgery date! I will be having my LAP RNY on MAY 28th, 2008!!! WOW!!! I'm so excited!!!! *squee*

I can't believe how fast everything is moving along. I'm so glad that Atlanta Bariatrics is the freakin BEST! Latonya is my hero! She is so sweet and has really helped me get the insurance stuff all together! :)

So... before surgery i have to:
- Meet with Rachel (the NUT) for my 6-week post op instructions (scheduled for TOMORROW at 11:30 AM)
- Meet with Dr Hart to go over the final paperwork, sign consent forms, yadda yadda (scheduled for next Monday the 19th at 10 AM)
- Meet with the Anesthesiologist for pre-op consultation (scheduled for next Monday the 19th right after meeting with Dr Hart)

Holy -freakin- Crap!! Now i'm getting twitchy with nerves a bit... not really scared, just ready for it to be over.

Thank you all for the great support you've given me thus far :)

HECK YEAH BABY!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:28:00 +0000

I'm..... APPROVED FOR SURGERY!! :D

I spoke with the people at UHC yesterday and they said they approved me on Monday and that a letter was sent to my surgeon's office then as well! YAY!! My letter worked!! :)

So I emailed my surgeon's assistant yesterday and told her I spoke with UHC and they said I was approved (yay!) and asked her what was the next step. I assume that when they get the letter they will set the surgery date, but i'm still waiting to hear back from her. Hopefully the post will be on my side this week and get to my surgeon promptly!

One can only hope... I'll keep you guys posted!!

Oh yeah... a big SHOUT OUT to Heather for sending me the best.picture.ever when she found out I was approved! ;-)

PEACE! :)

Nope!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:50:00 +0000

I called today :P

At least the people there are nice about me being an obsessive freak!!!

With work being crazy i'm not sure if I will have time to call tomorrow... maybe (just maybe) i won't call again until Monday......

the waiting continues.

let the nail biting begin...

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:18:00 +0000

Alrighty... so I said i'd give it until Friday to call... i lied! I called yesterday afternoon just to confirm they received the request. I asked how long it would take and i got the blanket 2 weeks response.

PLEASE let UHC do for me what it has done for so many other people and get a reply back within a week!!!

Now the question is... will I be able to hold out and not call today?

We shall see.......

SUBMITTED!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:19:00 +0000

My request for preapproval has been submitted!! Tonya at AB called this morning to tell me the claim number (so I can call and harass the insurance company! bwahaha!).

I probably won't call them until Friday... don't want to be the crazy lady that calls all the time! ;)

Keep me in your thoughts/prayers/whatever you do!!

OMG... it's really happening!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:18:00 +0000

After going back and forth with the surgeons office and the insurance company about what was going to be required, either this afternoon or tomorrow morning my request for pre-approval is being sent!!!! WOOOO!!!

I'm hopeful.

I meet all the requirements except I am missing one bit of information the insurance co wants... (long story-see prior entries)... but hopeful that my cover letter will be acceptable.

woo...... *crossing my fingers* for a quick approval :)

Holy Poop-on-a-Stick Batman!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:54:00 +0000

Things I have to do before I can submit to insurance:
- attend at least 1 support group meeting (DONE!)
- get pre-op testing done (DONE!)
- have a preliminary appointment with the dietitian (DONE!)
- have an evaluation and get cleared for surgery by a Psychologist (DONE!)
- complete my "weight loss journal" chronicling all my previous weight loss attempts (DONE!)
- have a 5 year record of weights from my physicians ( as DONE as its gonna get!)
- Letter of medical necessity/clearance from my PCP (DONE & HAVE LETTER!)

Heck YEAH!!!! I'm done! I just got done faxing over the WLJ and the weights to Atlanta Bariatrics!! WOO HOO!!

There are one a few small problems...

1. I couldn't get 5 yr weights - only 4. The doctor I saw in 2004 is no longer there, multiple searches came up with nothing, and according to doctors in the same complex - he went oversees (he is in the reserves). I emailed the person at AB about this today but it was after hours (they close at 4) so I don't expect to hear anyhting from them until tomorrow morning at the earliest (if i am that lucky!). Since I have exhausted every effort to try and get this I don't see why 4 years should be a problem.

2. According to an email I got today from AB (while i was on the phone chewing out my PCP's office in fact!) that they still needed my weights and my PCP letter. Well... savvy readers will know that I already completed this and have turned it in. I emailed the lady back in a flash that this was left for her at the front desk on the 19th when i had my appointment with Rachel. I asked her to confirm that she recieved this. If she hasn't then a. im pissed and b. its not a big deal - i can get dr gray's office to fax over to them.

3. In the email I recieved from AB they also said that "one (very minor) missing piece of my test results will need to be redone immediatly pre-op" so no worries... it won't hold anything up.

So now I just await an email/phone call stating that they have everything and can SUBMIT TO INSURANCE!! Whew!! I'm excited now!

I'll post when I get an update.... yay!

grumble grumble

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:12:00 +0000

Ok... so it has now been 2 weeks since my Psych consult. I am going to give him a call today to make sure everything was completed and sent over to Atlanta Bariatrics. In other news, the grumble grumble in my subject line has to do with Dr offices. I am having the WORST time getting my freakin medical records!! WTF!! Go figure that the one thing my insurance REQUIRES is the one thing that is taking forever to get done! BAH!! Well all I can do is stay on top of it and keep nagging and nagging. I don't care what has to be done I WILL get these records ASAP so I can get them sent up. I have been working my butt off for this and I will NOT be defeated or brought down by the Dr offices! roar!!

I will continue to update on the medical records situation....

PreOp: Psych Evaluation & NUT Consult... CHECK!

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:25:00 +0000

Things I have to do before I can submit to insurance:
- attend at least 1 support group meeting (DONE!)
- get pre-op testing done (DONE!)
- have a preliminary appointment with the dietitian (DONE!)
- have an evaluation and get cleared for surgery by a Psychologist (DONE!)
- complete my "weight loss journal" chronicling all my previous weight loss attempts (working on it - waiting on rest of my weights )
- have a 5 year record of weights from my physicians ( working on this - 08 & 06 done!)
- Letter of medical necessity/clearance from my PCP (DONE & HAVE LETTER!)

I had my psych evaluation yesterday afternoon. It was kinda boring! lol! Basically he asked me all about my past and my family history... yadda yadda.. and then i had to take some tests. BTW - these tests have to be the most annoying tests in the world. It is the same structure as the test they made Nick & I take at marriage counseling... where they ask you the same damn question 15 times... i seriously wanted to pull my hair out at the end if they asked me if i wanted to off myself one more time!!! Seriously.. its just annoying! Like i'm going to say NO the first 14 times and then on number 15 change my mind... i should have put YES if you don't stop asking me this damn question! seesh! But anyways.. i didn't pay the extra $60 to get the expedited service.. just cant afford it right now :P So it will probably be two weeks before my Psych report gets over to Atlanta Bariatrics. Blah!

Had my NUT appointment with Rachel this morning. She is nice... i like her. She said I was doing really well so far with what i've been doing. Scolded me on a few things.. the big one being skipping b'fast. I CANNOT SKIP BREAKFAST ANY MORE - NO EXCUSES!!! She doesn't care if I am busy.... i can do quick things! So basically here is my PreOp Plan:

Exercise - continue what I'm doing but be more consistent. Minimum 3 times a week - Goal 5 times a week

Food - Focus on Low Fat and Low Sugar
** GET OFF OF COKE - IT IS TOXIC!! (Diet Coke ok for now)
Drinks lots of SF noncaloric beverages (Crystal Lite is fine)

- No fried foods
- Only Lite Condiments (lite mayo..etc)
- No Regular Chips (if i need chips.. get baked!)

Focus on FOOD CHOICE-NOT QUANTITY! (the pouch will help with that after surgery!)

"Normalizing Meal Patters"
**CANNOT skip any meals - NO EXCUSES
B, L, S, D

Some quick B'Fast ideas to help me:
boiled egg & fruit
cheese stick & fruit
light yogurt & fruit
whole wheat english muffin with cheese or peanut butter
bowl of cereal with less than 10g of sugar and 1% milk
instant oatmeal

Snacks - keep all trigger foods out of the house!
some snack ideas: Triscut thin crips with cheese or peanut butter, yogurt with cereal, fruit and cheese, light popcorn, pretzels

For Dinner - only 1 starch

MANTRA - Protein + Produce

** Things that are pissing me off: My old PCP's office. I've been through the ringer trying to get my last 5 years weights. UGH... but now i think we may have it under control. unfortunately the dr has to sign off on the chart before it gets sent out and he wont be back in the country until end of next week I think she said... whatever.

Wheels keep on spinning round....

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:46:00 +0000

It's another update! Yay!

Things I have to do before I can submit to insurance:
- attend at least 1 support group meeting (DONE!)
- get pre-op testing done (DONE!)
- have a preliminary appointment with the dietitian (scheduled for March 19th)
- have an evaluation and get cleared for surgery by a Psychologist (scheduled for March 18th)
- complete my "weight loss journal" chronicling all my previous weight loss attempts (working on it - waiting on rest of my weights )
- have a 5 year record of weights from my physicians ( working on this - 08 & 06 done!)
- Letter of medical necessity/clearance from my PCP (DONE & HAVE LETTER!)

A few things are a little frustrating though...

- I love my PCP. She is very very nice, but (some of) her staff has poop for brains... seriously. It is taking me forever to get the medical records I need and I have been asking for them for a month. The person they have some in to do their medical records messed it up and never requested from my old PCP... at least that is what I assume since a month has gone by and they didn't have the old PCP records when i had my visit on Monday. Thankfully, the main office lady is working on this for me. will be giving her a call in a little bit to check on the status. I can't finish my weight loss journal until i have this... come on people!!

- Ok... so I have my appointment with the Psychologist on the 18th. The appointment will be 2-2.5 HOURS LONG!!! Hold crap!! I have to take some test after our 50-min meeting. The thing that makes me a bit irked though is that it will take 2 weeks for him to complete my review. See the stupid test has to go out to a service for scoring and then when he gets it back he writes up his review. UNLESS.... i pay an additional $60 for expedited service with the scoring service... then it will only take him a week. BAH!! This messes up my timeline of wanting to have everything completed and ready to submit on the 19th after my NUT appointment. Grr!!

I need to call Dr. Hart's office today. I cant find the email for his assistant (Mildred i think) and I need to ask her how I need to send the letter from Dr. Gray. She just hand wrote it on some of her letterhead. I hope its not a problem. She said if it is to just let her know and a typed copy can be made. Since i have UHC and they are pretty flexible, i am hoping i don't have to go back to her for a typed letter.

Anyways.. that is all for now! :)

Update on my pre-approval status

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 18:27:00 +0000

So the list of things I have to do:

- attend at least 1 support group meeting (going to on March 5th)
- get pre-op testing done (DONE!)
have a preliminary appointment with the dietitian (scheduled for March 19th)
- have an evaluation and get cleared for surgery by a Psychologist (scheduled for March 18th)
- complete my "weight loss journal" chronicling all my previous weight loss attempts (working on it )
- have a 5 year record of weights from my physicians (already working on this - 08 & 06 done!)
- Letter of medical necessity/clearance from my PCP (scheduled for march 10th to meet and discuss letter with pcp)

Things are moving along nicely. Im glad that my office has been so accepting of me working some wierd hours to fit in these doctors appointments. My goal is to have the NUT appt on the 19th be the last thing i need and then we can submit to insurance! I really want to try and get the surgery in April if at all possible!

For now... i just keep on chuggin! :)

Information on RGB

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:13:00 +0000

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RGB): This operation is the most common and successful combined weight loss surgery in the United States. First, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch to restrict food intake. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower stomach, the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine), and the first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). This reduces the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs. Rarely, a cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal) is performed to avoid the gallstones that may result from rapid weight loss. More commonly, patients take medication after the operation to dissolve gallstones.

Advantages of this weight loss surgery:
greatly controls food intake, leading to rapid weight loss
dumping syndrome dumping conditions to control intake of sweets
reversible in an emergency though this procedure should be thought of as a permanent

Disadvantages of this weight loss surgery:
staple line failure
ulcers
narrowing/blockage of the stoma
vomiting if food is not properly chewed or if food is eaten to quickly
weight re-gain is known to happen if dietary changes are not followed long term

First Doctor's Visit

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:45:00 +0000

Well today was my first visit with Dr Hart. it went really well despite the fact that i still have puffy face from getting my wisdom teeth out on Friday and it kind of sounds like i'm talking through a pillow.

We discussed the different surgical options and what would be best for ME. I told him I had done a lot of research on the LapBand as well as Roux-N-Y, and wanted his opinion as to what would be the best for me.

He said that since my BMI is in the 50's that he thinks that Roux-N-Y Gastric Bypass would be the best option for me. He said if my BMI was in the 30's or 40's he might say the lapband was the better choice. Personally, I have to agree with him, as much as I was leaning toward the lapband I know that he is right... he is the doctor after all! Also, with getting the RNY there is an element of behavior modification. I will post more on this later. He did say however that I do have the final choice and I can still go with the lapband if I want to.

Well since the appointment went well and he listened to my heart and got my BP and all that jazz he has cleared me to get the per-op testing done and to start the process.... it's real people! I think i'm still a little shocked that it is actually real.

So the list of things I have to do:
- attend at least 1 support group meeting (going to on March 5th)
- get pre-op testing done (scheduled to have done March 4th)
- have a preliminary appointment with the dietitian (scheduled for March 19th)
- have and evaluation and get cleared for surgery by a Psychologist
- complete my "weight loss journal" chronicling all my previous weight loss attempts
- have a 5 year record of weights from my physicians (already working on this)
- Letter of medical necessity/clearance from my PCP

Once this has all been completed they will package it up and send it to UHC for approval. They said UHC usually takes 2-4 weeks to get back with an approval.

I'm excited but a little scared, as is to be expected.

More updates to come soon :)

-Mel

Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (Mel) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:25:00 +0000

Welcome to my journal to blog about my journey with Weight Loss Surgery. I hope that this journal will provide information for those looking to move forward with this procedure and also to serve as a constant update to my friends and family members about my success and my struggles through this.

Please feel free to ask any questions, and I will answer you honestly and with the best of my knowledge.

I'm both excited and scared about this next phase of my life and look forward to sharing it's ups and downs with you all

Love,
Mel :)