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* My Journey *

April 8, 2010 Today I had a visit with my pcp. We were on vacation in Gatlinburg the week before. I felt terrible the whole trip...headache, nausea, shortness of breath. I made an appointment the day after returning home. I had already decided I would ask his opinion about weight loss surgery as an option for me. He was not against it, but he did not offer much encouragement.   April 15, 2010 Today I had the test done that were ordered by my pcp. First was an intensive stress test. He said no surgeon would operate without it. I doubted this and should of let the surgeon decide if it was necessary.   This was the second time I've gone through all these tests. I had to have a cardolite IV. It involved walking on a treadmill and pics taken by a machine that gives images of the arteries in the heart. The images take 20 minutes (two sessions) of laying completely still.   Then it was on to the echo cardiogram. Basically it was an ultrasound of my heart. It's interesting to watch the screen and see the valves in my heart working!   Next it was on the lab to have blood drawn. The tech was a newbie and since my "good" vein in the right arm already had an IV in it (for the stress test) she called a veteran tech to poke me in the left. It hurt like heck...she said she must have hit a nerve...I'LL SAY!   My loving hubby came into town and took me to breakfast, then I went back for the second injection of cardiolite and the second set of images. It all went really well. The tests results showed no problems.   Later in the day I called a nearby hospital in Bowling Green Ohio that has a well known weight loss program to register for one of their seminars. They were totally booked for the two seminars in April. I am registered to attend the one on May 15th. I'm hoping my hubby can go with me. They are a Center of Excellence hospital so I feel confident with them. Also, I know of at least 3 people who had bariatric surgery done there.   April 21, 2010 Wednesday morning I got my test results. All the heart and stress tests looked good. The stress test tech noted that I tired easily on the treadmill. (I would of liked to put her on there with her smokers breath to see how she would of done )   My blood test came back alright, but my BP was up a little more. He had suggested in Jan. that I add a 3rd BP med and I had resisted. Now, I'm ready...bring it on! Add another co-morbidity link to the list.   I called Anthem yesterday and grilled them to see if they covered the Sleeve Gastrectomy. The rep said it is included along with all the other WLS as long as the diagnosis is morbid obesity and I meet all the criteria. Looks like I may be on the way!   I registered and got the ball rolling with the surgeon by going to the seminar at Wood County Hospital.   May 15, 2010 Today dh and I went to the seminar in Bowling Green Ohio. It was held in a meeting room at Wood County Hospital. The surgeon, Dr. Lalor, was the first speaker. He explained all the different surgeries he preforms, sharing all the good and bad. After the seminar we got to talk to him one on one. It seemed to me that he really is sold on the sleeve gastrectomy. He likes the fact there isn't any malabsorbtion involved. He even mentioned that BC/BS is not approving many sleeves, but since I've had 4 open abdominal surgeries and already had surgery on my colon that they might consider the sleeve for me! Then the dietition spoke and lastly the ins rep for Dr. Lalor's office. Doc answered every single question he was asked through his whole presentation, which impressed me! He stayed and answered questions till the last person finally left. I have my surgeon's consultation on June 17th. I feel really good about him, his staff and the facility!!   May 24, 2010 I decided to attend one of the support meetings at Wood County Hospital Mon. May 24th. I was waiting outside with some supper when hubby got off work and I kidnaped him and took him along. Bless his heart! He just finished a 12 hour shift, was tired and dirty, but he seemed anxious to go. The meeting was okay, it was sort of disorganized. They sometimes have guest speakers. Two women took control of this, meeting talking about all their personal problems. [Note to me: Remember to talk with the appropriate person at the appropriate times about personal problems.] Nothing to do but wait and worry till my surgical consultation June 17th!   June 17, 2010 This was my first surgeon's visit. The nurse took me back and had me step on the scales. Then she had me take my shoes off to measure my height. So, I got to weigh with my shoes on, but measured with them off, making me weigh heavier and measure shorter! YEA!! I was worried about my BMI not being high enough so this was important to me! She asked me a ton of medical questions and we talked a little about which surgery I was leaning toward. I said the sleeve I thought was the best choice for me and that I would not have gastric bypass, due to the malabsorbtion issues.   Next the doc came in and he asked me some more medical questions and questioned me alot about my previous surgeries. Then we discussed the sleeve and he said he would fight BC/BS if necessary to get me the sleeve. He said if they tried to push gastric bypass he would tell them that he felt it would be alot more risky for me.   My impression of him is that he is very careful and very honest. He took all the time I needed to answer all my questions, which were numerous!   He took me to the front desk and went over all the paperwork that included the tests I needed to schedule, the visits with the nutritionist and the visit with another doctor, who interprets the tests results and does a more thorough medical workup and physical.   Next I went down the hall to have my first visit with the nutritionist. I will have a total of 3 visits, to satisfy BC/BS for a 3 month surprised "diet" to satisfy their requirements. I was really impressed with Beth. She gave me alot of information, answered all my questions and we worked on goals. They like patients to lose 5% of their weight before surgery, which is 10lbs for me. Doesn't sound like much, but I have so much pain in my hips and my feet that it will be a struggle.   July 13, 2010 Today I met with the shrink. He basically had me go through my whole life history starting with when and where I was born. We discussed my weight issues along with family and even school issues. Then I had to do a personality test with over 100 questions...it took forever! Oh well it's done and over with and I think I did well.   Next I went down to Dr. Lalor's office (same building) and met with Beth for my second nutritionist visit. That went really well again!   I find myself becoming obcessed with WLS websites (this one and Obesityhelp.com). I am reading stories and looking at before and after pictures. I think it helps keep me going until I am approved and get a surgery date. Looks like the end of September or October would be the earliest I could have surgery.
KabinKitty

KabinKitty

1
 

August 29, 2010

I got a call from Chris (ins. gal) from Dr. Lalor's office on Friday. She told me that my paperwork was submitted to BC/BS that day. She told me that because my ins. still consideres the sleeve "investigational" that I may be in for a long wait. I told her that I was already expecting that. She told me that when she received any word from BC/BS that she would let me know. Nothing to do but wait, wait, wait......
KabinKitty

KabinKitty

1
 

January 29, 2011

Today is Saturday.......Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and then Wednesday is SURGERY DAY! I don't think it has completely sunk in.   Three days ago I had the colonoscopy. The prep went ALOT better since the surgeon dialated the stricture. I kept telling everyone at the surgery center that the doctor "promised" I would not wake up during the procedure this time. The nurse came out to the reception area and informed us that hubby wouldn't be able to go with me. They were extremely busy and space was at a minimun. I got into my lovely hospital gown was seated in a reclining type chair and answered all the same ole questions. The nurse started my IV, I talked to the anetheologist (he was kind of a crazy dude...and funny) and we talked in length about the fact that I would be getting Propofol and that I would NOT be waking up during the procedure! After that I just reclined in my chair and watched TV.   The nurse told hubby the procedure would start at 9 and I could be done as soon as 9:20. When the clock read 9:35 and I was still waiting, I asked a volunteer lady if she would please to tell hubby that the procedure had not even started. She was a sweet elderly lady. When she came back she told me she called my hubby's name and he started to JUMP up (bless his heart, he was nervous) and she had to tell him that I was still in the waiting area.   The nurse grabbed the back of my lovely gown and had me walk down the hall and into the procedure room. The doc was there (with a med student), a new nurse, a nurse anesthetist and some one else. They had me lay back and they hooked me up with the electronde thingys on my chest. The anesthetist said, "I'm going to give you some Versed to relax you". After a bit I felt a tiny bit woosey and he asked if I felt anything, I said yes, but was listening to the doc explain to the med student about my previous stricture, asking the nurse to get the balloon thingy (as he planned to restretch it) and everything else going on. They asked me to turn over on my left side, and the next thing I new I was in the recovery area and my hubby was kissing me awake. It was rather pleasant! hahaha   After that I was asked to please pass air as much and as often as I pleased....so I did. I was given some hot chocolate and soon got to get dressed (with hubby's help) and go home.   Yesterday I had an MRI with contrast of my kidneys. The colon surgeon ordered the ultrasound and it showed some differences in the arteries between my right and left kidneys. I don't know any specifics or the results of the MRI yet. I was very nervous when the tech came in with the IV stuff. I told her no one told me I would need that and that I had a reaction to some contrast during a CAT scan before. She told me that it was my choice, that they could do the test without it, but the contrast makes the test much clearer. So, I agreed. They gave me an inflatable type of bulb thing to press if I had any problems while in the machine, but I didn't.   I think the head cold I had last week never really went away. I started feeling cruddy again last night. My nose is stuffy and my throat feels scratchy and I'm so tired. I'm back on Claritin D again!
KabinKitty

KabinKitty

0
 

January 20, 2011

I had my follow up appointment with Dr. Alammar yesterday after my Dec 23rd colonoscopy. He said he did not know how I could even "go" with the stricture at the site of my previous colon surgery. He said the opening was like a pin hole. (He used a balloon instrument and dialated it during the procedure) He was not able to finish the colonoscopy, so I am scheduled for another one Jan 26th. He promised me that I won't wake up during this next one as they will be using propofol as the sedative. I am SO dreading this!!   During yesterdays visit I told him of my scheduled WLS in 2 wks. He stared at me for a moment, then he asked "weight loss surgery"? I said yes, he said, "but I wouldn't even call you overweight". I told him my weight was boarderline and that I use a Bi-Pap machine and take 3 blood pressure meds, He still insisted he did not know how I would qualify for surgery. He asked if I ever had problems with my kidneys and I told him I had 3 kidney stones in the past. He said because of the way my body makes scar tissue that I could have stenosis in my kidneys that could be treated with balloon therapy and my hbp could be cured. He suggested I have a doppler ultrasound done of my kidneys. I went for that today, but it may take up to 3 business days to get the results. My nerves are about shot! Hubby wanted to go with me for yesterday's visit, but got called into work. I felt so all alone and started shaking, my whole body was shaking like I was freezing!   I started the full liquid pre-op diet yesterday. The protein drink I got (Muscle Milk) is drinkable, but I don't really like it. I'm eating pureed soup. I do love my Magic Bullet!! I'm going to make some homemade soup with lots of lean meat and puree it.
KabinKitty

KabinKitty

0
 

February 27, 2011

This is day 25 for me, 3 1/2 weeks post-op. It has been tough getting in enough protein. It's strange to be always be thinking about getting enough nutrients in my body, when I have no desire to eat. I definately have not been getting in all my fluids, but it is February, it's cold and I've never drank alot of water, even in the summer. I have to work harder on this!   I'm still only able to get about 2 Tablespoons of solid protein in before I'm full. It is not too hard to know when to stop, when you start to get an uncomfortable feeling of fullness, stop or you will be miserable. It's almost not worth the time and effort to eat solid food because it's so much easier to get the protein grams in with shakes and protein bars. I found Pure Protein bars that are really great! I love the chocolate/peanut butter. The solid chocolate is way too rich!!!   On February 14th I had my first visit with Dr. Lalor. It was 12 days post-op and I had lost 6 pounds. I was a little disappointed, but then I realized I had lost 1/2 a pound a day. I have always been a slow loser and I shouldn't get discouraged as I'm a "turtle" not a "hare". I weighed this morning and had lost 7 pounds since my doctor's visit, which brings me to 13 pounds post-op, and 34 pounds of the total of 100 pounds that I had to lose from the very beginning of this journey. Only 66 pounds to go!   I'm going back to work tomorrow and I have a support group meeting tomorrow night. I had told the group leader I would stand before the group and talk about the sleeve surgery, since there are very few of us and no sleeve patients will stand up and share their experiences. I'm thinking of canceling this as I'm not sure I will have the energy to go. I leave the house at 6 am and would not be getting home from the meeting till after 9, then back up again at 4:30 AM the next morning may be pushing it too far.   I'm taking 2 Centrum Silver vitamins every day, along with my PPI, half a potassium twice a day, a vitamin B12 and my two blood pressure meds. I ordered some Celebrity Calcium Citrate chewables and I will start taking 2 a day as soon as they come. This was something I had not thought about....how important it is to get these meds and vitamins in. My potassium tabs are so huge I break them in half and cut them into 6 pieces to get them down with some yogurt. My surgeon told me I could stop one of my blood pressure meds and the potassium when I went home from the hospital, but I soon learned I NEEDED the potassium! My heart started to beat super slow and I was VERY weak. I have a history of running low on potassium and realized my symtoms immediately.   People promise me that this tiredness will eventually go away and I'll be able to get more solid proteins in. It seemed like alot of people have the same problems, but I wasn't prepared for it! It is true that we have good days and bad days....I'm waiting for more good days. I have to say my hubby has been SO supportive and understanding of my situation. After all he didn't sign up for all this, I did! I love him!!
KabinKitty

KabinKitty

0
 

August 22, 2010

Two days ago I had my 3rd visit with the dietition and my only visit with Dr. Dawley (internal medicine doctor). The dietition said she was very pleased with my progress. I lost 3 3/4 lbs in the last month, despite alot of heel pain, which limits my walking. She told me to continue to practice chewing my food very well, small bites and eating protein first.   My surgeon, Dr. Lalor, requires all of his patients to be cleared for surgery by Dr. Dawley before submitting the paperwork to the insurance company, and he is VERY thorough with his exam. He reviews all the tests results, does a medical history and an exam. He told me at the end of my visit that he will recommend to Dr. Lalor that I would be a candidate for surgery. He did say that he will be requesting the results of my echo cardiogram test. I told him that my pcp said it did not show any problems with my heart.   When I told Dr. Dawley about the pain I have in my hips he said it is most likely due to osteoarthritis. If he puts that in his report, I'm hoping it will help me get approved for the vertical sleeve surgery. I understand that if you have arthritis that gastric bypass is not the best choice, due to malabsorbing the needed medications.   With all my previous abdominal surgeries, adhesions and diverticulities Dr. Lalor is really against gastric bypass for me. BC/BS of Ohio is currently still considering the sleeve investigational, but I'm hopeful they will make an exception in my case. More and more states are approving the sleeve (ie Illinois), as they see it is effective and there seems to be fewer complications after.I will wait two weeks and then call Dr. Lalor's office, if I don't hear anything, to see where things stand. I will update this post at that time or before if I get news. It's my goal to try and lose 10 lbs before surgery.
KabinKitty

KabinKitty

0
 

December 28, 2010

I called Anthem concerning a charge for my husband and decided to check on the status of my surgery approval. They said no paperwork was submitted by my surgeon's office! I called Kris and she was confused and told me she would refax everything. I checked last week to make sure she did and they told me at Anthem it arrived on the 15th and was sent to the Nurse-Reviewer on Friday the 17th.   This morning I called and it's still in the review process.....tick....tock.....tick....tock   So last week was a real blast! I finally got up the nerve to schedule my second colonoscopy. The first one revealed a narrowing of the colon, which lead to a colectomy (a removal of part of my colon) and a weeks stay in the hospital. I was very low in potassium and needed infusions.   I had been having some problems and of course feared the worse, ie colon cancer. I was told to have my next colonoscopy 3 years after my first and it's been about 6 years. So I was to do the prep on Tuesday afternoon and have the procedure on Wednesday morning. I only got about half the prep solution in when I had terrible cramps in my bowels and was nauseated. Because of the nausea I could not drink anymore prep solution. I was in hell all night with severe pain and dry heaves!   The next morning I called the surgery center and told them what happened. They just wanted to know if I was cleaned out and I told them no. Well, we finally decided since the vomiting stopped to take another prep solution at 7 pm and reschedule the test to take place the next morning at the hospital. I was scheduled to receive propofal to be more deeply sedated, but the hospital won't use it so it was the usual light sedation.     I was aware of a painful tearing feeling and I knew at one point my doctor's partner was in the room and the conversation (that I could not comprehend) led me to believe that something was NOT going right! I woke up and learned that I had scar tissue that was almost totally blocking my colon and the doctor used a balloon to stretch and tear the scar tissue. No wonder I was in pain and had so much trouble with the prep. I was not cleaned out due to the blockage so he could only scope a small section of my colon. Now I need to go for a follow up visit and see what he has in mind. He told my husband the scar tissue may need to be stretched more and he needs to finish the colonoscopy to check for polps or other problems. WONDERFUL! I hope things get better real soon!!
KabinKitty

KabinKitty

1
 

February 12, 2011

Things have been going really well. The temps have fallen below 0 this past week, so I had little desire to venture outside! Hubby drove me to my workplace two days ago and I got to see a few of my co-workers. There is only 1 who knows about my surgery and she's told no one. They asked if I was okay and when I was coming back. I said I was taking care of some health issues and didn't know when I'd be back, but with those temps, I wasn't in any hurry!   My online friend from NC who had surgery 3 days before me is doing great. She said she went to lunch with a friend and ordered a cheese sandwich and ate a little bit of just the cheese. I haven't eaten anything solid yet. I'm consuming protein drinks, yogurt, pureed meats, veggies, soups and fruits.   My appointment with the surgeon is on Monday and I will be 12 days out by then. I have one incision (where my drain was) that is a little red with a small white spot. I put antibacterial cream and a bandaid on it. All the other incisions (or as one of the Wood Co. Hospital nurses called it a "stabs") look really good.   After the only other laproscopic surgery I've had, it felt like I had done 1,000 sit ups after. Not so with this surgery. The surgeon told me during my last office visit that after all my open surgeries (4), the pain from this one would be laughable. He was right! I stopped the pain meds shortly after my IV came out and I haven't taken any since....none were needed.   Yesterday was the first time I drove since surgery. It went well, but by the time I ran to the vet's office and to the grocery for a few things, I was whipped and ready to go home and rest. I think it's mostly lack of strength from not eating much. When I eat my pureed food, about 2 tbls is enough and I actually feel full and satisfied. I can eat more yogurt or pureed fruits though. An 8 ounce protein drink goes down really easily.   It's going to be a whole new life as far as eating goes....it will NEVER be like before surgery. I'm okay with that...I just look forward to eating "normal" foods someday.
KabinKitty

KabinKitty

0
 

December 5, 2010

Here it is Sunday, December the 5th and I still can't believe what's happened in the past week. Chris from Dr. Lalor's office called me on Thursday, December 2nd to let me know that she resubmitted my paperwork to Anthem BC/BS on Wednesday, December 1st. She had gotten an email from Anthem stating that they now cover the sleeve as a "stand alone" surgery!   My paperwork was submitted July 29th, and I had gotten a denial letter in September due to the sleeve being considered experimental/investigational. I have been waiting for the surgeon to send an appeal letter for me since that point. I'm just in shock! I called Chris back on Friday the 3rd to ask her when she was scheduling surgeries. She told me that she just started scheduling for February 2011 and that she expects to hear back from Anthem within 2 weeks. That means I should be having my surgery in February if all goes well !!!   I expect to have to redo my bloodwork and chest xray, but I hope that's all. What a great Christmas present!!
KabinKitty

KabinKitty

0
 

February 7, 2011

KabinKitty's Blog KabinKitty's Blog     February 7, 2010 [Edit Post] posted 43 minutes ago I am now 5 days Post Op. My surgery on February 2nd actually went better and quicker than the surgeon expected!   The day began by driving about 25 miles through the snow and sleet in the dark to the hospital. I had called the night before to make sure the surgery wasn't cancelled. We arrived safe, but 1/2 hour late.....SORRY! Oh well... The prep nurse did not check the messages as I called to let them know we were on the way, but about 1/2 hour late. She was stressed!   She was a sweetie and we got through the prep quickly. I was wisked down the hall after the anestheologist told me he gave me something to relax me in my IV. I chattered all the way down the hall, went through some double doors and then I was waking up to the voices telling me, "Jean, your surgery is over". The only pain I had was in my left shoulder (I was warned by the anesthelogist before that this happens often) due to referred pain from the diaphram being irritated.   I had a very easy recovery, minus the times the nurses woke me at ungodly times all through the night!! I was exhaused and couldn't wait to get the heck outta Dodge! I had to stay an extra night because I didn't use my bipap machine one night and my heart rate dropped. My surgeon had a cardiologist look at the results and he said he wanted me to stay an extra night. BUMMER! Take your machine people and use it!   They only gave me 2 ounces of nasty, salty broth and 3 ounces of Crystal Light for my meals. I finally told one nurse about my surgeon telling me I should have something in front of me all the time!! She said, "Well, you can have popsickles". I ate  and ate and ate as many popsickles as they would give me. I even had hubby tell them to keep the broth and Crystal Light, I'll just eat popsickles.   I'm on full liquids till my follow-up visit at two weeks. So I've been enjoying juice, popsickles, yogurt, protein drinks and pudding. Today I'm going to puree some soup!! That should taste good on a cold February day (she said with fingers crossed).   I feel like I am blessed to have this chance to attain a normal BMI and rid myself of some dangerous comorbidities!
KabinKitty

KabinKitty

0
 

January 8, 2011

Well, things did get better this week! On Thursday, Jan 6th, the ins gal from the surgeon's office called to tell me I AM approved for surgery! My date is Feb 2nd! I have appointments with the surgeon, anestheologist and the nutritionist this Thur January 13th. I have to do a full liquid diet for two weeks to trim down my liver and then 2 days of clear liquids before surgery.   It still hasn't sunk in completely.....I'm nervous, but so hopeful that I will have a tool to help me lose the weight and keep it off forever!!
KabinKitty

KabinKitty

0
 

July 29, 2010

Two days ago it was my birthday. I recieved a beautiful flower arrangement from our youngest son in NC. I also got a phone call from our oldest son, who's on TDY in Qatar. We got to chat for about an hour...so cool! Three days ago hubby and I went to my second support meeting at Wood County Hospital. This meeting was alot more interesting than the one in May. Any of the post-op patients who wanted to, were invited to go to the front of the room and share their story. Some also answered questions. I met a gal who had the VSG less than 1 year ago and has lost 150 lbs so far. Her mother, who was there, had a VSG one week before this meeting. Neither of them went to the front of the room. These meetings are almost exclusively discussions for the GBP patients. This is a little disappointing for me, as I want to learn as much as I can about VSG.  
KabinKitty

KabinKitty

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