mwrarr

I FINALLY had my follow up with my surgeon today to review all the referral appts. He said that they are now ready to submit to insurance & that he doesn't see any reason why I can't be in the OR in Dec!!! I'm so excited! I was starting to feel like it would be Jan or Feb... *fingers crossed!* G*O**D*E*C*E*M*B*E*R! lol 347*294/284/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

That is truly awesome. :} Gives me warm fuzzies!! 347*294/284/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

I finally had my stress test done yesterday! Good news all around.... #1- he said I have an incredibly strong heart muscle & no evidence of plaque or ischemia/etc. He also was shocked that I made it 9 minutes. I'm not sure if that's good or average, but he said he really only expected 3 out of me. (dar...I *told* you I worked out 5x/wk. Did u think I was lying bc I'm almost 300#?!) this is awesome news as my mother died at age 32 from a massive heart attack & for 20 years now I've been tormented by the worry that I would follow suit. #2- THIS was my FINAL referral hoop!!! I (finally) meet with my surgeon on Friday & discuss the info collected from all these referrals (8-? Appts over the last 2 months!) & find out what to expect next.... I have no idea how it will play out. It has been full of changes & twists & turns, so I wouldn't even be surprised if he sends me to see someone else. 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

Thanks! I hope so, too!! Lol I'll find out today. I have a follow up/review with the cardiologist this morning, & a follow up/review of referral appts this afternoon with my surgeon. Seems like the appts never end! ;} 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

Not to sound naiive, but did they actually draw a cat on the box? Because if so...the sheer awesomeness of that would make me a loyal customer!! Hahaha 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

I'm flipping a little myself. I was dead set against surgery...then I was ready & raring to go. Waited 2months for referral appts, started doubting. Have spent 2 months getting through referral appts & starting to flip again bc of the financial end. (seems selfish) IDK...I'm glad to be going back to my surgeon Friday. Maybe it will re-motivate my belief that this will actually happen. 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

Thanks I'll check out Amazon. 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

I am no stranger to Protein powder, been using it for 3 years or so as part of my diet/workout routine. However, I'm now finding that the shake-style ones are wicked sweet tasting to me suddenly. I've been reading a lot about the nectar & some other names on here. I got some Special K powder (K2o?), which is like crystal light w/protein & Fiber in it. Are there any products out there that are similar but maybe come in bulk? 6 bucks for 7 packets is a little rich for my blood; figured if it's offered that way, a jar/tub would be cheaper over all. I saw that our pharmacy has 6-pack bottles of Isopure, but it's 10 bucks! Call me a cheapskate, but holy moly... 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

Thanks! I'll definitely try that. We have a few supplement type stores in the area. I didn't think of Amazon, either. 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

Do u have to order it online? 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

When I was earlier in the process I definitely worried more. Now I figure that those who are truly benevolent forces in my life will Celebrate with me, & the snakes will expose themselves. 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

I'll follow back next time I log in over there! :} 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

Me too!! :} I was 236 (w/a gain up to 309 due to pre-eclampsia) for my 1st & 244 (w/a gain to 294) for my 2nd. I have wanted another child for 10 years but wanted my body & life in order 1st. I wanna see a real bump instead up just more lump! ;} 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

I'm on twitter @Mwrarr 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

I've had the same goal wt since age 13: 135#. It just happens to be mid-range of my height's insurance company tables (67"). I guess I just wanna be able to say I did it. I'd probably be more comfortable around 150# but who knows. I was fat, but stable until I had kids...211#. and I'm not going through this mess just to hit 211 & stick there. My PCP thinks 145-150, my surgeon didn't disagree w/135 but I'm curious if that's bc his office believes in the stats that people typically only lose 60-70% of excess wt at 2 years post-op. That'd mean I'd be lucky to see 180-195. no way. 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

I didn't make a list, but I found myself justifying certain choices that I NEVER would've allowed in my last 5 years of fairly strict dieting. Lately though, something clicked & I just don't love food anymore. I really want a divorce from it, frankly. 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

(Pre-op) Confessions... #1- I still think I can do it on my own. This waiting game is making me crazy. At this rate, since they keep ordering more tests/appointments/follow-ups --& my "October Absence plan" has come & gone, & with holidays running up on us, & my ins hasn't even been submitted so my "December Absence plan" is moot, I will probably not be able to even schedule the surgery until Feb or March. As such, I've started the "pre-op semi-liquid diet" already. I guess worst that can happen is I'll lose the weight anyway without surgery, right? :\ #2- I am afraid that if I really can't lose it on my own, what does that mean for my chubby kids? I can't force them to eat like me post-op. So how do I help them prevent the same path? #3- I don't know how to be thin. I don't know how to act like a thin person. I don't know how to think like a thin woman. I'm hopeful that I can figure it out. #4- I worry that once I don't have my spacesuit (fat suit) to hide in anymore, that I still won't be accepted or well-received, and I will have to seriously re-evaluate my entire life's views at that point. I don't want to be right about the world's biases against fat ppl, and if I'm wrong, I hope I have the strength for that kind of therapy. #5- I confess that I worry too much ;} 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

You got this, Nursey! :} 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

Idk if it's the same, but my sister is 3 yrs out from RNY & getting a belt lift. I know it does the pannicula, hips & smooths back, not sure abt buttocks/thighs specifically. It's going to cost her abt $8k out of pocket (the panniculectomy portion of the surgery & hospital stay will be ins). She asked abt breast lift but the dr told her not unless she was ok w/having no nipples afterward. So I guess she's considering implants. 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! :} No date for me, yet. I have to do the stress test Tuesday & then cardiologist review on Friday morning. Friday afternoon I meet with my surgeon again. I guess they haven't even submitted to ins yet, & won't until at least the next surg visit. Starting to feel like it's never going to happen. On Halloween, I started myself on the Optifast plan they gave me. I figure that I might as well try it considering at this rate it may be a few months (or even summer) before I have an opportunity to take work leave. I work for the university so winter/summer breaks are ideal. IDK...trying to stay positive. & not feel guilty abt spending the surgeon's fee on myself this close to the holidays... :\ 347*294/285/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com