epogi

Seven days after surgery, my doc says I can start on full liquids. Yuppy! I had 2 oz.cream of wheat and 2 oz V8 this morning. All good. Then for lunch 2oz protein shake with 2 oz sf jello. They all filled me up. I'm usually not hungry, but I have to eat to sustain my energy. I have little energy to go out, but I do. My co-workers sent me a teddybear with balloons today. That was nice of them. It really made my day. My cold symptoms are getting better. I'm on anti-biotics and a nasal spray. Hopefully by next week my energy level will be better. I have an aunt coming to town. I want to go and see her. I haven't seen her in over 10 yrs. I also need a hair cut and color on my whites. I guess those are my plans for next week. :scared: Last night I had two episodes of nausea. I know it's all the pills. I try an take with my meals now. Hopefully that will help. I just kept telling myself : I lost more weight, I'm 273. Everything has a price.

Seven days after surgery, my doc says I can start on full liquids. Yuppy! I had 2 oz.cream of wheat and 2 oz V8 this morning. All good. Then for lunch 2oz protein shake with 2 oz sf jello. They all filled me up. I'm usually not hungry, but I have to eat to sustain my energy. I have little energy to go out, but I do. My co-workers sent me a teddybear with balloons today. That was nice of them. It really made my day. My cold symptoms are getting better. I'm on anti-biotics and a nasal spray. Hopefully by next week my energy level will be better. I have an aunt coming to town. I want to go and see her. I haven't seen her in over 10 yrs. I also need a hair cut and color on my whites. I guess those are my plans for next week. Last night I had two episodes of nausea. I know it's all the pills. I try an take with my meals now. Hopefully that will help. I just kept telling myself : I lost more weight, I'm 273. Everything has a price.

It's Tuesday, 4th day post operative. Not a good day. Days 1-3 were good. I felt energetic, excited to drink my little liquid meals and ready to leave the house. Today, um. not like that. I woke up tired, with pain all over (like sorness), in a bad mood and a bit nauseated. Mid-morning I had to take a suppository for the nausea. I was so afraid that I might throw up. I don't want to do that. I didn't enjoy todays meals. The broths smelled bad and the juices were bitter. I don't know what hit me. I feel so tired. I forced my self walk this evening, just a little. I thought maybe my body needs some stimulation. Get the blood oxygenated. That would work. Well, just after wards I started with the nausea again. Just then my mom made me some watermelon water. yummy. I sipped a bit and I like it. I now have energy to write this journal entry. Tomorrow morning at 7am I head over to the surgeons office. I have questions for him. Hopefully this day will not repeat itself. I owe so much to my parents. They've been by my side all this time. Right now they just kicked my out of my room and ask me to stay in the second bedroom. They went on a cleaning spree. I now have a fresh made bed with clean sheets, fluffy pillows and my dad did and extensive vaccum cleaning. wow I feel so lucky. I will try my hardest to get better for them.

It's Tuesday, 4th day post operative. Not a good day. Days 1-3 were good. I felt energetic, excited to drink my little liquid meals and ready to leave the house. Today, um. not like that. I woke up tired, with pain all over (like sorness), in a bad mood and a bit nauseated. Mid-morning I had to take a suppository for the nausea. I was so afraid that I might throw up. I don't want to do that. I didn't enjoy todays meals. The broths smelled bad and the juices were bitter. I don't know what hit me. I feel so tired. I forced my self walk this evening, just a little. I thought maybe my body needs some stimulation. Get the blood oxygenated. That would work. Well, just after wards I started with the nausea again. Just then my mom made me some watermelon water. yummy. I sipped a bit and I like it. I now have energy to write this journal entry. Tomorrow morning at 7am I head over to the surgeons office. I have questions for him. Hopefully this day will not repeat itself. I owe so much to my parents. They've been by my side all this time. Right now they just kicked my out of my room and ask me to stay in the second bedroom. They went on a cleaning spree. I now have a fresh made bed with clean sheets, fluffy pillows and my dad did and extensive vaccum cleaning. wow I feel so lucky. I will try my hardest to get better for them.:scared:

Now I can say I'm really Lucky and Blessed. Just got banded this past Friday the 13th. (07/13/07) Everything so far has gone smooth. A bit more pain than what I anticipated but that was brought on by a cough and stuffy nose. Just glad this step is over. I feel so childish to say that I couldn't have done it without my mom. She has been such a great supporter. I'm also greatful for this sight from where I have learned alot.

It's Sunday and surgery seemed to have gone good. All is done and here I sit two days post operative. Everything went by really fast. No time to have second doubts. Check in at 11am. Called me in at 12, changed into gown, IV set and rolled me in to the op room by 12:35. One big set back. I have cold symptoms that have made me struggle with pain a bit more. The coughing is annoying. But everytime phlem comes up I feel proud that I had the strengh to pull it out of my lungs. I've been walking around the house. Although at the hospital I walked alot more. Even when I couldn't sleep. (like 2am) I would get up and walk around with my mom or nurse. I stayed a little over 23 hours. I would have stayed another night if they let me. But my doc said I was ready to go. I have 6 incisions. My port is on the middle left side. I haven't been hungry at all. But I've been sipping water to prevent any dehydration. I'm a bit scared of that happening to me. My sister, diana and my mom have been extremely supportive. I feel I'm babied, but it feels good. Mentally I know i have to try and be strong, cuz once they leave it's all up to me. I'm so glad this piece of my journey is in the past. I feel proud to have overcome these past three days. I look forward to my new life. (my improved health):scared:

It's Sunday and surgery seemed to have gone good. All is done and here I sit two days post operative. Everything went by really fast. No time to have second doubts. Check in at 11am. Called me in at 12, changed into gown, IV set and rolled me in to the op room by 12:35. One big set back. I have cold symptoms that have made me struggle with pain a bit more. The coughing is annoying. But everytime phlem comes up I feel proud that I had the strengh to pull it out of my lungs. I've been walking around the house. Although at the hospital I walked alot more. Even when I couldn't sleep. (like 2am) I would get up and walk around with my mom or nurse. I stayed a little over 23 hours. I would have stayed another night if they let me. But my doc said I was ready to go. I have 6 incisions. My port is on the middle left side. I haven't been hungry at all. But I've been sipping water to prevent any dehydration. I'm a bit scared of that happening to me. My sister, diana and my mom have been extremely supportive. I feel I'm babied, but it feels good. Mentally I know i have to try and be strong, cuz once they leave it's all up to me. I'm so glad this piece of my journey is in the past. I feel proud to have overcome these past three days. I look forward to my new life. (my improved health)

Busy day. I feel like my marathon has started. Early this morning I had my pre-op. All final arrangements with my surgeon have been done. They even gave me a surprise pop quiz. They said my score was excellent. It was about general bariatric surgery knowledge. I am scheduled for July 13, 2007 at 2:30 pm. THIS FRIDAY!! I have to continue with my liquid diet. Thursday I need to drink 2 magnesium citrates and do clear liquids. Then nothing after midnight. I bought my last necesary items. Like a robe and slippers for my hospital stay. I was told that I would be kept overnight for observation. I'm ok with that. I feel safe in hands of nurses. Plus, I would be easy access to my doctor, since I live 45 mintues away from the hospital. My nurse said that I had lost 20 pounds since my visit. Wow, I was happy about that, but my scale at home is different. It only said 16. Overall I feel energized and alot more flexiable. I have to start taking vitamin C and zinc. I already have my post-op prescriptions. I will fill those up on wednesday. Thursday morning I have to go register at the hospital. It will give me something to do. I need to keep busy. The nurse needs to fill out my FMLA form so that I can be off for 3 weeks. She promised sometime this week. My mom has been excellent. I love her support, encourgement and company.

Busy day. I feel like my marathon has started. Early this morning I had my pre-op. All final arrangements with my surgeon have been done. They even gave me a surprise pop quiz. They said my score was excellent. It was about general bariatric surgery knowledge. I am scheduled for July 13, 2007 at 2:30 pm. THIS FRIDAY!! I have to continue with my liquid diet. Thursday I need to drink 2 magnesium citrates and do clear liquids. Then nothing after midnight. I bought my last necesary items. Like a robe and slippers for my hospital stay. I was told that I would be kept overnight for observation. I'm ok with that. I feel safe in hands of nurses. Plus, I would be easy access to my doctor, since I live 45 mintues away from the hospital. My nurse said that I had lost 20 pounds since my visit. Wow, I was happy about that, but my scale at home is different. It only said 16. Overall I feel energized and alot more flexiable. I have to start taking vitamin C and zinc. I already have my post-op prescriptions. I will fill those up on wednesday. Thursday morning I have to go register at the hospital. It will give me something to do. I need to keep busy. The nurse needs to fill out my FMLA form so that I can be off for 3 weeks. She promised sometime this week. My mom has been excellent. I love her support, encourgement and company.

Finally my waiting period is coming to an end. My insurance has approved and I have been scheduled for surgery July 13, 2007. It also happens to be on a Friday. Once all :)my paperwork had been submitted to Cigna, it took about two weeks to hear from my doctor's office with good news. Monday July 9, I go and sign consents with my surgeon, pay fees (1500-surgeon, 500 anesthesiologist) and register in admitting (MountainView Hospital). I've been trying to stay on full liquids for the past two weeks. It's hard. I've kept myself busy as much as I could to avoid the thought of hunger. Cuz it's extremely strong. I haven't been doing good with the protein shakes. The taste is not good. I hate to say it, but they make me gag. I've tried several different kinds. I've got two more kinds to try out. The last one I bought was the whey protein powder. I can blend fruit juice with that. Maybe that will be my shake solution. I go see my psychologist this evening. It's a pre-op visit to mentally prepare myself. I have several questions for him. Like how do deal with depression afterwards, if it so happens. And how to deal with not having food as my comfort. Stuff like that. And something very important that I've learned about myself; I'm greedy with food. And I found out that I've been that way for a long time, just never noticed it. I know now that it's something I have to overcome. Is it related to growing up as the middle child of five in a low income family? Well, let's just see what we talk about during my appointment. Glad my mom is already here and plans on staying long term.

Finally my waiting period is coming to an end. My insurance has approved and I have been scheduled for surgery July 13, 2007. It also happens to be on a Friday. Once all :)my paperwork had been submitted to Cigna, it took about two weeks to hear from my doctor's office with good news. Monday July 9, I go and sign consents with my surgeon, pay fees (1500-surgeon, 500 anesthesiologist) and register in admitting (MountainView Hospital). I've been trying to stay on full liquids for the past two weeks. It's hard. I've kept myself busy as much as I could to avoid the thought of hunger. Cuz it's extremely strong. I haven't been doing good with the protein shakes. The taste is not good. I hate to say it, but they make me gag. I've tried several different kinds. I've got two more kinds to try out. The last one I bought was the whey protein powder. I can blend fruit juice with that. Maybe that will be my shake solution. I go see my psychologist this evening. It's a pre-op visit to mentally prepare myself. I have several questions for him. Like how do deal with depression afterwards, if it so happens. And how to deal with not having food as my comfort. Stuff like that. And something very important that I've learned about myself; I'm greedy with food. And I found out that I've been that way for a long time, just never noticed it. I know now that it's something I have to overcome. Is it related to growing up as the middle child of five in a low income family? Well, let's just see what we talk about during my appointment. Glad my mom is already here and plans on staying long term.

Saw my surgeon today. He was not happy with me. I had not lost weight but had gained six pounds since I last saw him in Feburary. "What happened to the nutritionist?" he asked. I sat there silent with nothing to say. Then with embarrassment my face blushed. "We need to prepare for surgery starting now." he said. I do plan on preparing two weeks ahead. But I guess the earlier the better. I've been eating very, very bad things. Almost like saying good bye, farewell to my little best friends. No more. Preparation starts now. So if I really want this surgery I need to go full swing starting now. It's past 7pm and I have stopped eating. Tomorrow I will capture a new day and work with it. I've walked about 15 mins. today. Hopefully everyday will be some. No changes on my behalf then no surgery for me. That's how I told my surgeon. If I can't get 15 pounds off before surgery (hopefully in one month two weeks) then why go into this with a false promise. By surprise I find out that the office had submitted paperwork to my insurance. what? I haven't even finished my six months with my doctor. Remember six months requirement. oh. no. now it's just under review. The head nurse said she would submit the rest of the paper work after my last doctors visit. I hope they didn't ruin my chances of getting approved. Potential date: July 13, on a friday.:straight

Saw my surgeon today. He was not happy with me. I had not lost weight but had gained six pounds since I last saw him in Feburary. "What happened to the nutritionist?" he asked. I sat there silent with nothing to say. Then with embarrassment my face blushed. "We need to prepare for surgery starting now." he said. I do plan on preparing two weeks ahead. But I guess the earlier the better. I've been eating very, very bad things. Almost like saying good bye, farewell to my little best friends. No more. Preparation starts now. So if I really want this surgery I need to go full swing starting now. It's past 7pm and I have stopped eating. Tomorrow I will capture a new day and work with it. I've walked about 15 mins. today. Hopefully everyday will be some. No changes on my behalf then no surgery for me. That's how I told my surgeon. If I can't get 15 pounds off before surgery (hopefully in one month two weeks) then why go into this with a false promise. By surprise I find out that the office had submitted paperwork to my insurance. what? I haven't even finished my six months with my doctor. Remember six months requirement. oh. no. now it's just under review. The head nurse said she would submit the rest of the paper work after my last doctors visit. I hope they didn't ruin my chances of getting approved. Potential date: July 13, on a friday.:straight

I'm heading into May. Two more office visits and I should be ready to submit all my evidence to my insurance. I haven't lost weight. I've gained four pounds. And that's from all the bad food I've had. I keep thinking that I will no longer have that privledge so might as well enjoy it for the last time. I've been allowing myself to have diet pepsi. But every time I have it I think to myself remember the taste and the feeling of the carbonation because soon this will only be a memory. I will be on a pre-op diet two weeks before surgery even if my surgeon doesn't require one. I feel like cleansing away all the chemicals. Fresh for a new begining. I'm starting to become anxious. Starting to concern myself with the question of who will be my support person. I would love for my mom to be by side. Although I tend to become more childish and that strong inner women within me disappears. I also don't want my mom to go thru this struggle with me. She doesn't deserve to be overworked and worried with the responsiblity of being my caregiver. She's been extremely supportive for the past two years in preparation of this surgery. But there's no way I would do this and not include her. I desire that motherly love, her beautiful unselfishness and her warm words of encouragement. I really hope she can be here with me. love you mami.

I'm heading into May. Two more office visits and I should be ready to submit all my evidence to my insurance. I haven't lost weight. I've gained four pounds. And that's from all the bad food I've had. I keep thinking that I will no longer have that privledge so might as well enjoy it for the last time. I've been allowing myself to have diet pepsi. But every time I have it I think to myself remember the taste and the feeling of the carbonation because soon this will only be a memory. I will be on a pre-op diet two weeks before surgery even if my surgeon doesn't require one. I feel like cleansing away all the chemicals. Fresh for a new begining. I'm starting to become anxious. Starting to concern myself with the question of who will be my support person. I would love for my mom to be by side. Although I tend to become more childish and that strong inner women within me disappears. I also don't want my mom to go thru this struggle with me. She doesn't deserve to be overworked and worried with the responsiblity of being my caregiver. She's been extremely supportive for the past two years in preparation of this surgery. But there's no way I would do this and not include her. I desire that motherly love, her beautiful unselfishness and her warm words of encouragement. I really hope she can be here with me. love you mami.

It's mid February and I find myself busy. It seems that I will go thru six months of preparation, again. :embarassed: My former physicain, from my old insurance doesn't feel right releasing me for surgery since I haven't seen her in the last 3 months. Found a primary physician who is willing to care for me thru my weight loss journey and willing to work with my surgeon. I've seen her twice (jan/feb) and found her to be extremely helpful and excited about my health. I have done my psych evaluation this past month. It was a different experience. Was told that I might have some anxiety. Maybe a bit more now, going thru this process. I can continue going to therapy if I want. It felt good talking and explaining myself to someone who seemed so interested in my life. I do plan on it. Don't think it would hurt. Tomorrow morning I will go get an upper GI series and pulmonary function test done. Maybe stick in a yoga class afterwards. One important thing I need to do. Schedule in with a new nutritionist.

It's mid February and I find myself busy. It seems that I will go thru six months of preparation, again. :embarassed: My former physicain, from my old insurance doesn't feel right releasing me for surgery since I haven't seen her in the last 3 months. Found a primary physician who is willing to care for me thru my weight loss journey and willing to work with my surgeon. I've seen her twice (jan/feb) and found her to be extremely helpful and excited about my health. I have done my psych evaluation this past month. It was a different experience. Was told that I might have some anxiety. Maybe a bit more now, going thru this process. I can continue going to therapy if I want. It felt good talking and explaining myself to someone who seemed so interested in my life. I do plan on it. Don't think it would hurt. Tomorrow morning I will go get an upper GI series and pulmonary function test done. Maybe stick in a yoga class afterwards. One important thing I need to do. Schedule in with a new nutritionist.

It's the first day into 2007 and no band. Good and bad news: Right before making an appt to see the surgeon for the first consultation, our company announced changes in our health insurance. Now we have Cigna, whose benefit plan states that the band is covered under an HCA facility. Lucky me! Here I had gone thru a 7 month program requirement by my primary; physican/nutristionist/excercise/lab program. Now with this new insurance I have to be under supervision for 6 months. Like starting all over again. I have to find a new primary, HCA affiliated surgeon and HCA facility. I've talked to Cigna and there might be a chance that if I provide proper documentation of my previous program that it might be taken into consideration for individuals with lifelong morbid obesity. I will do everything they ask. Even it takes six more months I will do it. It's been a journey, but I've learned alot. Plus it's given me time to think things thru. Tomorrow I start my search for providers. At least I know what to expect with a physician-directed weight-management program. just waiting

It's the first day into 2007 and no band. Good and bad news: Right before making an appt to see the surgeon for the first consultation, our company announced changes in our health insurance. Now we have Cigna, whose benefit plan states that the band is covered under an HCA facility. Lucky me! Here I had gone thru a 7 month program requirement by my primary; physican/nutristionist/excercise/lab program. Now with this new insurance I have to be under supervision for 6 months. Like starting all over again. I have to find a new primary, HCA affiliated surgeon and HCA facility. I've talked to Cigna and there might be a chance that if I provide proper documentation of my previous program that it might be taken into consideration for individuals with lifelong morbid obesity. I will do everything they ask. Even it takes six more months I will do it. It's been a journey, but I've learned alot. Plus it's given me time to think things thru. Tomorrow I start my search for providers. At least I know what to expect with a physician-directed weight-management program. just waiting

A little over two years now, deciding, preparing, saving and educating myself on the tool that will help me. I reached the most unhealthy, most depressing stage in my life. I can no longer let my body control me. I have to take charge. I feel so, so tired. I have started by disclosing all my health issues with my family and friends. One of the hardest things for me to do is admit that I need help. I bought a scale. It took me about six months to convince myself and three trips to the store to purchase it. I'm guessing there was denial. I didn't want to admit that I had reached the 300 mark. I've gained six pounds after seeing the nutritionist for the four past months. I know what is good and what is bad. But I allow myself to eat. Lately my excuse has been that it will probably be one of the last times. I've stayed away from buffets, which were my downfalls, can't leave till my tummy hurts. I'm waiting for my niece to visit me later this month, so I can celebrate around the buffet table for the last time. In two more weeks I start my pre-op testing so that my primary physician can release me. And my last nutrionist visit.

A little over two years now, deciding, preparing, saving and educating myself on the tool that will help me. I reached the most unhealthy, most depressing stage in my life. I can no longer let my body control me. I have to take charge. I feel so, so tired. I have started by disclosing all my health issues with my family and friends. One of the hardest things for me to do is admit that I need help. I bought a scale. It took me about six months to convince myself and three trips to the store to purchase it. I'm guessing there was denial. I didn't want to admit that I had reached the 300 mark. I've gained six pounds after seeing the nutritionist for the four past months. I know what is good and what is bad. But I allow myself to eat. Lately my excuse has been that it will probably be one of the last times. I've stayed away from buffets, which were my downfalls, can't leave till my tummy hurts. I'm waiting for my niece to visit me later this month, so I can celebrate around the buffet table for the last time. In two more weeks I start my pre-op testing so that my primary physician can release me. And my last nutrionist visit.