The Geek is in the house!

[DeniseNCC1701 306]

Hi everyone!

I’ve been lurking the message boards for awhile now, and I just wanted to take some time to introduce myself and share my story. This site has been extremely helpful in providing information and support. I’m very grateful it’s here, and even more grateful for all of you!

Like most of us, I’ve been overweight all my adult life. It started back in my teens. I’ve tried Weight Watchers several times, Nutrisystem, Ideal Protein, and I can’t even estimate the money wasted on gym memberships, diet pills, and exercise equipment.

In my early 40s, I was diagnosed as Type II Diabetic, and at the turn of this year, at 49 years old, I found myself on a dozen different medications for blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and arthritis. My weight was about 380 (highest recorded weight); I was depressed and felt like crap. The past several months had my bloodwork numbers spinning out of control. While I had considered WLS for several years, and I knew now was the time to admit defeat with conventional weight loss methods and take my efforts to the next level.

On Feb 4th, I had a consultation with a general surgeon I knew who does a lot of work on bariatric patients. He encouraged me to pursue the sleeve over the band. As my insurance does not offer bariatric coverage, I decided to proceed anyway as a self-pay. My surgery was scheduled on Feb 11th for Feb 24th, with pre-op testing (EKG, bloodwork and chest x-ray) on the 17th. On the 19th I had my pre-op visit with my PCP to review the tests. My EKG came back abnormal (!). Someone was smiling on me, as I was extremely lucky to get an appointment with a cardiologist later that morning. He wanted me to have a stress echo done. Again, being extremely lucky, I was able to have this done the next day, under the observation of another cardiologist who would render a “verdict” on the spot as to whether or not I could proceed with the surgery. I passed (*whew*), and surgery happened Monday, Feb 24th as scheduled.

I came home the next day (late afternoon), and the next three days were brutal. I had lots of chest pain and trouble breathing. I later realized was this was due to my chest muscles being all sore from being stretched out from the gas they pump you up with. By Saturday I was feeling better. That Monday (this past Monday, actually!) I returned to work. It’s now Friday and I’m looking forward to going on a fishing boat tomorrow. Monday I start boot camp 3x a week. I also transition from protein shakes/clear liquids to pureed/soft foods on Monday. I don’t think I’ve ever looked more forward to having scrambled eggs whites than I do right now. LOL.

I am one of the lucky ones, and I feel very blessed. I have issues with loose bowels, but a little Keopektate goes a long way.

I live in northern NJ, and love to saltwater fish, mostly on party boats. I’ve never been married, and I do not have children. I have a beagle named Rosie. I love to travel, and my favorite place is Ambergris Caye, Belize. I’m also a big geek who loves Star Trek and Lord of the Rings. I’m really looking forward to being more active, but most important, being more healthy!

[mommyof3sweetboys 67]

Congratulations on your new lease on life- I am pre surgery (it is on Monday) but I have been hanging around on here for quite a while. Nice to "meet" you!

[catered1 22]

Welcome and way to go. You'll find this is the best thing you've ever done. I am 4 months out. And already loving the new me. I had some of your same issues like arthritis, heart skipping, blood pressure. I am now down to 1/3 of my blood pressure meds, very, very few heart palpatations, and this winter have not taken any medication for my arthritis. It's still there but now I can manage with out medicine for pain. I was taking 800mg. ibprofen 3 times a day in the winter and none this year. I too live in the East and it has been cold, cold, cold which kills my joints. Welcome and take care.

[Water Nazi 61]

Hi Denise and welcome!

Congrats and wishing you success.

Did you run Boot Camp by your Dr?

Boot Camp seems pretty aggressive for only 10 days post-op.

I was told to wait 6 wks before going to yoga.

Just my 2 cents. Best of luck.

W.

[DeniseNCC1701 306]

Hi Water Nazi!

Yep, I met with my surgeon yesterday, and he said boot camp would be OK. The people who run the boot camp are aware of my situation and will look after me, too… I'm sure. At 350+ lbs and in dreadful shape, I don't imagine I will be able to do much at first anyway.