Aunt Pam
Round #3..................................................................... C O M P L E T E !!!
03/13/2006 ............... Dr. Lauder ........................................... complete
04/06 & 12/2006 ....... Psychological Evaluation ........................ Complete but Dr Lauder needed a Dr to do it
06/05/2006 ............... Psychological Evaluation ........................ Complete
04/11/2006 ............... Sleep Apnea Study Consultation ............. Complete
04/23/2006 ............... Overnight Sleep Apnea Study ................. Complete
05/14/2006 ............... Overnight Sleep Apnea Study ................. Complete but pain level too high & could not sleep
06/04/2006 ............... Over night Sleep Apnea Study ................ Complete
05/18/2006 ............... Cardiology Consultation ......................... Complete
05/22/2006 ............... Cardiology Testing ................................ Complete
06/30/2006 ............... Insurance Approval .............................................. DONE
07/19/2006 ............... PreSurgery Appointment with Dr. Lauter .............. DONE
08/02/2006 ............... Surgery ............................................................ DONE!!!
Round #2
03/28/2005 - WLS Phone Intake/on University of Washington medicare waiting list
11/14/2005 - Had appointment for WLS with Dr. Oelschlager
11/16/2005 - Attended maditory Bariatric Surgery Seminar
12/05/2005 - Gallbladder Ultrasound (found some gallstones)
12/05/2005 - Upper G.I. (found I have a hernia)
12/05/2005 - Blood Work
12/05/2005 - Pulmonary Function Test (I can breath!)
12/19/2005 - Medicine Consult (passed EKG and all)
12/19/2005 - Nutrition Consult (got a helpful book about eating after wls)
12/19/2005 - Social Work Consult (I did it!)
01/26/2006 - Appointment with Dr. Flum (complete)
Round #1
May 2002 Dr. Webber did all th pre-surgery requirements, but did not "pass" the phycological eval.... (I was very depressed over my life-changing back injury)
Alittle about me....
I am 53 years old Masters level Counselor who has a back injury that has disabled me. I live with my husband of 33 years. I enjoy my children so very much, Rodleen(31) and Rudy(29). Rudy married a wonderful woman, Rhonda. I love being a mom and and Aunt Pam - I love children of all ages! I love to sing, crochet, and I love visiting to my family even if just by the phone. 
My Son, myself and my Daughter.
May- September 2002: I started the process for WLS doctors appointments, nutritionalist, blood work, etc. But due to my very painful back injury - which lead to the loss of my career, loss of our family income (I was the income provider), loss od insurance, and by then a deep depression - I was deemed not ready to under-go the surgry at that time. Purhaps the "nutty farm" instead! ha ha ha
03/2005
My primary care doctor suggested I start the WLS process again. Even though my back is in constant pain, I sit all day in my reclyner, I use a wheelchair, and I have developed type 2 diabetes - I DO HAVE my depression undercontrol. That is the one good thing!!! I am now on Medicare, so I need to go to the University of Washington Medical Center. After calling them and doing the intake interview by phone, I was told that there was a 6 month waiting list. I counted off the months. I only bothered them 3 times by phone to see if it was time yet! ha ha ha
I actually don't know how much I weigh (my scale says ERR), as my scales go up to 399.9 and above that it says "ERR". My height is a guess too, as I lost an inch after my two children's birth and some how with this back injury they seem to think I am even shorter.... I used to be 5"9" so I put I was 5' 7". I am very sure at my first appointment I will be weighted and measured. Infact, I used to have blond hair, now it is brown with streaks of white... oh the wisdom I gain each year!
OCTOBER 2005
10/12/2005
U of W Medical Center Called!!! I have my first appointment on November 14th!!! They needed me to sign a release of records and they'll send me a packet of info. I can not wait until my appointment. I continue to question if the wls will happen this time.. I am sure it will.
10/24/2005
I got the packet of information from the U Of W Medical Center today. I have glanced over the papperwork. It will be a breeze to fill out, as I have most of it done on their website all ready. I can not wait until November 14th - my appointment. I got a map and parking directions so I am ready now!
Had such a hard night last night with my pain level. I think I slept only 4 hours this morning. I am hoping to get to bed early.
10/27/2005
I talked with both my children today. My daughter and son are so excited and supportive about my decision to have the surgery. They want to help out in anyway they can. My daughter said she will be coming up to go with me for the surgery (she lives in California).
I also am so excited that Anna and I are starting a support group here in northern Snohomish county (Washington). There seems to be an interests. It will be good for me to be around others who are going through what I have chosen to go through.
This is a hard day... pain and emotional stuff.
10/30/2005
After reading several others profiles, I thought I might tell a bit about my weight history. I was born a normal weight. My parents were both very keen on having the perfect family - looking healthy, happy, and skinny! I never realy had a chance to be over weight as a child, I was on diets from as early as I recall...but then I do not think I was ever over wieght. I do remember developing large breasts and was amazed that my Dad thought they made me look so fat looking. I was 5"9" in the 6th grade and weighed 140 pounds. I stayed between 140 and 150 most of my teens and earily adulthood. After the birth of my daughter I weighed 160, but lost the extra pounds right away. Two years later I had my son and was bed ridden for the last 3 months of the pregnacy... I put on weight and after I delivered him c-section I weighed 210 pounds. From then it has been one diet after another gaining more - loosing and gaining more and more. Weight has been a tender issue with me.
11/14/2005
Appointment for WLS with Dr. Oelschlager at University of Washington Medical Center. The 2 hour appointment went well. They asked alot of questions and took alot of notes. I found out that I willnot have the surgery done by Dr. Oelschlager, as he only operates on smaller people who can have laproscopic surgery. I was a bet worried, but he asured me that they had two other doctors who did open surgrey. I now have a list of things I must complete before my next doctors appointment is scheduled. I liked the intern who "interviewed" me. She was so respectful and listened so well. And I found out how much I actually weighed, so now my BMI is correct.
11/18/2005
I have had quite a week.. for me anyway. I had the Bariatric Surgery Seminar on the evening of 11/16. My daughter-in-law too me... it was informative and fun to ride with Rhonda and visit. I am so thankful that Rhonda was willing to take me. (hour and half drive down there) The seminar seemed to be a review for me of most of the information, but it was given by a doctor - very nice. He especailly went over the risks in detail and spoke of why they insist on all the pre-surgery lab and counsultant work. I look forward to checking off all that I need done.
Yesterday (11/17) I had oral surgery to remove a embeded tooth. I was wiped out yesterday. I did not read the mail even! But today I did and saw I had some mail from the Socail Worker at U of W Medical.... my appointment!!! I am scheduled to go on 11/30/2005. I am not sure how I will get down there.. but I am so excited! Everything is moving along great! Not going now... sad but I can be patient.
DECEMBER 2005
12/12/2005
I sure get set back when I had that mouth surgery and all those appointments. I am doing better now. My back is at it's normal level of pain and I am finally sleeping better. I had good appointments even though I was so tired. My tooth - missing - has finally stopped hurting.... I do still have a bruise on my cheek from the oral surgery. I am looking forward to having my next set of appointments that will complete the pre-requirements for wls. I am so hoping to get doctors approval.
My daughter is coming for the holidays. My son and his wife invited me to a Christmas Party for the families they know that have children... I am so looking forward to it. I have completed most of my gifts and I am in the process of wraping and mailing them. I do have one more afgan to complete... I am currently doing the final border. I made the cutest stockings for my great-neices and nephews... all 22 of them! I love giving... it is my best... all year through.
12/22/2005
I had some great appointments with the Medical Consultant, Nutritionalist, and Socail Worker. I am beginning to understand the importance of learning the food process now. Guess I am to be on blendered foods at firsts with a special enhanced milk substance. I think cream of chicken and cocoa sound the best. Boy, I am always amazed at the technological advances in medical equiptment. I had an EKG which was remarkablly fast! The Social Worker was wonderful. She will be a great assistance if ever I have any concerns or questions. I felt very comfortable with her... maybe disclosed too much... ha ha ha! One thing I am going to watch is my reaction to praise as I loose weight to see if I go to old patterns of not wanting to llok good to anyone (ever since my rape - 1971 - have had this trouble). I am excited to go now to meet my doctor for wls.. Dr. Flum! Christmas is in just a couple days! I love life and even though I am in so much pain and have a cold.. I am so excited about the holiday season!
FEBRUARY 2006
2/2/2006
I have had a very mixed up time during January. Between my back pain, my computer breaking down, and my mishap over my first of the month appointment missed... I am finally back here.
I was so Happy to meet with Dr Flum last Friday. (I had to take a taxi, as I could not get anyone to take me.) I was weighed and lost 20 pounds. He had me sign all the pre-surgery release forms. He also informed me that he wants me to loose 50 pounds more before surgery. I was a bit surprized, but I will do this. I met also with the nurse, who went over all the pre surgery things I will need to do and post surgery things. Two showers before surgery using some kind of specail soap they will give me. Luckly they gave me everything in writing, as I could not remember everything that was told to me. I now need to meet with the nutritionalist to begin my new phaze of dieting pre surgery.
2/6/2006
My insurance is all mixed up since I changed it with this medicare confusion... I might have to write a letter to change back my insurance to what it was before the new year or find a new doctor.
Oh, sometimes I think just giving up would be the best...
2/13/2006
finally found a Doctor my isurance approves. I called and made an appointment with Dr. Lauder today! I'm having trouble getting through my pain and depression lately. I get so mad at myself.
MARCH 2006
03/01/2006
can't seem to get out my depression. Sometimes I think i am going crazy. darn it.... wish my back did not hurt so bad. I need this wls.
03/13/2006
Met with Dr. Lauder today, the only doctor in our area that is approved by my Secure Horizon Insurance. I am still not sure how the new Medicare requirementswill fit into my surgery. Dr. Lauders has more hoops for me to jump through. But first I asked him to send for the Insurance Approval. So I wait to hear, I hope this works out. Gosh, it sure seems that I run into alot of road blocks.
04/2006
I have been trying to get excited about having to redue all these testings. Yet I have to admit, I have been depressed. I found the sleep study extremely interesting. And the counseling appointments went very good. I have been tring to get hold of Dr Lauters office to review what else they might need me to do, hope I am about done.
MAY 2006
05/2005 gosh things are going so slow. Dr Lauder has me running around doing so many pre-wls appointments I am about going crazy.
May... my annual physical was due, I thought forsure I would have already had my wls by now.. gee. So had to have my colonoscopy, mamogram, blood work, pap, etc. I have seen more doctors and had more tests than anyone should ever have! And my mamogram showed some variances to last years, so on to another more involved mamogram type one at the hospital.
My depression is pretty bad right now. I seem to have alot on my shoulders these days. I am worried that my insurance now won't cover the surgry, my sister has termial cancer, too many doctors appointments, my pain level is so high lately - seems nothing I do flows easy for me.
JUNE 2006
06/01/2006
Happy June!!! I am hoping that the month of June will bring me completion for the pre-wls process. I have spent tonight looking over the memorial page - gosh that is enough to really make me think... is this right for me. But I have been planning this for a long time, thinking that is was the answer for my pain level. I will spend much time in prayer.
06/15/2006
Talked to Dr. Lauter's office and they are ready to turn in all the testing, etc to the insurance company. I am now hoping that Secure Horizons will approve the surgery. Kee your fingers crossed for me. Here is a picture of my garden outside the window.
06/26/2006
Every single day I go to my insurance page to see if they have processed my claim for wls.... still nothing. It has been about 11 days since Dr. Lauters office said they were going to send in the claim. Seems like my life is on hold. The only thing right now that seems in change mode is my back injury pain.... it is on a progressive pattern of getting worse.... just when I thought it was stagnet.
I have not heard from the sleep doctor regarding my last overnight study as of tonight. I always hate to keep calling the doctors.
The breast doctor decided to wait 6 months before they remove the growths. Maybe they think they might disolve themselves??? Who knows. But I was glad to not have to face that surgery. My sister had breast cancer and now has the last stages of bone cancer, according to her doctors. I need to get down to see her very soon. Which brings me back to being on hold with news of my wls.......
06/30/2006
Today I heard from Dr. Lauters office... they received the insurance approval today!!! and.... I have a wls date! August 2, 2006. I called my kids, my Mom, sister, and niece to let them know. This is some very good news for me. I weighted today and I am down 49 pounds since January when the other doctor told me to loose 50 pounds before wls.
07/19/2006
Just went to Dr. Lauters for my pre-wls appointment. My Mom and Dad came up to take me. It was so great seeing them and feeling their support. Ok this is what I found out. I check into Overlake Hospital at 6:30 am 08/02/06 that means that we will need to leave our home around 5:00 am or maybe earlier. I found out my son will take the day off to be there with me. My daughter is flying up on Monday to stay 2 weeks with me. Well, I am ready! Only 2 weeks until my wls date.
07/31/2006
Only 31 hours until I head down to the hospital for my operation. My daughter arrived today. My sister-in-law and her husband called today to remind me they will be there before my surgery. I am so glad that they will be with me to support me and be there with my children.
My son and his wife, my daughter and myself went out of supper at our favorite Amigo Resturant. Becuase I am on my presurgery eatting I have a chicken taco salad with no trimmings. It tasted so good. I have been having only soup and cereal here lately.
I called the hospital today to arrange the Chaplin to pray with me before my surgery. They were most happy to have that now on their calendar and even said they will check in with me after the surgery.
I am not packed yet, as I still am using most of what I want to take with me. I plan to not take too much.
Tomarrow I will measure my body for the officail measurements. I will use the weight at the hospital as the pre-surgery weight. It will be fun to keep track of my losses.
Until the loosing side..... prayers and thoughts fill my mind at this time. I love life and my family so much. I am Blessed!
AUGUST 2006
8/2/2006
Today is my weightloss surgery. I am ready. I am so blessed. God has me in his hands and is in control. I feel so good about this surgery and hopeful for the outcome... pain level decrease, improved quality of life, and weight loss. It excites me. I have had several family members call me today, we prayed, I felt their love and support. as I said before..... I am sooooooooo blessed!
8/31/2006
I had my surgery on August 2, 2006. My son and daughter and my sister-in-law and her husband were with me for my surgery. I was so glad they were there, such good support. My sugery lasted a bit longer that anticipated, guess my big tummy causes one more problem for Dr. Lauter before I get to say good bye to it! I do not remember walking up after the surgery, but They say I did. My daughter stayed with my all the time I was in the hospital. That night however I stopped breathing and was put in ICU. My daughter was so gald (as was I) that my sister-in-law and her husband were there right way to help comfort my daughter. I woke up then with my hands enclosed around those I love 5 days after my surgery still in ICU, but doing much better. They took ut my breathing tube and I was able to breath on my own! I had an OH Angel, Debbie that was terrific, the absolute best! I was honored to meet her family when they visited me. I hold them in a tender spot in my heart. I am not exactly sure what happened, but I had left God in charge, so He handled all of those fine details between my surgery and my waking up on Saturday.
My daughter did wonders after I came home. She made sure I was getting the right foods and liquids. She even pre made enough protien shakes to get me though the first 2 months. I have a freezer with little protien packed ice cubes to blender up. She helped get me to the doctors, where they decided to have a visiting nurse come three times a week to assit me after my daughter left. My daughter left for New Orleans on Augut 16th... I miss her greatly.
My nurse comes to clean my surgery wound and dress it. I am not happy that I have this wound that is not healing right, it is really gross to me. But I have learned to pack it and all on the days that the nurse does not come. I really like my nurse she brightens my day.
My husband is really hanging in there being a great care giver. He has been wonderful to me all along, but I seem to need extra since the surgery, as my energy level is low, my ablilty to stand has decreased and my painlevel is off the scale. He makes most of my "meals" as he did before and all the many, many things around the house he does, he is wonderful - I sure appreciate him alot.
This Saturday is one month from my surgery and it is our Support Group meeting. I will be so excited to share with everyone that I am now on the loosing side too!
I have not been able to weigh, as my scale broke! ha ha ha that is so ironic to me, as I use to only get ERRRRR.... now I get nothing. I bought a new one last night and shall keep everyone posted as soon as i know.
And next time you see me... you will be looking at one blessed lady!
9/25/2006
I am plugging along and I can feel I am getting better each day. My wound that has not totaly healed is really doing well, infact I think I will not have to continue with the care much longer, as it is now closed (but very tender). I am so slow to heal. I will see what the nurse says about going in the hot tub soon. My eating has gotten a bit more confusing now, as I am eating real food. gosh, it surprizes me how little I eat of solid foods. The soups, mashy foods I can eat more of. I am drinking a profic protien drink every morning. I find that I must eat portiens to keep myself from getting sick to my tummy. I do alot of throwing up after i excercise (I do so little, I would it would not bother me) especailly on days the physical therapist comes. My back pain still is a big factor in my life. I have lost some weight, but nothing like some of those on the boards.... being disabled has perhaps slowed down the loss of pounds, but I am so patient I can await my reward!
My mind blends the eclectic thoughts of the day.
So hard to focus on nothing, as thoughts race on.
Just as the dusk of my day blend to the night,
My mind sorts out and I know dreams are in sight.
Peace filled now, ready to live in my dream world,
Ready to be the one who can reach for her dreams.
My dreams' message is that it is hard to be me.
December 2006
I am back from my long trip to California to be with my sister. I had a wonderful time and treasure the memories we shared. It is hard for me to get baack into the swing of things with power outages and then Christmas. I am not sure why I always have to hand make all of my gifts, but this year was no exception... and I worked fast to complete everything.
I just went to the doctor a week before Christmas and weighted in my coat and shoes - I weighted 339! Eating is going fine, I am still having such pain that emeshes into every aspect of my life... darn it anyway.
I am totally feeling blessed - what a wonder my body is going through in all the slow changes.
