Matilda J.
May 14, 2007
It's been a very long time since I have updated. I'm down 87lbs.
November 22,2006After being by my dad's bed side through out his ordeal that lasted from January 1 through May 15, 2006, I decided to pursue this life changing experience. All of my life I have been overweight. In 1997 when we conceived our son, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. When he was born it just went away. In 1999 we conceived our daughter and again I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes except, this time it didn't go away. So I have been living with this silent killer going on seven years now. It's not been easy. My PCP keeps increasing my insulin dosage which has caused me to gain so much weight. I went to my PCP for the first referral to see a surgeon in May. All was going fine. I completed all of the requirements. I call to schedule my appointment to discuss the surgery date. The nurse said, "ok, you are having the lap-band procedure?" I told her I had discussed having the gastric by-pass procedure. She told me,"Dr. S ... has decided not to perform that surgery." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I had completed all the requirements and now it was all cancelled. I didn't give up, I searched for another surgeon. I attended his seminar and before I did everything he required I checked with the insurance to make sure he was fully covered. Found out that he was covered but the hospital was not. Yet another disappointment! We are in the month of July now. I just couldn't give up. I have tried so many diets and needless to say, I have failed at every one of them. Loosing, only to gain all that I had lost and more. I was determined to win this battle. I looked in this web site Obesityhelp.com and printed the list of surgeons. I started from the beginning checking every surgeon. Finally got to Reardon, Patrick Reardon and to my surprise he is covered by my insurance. We are well into September and my initial consultation was scheduled for September 23rd. So I come to his office located in the Houston Medical Center . Met with him and a couple of interns he has shadowing him. All went well. So here I go again. This time with faith that GOD will be with me all the way. On October 2nd I met with the psychologist, nutritionist, and an RN. I received a call from Dr. Reardon's office advising me that my test for H-pylori came back positive. This meant medication so I had to take a "PREVPAC" for 14 days. This medication contains - 1 prevacid, 1biaxin and 2 amoxicillin capsules- this twice a day. So many side effects. But I stuck to it. On October 17th I attended the Nutrition class that is required before my paperwork could be sent in to the insurance for approval. The lady that processes the insurance info told me it would take between 4 and 6 weeks for approval. I'm ready. I called the office on November 13th and she mentioned that they had received the approval from the insurance (Thanks and praise to GOD!!) So my surgery is scheduled for the 13th of December. I scheduled my EKG and blood work for the 17th of November. I went into the office and completed my pre admission paperwork, EKG(was normal) and blood work. I guess no call back is good news. I called my mom and sister to let them know about the surgery and the date. They along with my husband will be by my side on surgery day. I am a little nervous. Yesterday, I spoke to another "military wife" I met at the second surgeons seminar and she has had her surgery. She is 4 weeks out and says she feels great. She helped calm me down some. I'm looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with my entire family. Husband, children, mom, dad, all brothers and sisters. Wishing all a wonderful day!!
November 26,2006
Back in town now. Had a wonderful time with the family. Just waiting now.
December 10,2006
Just two more days !
January 26,2007
I know it's been a long time. So much has happened since my surgery. I just give thanks and praise to God that has given me this second chance at life. Thank You Dr. Reardon for doing a great job. Special thanks to Erica and Alex. I want to thank my family for being supportive. My mom (love her so much) she took care of me during my recovery. I felt like a baby again. She reminded me of how important it is to baby our babies. Thanks Mom. My sister, Thanks Lil! My husband- didn't know he knew how to do so many things. And my children- Alpha who keeps me in check reminding me of the fat in food and the benefits of eating healthy. And my baby Haddy for nurturing me and giving me some wonderful massages. I also want to thank all of my supportive co-workers (who I have realized become more than just co-workers)- they have become my motivators and support system. Thanks to all of you.
About the surgery- all went well no complications. I did get an infection three week after surgery. But I'm ok now. All I can say about the recovery is that -- we all pay somehow. Eating is no longer the highlight of my day. I never feel hungry (isn't that a wonderful feeling!) Since the date of my surgery i have lost about 48 lbs . I feel great. My insulyn intake before my surgery was 68u of Lantus and about 90u of Humalog. Now it's 10u Lantus and 10u of Humalog. That is a wonderful thing. I have only been able to make it into the gym once. Going back to work has been an adjustment. I hope to be in the gym at least 4 times a week starting in February.
Well this is all for now . I hope to update soon.
