Carol1
I have chosen a surgeon, arranged to attend his next information session, and checked with my insurance company to make sure they cover WLS. Now I am trying to get as much information as possible to make the best decision for myself.
4/7/06 What an incredible site this is! I have made a couple of posts in the Lap Band forum asking questions and have gotten so much help and great information. I am going to my doctor's information seminar on the 20th and am eager to meet him and learn more about his practice and processes. My PCP and Rheumatologist are very supportive. I feel hopeful and nervous both.
4/10/06 Today I finally connected with Dr. Snyder's office after several exchanged voice mails. Now I am officially set up to attend the information seminar on 4/20. I have told very few people about my interest in WLS and specifically the Lap Band. I have been hearing things like: "I know people who have had that and gained all their weight back" and "Why don't you just keep dieting?" and "You aren't that fat!". Argh!!! I know that some people gain the weight back if they don't use their new tool correctly. I HAVE dieted....for 30 years and have tried every hair brained plan out there, as well as most of the legitimate ones. I AM that fat!!! And I am tired of being fat. There has not been anything in my life that I have not been able to accomplish through guts and determination....except controlling my weight. What I need is help and support to make that a success for me as well. That is why I am going through this process of exploration and doing tons of research and chatting with the good people on the OH site. : )
4/20 This evening Chuck and I attended Dr. Snyder's information seminar. I could not believe how many people were there! It was a whole room full of obese folks like myself who were there looking for hope and answers. Some of the Doc's post op patients were there to talk a bit about themselves and their experiences. I was on the verge of tears the whole time. So much of what I heard resonated with me. I have no doubt that in the morning I will call and make an appointment for a consultation and request the packet of forms to get started with everything that needs to be done. I am also feeling certain that the Lap Band is the best option for me.
4/25 Hooray! I finally got an appt. with the Doc. I had to leave 2 voice mails and wait 3 days for a call back, which sort of concerns me. I am hoping that once I get into the "system" I will not have so much trouble getting through to the office. Now that I have this appt. it is beginning to feel much more real. My daughter, who is heavier than I am is beginning to express an interest for herself so I am passing along whatever information I can to her. I am encouraging her to visit OH and look at the doctor's web site to begin her own journey to decide if this is a path she wants to take. Maybe she will just wait for me to be the guinea pig! That is okay, I am the mom. : )
5/6/05 I have spent the past 3 hours filling out the paperwork for my consult appointment. My gosh! What a lot of information!! Something that really amazed me is while listing all of the weight loss methods I have tried I came up with 42 different ways I have attempted to lose weight. Some "legitimate" like my 8 tries at Weight Watchers. Some totally ridiculous. Like appetite suppressant drops and spray flavored like chocolate. No wonder the kooks in the diet industry have made fortunes. I have been a desperate sucker for many stupid things. How embarassing!!! Anyway, I am taking the time to really complete all the forms to the best of my recollection. What a way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
5/17/06 I had my surgical consult with Dr. Snyder today. I really liked him a lot! He agrees that the Lap Band would be a good choice for me. I have also completed the bariatric dietician appointment, got my blood work, and met with the shrink. Scheduled are appointments for a pulmonary work up, and stomach scope. I am awaiting an appointment for an echocardiogram. Getting all of these appointments done and gathering the paperwork together is monumental! I still have to get the letter of medical need from my PCP and some additional documentation of weight loss attempts. I got records from my Rheumatologist already. I don't expect the Doc's office to be able to submit my paperwork to the insurance until the second week of June. Then the real wait will begin! I am excited and hopeful, but also nervous! I feel like I have done hours and hours of research. The obesityhelp.com site is so helpful! Everyone is so willing to share information. I am learning so much!!
6/9/06 Today I had the last of my consults/tests completed. I had the EGD with Dr. Linkow. I was so nervous. Unreasonably so! Not about the procedure but about the sedation. I have had some unpleasant experiences with it in the past. For all of you who are facing this procedure and as nervous as I was, let me assure you that the idea was much worse than the actual event. My surgeon's office has contacted the insurance company for the pre-certification and now the wait begins. I am eager to get approved and have a date set!
6/12/06 WHOOO HOOOO!!! I got a letter from the insurance company today saying they approved it!!! Wow, that was much faster than I ever imagined it would get approved. I immediately called and left a message with Dolly at Dr. Snyder's office for her to call me so I can get a date set. I am so excited!!
6/13/06 Today I got my surgery date! It is July 6th. I wrote an email to some members of my family and decided that rather than rewriting some of the things that I wanted to post here I would just post the letter. I wrote:
After 30 years of struggling to lose weight, only to lose a little and regain time and again, I decided to investigate weight loss surgery. It is a drastic step and by no means a quick and easy “fix”, but I felt that at the age of 53 if I had not been successful I probably needed some significant intervention. I started looking into this some months ago.
There are several types of procedures, but the RNY (gastric bypass) and the Lap Band are the two most common. I originally thought that the RNY would be a good choice, but after many many hours of research I chose the Lap Band. The loss is not as quick or dramatic as with the RNY but I believe it is a much healthier and saner way to go. Here is some information on the procedure if you are interested http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/LapBand/about.html.
The process of getting from research to actual surgery is an arduous one. I had many consults and tests. I was required to see a Bariatric Dietician for nutritional evaluation (I am not eating enough calories to maintain or gain this weight!) Cardiologist (echocardiogram and stress test were normal), Pulmonologist (slight asthma but no major breathing problems) Gastroenterologist (stomach scope and biopsies…moderate hiatus hernia and some erosion, but essentially okay), Shrink (not completely nuts) Rheumatologist (see him regularly and have an escalation in joint issues, endorsement for surgery) Primary Care Physician (lab work and endorsement for surgery) Bariatric Surgeon (had consult, he thinks I am a good candidate).
After the mountains of documentation were compiled, it was all submitted for insurance approval last Thursday. On Monday I received an approval letter from the insurance company!!!! I could not believe how quickly I got approved. This morning I got a surgery date which is Thursday, July 6th. I am elated and scared and hopeful and nervous and excited and eager.
6/21/06 Today I had pre-op appointments both with my surgeon and at the hospital. The nurse at the hospital was so nice and friendly and said "aren't you excited?!" I felt so comfortable with her and the fact that she sees what I am doing as a wonderful life changing experience. She knew all about what Dr. Snyder wants for his patients. I had blood drawn, UA, EKG and a ton of the usual questions. She talked about how I would feel after surgery and showed me the "blow machine" that I will use, explaining that "Dr. Snyder likes his patients sitting UP when they use this!" Then I went over to see the good Doc. He was so reassuring and answered all of my questions. I asked if I was his first surgery of the day and he said 'yes', I said, 'well good, then you will be fresh' he said 'nope, I will be hung over!' I told him if he was my sister would slap the sh*t out of him! We had a good laugh! I like so much how he talks about this being a serious situation and expecting me to have done my research and given it a lot of thought. He says he doesn't want to do surgery on anyone who isn't nervous because that would mean they don't "get it". He has a great sense of humor but he is also a serious professional and that gives me a sense of security. I told him if he would take good care of me and do everything necessary to get me through the surgery and on my way to better health that I would do what he tells me I need to do. We are in this together! Anyway, I left feeling upbeat and positive and happy to be getting on with it. Tomorrow is my nutrition class and then that should be all the appointments before the big day. What a journey this has been so far, and in many ways it is just beginning!
7/4/06 I am two days out from surgery and have started my clear liquid diet. Today has been an emotional day for me. I have not cried for a long time but today I am very tearful. It is a combination of feelings. I am having anxiety but not panic, fears but not doubts. In many ways I am just reacting to the fact that I am undergoing a life altering experience that will lead me to better health and increased happiness. In a way I am celebrating my own personal Independence Day! I feel overwhelmed with trying to get everything done before surgery. The nature of my work means that I can't take a week or two off, only a day or two. Since I work from home I am believing that I can work and still take frequent breaks. Right now I am finishing up things that I need to do so I don't feel so stressed. With the help of God and my family I will get through this just fine and start life again on the losing side.
7/7/06 I am home. My surgery went off without a glitch yesterday morning at 7:30 am. I have a tendency to be very sleepy after anesthesia so my trip down to do the swallow and fluoroscopy was a bit of a challenge. I couldn’t focus my eyes and could barely stand! I also had some post op nausea. Three shots later my tummy was no longer upset and thank goodness I didn’t give them back the barium! Because my oxygen levels were low on room air, especially when I dozed, I spent the night. However, I am really glad I did since I had some pain and couldn’t sleep. I had various drugs that probably should have been able to fell a bull elephant, but I didn’t seem to respond. Go figure! Finally around 3:00 in the morning I fell asleep with a heating pad and additional narcotics. That lasted till about 5:30. I have been walking and using the voldyne machine as required. I am coughing up some ugly stuff from my lungs, but basically doing well. I am having a little bit of a struggle with getting all fluids in this evening, but am really working on sipping sipping sipping! During the band placement I did have a hiatal hernia repair so I think that is adding to my discomfort, but I can’t say I am in tremendous pain, more like discomfort if that makes sense. I actually did the best sleeping in a recliner in the hospital so am going to try my “fainting couch” at home for at least naps. I will need to use oxygen for the next week when I am very quiet or sleeping but that is no big deal.
I am thrilled to be in “band land” I feel overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the support I have received and for the opportunity to change my life. When I think that I no longer have to be fat I am just so very thankful. Dr. Snyder and Pete and the nurses were awesome. I had great treatment. Everyone was sensitive, non judgmental and caring. My sister, who is a Nurse Practitioner and has sent patients to the Great Doc was there with me. After I was in the stage I recover room he went to talk to her and Chuck and took her back to see me as I was barely aware. He showed her my incisions and did a little explanation. Then he went back to the waiting room and actually took the time to draw out for she and Chuck the way he repaired my hernia. What a guy!
I am so very blessed! This is a miracle in the making!!!
7/20/06 Today I went for my 2 week check up. Wouldn't you know, the Doc and PA were still in surgery as the OR was backed up. I rescheduled for next Thursday. However, while I was there I did weigh myself. I just couldn't wait any longer! And.....voila.....11 pounds have now left my body!!! I know that some people lose more in the first couple of weeks but let me tell ya, I am thrilled! Dancing my not as big butt around the house!!!! I am so determined to do what I need to make this successful. Every time I see a post from someone who is a few days out and has eaten food that might damage their healing I am so sad and worried for them. I know for certain that I will make mistakes and eat in a way that is not according to the band rules from time to time. However, during this healing period I am commited to following directions so that I don't jeopardize my healing process. God has provided me with this opportunity to get healthier and I am so very grateful. With the help of God, my family and my friends I will do what I need to complete this journey.
7/26/06 I went to my post op appt. this afternoon and lost another 2 lbs. I am so excited about this! Hunger is becoming an issue and I am determined to do my best to deal with it and continue on with what needs to be done. Pete said I was healing very well and can swim in 1 more week which will be wonderful. I will go back in 3 weeks for my first fill. Life is good!!!
8/6/06 Today is my one month bandaversary. Since I am only recording weights from when I go to one of my docs I decided to measure and compare each month. From my starting measurements I have lost a total of 13 inches!! WHOO HOOO!!! My wonderful daughter in law was over with my precious grandsons yesterday to swim and was very complimentary about her perception of the "smaller" me. She is a sweetheart and a great supporter! I am thrilled to feel my clothes getting bigger! Right now I am still getting quite hungry but I have no real idea of how much I could eat at one time. I am being very cautious of continuing to eat small portions 5-6 times a day. Sometimes it feels like I have no restriction and other times I feel some tightness. I am just not willing to push my boundaries too much because I don't want to get into the habit of overeating and I still want to try to keep losing weight before my fills. What I do know is that I no longer feel a "soft stop". I don't think it is gone, I just think I am staying below the signal. I will continue to try my best to control my eating until I am truly restricted.
8/11/06 I went to see my Rheumatologist today and got weighed. I am now down 20 lbs in 5 weeks.! I am so happy about that and he was tremendously pleased...told me how proud he was of me. What a great feeling! I get my first fill on 8/15.
9/10/06 Sometimes life is unpredictable! The past month has been an emotional and physical roller coaster. Chuck's mom fell and sustained a head injury and we left Denver quickly to drive to Rochester, NY. We drove 1600 miles in 30 hours straight to get there as fast as possible. Driving was a much better option than flying because we had our car and were able to take all of our computer equipment so we could both keep working. We stayed 3 weeks. This means that I missed my fill appointment and could not have one till last Tuesday. Because Mom had another complication we thought we may have to get back in the car and head east again.
Pete did my fill and suggested being very conservative in case I needed to leave again very soon and he didn't want me to have any problems with being too tight. He put in just 2cc in my VG band. I don't have any restriction, but luckily Mom is improving again and I am going to get another fill on 10/19. The past couple of weeks have been very difficult in terms of hunger. I have felt like I could gnaw my arm off! I also have not been exercising like I need to. While out of town I did pretty well but confess that on some occasions ate more than I should have. Anyway, I gained back 1 lb. but that is gone now. I am being very careful with what I eat, which is easier to do at home, and trying hard to be a good bandster while I get through this period of time before having restriction. I want so much to make this work well!
I have noticed a lot of changes in my clothes, which is very exciting. Like everyone, I understood the part about not really being in the weight loss mode till good restriction was achieved, but wanted to lose well anyway!! I am pleased with the loss I have had and am eager for much more....it is just hard to be patient.
9/19/06 Today I went for my second fill. I have a VG band and the typical first fill is 2 cc with the second being 3 cc. Since my first fill was conservation in case I had to leave town again suddenly the second one was going to be a bit more aggressive. Instead of the 2 cc then 3 cc I had the 2 cc first, so got 3 cc this morning. OMG!!!! I could not drink water!!! Fortunately I knew of this immediately so had .5 cc removed while still there. We were not sure if I was still too tight or not, but now that it is evening I am certain I need a bit more taken out. I am having trouble getting in enough fluids and couldn't even begin to think about softs although strangely enough my stomach is growling and I am feeling hungry. It is an odd sensation since I have NO interest in eating!! The good news....I could be close to good restriction with a bit less! More good news...I managed to lose 2 more lbs. I expect to be back in the office again tomorrow for more fill taken out. What a learning experience this is~~!
9/20/06 I was back in the office this morning for more fill to be removed. Last night was tough as every time I tried to sip water I hurt. However, I know this is a process so undiscouraged I went back for help. Pete removed 1 cc and I went back out to the waiting room to sip. Still too tight. Kim was there so she took out another 1 cc and now I am at 2.5 cc, a mere 1/2 cc more than I was before the second fill. Aparently I am someone who needs to take things very slowly. I am still on liquids so have no sense of what type of restriction I may have at this point. Something wonderful occured overnight.....I dropped another 3 lbs. It may be water but I'll take it!!!
9/29/06 Well for the first 3 days after having the unfill and getting to what seemed like good restriction it was wonderful! Exactly what I had hoped for. However, that was short lived and now I feel like I need to get another bit put in. Just to make sure I went and weighed at the doc's since that is the scale I am going by. I only lost one pound, so with the fact that I am not going long between meals without feeling hungry and I am able to eat more than I want to get to "not hungry" I do think I need a bit more. I loved the feeling I had for those few days and hope I can get it again. I have an appt. on 10/3. I am keeping my fingers crossed!
10/7/06 I had another fill of .5cc on Tuesday and feel like I have some restriction but may need another small "tweak". Yesterday I went to my Rheumatologist and found that I have lost another 2 lbs. Hooray!!! I was feeling stuck so that is great news for me. Today I also took my measurements and was astonished to find that I have lost a total of 22 3/4 inches!!!! I am wearing smaller sizes and feeling great about that. When I went to surgery I was wearing 3x and 22w in most things and now I am wearing 18w, even some 16w pants and jeans and 2x with a couple of 1x thrown in!!! I really am amazed at how many inches I have lost just from those 28 lbs. I feel good and if these results weren't enough.....I am no longer diabetic!! The last Hemoglobin A1C's have been progressively lower and now I am well below the readings for diabetics. What a blessing!
10/11/06 I weighed at my PCP's office today and am down another 2 lbs! That is a total of 30. I think the last time I was able to lose 30 lbs together was about 23 years ago when I was anorexic for about a year. I lost a huge amount of weight and was quite ill. Now I am feeling great, looking forward to life and couldn't be more pleased with my progress. This is a miracle!
10/18/06 I went for my 3 month check up today and am down another 3 lbs!! I feel great but decided to have a bit more fill so Pete added another .5 making a total of 3.5cc. The miracle just keeps getting better!
