Cari W.
More of the journey
Oct 26, 2007
I had my one month post-op check up this week. It went really well. My pain is gone for the most part. Every once in awhile I will feel a twinge of pain in my left side, but it's very minimal.
I am down to 215...so that's 28 pounds. Pretty exciting. I can see it in certain parts of my body and definitely in my clothes. I swear, I can't get enough of the compliments. lol Especially when I haven't seen someone in awhile. I have several coworkers that are on different floors, that I may not see for a week or two. And then when they see me, they tell me how great I look. That feels good.
It's amazing how much I am changing, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. I have more confidence than I have ever had and just feel so happy and full of life. It is so different for me. I have so much further to go, but I feel like I have come along way in just 5 weeks.
I am still dating. I am not seeing the guy that I spoke of last time anymore. I know, I know, that was short lived! He was extremely arrogant and that got old very quickly. So I have moved on from that. I have this friend that I have been friends with for 8 or 9 months. We are really good friends and talk about everything. I have never been interested in dating him even though he has tried many times. I hung out with him last night and it's like I saw a totally different person. I had these feelings that I have never had before with him. I can't even explain it. It's like all of a sudden I could really see him...sounds silly. I have no idea what will happen at this point. But I guess I will find out soon enough.
I am down to 215...so that's 28 pounds. Pretty exciting. I can see it in certain parts of my body and definitely in my clothes. I swear, I can't get enough of the compliments. lol Especially when I haven't seen someone in awhile. I have several coworkers that are on different floors, that I may not see for a week or two. And then when they see me, they tell me how great I look. That feels good.
It's amazing how much I am changing, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. I have more confidence than I have ever had and just feel so happy and full of life. It is so different for me. I have so much further to go, but I feel like I have come along way in just 5 weeks.
I am still dating. I am not seeing the guy that I spoke of last time anymore. I know, I know, that was short lived! He was extremely arrogant and that got old very quickly. So I have moved on from that. I have this friend that I have been friends with for 8 or 9 months. We are really good friends and talk about everything. I have never been interested in dating him even though he has tried many times. I hung out with him last night and it's like I saw a totally different person. I had these feelings that I have never had before with him. I can't even explain it. It's like all of a sudden I could really see him...sounds silly. I have no idea what will happen at this point. But I guess I will find out soon enough.
LOOONG Time, No Post
Oct 08, 2007
I have been REALLY bad about updating my profile. Let's see, I am three weeks post-op today and doing really well. I have started eating real foods as of yesterday, and so far I haven't had any problems. Since surgery, I have become lactose intolerant. I will see if this goes away; only time will tell. I do take lactose intolerance stuff before I have milk, and it helps some, but not completely. But honestly, that is my only problem thus far. This is so much better than the band, I can't even begin to tell you. Even my recovery was better!! Everytime I ate with the band, I worried about food coming back up. I also had that 'stuck' sensation that sucked...no more! It's awesome to be able to eat salad...I haven't been able to do that in years. Now granted, I can only eat VERY small portions(much smaller than the band) but I have been able to eat just about anything. I haven't tried sugar. I am going to assume that I dump, and leave it at that. I don't need to know at this point. I am afraid that I will get sick, and if I ever find out that I don't, then I will be tempted to eat it. Better safe than sorry!
My life has really returned to 'normal'. I don't feel like I had surgery 3 weeks ago. My sister and I have started our exercising again and it feels good. We are training to do a 5k on Thanksgiving, the 'Turkey Trot'. We are both excited about that. I have also met a new guy. He is super sweet and I am excited to get to know him better and learn more about him. Only time will tell.
Well I guess here is the part everyone really wants to hear about....my stats!
Started Pre-Op Diet 243
Day of Surgery 237
Today 222
Total loss = 21 Pounds!!!
My life has really returned to 'normal'. I don't feel like I had surgery 3 weeks ago. My sister and I have started our exercising again and it feels good. We are training to do a 5k on Thanksgiving, the 'Turkey Trot'. We are both excited about that. I have also met a new guy. He is super sweet and I am excited to get to know him better and learn more about him. Only time will tell.
Well I guess here is the part everyone really wants to hear about....my stats!
Started Pre-Op Diet 243
Day of Surgery 237
Today 222
Total loss = 21 Pounds!!!
2nd Consulation
Aug 30, 2007
Today was my 2nd consultation with Dr. Barker. I am getting super excited. 2.5 weeks until surgery!
Dr. Barker said today that my EGD on July 30th showed that I had a very significant slip and it's time for my band to come out...well I knew I was in pain for a reason. It's getting so annoying...I am so ready for it be out of me. I hate my freakin band.
Anyway, that's about it. I am so excited to have a four day weekend, I can't even stand it. I had a friend coming into town this weekend and he had to cancel at the last minute. I am secretly glad. I feel like I have been running around like a crazy woman. I am ready for a break.
Oh yeah, forgot to mention. I dumped the guy that I was dating. He turned out to be way too needy for me. We were only dating for 3 to 4 weeks and he CRIED when I ended it. Okay, seriously? Come on, 3 weeks and tears???? It was far from serious; we weren't even exclusive.
Have a great Labor Day Weekend.
Cari
Dr. Barker said today that my EGD on July 30th showed that I had a very significant slip and it's time for my band to come out...well I knew I was in pain for a reason. It's getting so annoying...I am so ready for it be out of me. I hate my freakin band.
Anyway, that's about it. I am so excited to have a four day weekend, I can't even stand it. I had a friend coming into town this weekend and he had to cancel at the last minute. I am secretly glad. I feel like I have been running around like a crazy woman. I am ready for a break.
Oh yeah, forgot to mention. I dumped the guy that I was dating. He turned out to be way too needy for me. We were only dating for 3 to 4 weeks and he CRIED when I ended it. Okay, seriously? Come on, 3 weeks and tears???? It was far from serious; we weren't even exclusive.
Have a great Labor Day Weekend.
Cari
8/20/2007 - APPROVED
Aug 30, 2007
I am so freakin slow at updating. Okay, My insurance was denied at first. Then Brittney at Dr. B's office called UHC and found out it was a mistake. Someone reviewed my case and said it was handled wrong and should have never been denied. They told her if they would get me resubmitted on Monday, they would have me approved my Friday. They were not kidding! I had to go back in on 8/20 to weigh in for my final 90 day diet weigh in and I was resubmitted that day. I got a phone call at 6:00 PM from Tanga at Dr. B's saying I was approved. It was about 6 hours after being submitted! AMAZING!
Waiting, Waiting, Waiting
Jul 28, 2007
I am STILL waiting on insurance approval. They submitted all of my info and clinicals on July 11th and it's still under review. I have called DAILY, sometimes twice a day. It is getting very frustrating. It's hard not to get upset and down.
I am having my EGD done on Monday. I am glad for that. I have been having this stabbing pain in my stomach that I am quite sure is a result of my slipped band. Have I mentioned how much I hate my lapband? I know for some people it's been great, but for me it's caused only pain. Dr Barker requires the EGD anyway. I went to see him on Thursday about the pain and he said let's go ahead and do the EGD now.
I also got a call about my sleep study late Friday afternoon. The place Dr. B's office is referring to me is in network, so it will cost me absolutely nothing...Thank goodness!
I finally told the guy that I am dating about my upcoming surgery last night. He was so supportive. He asked several questions about my personal battle with my weight. And then he said he understood and would support me and encourage me in anyway he could. He had watched Big Medicine with me on Monday night. That was good; it gave me a reference when telling him about the surgery and my previous surgery. I really didn't know if he would really understand since he has never had a weight problem. He even offered to take me to my EGD appt on Monday, but my little sister is going with me. And that's truly the way I want it.
Well I am about to go to bed. I have a lot to do tomorrow and we are going to see The Simpsons Movie tomorrow.
I am having my EGD done on Monday. I am glad for that. I have been having this stabbing pain in my stomach that I am quite sure is a result of my slipped band. Have I mentioned how much I hate my lapband? I know for some people it's been great, but for me it's caused only pain. Dr Barker requires the EGD anyway. I went to see him on Thursday about the pain and he said let's go ahead and do the EGD now.
I also got a call about my sleep study late Friday afternoon. The place Dr. B's office is referring to me is in network, so it will cost me absolutely nothing...Thank goodness!
I finally told the guy that I am dating about my upcoming surgery last night. He was so supportive. He asked several questions about my personal battle with my weight. And then he said he understood and would support me and encourage me in anyway he could. He had watched Big Medicine with me on Monday night. That was good; it gave me a reference when telling him about the surgery and my previous surgery. I really didn't know if he would really understand since he has never had a weight problem. He even offered to take me to my EGD appt on Monday, but my little sister is going with me. And that's truly the way I want it.
Well I am about to go to bed. I have a lot to do tomorrow and we are going to see The Simpsons Movie tomorrow.
Dating, Life and General Rambling
Jul 19, 2007
I went on a date Monday night and shockingly, he has already tried to see me again. I did agree to see him again on Saturday. We are either going to a Rangers game or the movies. I vote movies because it is Hot As Hades right now in Texas. I almost miss the rain. Seriously though, my make-up would melt off my face by the second inning...that's a scary sight for a second date.
Anyway, he is a really nice guy and I have a great time with him. I am attracted to him too. He knows nothing about my previous lapband surgery or my decision to have RNY. It's not really the best first date topic. I was trying to keep it a little less serious than that. Better see how long this lasts before I start blabbing about my intents to rearrange my insides. Let's see if I can not screw this one up. I tend to pick guys apart...maybe it's because I am scared of getting hurt and if I get rid of them first, they can't get rid of me. Apparently I have some abandonment issues.
I am off work tomorrow and extremely excited to not be doing anything. I have no plans. I may go in for a couple of hours to get somethings done since we have had all day meetings for the last two days, but we shall see. I will be doing some much needed cleaning tomorrow, that's one thing that I know. I am also going to buy a Magic Bullet this weekend if I get a chance. My grandmother had one when I went to visit her two weeks ago and it worked better than my big blender. My stupid blender won't even chop the ice in my protein drinks.
Still no news about insurance approval. I called again today and it's under review by a nurse. Same story. Hopefully I will hear something soon.
Time for bed....more updates to come.
Psych Eval - Part Two
Jul 18, 2007
I went to my final Psych Eval yesterday to review the results of my Exam. I got to meet with a different lady this time and she was so sweet...so much better than the last lady. She didn't judge me at all and said she thought I would do very well with this surgery and couldn't wait to see a new, skinny me. She is clearing me for surgery. I am just glad that is over!
I am waiting on insurance approval. Everything was sent to UHC from Dr. Barker's office on July 11th and it's still under review. I am doing lots of praying and finger crossing.
More to come!!!
My Roller Coaster Ride
Jul 03, 2007
Yesterday was the day of the emotional roller coaster ride for me. Since I have been looking into the revision, I have been overwhelmed with different thoughts and feelings. I second guess myself on this daily. Most of the time I am so absolutely postivitely sure that this is the right decision for me, and then for a few brief moments I will get scared, nervous or worried. I told a friend last night that I was second guessing myself again about this and he asked why?
I was very confused by that question. Who wouldn't second guess themselves on this? This is a very major surgery.
Anyway, I digress. Yesterday I had my psych eval. Can you say BEAT DOWN? First of all, I called before I left work to get their address. I told her that I was coming for my 2 o'clock appt and needed the address to print directions. I show up at my appt right at 2 PM and she informs me that I am at the wrong location. I should be at their other location about 30 minutes away! AGHHHHHHHH! It is pouring down rain and it would take me at least 40 mins to get there. She calls that office to see if they will see me late and then realizes they had a cancellation and could just see me there. That was good news! So I go sit down and fill out the test and it's 150 questions, along with several other short tests. BEAT DOWN! Okay, I am a very analytical person, so these tests are hard for me. Everytime i would read a question, I would think, well it depends, do they mean this or that? I finally finished the test and was called back to the therapist's office.
I don't have anything against this woman, but man, I don't think I have ever felt like more a failure. It was along the lines of, you failed at the band, what makes you think you won't fail at this? NO, those were not her words, they were my interpretation of her words and attitude towards me. Then we went over my life, basically. It's not like you get to talk about the great things that have happened to you in your life...only the negative. So I basically walked out of there very beat down, wanting to cry, knowing that her final impression of me is that I am a depressed, food addicted, control freak. Wonder how that will look in her report?
That's enough for this post. I will post later about the final loop in my roller coaster from last night later on today.
I was very confused by that question. Who wouldn't second guess themselves on this? This is a very major surgery.
Anyway, I digress. Yesterday I had my psych eval. Can you say BEAT DOWN? First of all, I called before I left work to get their address. I told her that I was coming for my 2 o'clock appt and needed the address to print directions. I show up at my appt right at 2 PM and she informs me that I am at the wrong location. I should be at their other location about 30 minutes away! AGHHHHHHHH! It is pouring down rain and it would take me at least 40 mins to get there. She calls that office to see if they will see me late and then realizes they had a cancellation and could just see me there. That was good news! So I go sit down and fill out the test and it's 150 questions, along with several other short tests. BEAT DOWN! Okay, I am a very analytical person, so these tests are hard for me. Everytime i would read a question, I would think, well it depends, do they mean this or that? I finally finished the test and was called back to the therapist's office.
I don't have anything against this woman, but man, I don't think I have ever felt like more a failure. It was along the lines of, you failed at the band, what makes you think you won't fail at this? NO, those were not her words, they were my interpretation of her words and attitude towards me. Then we went over my life, basically. It's not like you get to talk about the great things that have happened to you in your life...only the negative. So I basically walked out of there very beat down, wanting to cry, knowing that her final impression of me is that I am a depressed, food addicted, control freak. Wonder how that will look in her report?
That's enough for this post. I will post later about the final loop in my roller coaster from last night later on today.
BIG EASY
Jun 28, 2007
It's amazing to me how many people feel the need to weigh in on my personal decisions. There are some close to me that I have asked for there opinions and beliefs on this...but there are plenty of others who have felt the need to give there unsolicited advice and opinions. Complete strangers at the Surgeon's office and at a seminar I went to have said, you aren't big enough for this. You aren't big enough to risk your life for this. Really??? When is that okay to tell someone? That's like telling someone they aren't ugly enough to have plastic surgery.
Then I had a friend (who was actually my high school sweetheart and we were together for 5 years) tell me that I was taking the easy way out. He actually felt the need to start yelling at me and he said, "where I come from, you lose weight by working hard and blah, blah, blah." He has always been an athlete and never had to worry about losing weight. SO FRUSTRATING.
I will say this though, I have gotten some support from people I never thought would be supportive. Some of my family and friends have really shown how much they care during this process...and that means more than anything.
Okay, that's all I got. I am either not big enough or taking the easy way out....BIG EASY.
Then I had a friend (who was actually my high school sweetheart and we were together for 5 years) tell me that I was taking the easy way out. He actually felt the need to start yelling at me and he said, "where I come from, you lose weight by working hard and blah, blah, blah." He has always been an athlete and never had to worry about losing weight. SO FRUSTRATING.
I will say this though, I have gotten some support from people I never thought would be supportive. Some of my family and friends have really shown how much they care during this process...and that means more than anything.
Okay, that's all I got. I am either not big enough or taking the easy way out....BIG EASY.
Timeline
Jun 28, 2007
Since I am just waiting now to finish my three month diet before they can file for approval, I thought I would add a timeline.
May 22nd - First Consultation with Dr. Barker - Beginning of 3 Month Diet
June 6th - Bloodwork with PCP
June 15th - Second Month Diet Appointment
June 22nd - EKG
June 27th - Appt with Cardiologist for Cardiac Clearance
July 2nd - Psych Evaluation
July 9th - Final Diet Appt at Dr. Barker's Office
July 11th - Info sent to Insurance for Approval
July 17th- Results of Psych Evaluation and Clearance
August 17th - First Sleep Study
August 20th - Final Weigh In - Resubmitted to Ins and Approved!!!
August 21st - Second Sleep Study
August 30th - 2nd and Final Consult with Dr. Barker
Sept 4th - Nutritionist Visit
Sept 17th - SURGERY
May 22nd - First Consultation with Dr. Barker - Beginning of 3 Month Diet
June 6th - Bloodwork with PCP
June 15th - Second Month Diet Appointment
June 22nd - EKG
June 27th - Appt with Cardiologist for Cardiac Clearance
July 2nd - Psych Evaluation
July 9th - Final Diet Appt at Dr. Barker's Office
July 11th - Info sent to Insurance for Approval
July 17th- Results of Psych Evaluation and Clearance
August 17th - First Sleep Study
August 20th - Final Weigh In - Resubmitted to Ins and Approved!!!
August 21st - Second Sleep Study
August 30th - 2nd and Final Consult with Dr. Barker
Sept 4th - Nutritionist Visit
Sept 17th - SURGERY
About Me
Arlington, TX
Location
31.6
BMI
Surgery
09/17/2007
Surgery Date
Jul 16, 2004
Member Since
