LiBugg
Sunday, Jan 28th:
Hello fellow OH members. Today is Sunday and I'm organizing everything to get ready for my BIG day on Wednesday. Before I forget, I just want to say thanks to all the encouragement and prayers. I ask that you continue to pray for me as I embark on this life changing endeavor. This will likely be one of the toughest things I will ever do. But, in my heart I know I'm ready for this change. I go from excited to nervous to excited all in the span of a few minutes. I guess that's to be expected. I would summarize my general feelings as excited, followed by nervous, followed by fear (you know, the fear of not waking up). Anyway, my life is in His hands and either way I know I'll be ok.
I'll finish packing my bag today. I work tomorrow and Tuesday, both half days as I have lots left to do. I have to make arrangements for my two precious dogs...they are Shih Tzus (litter mates) and they are too adorable. They are such a delightful part of my life.
Yesterday I had my nutritionist group counseling session. That was a bit overwhelming. I've spent the better part of two days trying to digest it all. I think I have it fairly under control, at least the next two days. I have to get a blender (I'm gonna get a magic bullet) and my multi-vitamins. Other than that I have all my vitamins and my protein drinks. I decided to try various pre-mixed drinks. Like everyone, I'm hoping to get in the required daily doses of protein, because I know how important it is.
Well unless I decide to post again today or tomorrow, I likely will give you all a shout following surgery. To those just starting down this road, don't be discouraged! There's a lot to accomplish but it's great to know that the Drs. care first about our health and well-being as opposed to cranking us through the surgery one after the other, just to fatten their pockets.
Be blessed.
Tuesday, Jan 23rd:
Hello fellow OH friends! Today I had my endoscopy. It was not bad at all. I've been home for hours. The Dr. approved me for the surgery, and that was the best news I heard all day. To be honest, I was concerned that he would find something that would be cause for delay. NOT!!! I have to rest and know that God is in control. I probably worry far too much :)
I did sleep a bit this afternoon (the effects of the drugs) but it was not a bad experience. I am thankful for a great family...they were there for me (as always). I finally told them about my WLS and after getting educated, they were supportive.
Tomorrow begins the 'official' countdown....one week until surgery. I'm passed the nervous stage and I've graduated to excitment. I'm elated and can't wait until the 31st.
Peace and blessings.
Friday, Jan 19th:
Hi all!! I just returned from a series of tests today to include my ABG, EKG, labs, gastro consult and my PFT. All went well! Makes me wanna shout! I was so very nervous and afraid that something would come up to prevent me from having my surgery on the 31st (less than 2 weeks away!). They did discover that I have the 'virus' that causes ulcers and so they are putting me on meds now. The EGD is scheduled for Tuesday (the 23rd) -- I'm praying that I don't have ulcers. I did want to comment about the ABG. My ABG was not painful at all. No bruising and very minimal pain. I've read other posts and found people who have had terrible problems and pain from the ABG. My tech was excellent and I'm not in any pain what-so-ever.
Anyway, all else is well and the clock is ticking away. I'll post again soon. If you are thinking about surgery and reading my profile, I hope it's encouraging to you. Feel free to email me and I'll do my best to encourage you along the way. I'm thankful to all my OH friends -- they have been a blessing.
Monday, Jan 15th:
Hello all.
Not much new to report. I have my pre-ops scheduled. I will be getting my labs, urine, ABG/PFT and EKG done the morning of the 19th. My ultrasound and chest x-ray are scheduled for the same afternoon. My EGD is scheduled for the following Tuesday. I would love to hear from someone who has completed this round and is getting ready for surgery.
January 10, 2007:
I guess I'm much like a lot of others on this site. I debated about WLS for a very long time. I attempted numerous diets. I did Jenny Craig, LA Weight Loss, Curves, Weight Watchers, liquid diets, diet pills, and any other fad diet you can think of. While I enjoyed some instant success, I sadly poured the weight back on shortly after I lost some pounds. I did everything I was supposed to do, but unfortunately, it was always short lived. I would think about the long range goals and have feelings of defeat. I tried taking my weight loss in segments but did not find that I would celebrate the small victories for any long period of time. I always felt the long range goal was too far out of reach.
I always felt like such a failure :(
Well, I was on the verge of hitting my 41st birthday and I thought that it was time to take the ultimate steps if I were to become successful at losing the weight. I decided to research WLS again and if I found a good local Dr. that I would 'go for it'. I knew that my previous insurance company required 6 months of supervised diets and I also knew how my PCP felt about the surgery. She was not necessarily against it, but she really wanted me to try to do it on my own. She sent me to a nuitrionist. I tried that program but became very frustrated with the nuitrionist did not even put me on the scale to see my starting weight. I think she assumed that I was too heavy for her scale. Anyway, I paid the money, set up the appointments and quickly became discouraged with her approach. She and I just did not 'gel'.
To make a long story short, I did the yo-yo dieting for all of 2006. In December 2006, I decided that I was tired of the swollen ankles, the painful joints, and all the other negatives that go along with all the extra weight. That's when I got serious about changing my insurance carrier from Aetna to BC/BS. That was the best thing that I had ever decided to do. I went to a seminar with Dr. Anez on Saturday January 6th and had my first consultation with him on Monday January 8th. I was approved for surgery on Tuesday January 9th and had my pre-op consultation on the 10th. It's been an amazing ride and I know that this is my destiny because it has progressed so quickly. God knows that I'm often frustrated with delays, and He's been providing a smooth road for me thus far. I know my Savior is working this all out on my behalf. I will continue to pray for good results and that I will not encounter any hurdles over the next few weeks with the tests.
Friends - my WLS is scheduled for 31 January. I will keep you posted and look forward to hearing from some of you.
Be blessed.
Bugg
