Michelle J.

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6/6/07 
Two months post op and feeling great!!  No complications and no regrets.  I'm down 60lbs since my journey began, and 35 lbs. since surgery.  DR says everything looks great, but my iron levels are low.  I'm not concerned, I just take iron supplements now.  I have to take some pictures and get them on here.  I am so pleased with the results so far.  I must admit though, weeks 3-8 the lbs weren't really coming off and I was getting aggitated, but they are starting to melt off again.  I am now under 200lbs and it's only been 2 months.  The possibilities are endless.  Anyone looking into having surgery, DO IT!!!!!  I feel great, I look great, and I have a much more positive attitude.  Not to mention that it feels good when someone else notices how good you look.  I do apologize that I'm not on here much, but if you have any questions or need someone to talk to, you know how to find me.  Take care!

Well, the wait is finally over!! I had my surgery on 4/2/07.  I am at home and recovering nicely.  I don't have any complaints, some minor pain and discomfort, but that's what the pain medication is for, even though I'm not using it much.  Nothing but water, jell-o, popsicles, and broth for me right now.  I advance to stage three tomorrow.  That just means I get to add protein shakes to me diet three times a day.  Not really hungry though.  I hear a lot of rumbling in my tummy, but it's just gas.  
I apologize ahead of time, but I know that while at home I won't be online much, but I will make an effort to check my messages and posts every couple of days.  Thank to everyone for all your well wishes!

Three more days to go!!!  I had my final appt. with Dr.D, and I am all clear for surgery.  I decided not to spend the $165 to get a CPAP machine even though two people in his office told my I need to get one and bring it to the hospital with me.  When I told Dr. D I didn't get one, he said, "I don't care."  If I didn't already use one, then I probably don't need one.  I'm so glad I didn't get it.  
Anyway, aside form that everything went really well and I am all set for surgery Monday morning.  My only concern now is my son.  He has an asthma flareup, which seems to be getting better.  I hope he's back to his regular self before Monday.  I would feel horrible being away from him for three days when he's not feeling well.  He's already showed some improvement, so i'm sure he will be fine.  Can't help but worry though.  
Still have to do slim fast for the next three days.  It's not the worst thing, but I do crave a McDonald's cheeseburger and fries.  Not to mention I just keep thinking that it will be at least 6 six weeks after surgery before I can eat solid food.  Surely I can have one more cheeseburger before then.  But, Dr's orders say NO.  If I can't abide by the Dr's orders now, How will I do after surgery?  I have to prove to myself that I can do this, so there will be no cheeseburgers for me.  
I guess that's all for now.  If you don't hear from me immediately after surgery, don't worry.  I will try to update everyone when i get home.

Had my pre-op/admission testing today.  It was done at the hospital, and everyone there was so nice and helpful.  They took my blood and urine and did an EKG and chest x-ray.  Everything went fine.  I then met with the hospitals pre-op coordinator.  She asked me a zillion questions about my medical history and allergies.  She explained what my post-op care would consist of, what to expect after surgery, and what will happen before surgery.  Like I said, everyone was extremly helpful.  I'm one step closer, and I can not wait to get to the other side.

How upsetting that I just typed this entry and accidentally erased it, and now I have to type it all over again.
Anyway, I went to the Dr 's office yesterday to get my appointment for my pre-op or pre-admission testing.  It's this Thursday, 3/15/07. I also found out that I have to be at the hospital at 6am the day of surgery and I have to bring a CPAP machine.  I don't have a CPAP machine.  I was tested for sleep apnea and all my Dr said was, "You have a mild case of sleep apnea, but that's good for approval purposes."  He never told me that I would be required to get a CPAP machine and that I would have to bring it with me to the hospital.  So, now I am in the process of getting a CPAP machine.  The medical supply place will call me back Friday or Monday to set up an appointment to get my machine.  What's done is done, and as long as it doesn't prevent me from having surgery, I'm not going to dwell on it.  
There's still lots to do, and not much time left to do it.  Here's what ,my schedule looks like for surgery:
3/15/07-pre-op testing at hospital and get weighed at Dr office
3/19/07-start two week liquid diet
3/22/07-go to Dr office to get weighed
3/28/07-see PCP for medical clearance
3/29/07-see surgeon one last time before surgery
4/1/07-take laxative at 2pm and no eating after midnight
4/2/07-arrive at hospital at 6am for surgery
I still have to go grocery shopping for my liquid diet and forr my post-op diet.  Not to mention that my family might want me to buy food for them as well.  I also have to write up a will and living will.  Not that I am expecting anything to go wrong, but you should always be prepared for the worse.  My mom works for an attorney, so she'll probably draft it and I'll just have to sign it.  
I thinks that it for now. 

Had my group meeting today.  All went well, mostly just reviewed what I had already learned about the pre-op and post-op diet.  What to expect the day of and a few weeks out.  I now have to call the office tomorrow to schedule my pre-op testing and to get my surgery time.  I have the date, but no idea what time I need to report to the hospital.  I was disappointed to learn that I have to drink a nasty laxative the afternoon before surgery.  It's all for the greater good though!  I'm a little disappointed that the Dr's office isn't more organized, but I understand that they have grown so much in the past three years, they are trying so hard to keep up with the demands of their patients. I asked a lot of questions though, and it seems as though I am right on track and the surgery should go off with out a hitch. Wish me luck! 

I just found out today that Independent Health has approved me for surgery.  My Dr submitted the paperwork to them the week of 11/7/06, but i am not sure of the exact day.  On 11/15/06 they contacted my Dr and myself for additional information regarding my prescription which was submitted to them the next day.  And yesterday they contacted me to tell me I have been approved.  I've already received the best Christmas present ever, a chance at a new Life!  
My next Dr visit is 12/12/06, when we will set the date for surgery.  I will write again at that time.

238lbs. (highest weight was 260 lbs.) 
My first visit with Dr. D was in September 2006.  Since then I have had the blood work done, sleep test, seen the psychiatrist and nutritionist and had my follow up with Dr. D on 11/7/06.  That same week he submitted my paperwork for approval.  Unfortunately IH needed more information about a prescription I was taking so my approval is still pending.  I hope to know by the end of this week if I have been approved.  Since this journey began in September I have lost 13lbs of the 20 I am required to lose before surgery.  I am very excited and anxious for this whole process to be over with, but I have at least another 4 months before my surgery (assuming I get approved.)