First meetings in Guelph

Oct 25, 2011

So, yesterday I had my first appointment after orientation.  I was so excited and nervous the night before I could hardly sleep.  I sat up and read over my 5 months of food logs and parts of The Real Skinny and I finally went to sleep after 3:30.  I was staying at my sister's house in Waterloo so we didn't have so far to drive in the morning.  My oldest daughter came with me but my husband and younger daughter couldn't make it.  Now that I've been, I see they only have one "extra" chair in each office so I'll know not to bring the whole clan next time.  The staff were really freaked out about being "on time".  One poor visitor lost his appointment because he was late.  They weren't at all sympathetic about heavy traffic (the nurse said "that highway is bumper to bumper traffic everyday" and he replied "Maybe, but I don't live here and I drove from London. This is the first time it has been a problem.") Unfortunately their discussion took place out in the waiting area and everyone heard it.  I felt badly for him ... mental note to self ... I'll plan to arrive an hour earlier next time 'cause I got there 5 minutes late when I had planned to arrive 1/2 hour early.  City traffic and detours on the hospital street certainly held things up. 
We saw the nurse first.  She seemed really irritated because we entered her office at 8:20 (after registration) and said "Well of course you have to come earlier for registration."  Who knew?  I felt like I was being lectured ... She said repeatedly, "You know this is major surgery?!"  Anyway, she'll have to do the "teaching" part of that appointment next visit.  I've watched so many videos and read so much that I could probably lead someone through her flip cards! (I know I still have lots to learn but seriously, less lecture and more info please! Maybe a "knowledge level" quiz before you begin?) The dietitian was also very serious, but that meeting went well.  I had all of my journals and a 41 pound loss since May 1st based on good eating and exercise.  I know about Canada's food guide, and reading labels so my answers seemed to please her.  She said you know I usually have to spend a large portion of this meeting teaching about Canada's food guide.   Interestingly she hates "muffins" and all my life my healthy-eating-mother would say "have a muffin".  The recipe I use is hers with bran, whole wheat flour, little sugar, fruit and sometimes nuts... seems great to me but the word muffin seemed to be an issue for the dietitian. I guess the Timmies and bakery muffins give all muffins a bad name.  Damn, and I just made a double batch and put them in the freezer for my lunches ... not going to write muffin down in my log again-or I guess I should say... not going to eat muffins again :)!  So next came the social worker and that meeting went well.  She is filling in for the maternity leaves of the two regular people but hopefully she will be back again as she was really positive.  My greatest fear through all of this was that they would tell me that I didn't get surgery because I was losing weight on my own... I've worked really hard at this and I want the surgery to help me KEEP the weight off!  I was so relieved to hear them say - keep up the good work!  So, next meeting is December!  Can't wait!  Best wishes in your journey and two things to remember 1) don't be late 2) don't make muffins 

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