The Surgery Was....

A success.  At least so far.  Surgery was December 1st - Remember that date - I'll be one yr old next year.

I was off the pain meds by 7:00 that night.  I just didn't need them.  The nurse came in about 5:00 the next morning to check my pain pump and I told her she was wasting her time because I hadn't used it.  When the respiratory dr came in he was upset that I was sitting in a chair and not hooked up to a bunch of wires because I was supposed to be monitored while I was on the pain meds.  I told him I hadn't used them.....

The day after the surgery, I had to have an x-ray of my stomach to make sure there weren't any leaks.  I made them show me the x-ray to prove the Dr. had done the surgery - just no pain....  I wanted to be sure.  Sure enough - the x-ray showed a little tube for a stomach.

Recovery has been progressing.  I have a little pain at night but try not to take the pain medication then - I just don't like the foggy feeling.  Incisions a little red and painful but not too bad.  Staples were taken out yesterday and today they're feeling better.  Exercise is hard.  I started doing the 30 minutes of walking but my arthritis flared up so bad I was in tears.  I switched to chair exercise and that was o.k. but boring - it's much more fun in a group.  Yesterday, the dr. released me to ride my exercycle so I've been doing that - 10 minutes at a time.

I started eating again on Wednesday - just yogurt.  I ate about 3/4 of the container and that's all I could get down.  Yesterday I added cottage cheese for lunch - wow - that caused some serious nausea!  The dr. said I could have hot de-caff tea to help.  Today is 3 "meals".  I'll have fish tonight - yum!

So far I'm down about 15 lbs since surgery day.  And I'm off all medications except the insulin and that's cut in 1/2.  Can you imagine - 10 days ago I was taking 4 prescription medications (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and something to make my stomach empty), a multi-vitamin, vitamin d, 2 supplements and 108 units of one insulin and a minimum of 86 units of another (sometimes more - depending on blood sugar).  Now I'm only taking a multi-vitamin, 3 supplements for vitamin b and calcium (required), and 54 units of one insulin and 43 of the other!  This is why I did this!

I go back to work next Thursday - I hope it's not too soon - I only worry about the fatigue.  To prepare, I'll start doing a little more activity each day.  I do think it's the right time to go back - I'll work for 2 days, 2 days off, work for 4 days (Christmas holiday) and have 3 days off.  Work for 4 days and have 3 days off and then full-time.  This way I can ease back in slowly.

I keep hearing that people who've had the surgery say they wished they would have done it earlier.  With my recovery going the way it has been - I'm sure I'll say the same thing.

Tomorrow's the Big Day

Tomorrow (12/1) is the big day - surgery day.  I'm scared, I'm nervous - but mostly I'm excited.  And the good Lord is reminding me of why I'm doing this - for the past 2 days my arthritis has flared up and my hips have been killing me....

Tomorrow, I'll have Andrew take "before" pictures and when I figure out how - I'll post them on here.

In the mean time - onward.  Have to avoid the sabatouers that have been bringing pizza, cookie dough and who knows what else into the house.  Actually just one person - but I'm sure she'll stop soon.  No worries - I can handle it.

Save the Date!

Surgery is scheduled.  December 1st at 9:00!  I'm scared, I'm nervous.  But mostly, I'm excited. 

We're shopping today for a goal dress - I think a size 12 is reasonable.  I'll hang it on the closet door as motivation for when things get tough.

I know this won't be easy.  I know it's not the "magic answer".  It's a tool to help me reach my goals.  Can you imagine - no insulin shots, no list of medications a mile long, no mask to sleep in at night, no pain in my hips and feet.  Being able to hike with Andrew when we go camping.  Being able to travel and enjoy seeing the sights and not having to sit down every few minutes because my back and hips hurt.  Just plain - feeling better!  I can't wait...

Baby Steps

The approval request should be filed with the insurance company by now.  Just waiting for approval.  In the meantime I'm taking baby steps towards the changes I'll have to make once I have the surgery.

For example, we invested in a new set of dishes with smaller plates.  Instead of eating dinner off a huge dinner plate - we're using (rather I'm using) the smaller dessert plates.  Had just enough last night for dinner to be satisfied but not stuffed. 

Soon I'm going to go shopping for my dream dress.  Nothing fancy - something that I can wear to work or out and about with Andrew.  Just a nice dress that I've always dreamed of being able to wear in a size 12.  I think a size 12 is a reasonable goal.  Not too heavy and not uber thin either.  I'll hang it on my closet door as motivation for when the going gets tough.

Wish the insurance company would hurry up.  I want to get going.....

My Last Dr. Appt

I had my last pre-approval dr appointment today.  Now I just have to sit back and wait for insurance approval - and try not to worry....  Easier said than done.

I'm definitely excited - a little scared and a little worried - but mostly excited.  I try to picture my new life and all the things I'll be able to do.  Andrew has promised me a hot air balloon ride.  I'll get to shop for clothes in a real store - off the rack.  No insulin shots!

The books the psychologist recommended said you need to find a new "something" to replace the food that you won't be having anymore.  I picture my "something" as exercise.  Believe it or not - my birthday (49) was on Monday.  I celebrated by going to an exercise class.  It was a chair exercise class and a lot of fun.  I was talking to Cristine (the friend who started the class) and when I get this weight off and get more fit - I may start helping with the classes... Me - lead an exercise class!!  Can you imagine?!

So, while I wait for insurance approval - I'm going to try to eat healthy, exercise more and think positive thoughts.  I hope it doesn't take too long.  I want to get started on this new life.

How Did I Get Here?

I'm in the process of getting approved for bariatric surgery.  It's taken me a long time to get here.  As a disability case manager, I see all the negatives - the people having complications so I was a little scared to start.  But turning 49 (on Monday), finding out I have arthritis in both hips and 6 insulin shots a day.....  Not to mention years of failed diets and here I am. 

I've completed all of the required appointments except one and that one is scheduled for this coming Friday.  Then I can get my insurance approval and get the surgery scheduled.  I can't wait!  I'm not a patient person so having a process take 4 months just to get approved to have the surgery has been torture.  This picture is me in January 2010 - at my highest weight.

This blog will be my journal of the changes I experience - the joys and the struggles.