Seelessofme22

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So, I'm a little over 2 weeks out and everything is still going pretty well.  I was weighed 283.8 at my NUT office on Friday.  I weighed myself at 283 ...so, I'm saying I'm 283 since my clothes probably played a factor at the NUT's office.  I only weigh on Thursday so I'm anxious to see the scale keep moving to 270's. 

PROTEIN
I saw my NUT on Friday and got some tips on getting in my protein.  I thought I had found the perfect solution.  I was taking the New Whey Protein bullets for my protein.  42 grams of protein in one 4 oz bottle.  I would take half in the morning, half in the afternoon and another half in the evening.  I thought I was getting in 62 grams of protein that way and "eating" high protein foods like greek yogurt, cottage cheese and stuff.  I thought I was set...until she told me that the bullets were primarily made of collagen protein and that's not the best protein for us.  So, back to ground zero with this protein. 

I had bought Isopure zero carb drinks.  I liked them before surgery BUT they are too nasty to me now.  I can't take it.  I bought the Unjury unflavored which I have been adding to some of my soups and yogurt.  That's been working out.  I also have the Unjury chicken soup but I can't stand lukewarm soup...I like my soup piping hot...which you can't do with the Unjury.  Oh well. 

The Protein that I'm enjoying the most right now is Kiwi-Strawberry Nectar.  It's pretty good and I can definitely tolerate it better.  So, I can be a little more confident with my protein intake now.

PAIN
I am still having some pain where my drain was.  I spoke to the nurse and she said that's normal but I probably need to take it easy.  She's probably right.  With a 2 year old and trying to get back into regular life I've been probably pushing myself too hard.  I'm trying to start taking it easy.  So, no gym for maybe another week or two.

VOMIT
I threw up for the first time today.  OMG people!!  It DID NOT feel good.  I made scrambled eggbeaters this morning mixed with some milk and scrambled with cheese.  boosting the protein a little bit.  I've had it before and it's good.  I must have eaten too much (of the 1/4 cup), or too fast becase first I felt the food stuck in my throat.  Then I started to feel queasy.  Then I started to have that "I'm about to throw up" feeling.  I went into the bathroom and started heaving.  And sure enough, I started throwing up.  I felt completely fine after I did it.  And continued with my day.  Lesson learned!!

SEX
My boyfriend and I had sex for the first time since surgery last night.  ALREADY better!!!  I don't know if my mental state has changed so much already or what but I felt sexier and it DEFINITELY felt better.  We haven't had sex like that in a while.  Something else to look forward to everyone...lol

Hey all,
Melissa here!!  I'm feeling pretty good today.  I've always been a quick recoverer (is that a word?...lol)  I have been up bouncing around for the last day or two. 

I bounced a little too much yesterday.  I went to the grocery store with my mom and by the time we were finished I was hurting!!  Aching all over and feeling like I was going to pass out...too much too soon! It didn't help that I hadn't taken my Tylenol that day either.

Still have minor pain on my lower right stomach but otherwise the pain is in my shoulders and back.  I can control it with the tylenol.

I weighed myself today.  Thursday will be my weigh in day.  I started this journey at 311.  I was 304 at the beginning of my no-carb diet 2 weeks before surgery.  I was 296.4 the day of surgery.  According to my scale, I am (drum roll please)........................287.  That is almost a 9 pound loss from last week.   Crazy!!!  I should also mention that my "aunt flow" showed up 2 days after surgery...that wasn't fun so she may have messed up the numbers somewhere. 

Anyway...I'm excited although I don't feel like I earned the weight loss yet but I guess there isn't really much that can stop it. 

Hello all
Seelessofme22 here...aka Melissa.  I was sleeved on Thursday, Feb. 17 at Johns Hopkins Bayview by Dr. Schweitzer.  Thank you so much for all of the kind words and support that you all have given me.  I love this OH community.  I had 2 sleeve sisters to call me in the hospital and they are awesome...Romy and Fay...love you guys!! 

I am doing progressively better from the day of surgery.  It seems that every day has been a new adventure and I've had to figure things out as I go along.  No matter how much you think you know before surgery, you quickly find out how much you didn't afterwards. 

Here's my story:  I woke up at 5 a.m. got dressed kissed my son goodbye and we left the house.  Everything in preparation went off without a hitch.  Checked in, they got my info, put me in a gown, hooked me to an IV and gave me a little blue cap.  Surgery weight was 296.8.  Down from the 304 of 2 weeks ago.  All of the staff, nurses and doctors asked me a billion questions...and I was fine with that.  To me it meant they knew their job.  They were ready to take me to surgery.  Gave me some feel good potion on the way to the OR...gave me the real good stuff and I was gone...I don't even remember falling asleep...lol

I woke up in the recovery room like I was in a dream...I open my eyes for 30 seconds and fall back to sleep...open for 10 seconds, fall asleep.  I don't know how long that went on but I came to and was in some pain.  On a scale of 1-10, I'd say it was a 6.  Not crying pain but definitely uncomfortable.  But then they showed me the button I could press for more pain medicine and I handled that problem in short order...lol  Dry mouth was a problem as well.  You can have liquids by mouth until the next day.  Hopkins supplied these little sponges where you could coat your mouth with water.   And thank goodness for the blistex because my lips were dry as well!

Once I got to my private room on that first day...I pretty much slept a lot.  They got me up to a walk a few times but I was hitting that pain med button like I was playing a video game...lol  The meds kept me drowsy. 

The 2nd day in the hospital was better than the first except for the GAS.  Holy Jumpin' Christmas!!  lol  The pain is TERRIBLE people.  I didn't see it coming.  I heard people say the gas was uncomfortable but it was KILLIN' me.  And there is no relief.  They recommend walking but I must not have walked enough (though I really felt like I did) because it would only give me minor relief.  I've never been so excited to start passing gas IN MY LIFE!  lol  Burping and passing gas relieved some pain but the 2nd night was bad.  I was off of the pain button but I was dosing myself with liquid pain meds enought to keep me asleep.  From about 7pm to 7am I was asleep. And the itching from the anesthesia was annoying to boot.

The 3rd day was better than the 2nd.  And I'm going home this day.  The morning always seems so much better and then as the day progresses the gas builds up again.  I was miserable on the ride home and couldn't wait to get home and take my narcotics.  I got home around 8 and was in bed by 9 drugged up...lol

The next two days have been better.  I'm managing the gas better.  It's moved to my shoulders but not TOO terrible.  I'm finding it hard to get all of my nutrition requirements in without that stuffed chest feeling.  So, far I've figured that warm liquids I do better with...chicken broth and hot tea.  As I've heard, one of the protein drinks i thought I liked I can't stand.  So, if anyone wants to sample Apple Melon Isopure I'll send you a bottle...lol

I got my drain removed today and that was a whole new painful experience.  I really didn't expect the pain.  It wasn't terrible but I wouldn't sign up for it again. 

Having said all of this about this procedure.  I would do it all again.  I know I'm on my way to a healthier, happy life and the pains along the way were expected and wouldn't stop me from making this choice.  I weighed in at 293.8 today and that's a 2.6 pound loss from 5 days ago.  I'm ready to keep it movin!!

I got my surgery date!!!!!  My surgery is scheduled for Feb. 17.  OMG!!

I'm sorry I've been MIA.  I've been so busy the last few weeks down time has been minimal.  But I am so excited right now...I had to find time to share.  I am approved for the vertical sleeve gastrectomy!!  I was really expecting to have to fight with my insurance company about it.  I had heard so many stories about a$$hole insurance companies and how difficult they can be so I was really expecting SOMETHING.  But I wasn't expecting to be approved with NO HASSLE.  I am so excited.  I couldn't stop smiling at all yesterday.

Here's the story.  My paperwork was submitted to insurance on 1/5/11.    I called them the next week and they said it wasn't in the system yet.    The financial coordinator, Teresa, sent me the names of the people she spoke with.  I called back a few days later and they told me it was pending.   On Wednesday of this week Teresa emailed me and said that she was told they would know something by Friday.  Around 3:30 yesterday I didn't hear anything so I figured I'd call the insurance company and ask about it.  The first lady I spoke to was like "I'm sorry I don't see anything in the system".  I asked her to speak to somebody else I'd spoken with because I know they had it.  When I was transferred the woman told me I was approved and that letters went out that day and they had called my surgeon's office to let them know.  I was so excited!!  And not 15 minutes later Teresa called me to let me know the good news as well.  It's official folks...I WILL BE Sleeved!! 

I posted a video to youtube about this as well.  Check it out!!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbSfnJc7clY

I had my sleep study on Monday night.  It was wierd!!  lol  For a peek at what I looked like check out my youtube video  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RI6S0Zh4Dc  .  I looked A HOT MESS!!  It was awful...so many wires...so much tape and glue.  It was crazy.  Amazingly enough I was able to sleep.  I'm not sure how I pulled that off.  I got my results back today and I have very bad sleep apnea.  I stopped breathing 32 times an hour and my oxygen levels were extremely low for almost 2 hours.  They want me to have another study done with the CPAP machine.  So, there you have it...I was pretty sure I had Sleep Apnea and it has been confirmed big time. 

On another note, I called my PCP's office today to ask him to refer me to get a pulmonary function test done for my insurance approval.  He agreed and he said "I see you are determined to do this, so I am going to stay out of your way...I don't agree with what you are doing, but I'll stay out of your way."  It bothered me that he said that because I thought he was on my side.  I wrote him a 2 page letter asking for his help...he wrote me a referral...and he never once said he didn't agree with it.  He kind of let some of the wind out of my sails.  I'm feeling a little sad and discouraged.

I went on to tell him that I have done tons of research and I know what I want to do and then he begins to suggest to me that I can do it myself.  I asked him to refer me to a psychiatrist in this conversation so that I'll have an outlet for my emotions after surgery and he tells me, "you don't have to wait until surgery...you can see him now and maybe the surgery won't be necessary.  You can talk to someone and get your head straight and be happy with yourself"  As if it is that easy!!!

I need a letter of medical neccessity from this man!!  I'm sure my emotional state right now is temporary...but I feel like crying.

I know this surgery is necessary for my health, my happiness and my future.  Why doesn't he know that??  I jokingly said "no, I'm still getting the surgery".  And he seemed kind of short after that.  He has introduced that smidgen of doubt..."Is this the right thing?  Should I try dieting again? Am I giving up too easily?" 

As I said, I'm sure this will pass but I needed to vent. 

______________________ * Update in Red * 5 yr history of obesity - Received paperwork from Kaiser that shows me weighing 259 in 2005 and I was diagnosed with Obesity.  I have other medical records showing the continued high weight recordings.

6 month diet history - I did Weight Watchers online in January 2009.  I was on the diet until September and I lost 36.6 pounds in that 8 month period.  I have the weight tracker data and my gym receipts from that time.  Hopefully this is enough. If not I have already started the 6 month diet classes at Johns Hopkins just in case I need them. 

Cardiac Clearance/Evaluation - EKG done and normal.  Stress test done and onsite doctor said it looked normal.  I have a follow up appointment with my cardiologist for clearance on Monday. I met with the cardiologist and he did another EKG.  Said everything was normal and he signed off on my evaluation and sent it to the Dr's office.

Nutrition Evaluation - Had it done today.  It went well.

Lab work - Completed by PCP.

History and Physical - Completed by PCP.

Sleep Study - Done and diagnosed with severe Sleep Apnea.  Have to go back for another sleep study with a CPAP machine.

Still to be done

Letter of Medical Necessity - Finished writing but now I'm apprehensive about getting him to sign it.

Drug and alcohol screening - Still need to get done.  Got the information for a walk-in lab.

Psychiatric Evaluation - I have an appointment scheduled for Dec. 2.  I am contacting other psychiatrist's to get an earlier date.  I contacted a different psychologist for my psych eval.  She charges $160 but she can see me right away.  I scheduled for Monday, November 22nd.  I'll keep the other appointment for now, just in case.

 

Well...another early morning drive to Johns Hopkins Bayview to see the dietitian.  I had to pay for the 90 minute visit out of pocket...it was $311.  Ouch, I know.  The lady I spoke to on the phone said that I could pay half the day of the appointment and get billed for the rest...BUT...of course a sub was at her desk when I came in and didn't know anything about paying later.  So, I just paid the whole thing.  I figure if $311 is all I pay for this procedure I should count myself blessed.

The appointment went well. I really liked Margaret...she seemed like a very nice, sweet lady.  We talked about what I'm doing now as far as food.  I've been making healthier choices lately so my answer to her questions weren't bad.  I had to own up to my sunflower seed addiction.  AT LEAST 1 bag a day most days...AT LEAST 1, if not more.  It's terrible.  I'm eating healthy meals and then killing it with a bag of sunflower seeds. *sigh*

Anyway, she was nice and easy to talk to.  I told her about my history and then she went over what is expected before and after surgery.  Most of what she told me, I knew already but she did throw in some tidbits I didn't know about.  She told me about a product called "My Diet Dinnerware".  It's supposed to be utensils that help you slow down your eating.  Pretty inexpensive.  I think i'll buy some.  She recommended Greek yogurt because it's higher in protein.

She told me some other good information but I can't remember it all right now. 

__________________________________

I'm slowly (well slowly to me) getting everything that I need done for my insurance approval.  I would like to submit for approval before the end of the year. 

5 yr history of obesity - Received paperwork from Kaiser that shows me weighing 259 in 2005 and I was diagnosed with Obesity.  I have other medical records showing the continued high weight recordings.

6 month diet history - I did Weight Watchers online in January 2009.  I was on the diet until September and I lost 36.6 pounds in that 8 month period.  I have the weight tracker data and my gym receipts from that time.  Hopefully this is enough. If not I have already started the 6 month diet classes at Johns Hopkins just in case I need them. 

Cardiac Clearance/Evaluation - EKG done and normal.  Stress test done and onsite doctor said it looked normal.  I have a follow up appointment with my cardiologist for clearance on Monday.

Nutrition Evaluation - Had it done today.  It went well.

Lab work - Completed by PCP.

History and Physical - Completed by PCP.

Still to be done

Letter of Medical Necessity - Already wrote most of it...I just need some results back before I finish it and send it to my PCP to sign.

Drug and alcohol screening - Still need to get done.  Got the information for a walk-in lab.

Psychiatric Evaluation - I have an appointment scheduled for Dec. 2.  I am contacting other psychiatrist's to get an earlier date. 

Sleep Study - Scheduled for Monday, Nov. 8th. (Insurance doesn't require but I want to know if I can add Sleep Apnea to my list of co-morbidities)
 

I had my first surgical consult with Dr. Schweitzer at Johns Hopkins today.  First I showed up SUPER early...I live in Landover, MD and his office is in Lutherville MD, a good hour away.  My appointment was at 8:15a and I wasn't sure what rush our traffic would be like so I left the house at 6.  I got to his office at 7:30.  I weighed in at 309.8 (I had on jeans, boots and a sweater...first time in my life I'm trying to boost the scale...lol) 
I met with the Bariatric Program Director for Johns Hopkins first.  She remembered me from the info session I attended.  She asked me a few questions and told me some info.  She was impressed with what I knew about the surgeries (I'm a walking WLS encyclopedia).  She went over my information and gave me the patient resources packet.  I'm excited that I'm officially a patient...lol.  I was going around saying my doctor was Dr. Schweitzer and I'd never met him...lol  Now I'm legit.

He came in and introduced himself.  He seemed pleasant enough.  Got to the point and talked about the RNY and why he likes the VSG.  But he kept saying "that's up to you of course". I let him finish talking and told him about my concerns with their not being long term data.  And he told me that he felt confident with the 5 year data that is out that he expects long term success with the VSG.  He also said the good thing about it is if it doesn't work for whatever reason then it could be converted to bypass if necessary.  I'm comfortable with that.  If I find that 5 or 7 years down the road it's not working or something has happened I can convert. 

I'm happy with the surgeon that I chose!!  I can't wait to keep this thing moving and get on the loser's bench!!

I went to my first Nutrition Class last night.  I REALLY enjoyed it.  Not the class so much...lol  I enjoyed talking to the people in the class.  I met 2 very nice women and exchanged information with them.  The personal interaction is what I was missing.  I attended a support group meeting last week and wasn't very impressed.  The support group topic was "mindful eating".  The presenter was very good but there was no personal interaction.  They allowed everyone to stay after and talk but for someone who was new, I didn't have anyone to stay after and talk to. 

At the Nutrition Class, there were only 8 people opposed to the 40-50 in the support group meeting.  I may not need the Nutrition Classes in the long run but I like the group talk. 

I have my surgical consult on Monday!!!  I'm so excited.  I'll feel really official.  :-)

I had an appointment with my PCP today.  I wrote him a 2 page letter letting him know of my decision to have WLS and asking for his assistance (courtesy of ObesityHelp).  I faxed it to his office yesterday. 

When he came in to see me he had it in his hand and he said "So, this is what you want to do".  I told him yes.  And he said he would support and assist me any way that he could.  He really liked the letter.  He asked where I was having it and said it was a good choice.  My PCP is cool!!  I should mention that I just started going to him in July.  I've always gone to see specialists if there was a problem...I didn't have a primary care doctor.

After we talked about the WLS he went on to talk about my bloodwork.  I have always thought of myself as fat but healthy.  I don't really have any health issues that require medication.  The only problem I had was I got gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with my son.  It was the lat 2 weeks but that scared me because getting that means you are at risk for the real deal.  Other than that I have a lot of joint pain.  So, he told me that I am confirmed pre-diabetic, I'm at high risk for cardiovascular disease, and I tested positive for a trait for lupus. 

I thought that my joint pain, sleep problems and probability of getting diabetes would be enough medical necessity for the surgery.  Now it seems I get to throw high risk for cardiovascular disease in too.  That's good news as far as the surgery is concerned I guess.  Not that excited to add that to my list of fears. 

One of the ways to treat Lupus is with NSAIDs.  That would pretty much kill the RNY for me and strengthen an argument for the sleeve.  :-)

I'm 304 today.  Doing a little something, something on my own.  I figure if I can start from a lower weight it will be all the better when I hve my surgery!!