I've been journaling about this for several months and just decided to start a blog. I've included all of my journal entries.
Sat., Feb. 27, 2010
This past week I received THREE notices about bariatric surgery! I got a brochure in the mail. I saw a woman and her surgeon on EightWest. I saw an ad on Facebook. Are these “signs” meant for me? So, I went to a Bariatric Surgery seminar this morning at Grand Health Partners. I met Dr. Kemmeter, the surgeon, and Cathy Mooney, the nurse from St. Mary’s. I didn’t tell Brian and the kids. I’m debating whether to do it or not. I’m fearful I will fail like every other diet!
Mon., March 8, 2010
I booked an appointment with the weight loss surgeon. I’ve told Brian and the kids about it.
Tues., March 23, 2010
I had an appointment with Dr. Lasater. It was kind of a general physical and health history. He will pass along the information to Dr. Kemmeter.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
One step closer to surgery! Another appointment at Grand Health Partners.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
I had an appointment with the psychologist at Grand Health Partners. I’m “mentally” cleared for surgery!
Friday, May 7, 2010
I got to meet with Dr. Kemmeter today. All other appointments have approved me for surgery. We discussed the options available and decided the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy would be best for me.
July 1, 2010
MESSA sent a letter saying the vertical sleeve is not a covered procedure.
Wed., July 7, 2010
I had an endoscopy at St. Mary’s today. Dr. Kemmeter performed it. It went fine! I guess he was looking for anything that might be causing excess acid because I’ve been on Prevacid for so long.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
I called MESSA to see about surgery coverage. The lady there told me she thought it had been approved, but I’d get official word by mail!
August 9, 2010
I sent a letter to MESSA to initiate the appeal/grievance. Dr. Kemmeter’s office sent additional data, too.
Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010
I got a letter from MESSA today. My surgery has been okayed! Time to celebrate!
Friday, Sept. 10, 2010
I have a surgery date! Tuesday, November 9, 2010. Wow! It will be here before I know it! I chose that day because band and swimming will be done and I wanted one day (Monday) to be home to get prepared!
Mon., Sept. 13, 2010
Dee will sub for me when I’m off for 2 weeks. I’ll only be back for 2 days before Thanksgiving, then Thanksgiving break! I want to plan on that.
Sun., Sept. 19, 2010
I told the “fam” about my surgery yesterday. They were encouraging! That was helpful.
Mon., Oct. 4, 2010
I’m hoping for real changes before the end of this year. I’m having my surgery in 5 weeks. In just 3 weeks I start the liquid diet. I’m nervous, but more excited! It could be so life changing! I’m praying for my doctor and me and my family.
Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010
I guess I’m really uptight and stressed! Not just about surgery.....
Thurs., Oct. 7, 2010
I’m telling more people about my surgery. I told Sharon when I got my hair done. I told Mary at the swim meet.
Sat., Oct 9, 2010
Surgery is one month away! I wonder how much weight I will lose?
Wed., Oct. 20, 2010
I Skyped with Kim tonight. I told her about my surgery.
Mon., Oct. 25, 2010
My last day as a fat, over-eating person! I had a morning of pre-op meetings at Grand Health Partners. I saw the dietician and exercise therapist in group sessions. Then I met with the “glass half empty” PA. I picked up my food for the next 2 weeks. I’m wondering and praying about the surgery. I have to get through the next 2 weeks first! It is not all liquid for these 2 weeks. I have a high protein, low calorie diet of their food products only for the 2 weeks before surgery. Brian and I told Mom tonight. I didn’t want her to worry for weeks so we waited to tell her. She took it pretty well.
Tues., Oct. 26, 2010
Ist day of the “diet”! Not one snitch! I can do this! I will not eat any more of the omelets! That was my first meal choice and it was NASTY! Rough day for other reasons....tornado watches and warnings, furnace needs to be replaced!
Wed., Oct. 27, 2010
Diet went well today!
Thurs., Oct. 28, 2010
Day 3! I wonder how long it will take to lose 66#!?! That’s my first goal. Then I’ll be less than I’ve been in at least 15 years (my lowest after the kids were born). I have a tickle and cough tonight.
Sat., Oct. 30, 2010
Day 5 went well but I have a cough/cold. I don’t want surgery cancelled now!
Sun., Oct. 31, 2010
5 days of work to go! I haven’t cheated even once this week! We walked around at Meijer Gardens to see the Chihuly exhibit one more time.
Mon., Nov. 1, 2010
I’ve lost my first 8.3#! Only 120 to go! The PA was nicer today. He said I should try to get over this cold. It will hurt to cough but will not stop surgery.
Tues., Nov. 2, 2010
I got an antibiotic from Dr. Samuelson just to be on the safe side! I don’t want this crud to keep me from having my surgery! I’m coughing hard.
Fri., Nov. 5, 2010
I finished my last day at school before surgery. I told the kids in my class I would be in the hospital for a procedure. All my lesson plans and papers are organized for Dee.
Sun., Nov. 7, 2010
Spent the day at home! Janet came over to keep me company. 36 hours from now surgery will be over!
Mon., Nov. 8, 2010
I was off work today. I packed my bag. Glo and I went to my “appointment”. Then I visited with Mom for a bit. I’m nervous! It’s a little surreal! It was hard to say goodnight to the kids tonight! I wonder how I’ll feel the next time I write something here! Bri took some before pictures!
SURGERY NOTES
Arrived at St. Mary’s at 5:30 a.m. for my 7:30 a.m. surgery. I was taken to pre-op in the Lacks Center. The operating room was in the main part of the hospital. Bri stayed with me until they wheeled me down the hall to OR. I made sure the anesthesiologist knew my biggest fear was nausea and vomiting. I had to do a pregnancy test!!! I guess if I was PG, they would’ve sent me home! I got a heparin shot in my thigh. I had an IV started. I told Dr. Kemmeter a lot of people were praying for me and for him. Then he prayed with Brian and I. I thought that was pretty cool! I don’t remember the trip down the hall but I remember seeing the OR. They strapped my arms down after moving me onto the operating table. There was a PA with a brightly colored hat/cap. I remember nothing from recovery. Apparently Dr. Kemmeter talked to me there. The next thing I remember is: 1) I didn’t die! 2) I don’t feel as bad as I thought I would and 3) I could hear my family saying it is about 11 o’clock. The rest of Tuesday was pretty groggy! They did get me up to walk several times and every 4 hours through the night. Ice chips! Wednesday was more walking and I started my protein drinks. The delaudid made me very sleepy! I could hardly keep my eyes open! They decided to keep me another night to be sure I was getting enough protein in!
Thurs., Nov. 11, 2010
I’m home! 2 days post-op! I’m sore but it went well. I’m starting to eat (drink, really). At times I’m really tired and sore, but I’ll get better. Sometimes I feel pretty normal.
Fri., Nov. 12, 2010
I got more flowers today from my family! Judy and Mom came over tonight. Mom stayed to watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy with me. In case anybody cares (it seemed to be of utmost concern to the nurses), I passed gas today!
Sat., Nov. 13, 2010
I went for a walk outside today! Stretched the pain meds out a bit. Haven’t needed any of the Valium. I’ve been on liquid vicodin. Cathy Mooney called to check on me! She is great and has helped me so much! Lena brought me a Build-a-Bear!
Sun., Nov. 14, 2010
I’m going to see how I do with just Tylenol for a while!
Mon., Nov. 15, 2010
Haven’t used the pain meds for 24 hours and feel pretty good. Slept better last night and feel like I have more energy. GOAL: walk at least 20 minutes in one stretch!
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