The Waiting Game

Had my last pre-surgery appointment yesterday.  I met with a very nice physiatrist.  He asked me many questions ranging from my height & weight, family medical history, who my support people are and how many stairs do we have from our first floor to our second.  Yes, I knew the answer--- 13!!!  Good thing I count them as I go up and down:)

Overall, it was a laid back discussion about why I am choosing sugery and what to expect afterwards.  He ended our 40 minute chat by saying he would turn in his results and send them to Dr. Wu's office by end of next week. 

The waiting game begins now.  Wait for all of my information to be turned in to insurance.  Insurance has to put the final OK on it.  Then we set-up the surgery date.  2 weeks prior to surgery I meet with the dietition at Elmbrook one last time.  I have to continue to meet with the quad dietitian too, which is probably a good thing.

The end is in sight!!!!  I can't wait for the next adventure around the corner :)

Elmbrook Group Dietitian Meeting #1

My meeting on Monday was a group meeting to learn the basic info about what kind of diet to expect before and after surgery.  This was the meeting I have been waiting for. 

What I learned:
* I will have to schedule another appointment once I learn my surgery date to learn the liquid diet directions
* I need to be taking a children's chewable vitamin in the morning and evening
* I will be on a liquid diet for one week before surgery
* 2 days before surgery I will be on a clear liquid diet
* First 3 days after surgery-- clear liquids
* 2 1/2 weeks after surgery--liquid diet
* 1 week of puree (oh yuck!)
* then onto low fat, high protien foods for life :)

Like I said in my last post--- I CAN DO IT!!!

I tried the protien powder yesterday and found it to be grainy... not sure if I didn't mix it well enough or that is just the texture.  I will try it again later and see if I can mix it up better..... fingers crossed otherwise I will need to buy a different brand.

Now I just have one more appointment tomorrow at 2pm.  Fingers crossed the Phsyc evaluation goes well.  And NO I WON'T CRY!!!!  I am such a wimp when it comes to anything emtional.... but I will keep it together. 

I am excited to be nearing the end :)

Final Two!!!

This week marks my final appointments before submitting info to insurance.  There is an end to the tunnel :)

Today I meet with a dietitian for a group class.  I am interested to see what we will be learning.  I have been seeing a dietitian through Quad since Halloween of 2011.  I have grown fond of her and look forward to our meetings every other week.  I have learned so much from her.

I hope I come away with helpful information. 

Doctor Appointment Update

The Bariatric Center wanted me to see a pulmonologist to confirm that I was okay to have surgery.  I wrote on my initial form that I have asthma.  Way back in high school I was prescribed an inhaler for sports related asthma. My last attack was in 1996. So.... why did I write that I have asthma on the form originally you ask??  Well, it said previous condition and in my mind it was a previous condition.... not realizing it was over 16 years ago--- where did that time go???

This meant seeing another doctor out of the Quad network-- ugh.  This also means more out of pocket money.  I called the Bariatric Center and got the okay to have my doctor write a letter saying I haven't had an attack since high school and was safe for surgery.  Thank goodness I have a wonderful Quad doctor.  She called Elmbrook Hospital and got my Pulmonary Function test scores and decided that YES she would write me a letter saying I am not a concern!!  What a relief :)

I have two last appointments this next week.  Monday, I have a group dietitian class at Elmbrook and Thursday is my psych evaluation.  After these two doctors send in their reports a letter will be sent to the insurance company saying I have completed all of the steps.  I am so excited and yet nervous to be this close to the end.  We are looking to having surgery in July..... which is closer than I thought.

It has been a long process, but I am grateful there is a process to follow.  If I would have been able to have surgery back in November when I started, I don't think I would have been very successful.  I have learned so much about myself and my eating habits.  I loved food and have learned that food is not my entire life, but part of my life that helps me survive.  I don't live for meals and snacks anymore and feel good about who I am.  This is my life and I will succeed in living healthier for myself and my family!!!

I CAN DO IT!!!

They Fit!!!!

This morning I tried on a pair of capris that I purchased back in April.  They fit at the time, but just felt a little too snug to be comfortable all day.  I have worn them around the house, but never out and about.  So I decided to pull them out of the drawer to check the status.  I was quite surprised to see that THEY FIT!!!  And fit nice and comfortable.  This may be one of my new favorite outfits.

These are the days that help me to keep moving forward.  I am glad to see a change in my body finally.  When one is very overweight it takes quite some time to have others and yourself notice it.  Well, I noticed it today :)  June 23rd is a happy day!!!

Waterpark Fun for Ben's 3rd Birthday!!!

We spent the past weekend at Three Bears Lodge in Warrens, Wisconsin.  I was a little nervous about going to a water park for an entire weekend, after all, I haven't enjoyed wearing a swimsuit the past several years. 

First job was finding a new suit.  Mine was worn out.  I spent two evenings trying on various suits.  I was excited to find one at sears that fit super well.  I tried on a two piece--- no not a bikini!  That is not a sight ANYONE should have to see!!!  Thank goodness Chris and the boys were along, because I would have gone with the large sized suit.  I have had a hard time realizing I have lost weight and that I can wear a size smaller and look good in it.  So after trying on the smaller top and realizing, yeah it does look good, I purchased a new suit.

Friday night we put on our suits and headed to the pool.  I felt self conscious and was wishing I could hide under my cover up all night.  To my surprise, I took off my cover-up and felt great.  I felt great all weekend.  I went on slides and enjoyed playing in the water with both boys.  I am glad my love of water has rubbed off on both of them.

I am excited to say, I will not dread the next time I have to put on my swim suit, but will be excited to be able to put it on and feel good about myself. 

Work-out Schedule and New Swimsuit

I am still excited to work out again tonight.  Pandora has really increased my interest again.  To stay on schedule I will have to work-out Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday nights.  Max has his first baseball game on Thursday so that will be a day of rest, so to speak.  We are also leaving Friday afternoon for a weekend away at the Three Bears Lodge in Warrens.  Ben is so excited to celebrate his birthday at the water park as am I.

Tonight I will begin the hunt for a new swimsuit.  A task I dread.  Fingers crossed that Fashion Bug will have the perfect suit at the perfect price!  Hears to hoping :)

Pandora Radio

Chris introduced me to Pandora.  For those of you that aren't computer savvy (myself included), Pandora is a music station that you can listen to on your computer or in my case on my phone.


Tonight I headed to the Quad fitness center with my phone fully charged and a set of earbuds in my hand.  I was amazed at how easy the program was to use.  However, you are allowed to skip 6 songs in an hour and I maxed that!!!  You are able to set-up your own music channels with music you like.  I will be looking into this :)


Working out was actually fun again tonight.  This is just what I needed.  Thank you Chris!!!  I can't wait to go back tomorrow night.  Haven't felt like that in a LONG time :)