Some peope just don't understand....

If I have to hear one more person tell me that having this bariatric surgery is so drastic and that I should think about it more, I might scream. Do people really think I am that shallow? I don't think anyone besides my regular physician realizes that I have been researching this and thinking about it heavily for at least 2 years. Yes, I realize that I won't eat normal sized portions for a long time. Yes, I understand the risks. Yes, I understand that I will have to take vitamins for the rest of my life.

I want to be a normal size. I want to be able to wear cute clothes. I don't want to wear huge pieces of fabric for the rest of my life.

I don't think the people telling me that I shouldn't make such a drastic move have ever dealt with this.

I did get some good news today. I spoke with my regular physician's office and found out that I did have 12 consecutive appointments relating to weight loss. One more potential insurance hurdle completed. I have been given conflicting insurance information. The first time I spoke with Community Blue PPO (BCBS) they told me that I had to have 12 months of consecutive appointments with my doctor relating to weight loss, the next time it was 6 months, then this last time it was back to 12 months. Oh well, I have that requirement covered now.

On another note, I went to the mall and walked tonight. I used the nike ipod sensor in my shoe (coolest thing ever) and my ipod while I walked. The sensor lets the ipod record distance (1.87 miles), time (34:09), my pace (18'14" per mile) and calories (366). Not too bad for the first night. I decided we are going to do this as a family 2 or 3 times a week or more. The kids seem to like this. Morgan had her ipod and was power-walking like a professional. Mitchell seemed to enjoy getting out of the house too. Everyone should feel pretty good in the morning.

On my way...

Today I went to the doctors office to meet with the internist, Dr. Lasater.

First thing that happened at this appointment is the nurse put me on the scale. Holy cow! More than I want to mention. Then she put me on the body fat analyzer. Holy cow two times over. Blood pressure was a text book perfect 120/80 (yay). She took a "before" picture (boo). I also had an EKG done.

Dr. Lasater same in and went through my health history. Everything was great then he mentioned that I had "blip" on the EKG. Now I have to go to a cardiologist and have a stress test done. I was advised to stop using any ibuprofen, motrin, aleve in preparation for surgery and only use tylenol. The doctor also discussed the surgery options with me. I was on the fence between the band and the roux en y. The doctor agreed with me that I would have a better longterm outcome with the roux en y procedure.

I have another appointment scheduled Wednesday February 4, 2009 with Dr. Baker (the surgeon) and the person who does the psychological evaluations. That should be fun.

I am really on my way to doing this. The only potential problems are the insurance and this heart "blip".

Things to think about...

I have been doing a lot of thinking about this procedure. I have decided to find out what procedure they recommend for me. I'm fairly certain they will say banding or roux-en y. I see the pros and cons of both. My concern with banding is being demotivated by a slow weightloss and being able to maintain that loss. Also whether the band and port stays in for the rest of my life. WIth RNY I'm concerned about the longterm effects of the malabsorption. I guess as long as I follow directions I should be ok.

Hopefully, everything goes ok with the insurance and I can get this done in March so I can be ready for summer!

Bariatric Orientation

Last night I went to the orientation to learn about the different types of bariatric surgery. The first step towards being cleared for surgery. I'm very confident that I'm making the right decision. I just can't see myself getting back to a normal size without this procedure. I see this a do-over. This is my big chance to lose weight while changing my behavior at the same time. It will be interesting to see how this goes with braces (yes, I have braces on my teeth right now). This morning I got the call from the doctors office scheduling the initial visit with the internist, Dr. Laseter.

My next step is to go to the appointment on Monday afternoon. I need to find out if I should start my exercise program now to get in the habit or wait a while. So many questions and such a new adventure.

One day I will be the hot woman I know I am.