Overall Weight Loss Goal

Before Pictures

My official “Before” pictures are behind the jump!

Tea By Two

I went out this afternoon and met some lovely ladies from the Maryland board on Obesityhelp.com.  We went to Tea by Two in Bel Air and had high tea, and it was a simply delicious afternoon.  I met my surgery angel, KBS-Tia, Boxer Heather, DebbieL. and DarlaP.  It was a very enlightening trip, and the tea room was just lovely!

I was so wonderful to hear from ladies who have actually had the surgery.  I find myself seeking out my own support group, and these women were just wonderful.  Such funny ladies, and we had such a good time.  And the tea room – oh the tea room.  I think I’ve discovered a new obsession!  I called my mom on the way home to tell her once I was back on solid foods, we were heading back there. 

I’m happy to be able to relate to these ladies.  Bob and I have wanted to branch out and meet new people, and I think this was a perfect way to start.  Not that I don’t love my friends, I do.  But it was invaluable to me to meet people who have “been there and done that” with WLS.  I got so many tips, and hints, and got to see how things are really going to be after surgery.

As for the tea room and High Tea – I’m in love.  New tradition in my life.  And the tea…oh the tea…I love tea anyway, but theirs was wonderful.  High Tea was two pots of tea (we started with a lovely spiced blend and a mint blend), soup (baked potato with bacon and cheddar soup), and then came the scones.  OMG.  Lovely orange scones.  Tea sandwiches and desserts, which most of us took home.  It was a lovely afternoon.  I’m so glad I went.

Now I’m down to three days – two really, since today is nearly over.  Tonight, we are having friends over for a movie night.  I think its the perfect way to spend the weekend.  I’ve really had a wonderful weekend…and I’m really looking forward to my new life – just around the corner.

Tia, Heather, Darla and Debbie – thank you so much for such an absolutely wonderful afternoon!

Last Day at Work – 4 Days To Go

Today is my last day phsyically coming in to work before surgery.  I’ve completed everything that needs to be completed, with the exception of one report, which I’m hoping I can get pushed through today.  That would be very nice.  Monday I will work from home (with a break for my EKG, oh, and the BGE man).

This weekend will be a busy one.  Tomorrow I’m meeting with some new friends for a nice afternoon.  One of those friends is my surgery angel, and it will be nice to put some faces with some names.  Then Saturday night, Mr. G and I are having some friends over for a movie night at our house.  I’m really trying to spend a relaxing weekend before surgery.

Sunday  I have elected to start a clear liquid diet.  It is to make sure there is nothing in my system for surgery on Tuesday.  I am going to pick up a few things I need Saturday morning – I want to stock up on some things anyway for after surgery, so I’ll pick up some more broth and I’m going to try to find the sugar free ice pops that you just stick in the freezer and freeze – you know, like the Freezy pops.  I want to get some for home and some to take to my mom’s.

After surgery I will be recouperating at my Mom’s house.  She has a lazy boy that I can easily get out of, instead of trying to fight with a bed.  I need to get everything together on Sunday.

I’m excited and nervous all at the same time!

5 Days to Go, and Before/After Picture Plans

Whoo boy I’m excited.  I hate wishing my life away these days, but I can’t wait until Tuesday gets here and I’m heading to the hospital, saying good-bye to the fat suit forever.

I talked to Mr. G last night and we’ve settled on a plan for taking my before and after pictures.  I think we are going to take the before pictures Monday evening.  After pictures will be up and posted each month on my surgiversary.

Is it wrong to be so excited about major abdominal surgery?  It feels so wrong, but feels so right!

Pre-Op Appointment

I had my pre-op appointment with Dr. McKenna today.  It went very well.  I’m so happy with this practice.  They really make you feel at ease and answer all of your questions.

I had my last weigh in and lost 17 pounds on my pre-op diet.  Not bad at all for someone taking insulin that makes it difficult to lose weight.  The doctor was thrilled.  I am so excited about surgery.  Count down is on…less than a week to go.

They sent me on my way with a big old packet of stuff to read, a card for my purse to tell emergency workers that I’ve had bypass, homework (I need to come up with a menu for two weeks when I go onto mushies and real foods), a script for antacid which I will need to take to prevent ulcers, and a script for an EKG and blood work to be done before Tuesday.  I went immediately to the lab and had the blood work done and I’ll have my EKG done at my doctor’s office on Monday.  I have a phone appointment on Friday with the pre-admission nurse.  So, basically I’m all set.

I’m so excited.  My life is really about to change for the better.

Here we go!

$2,025

That’s what I pay per year for the co-pays on my prescription mediciations.  $2,025.  Here’s what I take:

Metformin (diabetes), Levemir (insulin), Novolog (insulin), Metoprolol (heart), Plavix (heart), Norvasc (blood pressure), Diovan HCT (blood pressure), Crestor (cholesterol), Zetia (cholesterol), and Lovasor (cholesterol).  I also have a prescription for my diabetes testing supplies (test strips) and the needles for my insulin.

On top of that, I take 81 mg of aspirin per day, two multivitamins (in preparation for surgery), 1200 mg per day of Calcium with Vit. D, and fish oil for an added cost of approximately $324 per year.  That’s a grand total of $2,349 per year.

After surgery, I am hoping to get off of most of my medication.  I’ve discussed it with my doctor, and we are hoping that eventually, in the next couple of months, I will get off of everything except the Plavix and the Metoprolol.  I will need to take the multivitamins, calcium citrate, b-12, and iron post surgery.  I will need to see if I can still take my 81 mg a day of aspirin – at the very least, I will need to take a chewable instead of what I take now.  All my vits have to be sub-lingual or chewies.  So lets see -

Plavix – $75 every three months for $300 a year

Metoprolol – $12.50 every three months for $50 per year

I’m expecting my vitamins and stuff to stay around $325 per year, for a grand total of $675.  A total savings of $1,674 a year.  That’s our dues at Trails End.

Come on surgery – with what I save on my drugs, I’ll be able to buy my first pair of skinny jeans and boots, and new underwear, and bras, and the list goes on and on and on…

Anxiety

I haven’t been posting much lately.  My world is wrapped up in work and preparing to have my gizzards rearranged.

I’m a bundle of nerves about everything.  I’m excited and anxious.  Mr. G asked me last night if I was worried about something happening.  I’m actually not.  I have complete faith in my surgeon.  I’ve researched him a lot.  A lot a lot.  They are a Center of Bariatric Excellence.  So he said, well, if you aren’t worried about that, what are you worried about?

Well, I’m not fond of pain.  I’m worried about that.  I’m worried that I’m going to go through all of this and still not lose weight.  This one is an irrational fear – but a fear none the less.  Nothing else has worked, so why should this, right?  I’m worried that after all is said and done, I’ll still have to take a bunch of medication.  I’m praying that I’m only on insulin for another week and a half.

My biggest fear – well, that one is easy.  I am going to be forced to learn how to deal with emtion and stress without my biggest comfort – food.  Mom and I were discussing it last night.  We both deal with our emotions by heading straight for food.  Comfort food, chocolate, whatever.  In fact, she even asked me last night if I was going to have one last piece of chocolate before surgery (uh, that would be a hell yeah).  I’m afraid without turning to food, the stress might make me crazy.  I’m glad I have a strong support group in place.  They’ll be hearing from me a lot.

So, that’s what’s going on here.  A big old bundle of raw nerves, emotions, excitement, anxiety…you name it, I’ve got it.

12 days to go.

Antica…….pation

This week has blown by so quickly.  I’m really busy at work, so that I’m sure has something to do with it.  My friend on OH warned me how quicly this time would go, and they aren’t kidding.  I have 8 work days left to get done 30 days worth of work, and wow, am I getting antsy about getting things done.

I got my letter yesterday, and my surgery is scheduled for 10:10am on the 10th.    I’m starting to get a wee bit nervous.  Just a bit.  I’m mostly excited…like counting down to that last day of school all over again.  So glad I took this semester off school!

I actually had someone yesterday ask me how I could be proud of this.  I know…seriously.  I asked them what they meant, and they asked me (in all sincerity) why I felt I couldn’t lose the weight on my own, and didn’t I just lack will power.  There were no words…just a simple roll of my eyes and I walked away.  Walk a mile in my shoes, skinny minnie…see how easy it is.

Before and After Pictures

I wanted to post a few “before” pictures for posterity sake. I also intend on having my husband take pictures the night before the surgery and each month after the surgery.

APROVED!

I’m approved! My re-birth date is November 10th! I’m so excited! And I just can’t hide it! I’m about to lose control and I think I like it!