This has been a pretty exciting week for me! On Tuesday, I got a call from my endocrinologist's office to let me know the lab work I had done on Friday was good and to continue on my current dosage of meds. My primary care doctor's office called a little later to let me know that they had faxed the referral to the Weight Loss Clinic at Memorial. WOO!
I made myself wait until Tuesday afternoon to call the WLC about seeing when I could schedule my initial consultations. The girl that answers the phone, Marissa, was an absolute angel and sorted through the faxes they had received to find mine, added it to my file, checked everything for completeness, and then scheduled me. She did not have to do that, but she did it anyway. Working in admissions for as long as I have, I know what it's like when someone calls who submitted their paperwork 35 seconds prior and then wants to know their status. So I became THAT annoying person. Sorry, Marissa! But she got me scheduled for my initial consultation and that appointment was YESTERDAY! I couldn't believe I got in that quickly.
Yesterday was like Christmas to me. I was so excited and nervous and was unsure of what to expect. I was so scared someone was going to say, "Uh, you don't meet X qualification, so you're done now. Go away!" No one said that though.
First I met with the physician's assistant. He examined me and we talked about my medical history. It's a pretty short history and can be summed up in one sentence: I've had two kids, have hypothyroidism, gallbladder came out in 2001, and torn meniscus surgery in 2013. Annnnnnnd, we're done. We also discussed which of the 3 surgeries I should have. I did not want lap-band, as I felt it was not appropriate for me. He agreed. It then came down to Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (aka VSG or "sleeve") or the Roux-en-Y (RNY or bypass) surgery. I went into the appointment with leanings toward the sleeve surgery, but I also saw benefits to the RNY. We ended up deciding together that RNY is the best bet for me. And I'm ok with that, because deep down, that was my choice from the start. They are also considerably more experienced in performing the RNY surgery, which makes me feel good with my decision. I have no doubts that the team would do an excellent job with the sleeve, too, but I like that they are more experienced with RNY.
He assured me that they will check everything over very carefully in the OR to ensure there are no leaks or problems. The complication rate is less than 5%. There will be two surgeons performing the surgery, along with their team of nurses. This is standard procedure for this clinic, and I like that. It's good to have two sets of eyes in case one picks up what the other may miss. We are all human and mistakes can happen, but with two experts dong the job, the chance of anything being missed is almost zero.
I then met with the social worker so she could assess my mental preparedness and, I'm sure, to make sure I knew what I was getting into. She asked me to explain what happens in the RNY surgery and I believe I told her way more than she was expecting. What can I say? I'm the Queen of Research and I know my stuff. I've watched countless YouTube videos on the procedure and read numerous articles. I know what to expect after surgery, too. I am fully cognizant of the changes that I will need to make in my life to prepare for my new life. I am ready to make those changes. I feel like I have a pretty good support system, too. We talked about all of that and she pronounced me ready and capable of handling this. I do not have to see her again.
I asked both of them if it was possible to do the surgery in December. They both felt it was able to be done. Doing it in December would allow me extra time for recovery because the University is closed from December 24 to January 1. It's also a slower time in our office. So that is what we are shooting for!
Next up, I will meet with my primary care doctor once a month for six months, starting June 25. She will monitor my weight loss efforts and the changes I am making to prepare for life after surgery. I was not told that I had to lose any percentage or amount of weight prior to surgery, so I'm just going to keep working hard and eating right. In July I go back to Springfield for my first two classes and to meet with the nutritionist, physical therapist (for fitness discussions), and the medical people. In August I will attend a support group meeting to see what it's about (the July meeting is going to be a clothing exchange (COOL) so it won't do me any good).
I have no doubts the rest of this year is going to drag by and fly by. The hardest change I will face will be giving up carbonated beverages. I love my Diet Mt Dew, but I'm in love with the idea of living life at a healthy weight even more. I've already started preparing for that by getting used to drinking iced tea. I didn't like unsweetened tea, so I learned I could use Stevia. I tried it and liked it really well. I am going to double-check with the WLC people to be sure I can use Stevia post-surgery, but from what I read I should be able to. I want their final approval, though, because they are the experts. Of course, during my appointments, I could think of only a few questions. Afterward, I thought of 800 questions. I'm going to email them later today with my list of questions. They are very good at responding, which is awesome.
The part that excites me the most is that the physician's assistant said I should be at or very near to my goal within a year. That means when I walk across the stage to graduate with my master's degree in December 2015, I will be doing so at a healthy weight! I love that idea!
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Stumbling Blocks
I seem to be unable to accomplish things in my life without encountering stumbling blocks. Instead of becoming angry or upset, I (mostly) laugh because it is so crazy sometimes. For instance, getting started on this surgical process, I encountered a stumbling block a few weeks ago that sort of became a comedy of errors.
I called the bariatric center on May 28 (Wednesday) to find out if they had everything they needed so I could schedule my first consultation so that I can finally know if this is going to be an option for me. (Although the Weight Loss Clinic people said it was, I won't believe it until the surgical people tell me it is.) The nice young lady I spoke to dropped the bomb that my primary care doctor refused to fill out the (required) referral form and wrote on it that he was leaving, so I should have my new PCP fill it out. Um, he's what?!?!?!?!
So I frantically called my PCP's office, only to speak to some bitter older woman who unkindly informed me a letter was sent (I didn't receive) and that the information was published in the newspaper. I responded that I lived 30 miles away and did not read that town's newspaper! I don't even read the newspaper in my own town! Geesh.
Then I began to frantically try to find another doctor. I called the first one who said he was taking new patients. Yes, they were taking new patients, but he's booked up until the end of July. Ok, let's try another one. The next one was also taking new patients...BUT...only on the first of the month. What? The nice receptionist said I had to call back on Monday, June 2 - since the 1st was a Sunday - and if I was one of the first 20 callers, I would be accepted. Wow, I love radio call-ins as much as the next person, but I'm not going to play a game to see if I can get into a doctor. I'm sure that method works great for them, but I do not care to participate. Is that how they schedule appointments, too? "Gee, sorry to hear you are sick, but she will only treat you on the 5th of the month. If you're the 9th caller, you can get in to see her, PLUS you'll win a meet and greet to see the band backstage!" No.
However she did tell me about another doctor who was accepting patients. I called that office and could get in to see that doctor's nurse practitioner the following Wednesday. I'LL TAKE IT! Then I checked my insurance online to make sure that doctor was covered. She was not. I called the company to be sure, and apparently she was. Whew! So they changed my PCP to the new lady and I was set. Except for the part where I had to convince the new nurse practitioner to fill out the referral form.
I dreaded my appointment and was so nervous. I didn't know what I was going to do if she wouldn't fill it out. The day finally came and I headed off to my appointment, not knowing what to expect. Of anything, I truly did not expect to be there for two hours. But I was. I waited 45 minutes to be called back, and then I was with the nurse practitioner for almost an hour, going over my history. WOWSERS!
Basically, I am extremely healthy. My blood pressure was "amazing" according to the nurse that checked me in. I'd just had a bunch of lab work done and we went over that. My A1C, which checks your last 3 months blood sugar, was good so I have no pre-diabetes lurking, and no diabetes. My cholesterol was slightly high, as was my bad cholesterol. My good cholesterol was also high, which is a good thing. My vitamin D was low, which she said was to be expected after winter.
We finally discussed the referral and she was reluctant to fill it out because my BMI was 39.25 or something. It must be 40 or higher to have surgery without any co-morbidities. Since I'm so dang healthy, I have NO co-morbidities. She finally agreed and said it would be sent in, along with her notes from our visit, by Monday evening.
I'm hoping to call the surgical center this coming week to get my initial consultation scheduled so that I'll finally feel like I'm getting started! I'm not a patient person and this is making me crazy. I've also had second thoughts on whether this is right for me. I get scared thinking of what changes will happen before and after surgery. Basically, I'm just doing what I do when it comes to big decisions like this and I'm having doubts. It is a scary, scary thing to think about. And it's life-changing. I'm not backing out on the consultation, because I trust these people to tell me if this is the right thing for me. They have been in practice for a long time and they are the experts. I continue with my research and talking to those who have had surgery. Some days I'm convinced it's right, and other days I have doubts. I think this is normal.
I've already had one family member who is not thrilled with my decision. There may be others, but they haven't voiced their opinion to me yet. That's ok. Not everyone IS going to agree with this. Just like I don't agree with all of their decisions in their life. However, I'm the one who has to live this life and they are the ones who have to live their own lives. We're all entitled to our own opinions, and I'm ok with that, as long as people are respectful about it.
In other news, I got the syllabus for my next grad class. It actually starts June 30 and ends July 25. So I have 4 weeks in which to cram 16 weeks of learning. He sent the syllabus early so that we could get an early start, and I'm taking advantage of it!
We also started the summer exercise challenge in my little town and I'm excited about it! I hope to take part in some of the longer bike rides they have and some of the other events. I'm going to have to get a newspaper to find out when things are being held, though. Haha!
Does your town offer any type of exercise program? Ours is free thanks to a grant. If not, have you thought about getting one started? Do you think people would take advantage? I'm always surprised at how few take advantage of this one. It's rather sad, actually.
I called the bariatric center on May 28 (Wednesday) to find out if they had everything they needed so I could schedule my first consultation so that I can finally know if this is going to be an option for me. (Although the Weight Loss Clinic people said it was, I won't believe it until the surgical people tell me it is.) The nice young lady I spoke to dropped the bomb that my primary care doctor refused to fill out the (required) referral form and wrote on it that he was leaving, so I should have my new PCP fill it out. Um, he's what?!?!?!?!
So I frantically called my PCP's office, only to speak to some bitter older woman who unkindly informed me a letter was sent (I didn't receive) and that the information was published in the newspaper. I responded that I lived 30 miles away and did not read that town's newspaper! I don't even read the newspaper in my own town! Geesh.
Then I began to frantically try to find another doctor. I called the first one who said he was taking new patients. Yes, they were taking new patients, but he's booked up until the end of July. Ok, let's try another one. The next one was also taking new patients...BUT...only on the first of the month. What? The nice receptionist said I had to call back on Monday, June 2 - since the 1st was a Sunday - and if I was one of the first 20 callers, I would be accepted. Wow, I love radio call-ins as much as the next person, but I'm not going to play a game to see if I can get into a doctor. I'm sure that method works great for them, but I do not care to participate. Is that how they schedule appointments, too? "Gee, sorry to hear you are sick, but she will only treat you on the 5th of the month. If you're the 9th caller, you can get in to see her, PLUS you'll win a meet and greet to see the band backstage!" No.
However she did tell me about another doctor who was accepting patients. I called that office and could get in to see that doctor's nurse practitioner the following Wednesday. I'LL TAKE IT! Then I checked my insurance online to make sure that doctor was covered. She was not. I called the company to be sure, and apparently she was. Whew! So they changed my PCP to the new lady and I was set. Except for the part where I had to convince the new nurse practitioner to fill out the referral form.
I dreaded my appointment and was so nervous. I didn't know what I was going to do if she wouldn't fill it out. The day finally came and I headed off to my appointment, not knowing what to expect. Of anything, I truly did not expect to be there for two hours. But I was. I waited 45 minutes to be called back, and then I was with the nurse practitioner for almost an hour, going over my history. WOWSERS!
Basically, I am extremely healthy. My blood pressure was "amazing" according to the nurse that checked me in. I'd just had a bunch of lab work done and we went over that. My A1C, which checks your last 3 months blood sugar, was good so I have no pre-diabetes lurking, and no diabetes. My cholesterol was slightly high, as was my bad cholesterol. My good cholesterol was also high, which is a good thing. My vitamin D was low, which she said was to be expected after winter.
We finally discussed the referral and she was reluctant to fill it out because my BMI was 39.25 or something. It must be 40 or higher to have surgery without any co-morbidities. Since I'm so dang healthy, I have NO co-morbidities. She finally agreed and said it would be sent in, along with her notes from our visit, by Monday evening.
I'm hoping to call the surgical center this coming week to get my initial consultation scheduled so that I'll finally feel like I'm getting started! I'm not a patient person and this is making me crazy. I've also had second thoughts on whether this is right for me. I get scared thinking of what changes will happen before and after surgery. Basically, I'm just doing what I do when it comes to big decisions like this and I'm having doubts. It is a scary, scary thing to think about. And it's life-changing. I'm not backing out on the consultation, because I trust these people to tell me if this is the right thing for me. They have been in practice for a long time and they are the experts. I continue with my research and talking to those who have had surgery. Some days I'm convinced it's right, and other days I have doubts. I think this is normal.
I've already had one family member who is not thrilled with my decision. There may be others, but they haven't voiced their opinion to me yet. That's ok. Not everyone IS going to agree with this. Just like I don't agree with all of their decisions in their life. However, I'm the one who has to live this life and they are the ones who have to live their own lives. We're all entitled to our own opinions, and I'm ok with that, as long as people are respectful about it.
In other news, I got the syllabus for my next grad class. It actually starts June 30 and ends July 25. So I have 4 weeks in which to cram 16 weeks of learning. He sent the syllabus early so that we could get an early start, and I'm taking advantage of it!
We also started the summer exercise challenge in my little town and I'm excited about it! I hope to take part in some of the longer bike rides they have and some of the other events. I'm going to have to get a newspaper to find out when things are being held, though. Haha!
Does your town offer any type of exercise program? Ours is free thanks to a grant. If not, have you thought about getting one started? Do you think people would take advantage? I'm always surprised at how few take advantage of this one. It's rather sad, actually.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)