I know it's been a long time since I've updated my blog but time has gotten away from me and things have been a lot easier than I thought they would so documenting everything hasn't been a priority. I know there were a lot of people interested in following my blog and for that I totally apologize.
So yesterday was my 4 month (4 mths on Friday!) check up with Dr. Fitzer's clinic in Utica. I thought I'd let everyone know the update was really good. Apparently my bloodwork is almost perfect! I'm not longer diabetic, my cholesterol is normal, liver is normal, iron, B12, etc is all normal. It's great! I've lost a total of 78lbs since this all started. My legs feel much better and Tylenol provides me with enough pain relief. I'm able to walk up to two hours now instead of only 15 min intervals. The pain is so much less that I can't imagine how much better it will get in time. I must admit I cannot stand for long periods at this point still but for the most part, walking or hiking with my poles is fabulous! I'm loving it!
It hasn't been completely perfect but so far so good. I do have to go see my family doctor to get a CAAT scan done on my tummy to see why I have a horrible discomfort in the center. It may be a piece of bowel being caught under my new pouch although from what they say it should be causing more pain than discomfort. I've been asked to back off on my swimming until they find out what it is so hopefully that will be soon. I've started going to open lengths and swimming lengths a minimum twice a week but more if I can fit it in.
I thought I'd post my measurements here too to show the difference:
Pre-surgery measurements done Feb 4/2010:
Waist - 59
Neck - 18
Bicep - 18
Forearm - 12
Chest - 61
Hip - 58
Thigh - 26
Calf - 17.5
Measurements done today July 20, 2010
Waist - 49
Neck - 16
Bicep - 14
Forearm - 10
Chest - 55
Hip - 51
Thigh - 22
Calf - 15
So definitely some changes there. I still don't know why I'm so tired though since all of my blood tests came back so perfect. I will have to maybe start going to bed earlier and trying to get more sleep instead. It will be a bit of a testing time to play with different attempts to get some sleep.
I'm pretty excited even though the weight loss has slowed down some. I'm hoping it will start again but I'm still doing everything right! I simply cannot wait to start doing some of my goals (Kayaking, Canoeing, longer hikes, zip lining, Wind Surfing, Frontenac Challenge and sooooo much more!!!!)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
It's almost time!
So I figure it’s time to start updating my blog again. Time is moving along really quickly now and surgery is coming faster each day. I’m at 19 days from surgery and 16 from leaving. Emotionally I’ve been feeling a little panicked. It started when I went to see my doctor. Let me explain -
A few weeks ago I went for an ECG after seeing my doctor. I’d say about a month or so ago. She wanted me to go early in case there were any issues with my scan and she wanted to be sure we had plenty of time to take care of anything that was wrong. I heard nothing about the results and proceeded to fax her office last week requesting the pre-op blood test form to be filled out. I mentioned in the fax that if she did have my results from my ECG that she would need to fax the results to Dr. Graber’s office as he must have all of my results no less than one week prior to surgery. When I called about the form the next day, the secretary freaked out and was exclaiming about how the surgeon was requiring all these new blood tests and if I was aware of them. I asked her if he had called and she said no, he faxed them. It made me pause and I asked her who signed the fax she is referring to. There was silence on the other end and a comment of, Oh, it’s from you. I said nothing since I was stunned they obviously did not read the complete fax I had sent. Regardless, I went in and picked up the form.
When I arrived at the lab they insisted I required an ECG done as per the paperwork I had brought in. I was on a limited time frame because of work so I was very frustrated that it took me almost 20 min to figure everything out. They had absolutely no clue what was going on and why I had to get a second ECG. The lab nurse told me that if I were to get a second one done there is a possibility of the second one having issues while the first could be okay. I decided not to bother with a second one and investigate the first one when I went in to my doctor for my physical.
My appointment was several days later so while I had been considering not saying anything I decided I wanted to let her know that my faith in her staff was starting to be of some concern to me. Especially since I had to use her office for future tests and emergencies and when I originally spoke to her she promised to be a source of support for me. When I spoke to her, it seemed she was having a bit of a bad day or something. Her enthusiasm she originally had for my surgery and my decisions wasn’t there and I was a bit taken aback on her attitude. I felt that even before I had mentioned the staff issue. She didn’t really offer any resolution at that point in time but I didn’t really expect anything other than to let her know her staff isn’t being overly receptive or alert.
During my physical I had mentioned I was excited to have this surgery and she actually told me I was crazy to be excited because it was such a big change. My physical was fine and although I had to go get a copy of my ECG because during the visit she told me it must be lost because of some computer issues they had a few weeks prior, things were okay. By the time I got home I had everything in hand to fax myself and within an hour of sending it, my pre-op paperwork was approved for surgery.
So as of this point, everything is okay. I was a bit reassured when my doctor called yesterday to confirm as to whether I received my ECG results or not and to wish me luck with surgery. I’m really hoping when I get in to see her that she continues to support me as she had in the beginning. I really think it will be important for her to be that support as she will be the one in control of all my tests and blood work after surgery.
My mood has just gone down hill from this onward. I’ve been pmsing for the past week and I know I occasionally get really bad pms so I’m hoping that if it’s bad this month, next month will not be as bad. I can get so moody, sad and crusty all wrapped up in one. My insecurities are just nasty and I drive myself nuts by living inside of my head way way too much during that time. I pull away from people at this time when it’s the time I should be around people who will get me up and away from being inside my head too much. I can really upset my whole world when I feel like this. I grit my teeth or blow up and when I blow up, it’s not pretty. My poor boss must think I’m Jekyl and Hyde the way I can be. That’s why I normally find myself pulling away from people so I don’t drive them away permanently. It’s starting to pass though and I think starting to write in my blog again will help a lot.
So I’m ready I think. I’m a bit over prepared from what one friend says but that makes me happy she says that because I’ve been afraid of not being ready. There’s only a couple of things I still need to take care of including locating what seems to be difficult to find, an ice shaver and to figure out my vitamins.
Thank god for the support groups and my new friends I have met though. I think I will be eternally grateful for all the help, reassurance and support they have given me during my journey to get approved for this. I feel like a whole new aspect of life has opened up to me by being introduced to so many wonderful people who have definitely got something in common with me.
I’m struggling right now with feeling a bit needy because I’m a bit panicked. I’m feeling like I need too much reassurance right now and it’s so not like me to be that way. The one thing I hate to do is ask things of people and the combination of the pain I have been in lately (I've had to get off all of my anti-inflammatory meds 30 days before surgery) and the emotional part that seems to be getting a bit overwhelming at this point, I’ve been having to ask an awful lot of people. I know they each have gone thru this themselves and know what I’m going thru but I also know each of them are going thru their own things right now and I’d rather be there for them than ask them for support. Hopefully this whole pms thing passes soon!
Anyway, until next time my friends. I promise to update more often. 18 days today!
A few weeks ago I went for an ECG after seeing my doctor. I’d say about a month or so ago. She wanted me to go early in case there were any issues with my scan and she wanted to be sure we had plenty of time to take care of anything that was wrong. I heard nothing about the results and proceeded to fax her office last week requesting the pre-op blood test form to be filled out. I mentioned in the fax that if she did have my results from my ECG that she would need to fax the results to Dr. Graber’s office as he must have all of my results no less than one week prior to surgery. When I called about the form the next day, the secretary freaked out and was exclaiming about how the surgeon was requiring all these new blood tests and if I was aware of them. I asked her if he had called and she said no, he faxed them. It made me pause and I asked her who signed the fax she is referring to. There was silence on the other end and a comment of, Oh, it’s from you. I said nothing since I was stunned they obviously did not read the complete fax I had sent. Regardless, I went in and picked up the form.
When I arrived at the lab they insisted I required an ECG done as per the paperwork I had brought in. I was on a limited time frame because of work so I was very frustrated that it took me almost 20 min to figure everything out. They had absolutely no clue what was going on and why I had to get a second ECG. The lab nurse told me that if I were to get a second one done there is a possibility of the second one having issues while the first could be okay. I decided not to bother with a second one and investigate the first one when I went in to my doctor for my physical.
My appointment was several days later so while I had been considering not saying anything I decided I wanted to let her know that my faith in her staff was starting to be of some concern to me. Especially since I had to use her office for future tests and emergencies and when I originally spoke to her she promised to be a source of support for me. When I spoke to her, it seemed she was having a bit of a bad day or something. Her enthusiasm she originally had for my surgery and my decisions wasn’t there and I was a bit taken aback on her attitude. I felt that even before I had mentioned the staff issue. She didn’t really offer any resolution at that point in time but I didn’t really expect anything other than to let her know her staff isn’t being overly receptive or alert.
During my physical I had mentioned I was excited to have this surgery and she actually told me I was crazy to be excited because it was such a big change. My physical was fine and although I had to go get a copy of my ECG because during the visit she told me it must be lost because of some computer issues they had a few weeks prior, things were okay. By the time I got home I had everything in hand to fax myself and within an hour of sending it, my pre-op paperwork was approved for surgery.
So as of this point, everything is okay. I was a bit reassured when my doctor called yesterday to confirm as to whether I received my ECG results or not and to wish me luck with surgery. I’m really hoping when I get in to see her that she continues to support me as she had in the beginning. I really think it will be important for her to be that support as she will be the one in control of all my tests and blood work after surgery.
My mood has just gone down hill from this onward. I’ve been pmsing for the past week and I know I occasionally get really bad pms so I’m hoping that if it’s bad this month, next month will not be as bad. I can get so moody, sad and crusty all wrapped up in one. My insecurities are just nasty and I drive myself nuts by living inside of my head way way too much during that time. I pull away from people at this time when it’s the time I should be around people who will get me up and away from being inside my head too much. I can really upset my whole world when I feel like this. I grit my teeth or blow up and when I blow up, it’s not pretty. My poor boss must think I’m Jekyl and Hyde the way I can be. That’s why I normally find myself pulling away from people so I don’t drive them away permanently. It’s starting to pass though and I think starting to write in my blog again will help a lot.
So I’m ready I think. I’m a bit over prepared from what one friend says but that makes me happy she says that because I’ve been afraid of not being ready. There’s only a couple of things I still need to take care of including locating what seems to be difficult to find, an ice shaver and to figure out my vitamins.
Thank god for the support groups and my new friends I have met though. I think I will be eternally grateful for all the help, reassurance and support they have given me during my journey to get approved for this. I feel like a whole new aspect of life has opened up to me by being introduced to so many wonderful people who have definitely got something in common with me.
I’m struggling right now with feeling a bit needy because I’m a bit panicked. I’m feeling like I need too much reassurance right now and it’s so not like me to be that way. The one thing I hate to do is ask things of people and the combination of the pain I have been in lately (I've had to get off all of my anti-inflammatory meds 30 days before surgery) and the emotional part that seems to be getting a bit overwhelming at this point, I’ve been having to ask an awful lot of people. I know they each have gone thru this themselves and know what I’m going thru but I also know each of them are going thru their own things right now and I’d rather be there for them than ask them for support. Hopefully this whole pms thing passes soon!
Anyway, until next time my friends. I promise to update more often. 18 days today!
Friday, January 29, 2010
And the Roller Coaster Begins
I had a funny feeling that I would start to feel myself being on an emotional roller coaster and I've just proved myself right. I'm feeling horrible because I have been simply eating like crap for the last few days. I've been trying each day to wake up and say to myself that I would behave myself and be sure to start taking the necessary steps I need to once I've had the surgery. I know there are a lot of things I can't do physically but trying to eat better shouldn't be this hard.
I know it's what they call the last supper syndrome but I thought since I already went thru that when I first decided to have the surgery, that I wouldn't go thru it again. I am well aware of the fact that I am going to eventually be able to eat things that I eat now again someday. Which really isn't that important to me when I think about it since I plan on changing my life to be all about eating to live and not living to eat. I've lived my entire adult life around food and I want it to stop. Unfortunately I can't abstain but I'd like to get more control over this. I've been told that this way of thinking at this point it totally normal but it's really quite frightening!
I've spent the last few hours thinking things to myself like, "Can I do this?" "Am I capable at being successful with this new lifestyle I have to adopt?" "I'm so freaked out that I'm going to overeat!". These are my thoughts today although the other day I was thinking the opposite, with much more encouraging thoughts and behaviors.
I know I'm not allowed to gain weight before my surgery but I keep thinking to myself it's only two months away and that's plenty of time for me to break some habits. I keep setting deadlines or dates for myself for the next day or the next month because I've just screwed up again and again!
Sad thing is I have so much support but right now I don't want to talk to someone because I know it's normal and I know it will pass so I don't much want to be a pain in the ass to anyone to have to drag them down with me for the night. I know I'll wake up tomorrow and feel much better and then maybe the next day I'll start this emotional roller coaster all over again.
I'm pretty sure I'm being a bit hormonal too. I always find that when I'm dreaming and thinking about my ex quite often, I'm being hormonal because for the most part I don't' think of him. (Someday that will go away, I hope!). So I'm assuming that my being quite down today is all that tied in together.
To be honest, I'm super excited. It's literally going to be a whole new way of living, eating and thinking. I am very determined to nip these eating issues of mine in the bud and I've begun several steps to work on them. Some of them include support groups and working with my therapist but I've also discussed with a couple of members of my groups that I'd like to develop a program of sorts to work with people that have our particular eating addictions. Not to treat it like something similar to OH or Weight Watchers or anything like that but to really try to deal with the deep down issues. No twelve step stuff either but I'd like to work with a couple of the girls experiencing what I do and see what we can come up with. Nothing like personal experience to develop something that may just work!! I'm really looking forward to that part of things but want to start on it after surgery.
I'm really glad that I have Stephanie around as my angel and such but I feel silly sometimes when I feel like this because there is really no need for my feeling this way. I have fantastic support from both her and the other girls as well as my family. My sister is super excited for me and my parents although a bit concerned, are supporting me more now as well. I am pretty sure that if I go to bed tonite I will wake up tomorrow feeling so much better.
I called about hotels today and have decided that my parents are going to stay at the Radisson instead of the Red Roof even if it costs a bit more. They do offer a discount to people getting the surgery but are still twice as much as the Red Roof but it's also right downtown, closer to the hospital. Plus it has a pool, gym, hot tub and 2 double beds in the room. They can also request a microwave and they get free buffet breakfasts for 2 every morning. Plus unlimited internet and the use of two computers for free. Since I know this is pretty big for my parents, I want them to have the more comfortable of the options. Since I'm paying for everything, they will not have the choice! lol
I also called about travel insurance today too and it's actually only going to be $14 for six days for me. I spoke to my parents and because they are over 65 its more! So stupid! I'm going to call around still. I'm sure that since so many people spend a lot of their retirement in the states that there must be someplace a bit cheaper. Crazy.
So slowly I'm preparing. I wish my body would cooperate with me better. I so want to start organizing my house but when I'm in the mood for it, my body isn't. I'm simply too sore and the sad thing is I'm extra sore because I worked out this week twice! Stupid! I really hope that is a lot better when I've lost the weight!
Well, since I think I may just keep on belly aching and bitching; we'll chat another time.
I know it's what they call the last supper syndrome but I thought since I already went thru that when I first decided to have the surgery, that I wouldn't go thru it again. I am well aware of the fact that I am going to eventually be able to eat things that I eat now again someday. Which really isn't that important to me when I think about it since I plan on changing my life to be all about eating to live and not living to eat. I've lived my entire adult life around food and I want it to stop. Unfortunately I can't abstain but I'd like to get more control over this. I've been told that this way of thinking at this point it totally normal but it's really quite frightening!
I've spent the last few hours thinking things to myself like, "Can I do this?" "Am I capable at being successful with this new lifestyle I have to adopt?" "I'm so freaked out that I'm going to overeat!". These are my thoughts today although the other day I was thinking the opposite, with much more encouraging thoughts and behaviors.
I know I'm not allowed to gain weight before my surgery but I keep thinking to myself it's only two months away and that's plenty of time for me to break some habits. I keep setting deadlines or dates for myself for the next day or the next month because I've just screwed up again and again!
Sad thing is I have so much support but right now I don't want to talk to someone because I know it's normal and I know it will pass so I don't much want to be a pain in the ass to anyone to have to drag them down with me for the night. I know I'll wake up tomorrow and feel much better and then maybe the next day I'll start this emotional roller coaster all over again.
I'm pretty sure I'm being a bit hormonal too. I always find that when I'm dreaming and thinking about my ex quite often, I'm being hormonal because for the most part I don't' think of him. (Someday that will go away, I hope!). So I'm assuming that my being quite down today is all that tied in together.
To be honest, I'm super excited. It's literally going to be a whole new way of living, eating and thinking. I am very determined to nip these eating issues of mine in the bud and I've begun several steps to work on them. Some of them include support groups and working with my therapist but I've also discussed with a couple of members of my groups that I'd like to develop a program of sorts to work with people that have our particular eating addictions. Not to treat it like something similar to OH or Weight Watchers or anything like that but to really try to deal with the deep down issues. No twelve step stuff either but I'd like to work with a couple of the girls experiencing what I do and see what we can come up with. Nothing like personal experience to develop something that may just work!! I'm really looking forward to that part of things but want to start on it after surgery.
I'm really glad that I have Stephanie around as my angel and such but I feel silly sometimes when I feel like this because there is really no need for my feeling this way. I have fantastic support from both her and the other girls as well as my family. My sister is super excited for me and my parents although a bit concerned, are supporting me more now as well. I am pretty sure that if I go to bed tonite I will wake up tomorrow feeling so much better.
I called about hotels today and have decided that my parents are going to stay at the Radisson instead of the Red Roof even if it costs a bit more. They do offer a discount to people getting the surgery but are still twice as much as the Red Roof but it's also right downtown, closer to the hospital. Plus it has a pool, gym, hot tub and 2 double beds in the room. They can also request a microwave and they get free buffet breakfasts for 2 every morning. Plus unlimited internet and the use of two computers for free. Since I know this is pretty big for my parents, I want them to have the more comfortable of the options. Since I'm paying for everything, they will not have the choice! lol
I also called about travel insurance today too and it's actually only going to be $14 for six days for me. I spoke to my parents and because they are over 65 its more! So stupid! I'm going to call around still. I'm sure that since so many people spend a lot of their retirement in the states that there must be someplace a bit cheaper. Crazy.
So slowly I'm preparing. I wish my body would cooperate with me better. I so want to start organizing my house but when I'm in the mood for it, my body isn't. I'm simply too sore and the sad thing is I'm extra sore because I worked out this week twice! Stupid! I really hope that is a lot better when I've lost the weight!
Well, since I think I may just keep on belly aching and bitching; we'll chat another time.
Monday, January 25, 2010
I Won The Good Fight!
So where to begin? So much has happened since my last entry. I haven't had a moment to sit and concentrate enough to update my blog but now is the time.
I'm pumped! Last week I was really annoyed because I had called OHIP on Monday and they told me tht I had to reapply for OCC and I thought to myself what an absolute total waste of time! So when I called the Ottawa hospital to discuss this, I couldn't get a straight answer. They kept saying, oh, we'll call you back. So of course I called back everyday! By Thursday I had had enough. They kept saying things like, you'll have to come back to Ottawa to have the paperwork signed and not trying to make any sort of an arrangement for me at all. So Thursday I said the heck with them and I took the matter into my own hands again and called OHIP myself. I spoke to Erin, the girl that is familiar with me and laid it all out for her. She was super receptive and actually asked me to hang on. She came back to the phone telling me there was no need for the application to be resent and that I'd get my letter Friday or Monday. Well! Shoot! I tried to get her to tell me if I was approved but apparently they can't tell you that on the phone. It was comical actually and both of us were laughing on the phone.
So after hearing that, I had a hint that I had been approved so I was pretty darn happy! I didn't have a final answer yet, not till I had that letter in my hand. So I settled with myself to just be patient and wait for the letter. To my utter shock though, my family doctor called me at the end of her day to tell me she received the letter and that I had been approved! She was super happy for me! I just about jumped through the roof! It was so awesome! It was great that she called me personally. I see her on the 3rd of March for my physical so thats great timing!
Now comes all the preparation! I finally got my letter today from OHIP which is great. It's a final step. I won my fight and I'm so thrilled I get to see the surgeons I wanted to see. I have to get an EKG done, a ton of bloodwork and be sure I don't gain any additional weight. I plan on swimming and continuing my walks with my fur kids so there's no worry with that. I do have to watch what I eat though as I'm finding myself thinking about everything and how I ought to eat it now to get it done so I never have to eat it again! I think I'm going to do my last supper someplace cool and have a great big meal and enjoy every bite of it. I think I want to go to Franko's Pasteria (sp?) in Kingston. It's my all time favorite restaurant.
I'm a little stressed about money because I had hoped to have more saved than I do. It works out great that my parents are coming down with me since my dad wants to drive his own car. Thats one less expense. I had been originally planning on renting a car. I'm so glad I have so much support for this. Everyone has been so fantastic!
I'm a bit distracted tonite but I'll update more later this week. So much to take care of! Till we talk again!
I'm pumped! Last week I was really annoyed because I had called OHIP on Monday and they told me tht I had to reapply for OCC and I thought to myself what an absolute total waste of time! So when I called the Ottawa hospital to discuss this, I couldn't get a straight answer. They kept saying, oh, we'll call you back. So of course I called back everyday! By Thursday I had had enough. They kept saying things like, you'll have to come back to Ottawa to have the paperwork signed and not trying to make any sort of an arrangement for me at all. So Thursday I said the heck with them and I took the matter into my own hands again and called OHIP myself. I spoke to Erin, the girl that is familiar with me and laid it all out for her. She was super receptive and actually asked me to hang on. She came back to the phone telling me there was no need for the application to be resent and that I'd get my letter Friday or Monday. Well! Shoot! I tried to get her to tell me if I was approved but apparently they can't tell you that on the phone. It was comical actually and both of us were laughing on the phone.
So after hearing that, I had a hint that I had been approved so I was pretty darn happy! I didn't have a final answer yet, not till I had that letter in my hand. So I settled with myself to just be patient and wait for the letter. To my utter shock though, my family doctor called me at the end of her day to tell me she received the letter and that I had been approved! She was super happy for me! I just about jumped through the roof! It was so awesome! It was great that she called me personally. I see her on the 3rd of March for my physical so thats great timing!
Now comes all the preparation! I finally got my letter today from OHIP which is great. It's a final step. I won my fight and I'm so thrilled I get to see the surgeons I wanted to see. I have to get an EKG done, a ton of bloodwork and be sure I don't gain any additional weight. I plan on swimming and continuing my walks with my fur kids so there's no worry with that. I do have to watch what I eat though as I'm finding myself thinking about everything and how I ought to eat it now to get it done so I never have to eat it again! I think I'm going to do my last supper someplace cool and have a great big meal and enjoy every bite of it. I think I want to go to Franko's Pasteria (sp?) in Kingston. It's my all time favorite restaurant.
I'm a little stressed about money because I had hoped to have more saved than I do. It works out great that my parents are coming down with me since my dad wants to drive his own car. Thats one less expense. I had been originally planning on renting a car. I'm so glad I have so much support for this. Everyone has been so fantastic!
I'm a bit distracted tonite but I'll update more later this week. So much to take care of! Till we talk again!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thoughts and Feelings Since Wed
So I wanted to post this yesterday but the day got away from me. It was a day filled with stress and confusion basically all coming from the one place I thought would support me the most. I've since learned that I can still count on support from there from the ones that know me and have been following my story and I need to just ignore the other idiots.
I'm talking about the OH forums where I have met a ton of wonderful people and as of yesterday, several not so wonderful people. Apparently, although I admit I had some bad stories about Dr. Dent, I didn't realize to what extent these horror stories involving him grew to. I personally am and have been researching and struggling to get approval to get the Roux-En-Y surgery done and Dr. Dent is a big supporter of this apparently. He is also a fan of Dr. Graber's office in Utica where I am going to get my surgery done. So far this sounds great and from my viewpoint it was fantastic! It all worked out wonderfully me. I fit the criteria to be sent out of country and because I was prepare with all my t's crossed and i's dotted with my letter from my therapist and my blood work and sleep apnea tests done, he willingly sent me out of country as you all have read on my blog from my last post.
Well, I posted a similar post to OH and it was completely taken out of context. It was examined word for word and basically I was personally ripped a new asshole since I really liked Dr. Dent and had fantastic results from my appointment. I still don't really get it because most of the people that jumped on me are supporters or have had the duodenal switch surgery which I am not interested in getting. I didn't know all of the stories regarding Dr. Dent's attitude towards the DS and certainly wasn't going to walk out of the office freaking and thinking he was an asshole when I had a fantastic appointment and got what I needed, deserved and want! Apparently this is what they thought I should be doing is still have a hate on for him and I don't. I'm sorry he doesn't support the DS because it does sound okay. It's not what I want so I didn't look into that. If a DS was what I wanted then I would have researched it and requested to be sent to someone else who does support it although most don't in ontario since it's not even performed here, only in the states and Quebec. Anyway, talk about bursting my bubble. I'm fine now thanks to several fantastic people and friends in my life. I love you all and you are all gods!!! lol
Enough of that. I'm putting it behind me. Felt like high school all over again and everyone knows how little I'd like to relive that time of my life. So a few good things that happened yesterday. I now have a surgery angel. I was trying to decide between two different people and I finally decided to go with the one that has had the same surgery as mine although I know each of them will be right there with me. You know who you are! lol So I'm super excited still and really glad to know I will not be alone for this.
Biggest surprise of all of this is from an earlier post I had posted; one on line and one offline. It's regarding the support of my parents and how difficult I was finding it to deal with. Well I got the shock of my life on Wed. My parents got their passports!!!!!!! I guess they were waiting to tell me until they knew for sure I was going to go thru with this and since I got the approval, they told me. I almost started to cry. It's meant a lot to me to know that they support me enough to do this for me. They do not like to go to the states nor do they like to drive in places that are unfamiliar. I don't blame them but this is just simply incredible and makes me very very happy. Thanks mom and dad. You guys simply rock. The best parents ever! I think it will be wonderful for them to spend a few days together down there too while I'm in the hospital. Something different, they never travel.
I was really worried about another aspect of the surgery. There's a lot of resulting changes from the surgery in many areas of one's lives and one of them was you tend to lose your friends that are overweight because they get very uncomfortable with it. I have one friend in particular that although I sometimes wonder how she puts up with my flightiness and crazy thinking phases, she is a very dear friend to me and I would not take losing her friendship very well at all. We actually discussed this issue together yesterday and I think we will make the effort, both of us, to not let this get between us. That means a lot to me and I thank her for being open to that conversation without being too sensitive about it. I'm not sure if I could have done the same.
I also spoke to my head office and my boss yesterday and they are one hundred percent behind me on this and are willing to jump through hoops to make sure it's stress-free and an easy transition. They are concerned about my health and in the end know that my losing the weight will be a benefit including less time off for illness and more energy to work! I can't wait for the sleepiness to go away so I can focus on my independent contracting again too. I just don't have the energy right now.
Now I just wait for my letter from OHIP. I emailed them this morning and I will call them on Monday. This should start to roll soon! Thanks everyone for your support and your belief in me. I'm starting to believe too! Everything I do and think about is regarding the surgery. I simply cannot wait and cannot fathom losing the amount of weight I'm supposed to be losing. My life is going to be mine again soon!
I'm talking about the OH forums where I have met a ton of wonderful people and as of yesterday, several not so wonderful people. Apparently, although I admit I had some bad stories about Dr. Dent, I didn't realize to what extent these horror stories involving him grew to. I personally am and have been researching and struggling to get approval to get the Roux-En-Y surgery done and Dr. Dent is a big supporter of this apparently. He is also a fan of Dr. Graber's office in Utica where I am going to get my surgery done. So far this sounds great and from my viewpoint it was fantastic! It all worked out wonderfully me. I fit the criteria to be sent out of country and because I was prepare with all my t's crossed and i's dotted with my letter from my therapist and my blood work and sleep apnea tests done, he willingly sent me out of country as you all have read on my blog from my last post.
Well, I posted a similar post to OH and it was completely taken out of context. It was examined word for word and basically I was personally ripped a new asshole since I really liked Dr. Dent and had fantastic results from my appointment. I still don't really get it because most of the people that jumped on me are supporters or have had the duodenal switch surgery which I am not interested in getting. I didn't know all of the stories regarding Dr. Dent's attitude towards the DS and certainly wasn't going to walk out of the office freaking and thinking he was an asshole when I had a fantastic appointment and got what I needed, deserved and want! Apparently this is what they thought I should be doing is still have a hate on for him and I don't. I'm sorry he doesn't support the DS because it does sound okay. It's not what I want so I didn't look into that. If a DS was what I wanted then I would have researched it and requested to be sent to someone else who does support it although most don't in ontario since it's not even performed here, only in the states and Quebec. Anyway, talk about bursting my bubble. I'm fine now thanks to several fantastic people and friends in my life. I love you all and you are all gods!!! lol
Enough of that. I'm putting it behind me. Felt like high school all over again and everyone knows how little I'd like to relive that time of my life. So a few good things that happened yesterday. I now have a surgery angel. I was trying to decide between two different people and I finally decided to go with the one that has had the same surgery as mine although I know each of them will be right there with me. You know who you are! lol So I'm super excited still and really glad to know I will not be alone for this.
Biggest surprise of all of this is from an earlier post I had posted; one on line and one offline. It's regarding the support of my parents and how difficult I was finding it to deal with. Well I got the shock of my life on Wed. My parents got their passports!!!!!!! I guess they were waiting to tell me until they knew for sure I was going to go thru with this and since I got the approval, they told me. I almost started to cry. It's meant a lot to me to know that they support me enough to do this for me. They do not like to go to the states nor do they like to drive in places that are unfamiliar. I don't blame them but this is just simply incredible and makes me very very happy. Thanks mom and dad. You guys simply rock. The best parents ever! I think it will be wonderful for them to spend a few days together down there too while I'm in the hospital. Something different, they never travel.
I was really worried about another aspect of the surgery. There's a lot of resulting changes from the surgery in many areas of one's lives and one of them was you tend to lose your friends that are overweight because they get very uncomfortable with it. I have one friend in particular that although I sometimes wonder how she puts up with my flightiness and crazy thinking phases, she is a very dear friend to me and I would not take losing her friendship very well at all. We actually discussed this issue together yesterday and I think we will make the effort, both of us, to not let this get between us. That means a lot to me and I thank her for being open to that conversation without being too sensitive about it. I'm not sure if I could have done the same.
I also spoke to my head office and my boss yesterday and they are one hundred percent behind me on this and are willing to jump through hoops to make sure it's stress-free and an easy transition. They are concerned about my health and in the end know that my losing the weight will be a benefit including less time off for illness and more energy to work! I can't wait for the sleepiness to go away so I can focus on my independent contracting again too. I just don't have the energy right now.
Now I just wait for my letter from OHIP. I emailed them this morning and I will call them on Monday. This should start to roll soon! Thanks everyone for your support and your belief in me. I'm starting to believe too! Everything I do and think about is regarding the surgery. I simply cannot wait and cannot fathom losing the amount of weight I'm supposed to be losing. My life is going to be mine again soon!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
My Ottawa Visit With Dr. Dent
What a stressful day today started out as! I think I worried myself almost literally sick over meeting Dr. Dent, in particular after reading those two articles that have been posted about him. I was so frightened to have to put my life in the hands of an individual who apparently thinks very little of us and would prefer to not give the advantage of a by-pass to anyone unless they "deserve" it. According to the articles that is.
I left fairly early this morning after waking up at 5am! I really don't like driving long distance by myself at all. Needless to say, I left too early and arrived at the Ottawa Civic Hospital at 11am or so. When I arrived on the 3rd floor I found out my appointment was actually at 1:30 and I had to wait until then to see Dr. Dent. I did fill out about a half hour worth of paperwork and included my blood work and a letter of reference from my therapist. At that point the worrying increased as I sat and read and let my mind wander. Of course I'm imagining the worst case scenario!
When it was around 2:30 or I finally got in to see him! I was chatting at that point with a really lovely lady who was 4 years out and had her surgery in Rochester. Dr. Dent had been her after care physician for almost two years and she LOVED him. It was interesting to chat with her. Although her appointment was booked for after mine, I was brought in before her! Whoops!
I can tell you, when I finally sat down I started to shake and tremble. I was totally freaked out. I felt my life was in the hands of someone I only knew from articles I had read and from the opinions of people on the forums. Not a lot to go on. I started babbling, go figure, me babbling. lol
He had to tell me it was okay a few times and wanted to go thru my file before I carried on. I asked him straight up if he knew my story and why I was there. Apparently OHIP only referred me to him with no explanation. So I explained everything to him and he was completely understanding. We actually managed to exchange several jokes and he kept telling me my being fat wasn't my fault and to stop blaming myself so much, stating he would explain why he says that later in the appointment.
I was weighed (according to his scale I lost ten pounds already!) and he did my other measurements. He was very surprised I don't have sleep apnea too although my results have yet to come in and it was only the nurse who mentioned I probably don't have it. He was incredibly understanding and actually explained how OHIP is considering him an assessment centre and that anyone wanting the surgery must go thru one of the five centres (I already knew that!)
We went through my file step by step and he was completely blown away by my effort to lose the weight and my level of activities in the past. He was also quite surprised I had a total knee replacement at my age and completely agreed with me that this surgery needs to be done before my other knee gets worse.
It was at this point that he finally said that he believes I need the surgery and felt there was no problem with my going to Utica NY since I had already started the process and been to my initial consultation. He mentioned that there are several doctors in the USA that he would NOT recommend but is a big supporter of Dr. Graber's facilities. It was like a weight had been lifted off my chest! I breathed a great big sigh of relief and started to be totally excited! I tried to stay calm but all I could think of was, oh my god! I was getting the surgeon I wanted!!! Whew! Relief is an understatement!
I proceeded to tell him he was a god and he mentioned we shouldn't go there! lol It was pretty funny actually. He's got a great demeanor and has a great sense of humor. He explained to me that the surgeons at Ottawa are requesting that people with a BMI of 50+ be sent to other facilities whether or not they are out of country. They will do some people up to 55 with certain circumstances but prefer not to. Apparently I was on the cusp and he mentioned that it could have gone either way with me and that I was quite lucky to have had the initial consultation with Fitzer. He was quite happy with his decision.
He told me he was going to dictate a letter to OHIP, my doctor and a copy to me while I was in the office because he wanted me to hear what he said. If you think my blog update is long you ought to have heard the letter he dictated! lol He mentioned that although my surgery could be done in Canada, he doesn't want me to have to wait and marked the letter as urgent to be dealt with asap.
At the end of our conversation when I was sure I was good to go, I asked him about the articles I had been reading and he said he actually did not give any quotes to anyone in particular the Dr. that wrote that blog (I can't remember his name.). He says he feels strongly that he's opened a can of worms that he won't be able to deal with and he refuses to comment on them since he feels it would validate them. He mentioned he hasn't even read it but that the guy comments on him a lot. I told him I was going to post on OH that he isn't anything of what I expected and mention how fantastic I was treated! I went there thinking I was meeting the grinch and he turned out to be santa!!! I'm a good reader of people and I believe he genuinely cares for people and what happens in their lives. He wants me to come to him for my yearly check ups after the first year is done and wanted me to know (from his earlier comment) that my being overweight was not my fault and that because of the information I provided him with that both my sister and I fell into the category of having metabolic deficiencies that are genetically passed on. No matter how much weight we would lose, it would be a constant struggle all of our lives. He wants me to remember to not blame myself anymore.
I'm so happy right now! Tired! Traffic was nasty coming home but it was a great day. Now I wait for confirmation from OHIP so I can send it to Fitzer and my date will be given to me!! Thanks so much for all of your prayers and positive thoughts everyone! I told him I had a lot of people praying for me and such and he said it worked cause it could have easily gone the other way! So most definitely thanks all. He also made me promise to go back to him if there are any glitches. That was awesome. And get this. I am NOT a huggy person anymore. I get all tense over the last few years when it comes to hugging people even when I love to be hugged. Well guess who I hugged? Dr. Dent! lol I surprised him!
I'll keep you all updated!!!
I left fairly early this morning after waking up at 5am! I really don't like driving long distance by myself at all. Needless to say, I left too early and arrived at the Ottawa Civic Hospital at 11am or so. When I arrived on the 3rd floor I found out my appointment was actually at 1:30 and I had to wait until then to see Dr. Dent. I did fill out about a half hour worth of paperwork and included my blood work and a letter of reference from my therapist. At that point the worrying increased as I sat and read and let my mind wander. Of course I'm imagining the worst case scenario!
When it was around 2:30 or I finally got in to see him! I was chatting at that point with a really lovely lady who was 4 years out and had her surgery in Rochester. Dr. Dent had been her after care physician for almost two years and she LOVED him. It was interesting to chat with her. Although her appointment was booked for after mine, I was brought in before her! Whoops!
I can tell you, when I finally sat down I started to shake and tremble. I was totally freaked out. I felt my life was in the hands of someone I only knew from articles I had read and from the opinions of people on the forums. Not a lot to go on. I started babbling, go figure, me babbling. lol
He had to tell me it was okay a few times and wanted to go thru my file before I carried on. I asked him straight up if he knew my story and why I was there. Apparently OHIP only referred me to him with no explanation. So I explained everything to him and he was completely understanding. We actually managed to exchange several jokes and he kept telling me my being fat wasn't my fault and to stop blaming myself so much, stating he would explain why he says that later in the appointment.
I was weighed (according to his scale I lost ten pounds already!) and he did my other measurements. He was very surprised I don't have sleep apnea too although my results have yet to come in and it was only the nurse who mentioned I probably don't have it. He was incredibly understanding and actually explained how OHIP is considering him an assessment centre and that anyone wanting the surgery must go thru one of the five centres (I already knew that!)
We went through my file step by step and he was completely blown away by my effort to lose the weight and my level of activities in the past. He was also quite surprised I had a total knee replacement at my age and completely agreed with me that this surgery needs to be done before my other knee gets worse.
It was at this point that he finally said that he believes I need the surgery and felt there was no problem with my going to Utica NY since I had already started the process and been to my initial consultation. He mentioned that there are several doctors in the USA that he would NOT recommend but is a big supporter of Dr. Graber's facilities. It was like a weight had been lifted off my chest! I breathed a great big sigh of relief and started to be totally excited! I tried to stay calm but all I could think of was, oh my god! I was getting the surgeon I wanted!!! Whew! Relief is an understatement!
I proceeded to tell him he was a god and he mentioned we shouldn't go there! lol It was pretty funny actually. He's got a great demeanor and has a great sense of humor. He explained to me that the surgeons at Ottawa are requesting that people with a BMI of 50+ be sent to other facilities whether or not they are out of country. They will do some people up to 55 with certain circumstances but prefer not to. Apparently I was on the cusp and he mentioned that it could have gone either way with me and that I was quite lucky to have had the initial consultation with Fitzer. He was quite happy with his decision.
He told me he was going to dictate a letter to OHIP, my doctor and a copy to me while I was in the office because he wanted me to hear what he said. If you think my blog update is long you ought to have heard the letter he dictated! lol He mentioned that although my surgery could be done in Canada, he doesn't want me to have to wait and marked the letter as urgent to be dealt with asap.
At the end of our conversation when I was sure I was good to go, I asked him about the articles I had been reading and he said he actually did not give any quotes to anyone in particular the Dr. that wrote that blog (I can't remember his name.). He says he feels strongly that he's opened a can of worms that he won't be able to deal with and he refuses to comment on them since he feels it would validate them. He mentioned he hasn't even read it but that the guy comments on him a lot. I told him I was going to post on OH that he isn't anything of what I expected and mention how fantastic I was treated! I went there thinking I was meeting the grinch and he turned out to be santa!!! I'm a good reader of people and I believe he genuinely cares for people and what happens in their lives. He wants me to come to him for my yearly check ups after the first year is done and wanted me to know (from his earlier comment) that my being overweight was not my fault and that because of the information I provided him with that both my sister and I fell into the category of having metabolic deficiencies that are genetically passed on. No matter how much weight we would lose, it would be a constant struggle all of our lives. He wants me to remember to not blame myself anymore.
I'm so happy right now! Tired! Traffic was nasty coming home but it was a great day. Now I wait for confirmation from OHIP so I can send it to Fitzer and my date will be given to me!! Thanks so much for all of your prayers and positive thoughts everyone! I told him I had a lot of people praying for me and such and he said it worked cause it could have easily gone the other way! So most definitely thanks all. He also made me promise to go back to him if there are any glitches. That was awesome. And get this. I am NOT a huggy person anymore. I get all tense over the last few years when it comes to hugging people even when I love to be hugged. Well guess who I hugged? Dr. Dent! lol I surprised him!
I'll keep you all updated!!!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Phase One - Complete ... Onward to Next Step
To all of my followers, I apologize for not updating sooner. Life has been insanely busy for me and nothing really all that new on the front for the surgery over the holidays. Other than I did do an "offline" blog update and to avoid any hurt feelings, I chose not to publicly post it.
Exciting couple of days! I feel like this are starting to move again. It's real! I'm doing this! I'm excited! A bit freaked out too but I believe that is to be expected. I've been so stressed out over the last few weeks over this first appointment that with the combination of work on top of things, it's just been nuts! I literally popped a few times and took my stress out on a few unsuspecting people in my life.
Initially I was concerned because I can't drive very far without falling asleep or getting pretty dozy behind the wheel. In particular at night, I simply can't go very far without that happening and it's very scary. So I knew for sure I had to have someone come with me. It worked out fantastic that my friend Heather, who I met in the support groups, was able to go with me and help with the driving. I was really happy with the company and enjoyed getting to know her a bit better. She's a great person and is a great support.
So that being said, I suppose a refresher of what happened may be in order for some of you since it's been some time since I've updated. Jan 8 was my initial consultation with "Dr. Graber", the surgeon in Utica New York. This is guy I've researched, read about and heard a great many fantastic stories about. Their hospital and associate surgeons have completed approximately 3000 by-pass surgeries since their hospital began. Their stats are fantastic, with only one death due to complications in that time. There are several people both on OH and in my group who have had surgery done with Graber or another surgeons at this hospital.
When I initially started this process and having finally made my decision to go ahead with this, it was because I had been introduced to Graber and had spoke to him at a women's show in Ottawa in September. It's not a decision I did lightly and being guided to Dr. Graber by an acquaintance of mine sped up my decision to go ahead with it. So when I called and booked my appointment with Graber, it had been made for Jan 8th and I was looking forward to meeting him.
When making the appointment with Graber, I had been told I had to attend an 8am seminar and then see him at 10am. I arrived at the seminar this morning I discovered that I would not be seeing Graber at all but I would be seeing Dr. Fritzer instead. I was a bit put out and very surprised by this since I had called back in Sept, requesting Graber and not Fritzer. I was very unsettled by this but as I thought about it I realized it would be just fine since I also know several people who had their surgery done by him and with fantastic results. I think I was just thrown because that's not the original plan for me.
I thought I would feel things out and just watch him and listen to him and see how I felt. Initially I wasn't sure how I felt but as he got further into the seminar I did start to warm up to him and by the end of the seminar I was completely okay with it. I have to admit I was surprised to find out that there were people there to learn about the lapband surgery as well. I hadn't realized they did that surgery there as well. Apparently although they are not huge supporters of the lapband, they do do it there although suggest if you decide it is what you want to actually go to a different facility with more experience. (Strange but true!) Although he does do them. They are huge advocates of the Roux-En-Y and it's understandable.
I have to step back a few steps and mention that anyone who doesn't really understand what I will be doing to myself should actually go out and get the Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies book. I read quite a bit of it last nite in the hotel room and it simplifies things and really explains quite a bit. I actually added a few more questions to my list of questions for the surgeon after reading this. It's very informative and explains things very easily.
Back at the seminar I was surprised to find that the people there were not overly eager to ask questions. I suppose I'm the "take charge" kind of person that wants to know pretty much anything I don't understand and I actually asked about six or seven different questions (Some I was surprised I found necessary to ask after doing soooo much research.). There were probably around 10 people there and two other people asked questions. How crazy is that? If you're going to do something so serious, you should know everything you can!! And I know there were a few people there that had no clue, just from how they were talking at the beginning.
There was a man there who had come from Kingston, not too far from here, and he had been approved sometime in November from OHIP. So this kinda make me take pause to realize that they are actually approving some people for OCC still. He was of a high BMI, like myself so perhaps Ottawa has realized they may be in over their heads. I actually hate to say it but when I spoke to Fritzer later, he did admit to me they are having issues there. (YIKES!)
Anyway, back to the seminar. I met Michelle, one of the nurses who had had the surgery 13 months ago and has lost around (I think she said this) 145 or so. She looked great! We chatted back and forth quite a bit before the seminar started. She seemed very friendly.
After the seminar was over I had to zip up the road a bit and go to their offices for my appointment with Fritzer for 10am. I was initially taken in for my chart inputting and the nurse weighed me and did my height. Interesting thing to note is I kept my boots on and didn't empty pockets and such. I figured a few extra pounds before surgery was no big deal especially when I wasn't allowed to gain anything from that point on. I won't reveal my weight yet because I'm still not comfortable doing that yet but just know it's still high but hasn't changed a ton since the last doctors appointment (no pun intended). We did my blood pressure, which is very high since I'm still having troubles with my BP medicine and she took emergency numbers and other information.
From there I was taken to see Michelle, the nurse from the seminar and we discussed if I felt I would be able to adhere to the things discussed at the seminar. She also quizzed me on drinking rules for proper filling of the pouch. We disussed a few other things and I signed all the paperwork necessary for surgery and agreed to my return visits after surgery and all of the rules and recommendations they have for their patients. She also gave me my target weight which is 191 lbs and my ideal weight which is 138 lbs ( I simply cannot imagine!).
We also discussed my anti-inflammatory drugs and other drugs I would be taking and are currently taking. I found out that I will be able to take my regular NSAIDS again 4 weeks after surgery if necessary. I will have to take them with a prescription antacid and she doesn't believe I will need to stay on them long as the weight comes off. It was good to hear this because I was concerned about my pain levels and aches for after the surgery until the weight comes off.
Once this was all discussed I was taken to see Dr. Fritzer himself. He, of course, recognized me from the seminar and I commented on the fact that I asked so many questions. He was apparently happy I asked them. The one thing he surprised me with was that although I had brought a ton of information with me ie. blood work, note from my therapist, etc, he didn't even look at it. I mentioned to him that I assumed he looked at it but he said he wanted to start with a clean plate and take it from there with his impression of me. I was laughing and happy and actually had him smiling a few times when I told him I felt like he was rushing and explained he just talks fast.
He did a simple physical and decided I did not need any additional testing other than the regular tests like the blood work and EKG, etc that they require. I was relieved because I wasn't entirely sure of what to expect. When he did my physical he was pressing really hard into my diaphragm and I kept gasping and moving from the pain of it, to the point of him telling me that if he couldn't feel this correctly because of my moving he would make me lose weight before surgery. I tried to sit still but it freaking hurt and he told me he wants me to lose ten pounds! lol OKAY! It was actually kinda funny and I was so relieved at that point that I was just fine with that.
So when he was done it was as simple as that. All I needed to do was lose the ten pounds and we'd do the surgery once OHIP approves. Now the ten pounds is the easy part! The big next step is next week with Dr. Dent. I don't know what will happen there but I'm going there very prepared and we'll see what happens. From what this guy says that was at the seminar in the morning he saw Dr. Dent and was approved sometime after Nov 4 for OCC. I have his name so I will be using it when I see him if I find things are not going my way. It's scary to have even Dr. Fritzer admit that Ottawa is having issues with bigger BMIs and for me to have to even think of going there when there have been 3 deaths since they just started doing the bigger BMI's in the last month or so!!!!!!!! Scary.
So I ask everyone, next Wednesday, send me your positive thoughts and energies. Let's get them to approve me to OHIP to get out of country help for this! I am ready to go as soon as they go!!! By the way, I just found out I still don't have anyone to come with me to Ottawa. I really could use the company. It is a day trip so I shouldn't be too bad but I would still appreciate the company!
Exciting couple of days! I feel like this are starting to move again. It's real! I'm doing this! I'm excited! A bit freaked out too but I believe that is to be expected. I've been so stressed out over the last few weeks over this first appointment that with the combination of work on top of things, it's just been nuts! I literally popped a few times and took my stress out on a few unsuspecting people in my life.
Initially I was concerned because I can't drive very far without falling asleep or getting pretty dozy behind the wheel. In particular at night, I simply can't go very far without that happening and it's very scary. So I knew for sure I had to have someone come with me. It worked out fantastic that my friend Heather, who I met in the support groups, was able to go with me and help with the driving. I was really happy with the company and enjoyed getting to know her a bit better. She's a great person and is a great support.
So that being said, I suppose a refresher of what happened may be in order for some of you since it's been some time since I've updated. Jan 8 was my initial consultation with "Dr. Graber", the surgeon in Utica New York. This is guy I've researched, read about and heard a great many fantastic stories about. Their hospital and associate surgeons have completed approximately 3000 by-pass surgeries since their hospital began. Their stats are fantastic, with only one death due to complications in that time. There are several people both on OH and in my group who have had surgery done with Graber or another surgeons at this hospital.
When I initially started this process and having finally made my decision to go ahead with this, it was because I had been introduced to Graber and had spoke to him at a women's show in Ottawa in September. It's not a decision I did lightly and being guided to Dr. Graber by an acquaintance of mine sped up my decision to go ahead with it. So when I called and booked my appointment with Graber, it had been made for Jan 8th and I was looking forward to meeting him.
When making the appointment with Graber, I had been told I had to attend an 8am seminar and then see him at 10am. I arrived at the seminar this morning I discovered that I would not be seeing Graber at all but I would be seeing Dr. Fritzer instead. I was a bit put out and very surprised by this since I had called back in Sept, requesting Graber and not Fritzer. I was very unsettled by this but as I thought about it I realized it would be just fine since I also know several people who had their surgery done by him and with fantastic results. I think I was just thrown because that's not the original plan for me.
I thought I would feel things out and just watch him and listen to him and see how I felt. Initially I wasn't sure how I felt but as he got further into the seminar I did start to warm up to him and by the end of the seminar I was completely okay with it. I have to admit I was surprised to find out that there were people there to learn about the lapband surgery as well. I hadn't realized they did that surgery there as well. Apparently although they are not huge supporters of the lapband, they do do it there although suggest if you decide it is what you want to actually go to a different facility with more experience. (Strange but true!) Although he does do them. They are huge advocates of the Roux-En-Y and it's understandable.
I have to step back a few steps and mention that anyone who doesn't really understand what I will be doing to myself should actually go out and get the Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies book. I read quite a bit of it last nite in the hotel room and it simplifies things and really explains quite a bit. I actually added a few more questions to my list of questions for the surgeon after reading this. It's very informative and explains things very easily.
Back at the seminar I was surprised to find that the people there were not overly eager to ask questions. I suppose I'm the "take charge" kind of person that wants to know pretty much anything I don't understand and I actually asked about six or seven different questions (Some I was surprised I found necessary to ask after doing soooo much research.). There were probably around 10 people there and two other people asked questions. How crazy is that? If you're going to do something so serious, you should know everything you can!! And I know there were a few people there that had no clue, just from how they were talking at the beginning.
There was a man there who had come from Kingston, not too far from here, and he had been approved sometime in November from OHIP. So this kinda make me take pause to realize that they are actually approving some people for OCC still. He was of a high BMI, like myself so perhaps Ottawa has realized they may be in over their heads. I actually hate to say it but when I spoke to Fritzer later, he did admit to me they are having issues there. (YIKES!)
Anyway, back to the seminar. I met Michelle, one of the nurses who had had the surgery 13 months ago and has lost around (I think she said this) 145 or so. She looked great! We chatted back and forth quite a bit before the seminar started. She seemed very friendly.
After the seminar was over I had to zip up the road a bit and go to their offices for my appointment with Fritzer for 10am. I was initially taken in for my chart inputting and the nurse weighed me and did my height. Interesting thing to note is I kept my boots on and didn't empty pockets and such. I figured a few extra pounds before surgery was no big deal especially when I wasn't allowed to gain anything from that point on. I won't reveal my weight yet because I'm still not comfortable doing that yet but just know it's still high but hasn't changed a ton since the last doctors appointment (no pun intended). We did my blood pressure, which is very high since I'm still having troubles with my BP medicine and she took emergency numbers and other information.
From there I was taken to see Michelle, the nurse from the seminar and we discussed if I felt I would be able to adhere to the things discussed at the seminar. She also quizzed me on drinking rules for proper filling of the pouch. We disussed a few other things and I signed all the paperwork necessary for surgery and agreed to my return visits after surgery and all of the rules and recommendations they have for their patients. She also gave me my target weight which is 191 lbs and my ideal weight which is 138 lbs ( I simply cannot imagine!).
We also discussed my anti-inflammatory drugs and other drugs I would be taking and are currently taking. I found out that I will be able to take my regular NSAIDS again 4 weeks after surgery if necessary. I will have to take them with a prescription antacid and she doesn't believe I will need to stay on them long as the weight comes off. It was good to hear this because I was concerned about my pain levels and aches for after the surgery until the weight comes off.
Once this was all discussed I was taken to see Dr. Fritzer himself. He, of course, recognized me from the seminar and I commented on the fact that I asked so many questions. He was apparently happy I asked them. The one thing he surprised me with was that although I had brought a ton of information with me ie. blood work, note from my therapist, etc, he didn't even look at it. I mentioned to him that I assumed he looked at it but he said he wanted to start with a clean plate and take it from there with his impression of me. I was laughing and happy and actually had him smiling a few times when I told him I felt like he was rushing and explained he just talks fast.
He did a simple physical and decided I did not need any additional testing other than the regular tests like the blood work and EKG, etc that they require. I was relieved because I wasn't entirely sure of what to expect. When he did my physical he was pressing really hard into my diaphragm and I kept gasping and moving from the pain of it, to the point of him telling me that if he couldn't feel this correctly because of my moving he would make me lose weight before surgery. I tried to sit still but it freaking hurt and he told me he wants me to lose ten pounds! lol OKAY! It was actually kinda funny and I was so relieved at that point that I was just fine with that.
So when he was done it was as simple as that. All I needed to do was lose the ten pounds and we'd do the surgery once OHIP approves. Now the ten pounds is the easy part! The big next step is next week with Dr. Dent. I don't know what will happen there but I'm going there very prepared and we'll see what happens. From what this guy says that was at the seminar in the morning he saw Dr. Dent and was approved sometime after Nov 4 for OCC. I have his name so I will be using it when I see him if I find things are not going my way. It's scary to have even Dr. Fritzer admit that Ottawa is having issues with bigger BMIs and for me to have to even think of going there when there have been 3 deaths since they just started doing the bigger BMI's in the last month or so!!!!!!!! Scary.
So I ask everyone, next Wednesday, send me your positive thoughts and energies. Let's get them to approve me to OHIP to get out of country help for this! I am ready to go as soon as they go!!! By the way, I just found out I still don't have anyone to come with me to Ottawa. I really could use the company. It is a day trip so I shouldn't be too bad but I would still appreciate the company!
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