Thursday, May 6, 2010
Spoke with Bariatric Coordinator
Was able to reach the Bariatric Coordinator today as a follow-up from my first vistit and schedule the second. I do have to have an Upper Endoscopy at my next visit, after visiting with the Dietician & APRN. They are scheduling out to mid-June as of now. I will wait to hear back from the hospital as to when the appointment will be. Purchased the necessary multi-vitamins and B12 needed to keep my levels up until my next lab work. All is well and the journey continues.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Today Was A Success
Arrived at the hospital at 8:40 a.m. My appointment was at 9. I should have followed the directions to the parking garage and use that entrance to the hospital. Instead, I used the main entrance and had to treck it to the registration desk at the other side of the building. Looking back now, it was good to get the exercise, but I think next time, its parking garage for me! Met with the programs dietician for an hour. Went very well. Just realized that chocolate in not one of the major food groups. Who woulda thought?
Also met with the Nurse Practicioner/Clinical Program Direcor of the Bariatric Surgery Clinic, for an hour as well. Both visits were very informative. Received a new 78 page packet for the Bariatic procedures. Read it, and re-read it, was the motto of the packet. Education is key in making informed choices.
Have to take Vitamin B12 dots, 500 mcg (sublingual) under the tongue once a day. I was informed that I do need an Upper GI Endoscopy, which I will need to be partially sedated for. It will be performed at my next scheduled visit, after I meet with the dietician and APRN again. No driving for me that day. Will take time for the effects of the sedation to wear off.
Was sent the lab today for a blood draw before I left the hospital. They wanted to check my Vit D deficiency since the last draw in Sept, of 2009. Also my B12 was on the low side as well. Hence the need for continued supplements.
My ongoing weight loss is encouraged. There is a NO WEIGHT GAIN POLICY between these visits. The surgeon may delay my surgery if I gain weight between visits.
Again I have to read the Bariatric Surgery Program Educational Handbook throughly, highlight important areas to remember. I will write down any questions that I may have to discuss at my next visit.
Its important to ask my doctor about medication suggestions if I currently take medications that are larger than the size of a tylenol. Large pills need to be crushed or taken in liquid form for TWO WEEKS after surgery. Diabetic oral medication often does not need to be taken after surgery.
Read all food labels.
Aim for 30 minutes of exericise that you can do safely every day, which can be divided into 10 minute blocks. Exercise is an important habit to start prior to surgery. Successful gastric bypass patients exercise regularly.
Very anxious to hear back with my next appointment.
Glad to be home. Been up since 5 am. Nite.
Also met with the Nurse Practicioner/Clinical Program Direcor of the Bariatric Surgery Clinic, for an hour as well. Both visits were very informative. Received a new 78 page packet for the Bariatic procedures. Read it, and re-read it, was the motto of the packet. Education is key in making informed choices.
Have to take Vitamin B12 dots, 500 mcg (sublingual) under the tongue once a day. I was informed that I do need an Upper GI Endoscopy, which I will need to be partially sedated for. It will be performed at my next scheduled visit, after I meet with the dietician and APRN again. No driving for me that day. Will take time for the effects of the sedation to wear off.
Was sent the lab today for a blood draw before I left the hospital. They wanted to check my Vit D deficiency since the last draw in Sept, of 2009. Also my B12 was on the low side as well. Hence the need for continued supplements.
My ongoing weight loss is encouraged. There is a NO WEIGHT GAIN POLICY between these visits. The surgeon may delay my surgery if I gain weight between visits.
Again I have to read the Bariatric Surgery Program Educational Handbook throughly, highlight important areas to remember. I will write down any questions that I may have to discuss at my next visit.
Its important to ask my doctor about medication suggestions if I currently take medications that are larger than the size of a tylenol. Large pills need to be crushed or taken in liquid form for TWO WEEKS after surgery. Diabetic oral medication often does not need to be taken after surgery.
Read all food labels.
Aim for 30 minutes of exericise that you can do safely every day, which can be divided into 10 minute blocks. Exercise is an important habit to start prior to surgery. Successful gastric bypass patients exercise regularly.
Very anxious to hear back with my next appointment.
Glad to be home. Been up since 5 am. Nite.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Twas the night before the first visit....
Early to bed, early to rise. 9 - 11 am appointment tomorrow morning with the Bariatric Dietician, and Program ARNP. I am really calm, yet very excited. The end of the journey is in the distance. Have some homework to do on my food journal before I leave in the morning for my appointments. Being accountable for everything that you eat is not as enjoyable as I anticipated. One day, it will be subjected to memory I am sure.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Getting Ready For My First Appointment
Heading into the month of May with a bang. May 4th. My first visit will be with the Bariatric Dietician, followed by meeting with the program coordinator whom makes sure all my eggs are in a row. I never thought I would be so anxious to go to a doctors appointment, as normally I avoid health issues. As I continue with my food diary which i had to journal for 7-consecutive days for review. I am anxious to hear the feedback of my nutrition choices. Even though I have been enrolled in this endeavor since January of 2009, I think going to my first of three appointments will make this journey a reality. Its been a long road. The Bariatric team continues to express that the easy part is now. I beg to differ.
In my earlier years I was always "fly by the seat of my pants" and change was not an issue. Now as i progress in age, I am finding myself seeking solace in whats to happen. Each day I wake up and thank god for making me see the light. This process is changing my life, in a good way. Change is happening, and I couldn't be more thrilled.
In my earlier years I was always "fly by the seat of my pants" and change was not an issue. Now as i progress in age, I am finding myself seeking solace in whats to happen. Each day I wake up and thank god for making me see the light. This process is changing my life, in a good way. Change is happening, and I couldn't be more thrilled.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
May.. Month 5 Begins
My first evaluation appointment with the Bariatric Surgery team will be made after I have completed Steps One through Six. That being said, my first evaluation is tuesday, May 4th. I am very excited.
These evaluations will include time with the Bariatric Surgery Program nurse practitioner and dietitian. At the first visit, on May 4th, prior dieting attempts, as well as dietary and lifestyle changes will be reviewed by the dietitian. My medical and surgical history will be reviewed by the nurse practitioner, and an assessment of the need for any additional testing and evaluations will be made. Their goal is to make my surgery as safe as possible. I will have a brief physicial exam. An assessment will me made as to my readiness to proceed with surgery. Let the countdown begin.
These evaluations will include time with the Bariatric Surgery Program nurse practitioner and dietitian. At the first visit, on May 4th, prior dieting attempts, as well as dietary and lifestyle changes will be reviewed by the dietitian. My medical and surgical history will be reviewed by the nurse practitioner, and an assessment of the need for any additional testing and evaluations will be made. Their goal is to make my surgery as safe as possible. I will have a brief physicial exam. An assessment will me made as to my readiness to proceed with surgery. Let the countdown begin.
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