Progress

[ladytonya]

Finally! I have all my test results back. H-pylori was negative thank goodness! I was kinda worried about that one. My Vit D and B-12 levels are low. Dr. B called in a prescription for a D supplement and told me to start taking a multi-vit. I haven't been taking one in quite a while so I need to do that. I have my psych consult on October 11, upper GI on October 13, and nutritionist eval on October 24. Then it'll just be waiting for insurance and a date!

At this time, I'm still going forward like I am getting the RNY. If my insurance changes last minute or something, I may switch back to the band but I may not. I've been doing a lot of reading and soul searching and praying and I am beginning to think that RNY may be God's plan for me instead of the band. Who knows! As long as I get this weight off of me, it doesn't matter which way I go! I just can't wait! Hopefully, I'll have surgery by the end of the year.

[Mrs Sabre]

Congratulations! You're moving right along. IMHO, we're in the same boat with our weight loss struggles. Whatever you can do to assist in your struggle, we're there for you! I hope you get your surgery for Christmas!

[jttaurus]

Tonya,

I"m a RNY'er who had surgery with dr bauman. Please ask me any questions you might have. I started out lap band, but I"m sure glad I did RNY. For me, as I've discussed with Karen, I couldn't committ to fills, that would have stressed me out. In the end, the rny was my best choice.

I am down 80lbs since Feb and Karen can attest, I'm fine and healthy.
I'm pink and haven't had any deficencies or problems. I'm doing well and was tired for a bit, otherwise, everything was uneventful.

[ladytonya]

Awesome! Another RNY'er on here! I have looked for another board like this one for bypass, but there isn't one. Of course, there couldn't possibly be another board like this one! This board is amazing. I have learned so much and met so many great people on here!

jttaurus, I had the same feelings about fills. I'm not always the best at following up on things. I am the WORST about starting things and not finishing them. I know that with WLS, I will have no choice. I will have to finish what I start, but with the band I would have always had in the back of my mind that if I didn't like how things were going, I could get the band removed. RNY is permanent. Of course, it is reversible in a dire emergency, but it wouldn't be easy. I know this isn't a real reason to choose one over the other, but in my brain it is one of my many arguments between the two. Anyway, it's great to know that you are here!

[Telly]

Tonya,

Regardless of which WLS you have, I know personally that I will always be here for you and I 100% believe that this board and it's members feel the same way.

We are here to support one another, banded or otherwise.

[ladytonya]

and, Telly, THAT is exactly why I LOVE THIS BOARD!!!!!!!!! You guys are so supportive of everybody and such great people. I love it here!

[Dragonwillow]

What is it with all us overweight people have low vit d and b....I know quite a few of us test low for that, wonder if that is a contributor to why we are overweight in the first place? Anyone know.

Meli

[wavydaby]

Yup, I found a new england journal of med. article.
Vit d is very crutial with insulin regulation and getting it to work.
B does a lot of other regulation with metabolism.
More work needs to be done on this.
It seems to have only been scratched at the surface.

[wavydaby]

And back on topic
What ever surgery you get, we are here ya, you can skip over the getting stuck part, but my sister in law (rny)some times gets the pb parts.. when she gulps her food and doesnt chew.
Jennifer, did you have that problem??
I am sooo glad that you dont have h plyori, I wouldnt wish it on anyone.
But, according to a friend of mine, h plyori has been show to be growing in candy bowls that sit at resturant cashier's stations... no one washes thier hands anymore.
UGHUGH
Now that everyone is grossed out.
:)
my job is done.

[ladytonya]

Wavy, I just read your post about the Vit D thing. Back when I was trying to get pregnant, my OB said I was insulin resistant. Dr. B said that pretty much anyone who is my size is probably insulin resistant. Interesting correlation.

Anyway, I came in here for another progress update. Psych eval has been faxed to Dr. B's office. Just spoke with psychiatrist's office and he was faxing it as we hung up. Had my upper GI on Friday (that gunk they make you drink is DISGUSTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and that has been sent to my PCP. Spoke with the nurse about 5 minutes ago and gave her the fax number and it should be going to Dr. B's in the next few minutes. Only thing left on my checklist will be the nutritionist. That appointment is a week from tomorrow. Then it will be the waiting game to get insurance approval and a date. I can't believe this is actually happening! I am so excited!

[Kathy]

Here you go, Tonya! It's happening! Yippeeeeee!

[Lovemylpband]

I'm excited for you!

[wavydaby]

Whoo hooo! the Band train is a movin!!!!!!

[ladytonya]

Well, it's not the band train. It's the RNY train instead, but at least it's something! Yeah, me!

My psych and upper GI aren't showing on My Tasks on Dr. B's web page. How long does it take? Everything else has showed right up. Now I'm paranoid that something isn't right so I'm going to be delayed or something.

[wavydaby]

Nah, it takes a while for them to get the site updated. If he's got it, its all good.
:)

[ladytonya]

Going to be one step closer today. I'm driving down to Concord this afternoon to meet with the nutritionist. I'm hoping to get to at least talk to the patient coordinator for a minute to see if I can find out what kind of time frame I'm looking at since this is the last thing I have to get before getting submitted to insurance for approval and getting a date! I can't wait!

[Mrs Sabre]

You're getting closer every day! That is so exciting ... and a little nerve wrecking! Our hopes, thoughts, and prayers go with you. You'll be approved and have surgery before you know it! :)

[ladytonya]

Yeah, me! I just talked to Kim at Dr. Bauman's office. She should have the writeup from my nutritionist appointment by the end of the week, fax my package to Blue Cross Blue Shield and I should have a surgery date by the end of next week! It will probably be mid-December. Right now, they are scheduling for the first week of December and I can't do that week anyway because of commitments that I already have that I really shouldn't miss, but after that I'm good to go! Yahoooooooooooooo!

[jttaurus]

Awsome. THis will be the perfect xmas present for yourself.

I hope your recovery is amazing like mine was.

[Kathy]

Excellent, can't wait for you to get a firm date! Isn't this exciting?! Tonya, you will be a new woman! All you, only better! I'm happy for you. :love:

[ladytonya]

How long were you out of work after surgery? Dr. B said to stay out two weeks. I am planning on trying to go back after one week unless I just feel horrible. I have to stay in Concord for a week after surgery so I'll basically be crashing in a hotel for a week. I'm going to try to find one with free internet or I'll really be bored to death. I'm hoping that I just sleep a lot. Anyway, I have one week of vacation available and that's what I am hoping to use. Were many of you out more than a week? Am I just crazy to think that I'll be able to go back so soon? I am a paralegal and can pretty much take it easy all day at work so the physical part isn't a problem. I'm just worried about how I'll feel.

[Kathy]

You are doing RNY, right? We'll let Jen answer that one. If it's banding, you should be good after a week. But RNY is still Lap surgery, so ti's better than it used to be as far as recovery. I'd imagine the lack of nutition (as with lap band) is hardest. You just don't have your stamina. :( good thing you have a desk job, right?

[Kim G]

Oh Tonya if you are laid up in Concord for a week we will have to meet up. I live about 10 mins from the hospital...not a lot of hotels up there but there are a lot off Speedway Blvd near Concord Mills. Most of them are new (within the last 5 - 6 years) so I am sure they all have internet connection. Who knows when you are here maybe most of the NC girls will come and meet up with you. It will give you something to do.

Here at our office most people are out at least 2 weeks for the RNY but some are out 6...so I guess really it's how you feel. Jennifer is the best on for that answer. She will chime soon I am sure. Agree with Kathy if it's the lap-band good to go after the first week...you will still be slow and sore but you will ready to go.

[shackdog]

all the blessings in the world, which ever one you choose it's your decision no one else can make it, and what you decide is the best for you.

[wavydaby]

I'd pm Jenn to see how long she was out. I dont remember how long she took. I did the band and was out for 2 wks. I just could not wear a bra or have pants on my incisions any sooner than that. Yea, I felt ok, but it was clothes and eating that I didnt want to have to do in the office. That that liquid and shake making. I couldnt do a decent one in the office.

[ladytonya]

I'll probably end up doing more than the week, but I'm not sure yet. I am having RNY, not the band. There were just too many things pushing me in that direction that I couldn't ignore. I will probably have surgery either the week of Dec. 11 or 18. Right now, they are scheduling the first week of December. I should get my approval sometime next week so then I'll know for sure! I actually can't do the week of Dec. 4 anyway. I already have a meeting that week on Thursday that I really need to be at plus I have other things scheduled on Tuesday and Saturday. My perfect date would have been between Christmas and New Year but Dr. B will be off that week. I was kind of hoping for after Christmas so I could do Christmas dinner at my mom's, but I'll get to do Thanksgiving there so no biggie! I'll be on water and protein drinks for 2 weeks after my surgery date and then mushies, so I guess if I have surgery on Dec. 11 I could puree some ham and mashed potatoes but I'm probably better off if I don't have anything. At this point, I'm just so shocked that it is going to actually happen! The only thing I still have to do is finalize some stuff with the bank to pay for the uninsured portion. Details, details! Dr. B's office requires payment of all uninsured costs upfront and my max out of pocket is like $3,000. Unfortunately, my policy started over again October 1 so I've only had like one thing that will apply toward my deductible and maximum coinsurance amount so far.

Kim, I would love to be able to meet up with some people while I'm down there! Of course, I won't be able to do a meal out because I'll still be sipping water and protein shakes 24/7, but I'd love to get together somehow! Of course, I'll keep everybody up to date as to exactly when my date is and we'll go from there!

[Mrs Sabre]

Tonya, it's coming together! I am so excited for you! You go girl!

[jttaurus]

Ok Tonya, Is there any way you can do surgery after xmas? Just an idea. I had my approval IN November, but I delayed my surgery until after the new year 2006 because of PTO time from work and $$$. I know if you stay at the hotel in concord, you can always go shopping at concord mills.

I was out of work a whopping 15 days, that was all I could get off. I wanted the full 6 weeks but i had no complications or problems so I had to go to work after 3 weeks. I didn't feel sick or in pain but I was very tired.
The ketosis is hard on your body. I agree with Wavy, it's hard to wear a bra with the staples in. I spent alot of time in my PJ's.

One piece of advice, learn how to eat without drinking for 30 minutes, this is the hardest thing for me after surgery. ALso bring stuff to do magazines, pc, movies and stuff for after surgery. You won't be staying alone will you?

After I was discharged from the hospital I went ot Sams club, then to walmart, then home to rest, then to daycare to get my daughter, then walgreens to shop and get rx's. I didn't sleep well at the hospital so I Was pretty tired. Saturday we did alot of shopping and went furniture shopping. I felt fine.

If there's anything else please let me know, as it seems like eon's ago.
Eating out took some time. HOwver, you won't care about eating after surgery. I may be able to come visit you, I know it's the less opportune time because you feel rough. The week of the 11th is busy for us with school and my daughter's b-day.

Really weigh the options of waiting until after the new year just for sanity's sake. Send me an email if you'd like. I cannot think of anything else to share. Make sure you wear some comfy clothes. I was so hot after surgery that I wore tee's and pj's.

Jenn

[Kathy]

Party at Tonya's hotel room! BYO Protien Shake! hahahaha!!!

[wavydaby]

:0 ohhh that would be fun!!!
Without the hangover :)

[Kim G]

Hey I am there...We've got a lot of new protien drinks at work...I could bring a twelve pack. hehe

[ladytonya]

So, how does Captain Morgan's mix with a chocolate protein shake? Mmmmm! Protein shake party sounds fun, even without the rum! My packet was faxed to the insurance company this morning so now we have to just wait to see if I get approved. I don't see why I wouldn't for RNY since I've done everything they request and then some.

I am having a bit of a monetary challenge, but we'll figure something out. All along, my plan was to get a home equity line to pay the uninsured portion. If someone would lend 100% loan to value on a double wide, we would have it made. Unfortunately, every mortgage company I talk too either will only lend up to 80% or they say our debt to income ratio is too high. Funny how different companies have such different guidelines. *sigh* I do have one possibility where we were approved through a patient financing company but at a high interest rate. That will be the last resort and I don't know how we'll afford it, but we'll just have to find a way because I am having this surgery! Anyway, I have a cat here in desperate need of attention and she's not wanting to let me finish this message so I better go pay attention to her. I will keep you posted on approval and on financing. Thanks for all the wonderful support!

[Mrs Sabre]

Tonya, I don't know if others have experienced the same thing, but you may be surprised on how much money you'll save on food? DH and I keep our finances on Quicken, and although I haven't checked it recently, the first few months I was saving around $300/month without evening trying! :clap2: Three fills later, I'm guessing it's probably even more.

[Lovemylpband]

Tonya-I'll be at the party too!! I'm excited for you. And we are all so close that anything you need you've got!

Your in Ashville right? DD and I are driving up Friday afternoon and spending the night then going to the Biltmore on Saturday. Maybe we could meet up with you?

[ladytonya]

Thanks, Dianne! You'll have a blast at Biltmore! On Saturday I will be leaving the Charlotte airport at 7:05 am and arriving in Boston at 10:30 then have to drive an hour and a half to Manchester, Connecticut. My husband't 20 year reunion is Saturday night. Maybe on your next trip to Asheville!

[ladytonya]

Karen, I keep going back and forth on the grocery thing. Sometimes I think we'll save tons of money because I'll be eating so much less, but right now I eat really bad because bad is cheap. Once I'm buying food that's good for me, I'm afraid I'll be spending more. Healthy food plus the protein and nutritional supplements I'll have to take I'm scared to death of adding a monthly payment by getting a loan to pay for the out-of-pocket part and then having more grocery bills. That would not be good for the finances, but I also don't have easy access to any money to pay for the out of pocket. Oh, well! I'm getting this done one way or another so I don't care how it happens.

[ladytonya]

Okay, sorry to make this a triple post, but I just got a phone call from Dr. B's office. I HAVE A DATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! December 11. Yeah, me!

[Kathy]

December 11th

It's a great day to get RNY'd! LOL Congrats Tonya. It will work out fine with the $$$, you can do it!

[Mrs Sabre]

Merry Christmas Tonya! That's awesome! Yippee!

[ladytonya]

Yep, it's going to be my Christmas present to myself! I have to come down on November 27 for my pre-op visit then surgery is scheduled for noon on December 11. My one-week post-op at Dr. B's is December 18, then it will be back to Asheville and hopefully I'll feel able to go back to work.

Now to figure out where $3,750 is going to come from......

[ladytonya]

Wow! Seeing that ticker saying 23 days until My Surgery Date sure is an eye-opener!

Well, I finally bit the bullet and asked my mom to cosign a loan for us. I tried everything. We had gotten approved for a loan, but it had an interest rate of 21.9% plus a $1,500 "administrative fee". I still have the paperwork, I should have an attorney look at it because I have a feeling that it is in serious violation of North Carolina predatory lending laws. Anyway, my mom has perfect credit and constantly fusses at me about how we've ruined ours. She swore that she would never co-sign for anything for me again so I was determined to not ask her. My sister finally talked me into asking and she said yes because of what it is for. Now, instead of paying 21.9% interest plus that huge administrative fee, I'm paying 10.75%! Yeah, Mom! I asked her on Wednesday and we were approved and signed the papers Thursday. The money is already in our account waiting to be paid to Dr. Bauman's office and NEMC!

Having the money in hand really makes this a reality for me. It's starting to hit me that I'm actually going to do this. I'm excited to get it done, but I'm also a little scared. One thing that makes me feel better when I'm anxious is shopping, so I just had myself a little online shopping excursion and bought myself a Magic Bullet. Now I need to order some protein and start making some shakes to get an idea of what I like and what I don't like. I'm not going to stock up too much because I know tastes sometimes change after surgery, but at least it will give me an idea of what I love and what I hate. From everything I've read, I think I'm going to love my Magic Bullet! I can't wait until it comes!

Wow. 23 days. I'm actually going to do this! Yeah!

[Mrs Sabre]

Tonya, I am excited for you too! Talk about the best Christmas present ever!

[DAWN]

ladytonya.....congrats to you on your upcoming surgery.....I didn't read any other posts of yours but do you have ins???I guess its a stupid question because if you did, it would probably be covered....I am about a month post op..had the surgery 10/24/06 and I am feeling great.....22 lbs lost and hopefully after seeing the dr. on Monday, will be on the 2nd phase....I'm getting tired of soups and liquids....

The magic bullet is GREAT for pureeing my lentil and pea soup....You're gonna love it....

Hang in there.....You're going to do great....

Dawn

[ladytonya]

Thanks, Dawn! I'm actually not going to be banded. I'm having RNY because my insurance would not cover the band. The financing I'm talking about is for my coinsurance amount. I have a $750 deductible and $3,000 maximum coinsurance amount so I have to pay a total of $3,750. Of course, now any other medical things I have to have the rest of my insurance year (which will be until Oct., 2007) will be paid 100%.

Of course, it doesn't matter which surgery you have, this board is GREAT!

[ladytonya]

I had my pre-op orders appointment with Dr. B yesterday. Surgery is in less than 2 weeks! I of course just realized that I forgot to ask a few questions. I met with Dr. B and he answered all my questions that I had sent him after watching the EMMI video. (Do most surgeons use this or just Dr. B? I thought it was very informative.) I meant to ask him a few things about vitamins and completely forgot. I know the nutritionist said to take a chewable but i can't remember when I'm supposed to start taking it, if it's right after I'm released or not until my one-week followup. I think I'm going to order the Bariatric Advantage chewable because I've heard the ones you buy in the drug store are pretty gross.

I am supposed to get my Magic Bullet via FedEx and a protein sampler from bariatriceating.com via UPS today but they're just not getting here fast enough! The closer it gets, the more time drags. How long can 13 days take to pass? I can't wait!

[Kathy]

I've got my front row seat, sitting here watchng the play-by-play. Keep posting the Progress, Tonya! I'm keeping my eye on you! Woot!!!!

[Goannabanda]

YAY Tonya!!! Almost there now!!!

After your surgery, you have to post as soon as possible, or get someone else to do it for you, to let us know how you are getting on. What is the expected recovery for the RNY - is it likely to be about the same , shorter or longer as the lapband?

[ladytonya]

Goanna, I will be in the hospital for one day longer than I would be for the lapband, two days instead of just one. Actual recovery time may be a little longer than with the band because of the cutting and stapling of the stomach, but I think it really varies person to person.

[Goannabanda]

That doesn't sound too bad Tonya - at least you will be feeling pretty good again by Christmas. Hugs to you.

[wavydaby]

LT, I bought the Centrum Orange chewables for adults, NASTY (to me)
Now I take the Viactiv Chewable Chocolate. YUMMMMMMMY
Cheaper than the stuff you can get of the Bariatric site.
Yea, they are not perfect creamy chocolate, in fact they have a bit of a gritty texture. But, its chocolate one piece a day....mmmm heaven.
:)

[JDru]

I take the Viactiv vitamins too. There's a really yummy (for vitamins) French Vanilla flavor too. You are getting SO close to your surgery day!!

[ladytonya]

I already ordered the Bariatric Advantage chewable multi-vitamin and the sublingual B-12 tablets. I have a 3-month supply of both. After 3 months, I will probably find an over-the-counter version because I'm sure it will be much cheaper. I just wanted to be sure I had it in time. I looked at CVS last night and the only adult chewable I could find was Centrum. I've heard from several people that the Centrum chewables are nasty so I didn't really want to go there.

So much to do, so little time!

[Lovemylpband]

Tonya I'm so excited for you, and the party were gonna have in your room! PS for everyone..yay

[ladytonya]

Wow! I'm less than a week away! I am making lists of everything I need to take to Concord with me including what I need to leave in the hotel and what I need to bring to the hospital with me. My hubby already thinks I'm crazy, but I have to pass the time somehow! Luckily, this is a very busy week. I could have actually had surgery Thursday but already had other commitments so had to schedule for Monday. I have meetings or rehearsals every night this week. Saturday I get to relax and pack, then Sunday will be a full day before I have to start taking the various medications and the Fleet Phospho-soda. Yuck! We were going to drive down Sunday evening but I have to take that Phospho-soda between 4 and 5. At 4, I will still be on stage performing in my Community Band Christmas concert. We'll have to book it home so I can take it at 5:00 then prepare to be in the bathroom for the rest of the evening. It is my understanding that after I drink that stuff, I'm not going to want to be more than a few feet from the toilet for the next several hours! We're going to have to leave Monday morning very very early, like 5:30 or 6 am. Ugh! Have to check in to the hotel then be at the hospital by 10 am. I have so many medications to take Sunday evening and Monday morning that I had to make myself a list! Hey, I make lists. That is what I do! Anyway, enough of my ramblings for now. I'm waiting for hubby to pick me up from work to go to a Christmas party for our Catechists (fancy word for Sunday school teachers) and then to a building committee meeting. I'll probably be online again later. My mind is going a mile a minute right now!

[Kathy]

Keep posting your ramblings, Tonya! It helps, and we get to enjoy the show! :D I'm so excited for you. :)

[Kim G]

Tonya I am so excited for you....I can't wait to finally meet you. You will probably be at the hotel by Thursday but Thursday night I will be at the hospital for an opening of the new Childrens' hospital. My sister works there and my neice and my son got to do tiles for the new hospital and we get to go see them. At any rate...if there is anything at all you need contact me.

[wavydaby]

If you need anything, I am like 10 min from Concord Mills. Are you going to be here the day before surgery??

[Kathy]

Tonya, I'm PMing you my cell phone number. If you need ANYthing...I'll either do it or know how/who to call. :)

[jttaurus]

Tonya,

Two pieces of advice, eat light sunday since your drinking phos stuff.
Also, buy some moist toilet wipes. The really helpd after I drank that phoso stuff.

Let us know about your journeys. I have a full week the rest of this week and birthday/christmas program/birthday next week. I think I'm supposed to go to work during that time.

I don't know if you can pack your whole house for the hotel, maybe you need to go to a resort. You can go outside and walk if the weather's nice. IF you forget anything walmart is right near dr b's office. THey have excellent shopping out there and it's all new.

Take care of yourself. THe day befoer my surgery we went car shopping.
That will take your mind of anything. We didn't buy a car though.

[ladytonya]

Well, we've been car shopping for the past week and we just bought one last Thursday! So I definitely know we won't be buying one on Sunday! LOL!
I'll PM you where I'm staying. Don't want to post it on the board just in case. You never know who might read.....

As far the the phospho on Sunday, I'm already planning on both Saturday and Sunday being light eating days. I've kind of already had my "last meals", so to speak. Friday night was hubby's office Christmas dinner at The Black Forest Restaurant, a nice German restaurant here in Asheville. I had the German Sampler which is totally huge and full of no-nos but oh so good! Saturday, we did our yearly trip to the Grove Park Inn for the breakfast buffet and to see the gingerbread houses. That is just the bomb! and I found out that next year, I can just order off the menu since the buffet will be a waste of money for me. Earlier in the week, hubby had asked me where I wanted to eat. I said Red Lobster or Outback since The Melting Pot is no longer here. Sunday after church, he took me to Red Lobster and I had the ultimate feast. That is my absolute fave at RL! This week, we're busy but we've still kinda been doing things that I won't be able to eat for a while. A client at work took me out for lunch to Wild Wing, where they have all you can eat buffalo wings at lunch. That will probably be my absolute last horribly huge meal. I had a protein shake for breakfast and one for dinner to surround that huge lunch. The rest of the week is going to be just normal meals and then I plan on eating next to nothing Saturday and Sunday. Saturday I'm sleeping until I wake up and then I'll just have a shake. Dinner will probably be out, maybe mexican or a salad. Sunday, I'll eat a light breakfast, then go to Sunday school and church followed by my band Christmas concert and then home to take the Fleet. After I take the Fleet, I doubt I'll want anything else to eat!

[Mrs Sabre]

Tonya, I'm getting excited just reading your posts! I am so happy for you! I hope you are up to lunch on the 16th, I'd love to meet you in person!