I met with my family doctor today. Being from a SMALL town, this amazing gal does it all! She has seen me threw all of my pregnancies, delivered my babies, takes care of my sniffles, etc.
When I began this journey, she was the first person I set up an appt with. However, being the impatient person I am, I went ahead and scheduled my visits with the surgeon.
We did our annual (well....a few years MORE than annual for me) visit and chit chatted the whole time. I told her that I had went to an initial visit with the surgeon. She looked at me with a solemn face and shook her head "no".
"Really?" I said.
"No."
Ah, man!!! My plan shot out of the water???
I genuinely trust my doctor. She has been my doc for over 11 years. She looks out for the best interest of my family. She has also referred my family to the best doctors when they have needed specialized care (and trust me.....we've needed it!)
She was concerned about a number of things including experience, skill, etc. She has worked with Dr. L AND has seen his patients post-op (for other laproscopic procedures.) She hasn't been impressed. :(
However, she did have advice. She has worked with another surgeon with tons more experience, a good bedside manner, etc. While he is a much farther drive away, I would only have to make a couple trips out to see him. She talked to me about the plan of getting the required visits in and shared experiences of other patients. She said she could set something up for me to talk to those whom have gone through the process themselves.
One thing she mentioned was that all of her patients that started out wanted to get a lapband had ended up getting a gastric bypass. WHAT? I told her that I didn't think I could live that lifestyle. Honestly, I didn't have a WHOLE lot of points to back up my argument, but a gastric bypass seemed so.....um, permanent! I worried about rerouting my intestines and losing weight so quickly. She assured me that the lapband truly is permanent to be effective. One would have to have another procedure to remove it or to fix it if a problem would occur. While I never hoped to have those issues, in my head, I kinda think that it gave me the option to try something else IF it didn't work. Really, I don't have options! I HAVE to make whatever decision I make work! This IS permanent!
I shared my concern about insurance and she looked at my records and I had been there within 2 years and by bmi was 40 then. (yay!?!) Just a few days before my visit, I came in to get a tetanus shot and the doc put me on high blood pressure meds. (YUCK!) She said that this would also be beneficial in the approval process.
Before I left, we set up a plan for visits within the next few months. I set up a lab appointment for tomorrow and will get a call once the other visits have been set up.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Met the surgeon....
no emergency surgeries today!
I must say that he (Dr. L) cracks me up! He was open, honest, "real"....and he swore! I know that might bug some people. However, to me, it was honest....and if we want to be truthful here....I swear too ;) way more than I should!
I met in a group with Dr. L and the same 2 ladies (potential lapbanders) from last week. I believe this is the only time that we will meet together as a group. At the last visit we were encouraged to research, research, research. The first thing Dr. L said this time was to "forget everything you have read until this point." WTF? The HOURS I have spent scouring the internet for any piece of info are to be completely thrown out? No...not in that sense. He wanted us to not have the impression that is process is just about losing weight. He assured us that ANY diet/tool/surgery may HELP us lose weight, but the "thing" that truly determined our success was US! Of course, it makes perfect sense! He wanted to encourage us to "get our stuff figured out" upstairs.
I think that is practical advice. I left feeling encouraged and excited for the possibilities!
I must say that he (Dr. L) cracks me up! He was open, honest, "real"....and he swore! I know that might bug some people. However, to me, it was honest....and if we want to be truthful here....I swear too ;) way more than I should!
I met in a group with Dr. L and the same 2 ladies (potential lapbanders) from last week. I believe this is the only time that we will meet together as a group. At the last visit we were encouraged to research, research, research. The first thing Dr. L said this time was to "forget everything you have read until this point." WTF? The HOURS I have spent scouring the internet for any piece of info are to be completely thrown out? No...not in that sense. He wanted us to not have the impression that is process is just about losing weight. He assured us that ANY diet/tool/surgery may HELP us lose weight, but the "thing" that truly determined our success was US! Of course, it makes perfect sense! He wanted to encourage us to "get our stuff figured out" upstairs.
I think that is practical advice. I left feeling encouraged and excited for the possibilities!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
First Hurdle! UGH!
One (of the many things) I worry about in this process is being approved my insurance. One of the requirements from my insurance is that presence of severe obesity that has persisted for at least the last 2 years (24 months). While I know that I have been, I worried that I wouldn't have proof. There have been periods of time where my BMI may have been too low to qualify, but those instances were BRIEF.
Well, today I got a letter from the clinic stating that they couldn't release my medical records from the last 2 years because there wasn't ANY. WHAT? NOT ANY?
Of course, I call the gal that handles medical records is GONE...until Monday.
Panic mode strikes!
Well, today I got a letter from the clinic stating that they couldn't release my medical records from the last 2 years because there wasn't ANY. WHAT? NOT ANY?
Of course, I call the gal that handles medical records is GONE...until Monday.
Panic mode strikes!
Monday, September 13, 2010
First Lap Band Pre-op Appointment
Today was my first appointment! YAY! When I scheduled my appointment, the receptionist mentioned that it would be a 2 hour appointment as I would meet with the surgeon, "Dr. L", and the dietitian. When I arrived, there waiting room seemed "busy"...not what one would expect for a small town private practice. That made me instantly think the doctor was running behind...ugh! After about a 30 minute wait, the man I recognized from website pictures walks into the lobby ON HIS WAY OUT THE DOOR! He pauses to apologize and said that a patient at the hospital (across the street) was having complications and they couldn't get a hold of this patient's doctor. So...he was going over there to check it out. He paused, but it was obvious that he knew that this was serious and he may not return.
The clinic staff scrambled and the came up with a plan. A nurse took my vitals and sent me back to the waiting room. I was one of three potential lap band patients. We were each waiting for our first visit. In light of the recent emergency, it was decided that we would do a group session to get the typical "first" appointment information. We meet together with the dietitian and she went over the basics.
The dietitian shared the "Recommended Dietary Changes Before Surgery." The following are the recommended changes.
This was my first ever experience with a dietitian and, I have to admit, she wasn't half as scary as I envisioned! She even said things like "Dr. L and I encourage treat days" and "you will never hear me say 'only buy nonfat products'" and "you can have a cup or 2 of coffee, but I wouldn't recommend a pot."
The appointment did indeed take over 2 hours, but I only spent about 25 minutes of that "in" the appointment! I will see Dr. L next Tuesday and then back in a month for the next visit.
I had been such a ball of nerves when I began researching and making the initial appointments. Ever since that initial call was made, I have been at peace. It's a nice feeling! One question I did ask was about the required psychological eval. I wondered if I should make an appt soon, or if that should be done later in the process. It was recommended to go ahead and make the appointment now as it may take some time to get in. Good to know!
My only concern at this point is that I have documented weights (on clinic records) with a BMI above 40 for the past 2 years or 35 with co-morbidities. I am pretty sure that I have high blood pressure and have for the last 2 years. HOWEVER, I also don't really go to the doctor unless I am sick...and I rarely get sick!
Oh...another tidbit of info that I was excited to hear was that Dr. L can, if you are a good candidate, do the procedure with ONE incision and not the typical 4 or 5! Cool!
The clinic staff scrambled and the came up with a plan. A nurse took my vitals and sent me back to the waiting room. I was one of three potential lap band patients. We were each waiting for our first visit. In light of the recent emergency, it was decided that we would do a group session to get the typical "first" appointment information. We meet together with the dietitian and she went over the basics.
The dietitian shared the "Recommended Dietary Changes Before Surgery." The following are the recommended changes.
- Do not skip breakfast-eat three meals a day
- Have a good source of protein in the morning, such as an egg, 1 oz. cheese, yogurt (100 cals or less), lean deli meat, etc
- Decrease portion size
- Make better choices when eating out (low fat/low cal)
- Increase intake of fruits and vegetables. Try to eat 2 different fruits each day AND 2 different vegetables each day. Vegetables CAN NOT be corn, peas, or potatoes
- Increase activity (walking/swimming/videos)
- Decrease intake of deserts/candy/sweets/baked goods/ice cream
- Decrease fat in diet (choose low fat more often and avoid fried foods)
- Decrease caffeinated and/or carbonated beverages, and calorie-containing beverages
- Drink at least 64 oz of water per day. Any caffeine-free, calorie-free, non carbonated beverages can count towards daily water intake
- Decrease alcohol consumption or completely avoid
- Begin an adult, chewable multivitamin every other day, such as Centrum or Centrum Silver. Make sure the multivitamin contains 25-30 different vitamins and minerals. Bariatric Advantage is a good place to start (online)
- Avoid snacking or eating after 7pm (or 3 hours before your longest sleeping period)
- Practice CHEWING foods thoroughly. Slow down rate of eating.
- Practice SIPPING beverages-no "chugging" or gulping
- Practice NO LIQUIDS 30 MINUTES BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER MEALS.
- Keep food records and return
- Eat breakfast and include a protein.
- Begin documenting in the food journal 3-4 days a week.
- Eliminate beverages with calories.
This was my first ever experience with a dietitian and, I have to admit, she wasn't half as scary as I envisioned! She even said things like "Dr. L and I encourage treat days" and "you will never hear me say 'only buy nonfat products'" and "you can have a cup or 2 of coffee, but I wouldn't recommend a pot."
The appointment did indeed take over 2 hours, but I only spent about 25 minutes of that "in" the appointment! I will see Dr. L next Tuesday and then back in a month for the next visit.
I had been such a ball of nerves when I began researching and making the initial appointments. Ever since that initial call was made, I have been at peace. It's a nice feeling! One question I did ask was about the required psychological eval. I wondered if I should make an appt soon, or if that should be done later in the process. It was recommended to go ahead and make the appointment now as it may take some time to get in. Good to know!
My only concern at this point is that I have documented weights (on clinic records) with a BMI above 40 for the past 2 years or 35 with co-morbidities. I am pretty sure that I have high blood pressure and have for the last 2 years. HOWEVER, I also don't really go to the doctor unless I am sick...and I rarely get sick!
Oh...another tidbit of info that I was excited to hear was that Dr. L can, if you are a good candidate, do the procedure with ONE incision and not the typical 4 or 5! Cool!
Planning the Journey
I remember the day all too clearly...August 7, 2010. My friend, Britta and I were having a girls weekend away with friends whom we typically see annually. It's always a fun weekend, but a time when I always want to look my best (but never really do.) There are always lots of pictures taken.Let me tell you, I am ALWAYS the one taking pictures, not IN them! Obviously, I am never really happy with how I look photos!
Today, was no different than any other day in that we had been discussing our frustrations with weight. We had just pulled into our parking space outside of Barnes and Noble. I looked over at Britta, and said "I think I want to get a lap band." She nearly interrupted me and said "you should." I looked at her...surprised. She instantly tried to soften her words in an effort not to offend me. I didn't take offense to the comment...I was surprised that she was encouraging me! No one had ever given me that kind of encouragement. It was a simple statement. She was merely saying that if I felt that choosing gastric banding would be helpful that I should look into it. In no way would she realize how those 2 small words would possibly change my life.
In all honesty, I expected that the conversation would end there and the subject would quickly change, so I quickly began to gather my things to head for the store. I looked at her and tears began to fill up my eyes. She reiterated "really, if you think that would help you and that is what you want, I think you should." I told her how embarrassed I was and she was totally understanding.
As soon as I got home, I immediately began researching weight loss surgery. I watched HOURS and HOURS of youtube videos, read loads of blogs, scoured my insurance information regarding coverage, and even watched an actual surgery online. However, I still didn't really know where to start.
It took me about 3 weeks before I decided the first step was to call my primary care physician. They couldn't get me in for over a month...A MONTH! Those whom know ANYTHING about me is to know that I am not one to wait around once I get an idea in my head. I contacted my doctor and she assured me it was a slow process. Initially, I kind of felt like throwing in the towel. I knew the process was long. However, I quickly came to the realization that a month (or even the 3-6 month period prior to surgery) would be such a small portion of my much longer journey on the road to a healthy life.
Still reluctant to wait a month to see my doctor, I asked the one and only lapband patient I know what she recommended for "the first step." She suggested that I contact my insurance to see if I needed a referral. Regardless, I should make the call and set up an appointment with Dr. Lee. My referral from my primary doctor would "catch up"insurance wise.
It took me 2 days to get up the nerve to call my insurance company (Aetna). Mind you, this entire month, lap band research/questions/anxiety had been consuming EVERY moment of my life. It was all I could think about. The insurance gal was very helpful and answered alot of questions and confirmed info I had been checking (and double checking) regarding my policy. I did NOT need a referral. PHEW!
I was on such a high after that phone call! I immediately messaged Britta and she encouraged me to call the lapband doctor's office while I still had the courage.I felt sick to my stomach! I was a ball of nerves! I picked up the phone and set up an appointment for September 13th. It was about a week and a half away. Surprisingly, after the phone call was made, my nerves have really calmed down and the process hasn't been as consuming. My first appointment is now a mere hour and a half away. I am meeting with the surgeon and a nutritionist and was told to anticipate a 2 hour appointment. I am excited to begin my journey down the road to healthier me!
Today, was no different than any other day in that we had been discussing our frustrations with weight. We had just pulled into our parking space outside of Barnes and Noble. I looked over at Britta, and said "I think I want to get a lap band." She nearly interrupted me and said "you should." I looked at her...surprised. She instantly tried to soften her words in an effort not to offend me. I didn't take offense to the comment...I was surprised that she was encouraging me! No one had ever given me that kind of encouragement. It was a simple statement. She was merely saying that if I felt that choosing gastric banding would be helpful that I should look into it. In no way would she realize how those 2 small words would possibly change my life.
In all honesty, I expected that the conversation would end there and the subject would quickly change, so I quickly began to gather my things to head for the store. I looked at her and tears began to fill up my eyes. She reiterated "really, if you think that would help you and that is what you want, I think you should." I told her how embarrassed I was and she was totally understanding.
As soon as I got home, I immediately began researching weight loss surgery. I watched HOURS and HOURS of youtube videos, read loads of blogs, scoured my insurance information regarding coverage, and even watched an actual surgery online. However, I still didn't really know where to start.
It took me about 3 weeks before I decided the first step was to call my primary care physician. They couldn't get me in for over a month...A MONTH! Those whom know ANYTHING about me is to know that I am not one to wait around once I get an idea in my head. I contacted my doctor and she assured me it was a slow process. Initially, I kind of felt like throwing in the towel. I knew the process was long. However, I quickly came to the realization that a month (or even the 3-6 month period prior to surgery) would be such a small portion of my much longer journey on the road to a healthy life.
Still reluctant to wait a month to see my doctor, I asked the one and only lapband patient I know what she recommended for "the first step." She suggested that I contact my insurance to see if I needed a referral. Regardless, I should make the call and set up an appointment with Dr. Lee. My referral from my primary doctor would "catch up"insurance wise.
It took me 2 days to get up the nerve to call my insurance company (Aetna). Mind you, this entire month, lap band research/questions/anxiety had been consuming EVERY moment of my life. It was all I could think about. The insurance gal was very helpful and answered alot of questions and confirmed info I had been checking (and double checking) regarding my policy. I did NOT need a referral. PHEW!
I was on such a high after that phone call! I immediately messaged Britta and she encouraged me to call the lapband doctor's office while I still had the courage.I felt sick to my stomach! I was a ball of nerves! I picked up the phone and set up an appointment for September 13th. It was about a week and a half away. Surprisingly, after the phone call was made, my nerves have really calmed down and the process hasn't been as consuming. My first appointment is now a mere hour and a half away. I am meeting with the surgeon and a nutritionist and was told to anticipate a 2 hour appointment. I am excited to begin my journey down the road to healthier me!
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