It's been a while since I've written. So much has happened.

I'm down to 170 lbs. Just 30 pounds from my goal. I'm in a size 13 or even a 12 depending on the brand, and I feel fantastic.

I DID do the Subaru Woman's Triathlon on September 9th. I placed 250 out of 311 in my class. It took me a total of 1 hour and 26 minutes to finish. (swim=15.24/trans1=9:18/bike=38:50/trans2=6:55/run=29:46)

It was the most exhilarating accomplishment of my life, next to giving birth. Honestly, I've never pushed my body to do so much. I'm very proud of myself for doing it. I do plan on doing it again next year. It will keep me in training for at least 5 months out of the year.

I have to say, I haven't done much exercise since then.

I also need to go in for another round of blood work. It's been way too long, probably 4 months over due.

One thing that has really bothered me is that I seem to feel cold all the time. I don't know if it's my age catching up to me or bad circulation or the weight loss. It's weird.

I can't believe it! I'm down 83 lbs now!!!

I feel great. It's been 7 months and it seems like yesterday that I had the surgery. I'm down to a size 14 and it feels so good, but weird. I look at the pants and how small they are and think "I'm not going to fit into that" and sure enough... I do!!

I'm planning on doing a mini-triathalon this coming September. Pray that I follow-through!

Eating has been easy but I've learned that it's easier to eat foods that have some moisture. I've been trying to be very aware of that full feeling and stopping before I get there. I don't want to expand my small tummy.

I need to go into see how my last bit of blood work was, but I'm finding it hard to make the time. The last time I was in (May) my surgeon said I should start saving up for a tummy-tuck. That was depressing to hear and I'm going to do everything I can to NOT have to have one.

I'm loving working out with my husband. He's been a great personal trainer for me.

I can't believe it's been over a month since I've last posted a message.

I'm down to 210 (size 18) now. WOW... SIXTY POUNDS!!! I'm halfway there and it's only been 4 months!!!

I almost feel guilty at how easy this has been, but then I have to remember those early days after surgery and all the things I had to go through up to surgery. I'd do it again in a second. I feel great. I've gone through my closet and tossed 4 garbage bags full of "fatty" cloths. I feel liberated from my old body. I could probably even start tucking in my pants if my brain could get past the old image of myself.

I had my first lab work-up and my protein levels were a little low, so I need to have more shakes. My calcium level was good (thanks to the sug-free latte's), but my potassium was low and I had to take a couple days of mega doses and go in for another blood test. I need to call to see how it was.  I need to remember to get pills for potassium instead of the liquid. That stuff is like drinking liquid garbage.. yuck!!! I've had to do vit D and A supplements too. Those are easy.

I really feel like I'm living a normal life. I really don't starve myself at all or deny myself anything except sugar and I don't crave carbs at all either. That has probably been the biggest change. It just seems like such a waste of time to eat bread or pasta because I get filled up so fast. I just pass on it, or have very small bites.

One other thing I've noticed is that when I eat, it really helps if I can have some kind of liquid or sauce with the meal. If it's just straight chicken or beef it doesn't feel good in my stomach.  But if I have some kind of sauce it seems to feel better.

Another couple of months and I'm going to start tanning for the summer months. I'd love to be able to wear skirts with NO HOSE.

That's all for now.

I found this quote that spoke greatly to me:

"The pain of discipline weighs ounces; The pain of regret...weighs TONS."  -Jim Rohn

Wow can I relate to that! I completely regret letting my weight get out of control and all I needed to do was to be disciplined. Now I greatly regret that I didn't teach my daughter the same thing. I can start now, but it might not have been so hard for her if I had started earlier.

As far as my weight loss now, after 2 months, I've lost 42 lbs. I'm down to 228 and feeling great. Eating is about the same as my last post.

Some of the things I'm NOT doing anymore... running to the bathroom after eating fast food, heartburn, knees aching going up stairs, being out of breath going up stairs, thinking about food when I'm out running errands or shopping.

It seems like forever ago that I had my surgery. Sheesh!

I finally broke that plateau that I was on. I'm finally down to 232 lbs. My pants are loose and I'm into a 18-22 size pant now. I'm going to wait another 10-15 pounds before I buy any new clothes. I want to be a firm size 18.

FOOD
I'm beginning to be able to take two sips of  water at a time and I've experimented with eating more whole foods. My normal daily routine is a protein shake in the morning, mid-morning water, bite or two of Barely Naked Granola, protein shake for lunch, mid-afternoon water, bite or two of granola, then in the evenings I will have about a quarter cup of what ever I've fixed my family for dinner. I know this isn't what my surgeon wants me to do (eating whole foods yet), but I just can't stand the all liquid diet. I need something to chew. It hasn't effected my weight-loss. The amounts are so small, you can hardly call them meals. I'm also staying away from bread and meats like beef & pork. I've had some small bits of chicken and some sea bass. Those seem to be fine with me.

I'm not doing good taking my vitamins and calcium regularly. The liquid calcium is just gross. I'm hoping I can take the whole tablets soon, but I'm afraid to try them right now. They are so huge and they aren't coated so they are hard going down. I'm thinking of buying a pretty glass jar to put my multiple vitamins in. Maybe I can trick my mind into believing it's candy. Speaking of candy... I found that Dove makes sugar-free dark chocolate pieces. They are to die for. I only give myself one or two a day though. If you have too many at once they have a laxative effect. Yuck.

EXERCISE
I've started walk on my treadmill. I just love it. My goal is to do it everyday. I'm starting at 15 minutes right now, then I'll work up to 20, then 30, then 40 minutes. Ray would like to get into the gym and do some weight lifting which would be good too. In our new house, we plan on having a swim spa. I love to swim. It's so relaxing to me.

Since my surgeon said I can ski, I've been waiting to build up my leg muscles to do it. Ray and Sachia are already snowboarding and I want to join them, but I don't want to be so out of shape that I can only do a couple of runs. Maybe I'll surprise myself, since I'm down already almost 40 pounds, maybe my legs can handle it. I'll see in a couple of weeks.

Another week down. My weight hasn't changed much at all. I'm only down to 239 now. I was told not to weigh myself every day, but take measurements instead.

I had my first post-op appointment with my surgeon. They were very pleased that I've dropped 30 pounds already. The appointment was very rushed. He checked all my vitals, etc. asked if I had any questions, assured me that I can swallow my iron pills without any blockage problems. I'm still very scared about that. I will have to try it soon. I don't want to be anemic ever again.

My sutures have healed up very nicely. Some of them I bet will be hard to even notice, not that I'm going to be running around in a bikini anytime soon.

I'm able to lay on my stomach now at night, which has been a huge relief for me sleeping. Ray says that I don't snore anymore. That's great news too. I hated the elbows in my back when I would wake him up. Now I get to be the nudger. Hee Hee.

Christmas is coming up and we're going to a friends house for dinner. They are big wine drinkers and I'm afraid I won't be able to have any. I don't want to get sick. I'm going to plan to bring some pureed food, maybe just some soup or something. I need to start looking at some recipes now. I'm excited about moving forward in this.

I've moved my promise ring to another finger because it was getting loose on the one it was on. It's tight on the new finger, but I'm sure that eventually it won't be and I'll probably have to have it and my wedding ring re-sized.

I need to leave some walking shoes here at work so on nice days I can go for a walk. We've got a great park right across the street and I need to get up and walk when I get the chance.

Well, it's 14 days since surgery. I've lost 28 pounds and seem to be holding at 242 lbs. for the past 3 days. That first week after surgery it seemed like I was loosing 1-2 pounds a day. Yikes! Ray seems to think that it's because I've been at this weight before and I'll plateau for a little then start loosing again.

I've been getting in some walking with our dogs, which has been good.

I feel good. My ankles have slimmed down. No more swollen left ankle by the end of the day.

I'm still learning how fast I can drink. One morning, by the time I got to work I was parched and took two guzzles of water and immediately felt nauseated. It took several minutes for it to pass and I returned to taking smaller sips with time in between. I'm sure after a time this will become second nature to me, but I'm learning now.

I find that when my husband or daughter cooks something I really enjoy the smell of the cooking. First it was torture, but now I find happiness in just enjoying the smells.

Sugarfree hard candies have helped get the protein shake taste out of my mouth. I can only have 1 or 2 a day or it gives me a laxative effect. No need for more of that!

It helps to read what other WLS patients have said 1 to 5 years out on the web blogs too. It keeps me thinking that this liquid diet is only for a short while. Soon I'll be finding my way through whole foods again, just much smaller portions.

I really need to start a regular exercise program. I know this will be key for me and my success. I find that a lot of people who have the surgery don't exercise at all their first year and even after. I don't want to do that. I want to start these good habits now, especially since I have a sit-down job. I've got to get up and move as much as possible.

The next three days at home were utter hell. I wondered what I did to myself. When ever I walked I had to hold my stomach. The muscles in my stomach were useless and something had to hold the weight I carried. Drinking the water was painful. I had to force myself to drink. I was very good about getting up and walking around. In our small house (800 sq ft), I created a path circling in each room. I would put the timer on for 10 minutes and just walk and walk. Sleeping was hard. I'm not a back sleeper but I had to sleep on my back. I tried the lazyboy the first night, but like the bed at the hospital it was uncomfortable for long periods of time.

The thing that bothered me the most was that in my mind I had started to doubt what I did. You start to kick yourself for ever letting the scale climb all those years. "Why can't I just be "normal" like everyone else?" It's also hard to see the light at the end when you are so tired those first days. My breathing was labored because the anesthesia was still working it's way out of my system. The first day I couldn't talk very much. Just short sentences and the next day wasn't better.

It wasn't until the fourth day that I could feel like I was turning a corner. It was slight, but it made a huge difference. I made a few calls to people, one being Lucille, who I consider a spiritual mentor. She's the cutest little 70 yr young Italian woman you'll ever meet, and full of the Joy of the Lord. She prayed for me and gave me a word from the Lord that just filled my heart with joy and hope for my future.

Everyday has been just a stepping stone to the next. I'm still on the liquid diet but have now included protein shakes. I still haven't found the "perfect" powder. The AnyWhey for baking is the best so far, but we haven't been able to find out if it contains the amino acids I require. It has no taste at all and I like it, but I'm worried. I'll have to find out. I'm still using the Nectar-Fuzzy Navel, but it's a funny thing, this tasted so good before surgery, but now, I don't like it very much. I don't know why, maybe because I'm only adding 2 oz of water. I can't do anything more watered down right now. The  surgeon said that 2-4 oz of water with the protein is what he wants. It makes a thick shake but it gives the body a chance to digest all the nutrients unlike a thinner shake.

Once I was out of recovery, I slept for about 4 hours. Ray came and left with Sachia. I remember him coming back into my room around 7pm telling me he dropped Sachia off at her volleyball tryout. Then I slept some more. I remember then, waking up around 1 am in the morning with the nurse telling me that I can't sleep anymore but I should be starting to drink my 50 oz. of water. It was going to take me some hours to do that and it was required of me before they would release me. After the first hour I had to go to the bathroom. Then an hour later again. The nurse was surprised I was going so much. She sounded annoyed. It was good to get up and walk around. I walked every time I had to go to the bathroom, which was about every hour. Then I would feel tired and want to sleep. The nurse would come in and tell me it's fine to rest but keep drinking your water. I didn't understand that. How can I rest (sleep) and drink water too? I decided to watch TV, but in the middle of the night it was all paid programing. Boring.

I vaguely remember the sun coming up and it was getting light out. Another 10-1oz cups were presented before me to drink. They were a pain to get down and little bubbles would come up and they hurt so bad. It made me not want to drink. Next they poked my finger to test my blood sugar level. This happened every hour it seemed. I was running out of fingers. I've never been poked so much in my life. I look at my hands and arms now and I look like a junkie!

I was on my last round of 10 little cups of water and Ray and Sachia came to get me. It still took me an hour to finish, plus I had to take some gnarly and utterly disgusting liquid potassium supplement. It tasted like the most rotten banana you could ever imagine. Then when I thought I was all finished and could go home, the nurse came in and told me I had to do an extra IV bag of antibiotics that the night nurse should have started. I pleaded with her that I wanted to go home. She said she'd check with the charge nurse and let me know. She was gone 20 minutes. It was 1:00 in the afternoon. I wanted to go home so bad and sleep.

Before I leave Dr. Srikanth comes in to check on me and tells me when I get home I need to be drinking 80 oz of water a day. (Yeah, yeah, sure, just let me go home.)

I was finally discharged. YEAH!

All and all my experience at the hospital was good. The nurses were fantastic, except for the night nurse who I seemed to bother alot with my potty breaks. I didn't let her bad attitude get to me though.

Wow, what a week. I'm already down 26 pounds. 15 of those pounds I lost during the 10 days of liquid diet before the surgery. I have so much to tell about the last 7 days. I'll start with the day before surgery:

Day Before Surgery
I decided to work this day even though I knew that I was going to have to start on laxatives to clear my stomach and bowels for surgery. I figured that the bathroom is just two doors down from my office, I didn't have any meetings, and I would be ok. It was ok, as a matter of fact, until later in the afternoon when I was spending more time in the bathroom than in the office. Thank God my partner wasn't in all day, but it was kind of a waste of time for me to be there.

The day before I was filled with such joy for life and now I seemed to feel drained and just wanting the surgery to be over.

Well, I followed the doctor's orders and filled up on plenty of water during this "cleaning out" period, eventhough it made me go to the restroom even more, I knew that being hydrated for surgery was going to mean a better recovery for me. I thought I was doing a good job. At 10 pm that night I had my last guzzle of water and I went to bed knowing I had to be at the hospital at 6 AM the next day.

Day of Surgery
I packed up my pajamas, slippers and socks for the ride home, journal and a book to read, toothbrush and tooth paste, gathered my family, said a prayer and off to the hospital we went. After checking in we were lead up to the 3rd floor to a waiting room where there were already a half dozen people. None of Dr. Srikanth's patients knew when they were scheduled for surgery. So we had to wait to hear. Soon I was told that I was scheduled as the second surgery of the day. Good news. I wouldn't have to wait too long. I was told that they would be prep'ing me at 7:30 am, surgery would be possibly around 10 or 11 am.

While waiting for the admitting nurse in my room, I noticed that they had a monitor so you could watch TV while waiting. This was good news to Ray and Sachia. The prep room was small, probably 8 x 8 foot room, we had to squeeze in another chair for Ray which turned out to be a stool. Not too comfortable. When the nurse came in to start my IV she noticed that I was dehydrated and couldn't get a good vain going. I was poked 4 times before she could get in. I was poked twice in the same vain in the right hand. It looks like a snake bit me now. So GREAT, I'm dehydrated. I knew what that meant, recovery was going to be rough. You see the more water you have in, the quicker the anesthesia can leave your body. I have a rough time with it after. Nausea and throwing up. Not fun!

After she got the IV in and the saline rolling, she said it would be best if we did an extra bag of saline to get me hydrated. I was all for that, no problem. Then she gave me a shot which was to prevent blood clots by thinning my blood. I got this in my thigh and boy did it hurt, it was worse than a bee sting.

More waiting.

Finally, it was time to go. I gave Ray and Sachia a big hug and kiss and they walked me back to the pre-surgery room, which consisted of only two beds. I could see in the hallway the operating rooms. There were plenty of people walking back from room to room. At each step of the process, each person checked my hospital bracelet, making me repeat my name and birth date, which made me feel confident in their procedures. Everyone so far has been very, very nice. I got to meet the anesthesiologist. A really nice lady with pretty eyes. She was very warm and held my hand between both of hers. Once I was in this room, I started to feel nervous, she made me feel like everything would be ok. She said she would talk to me again once we got into the operating room and she wouldn't leave my side. She was so nice, even loving and it was genuine, I really felt it. What an angel.

She gave me something to make me sleepy then they rolled me into the operating room. It was like an icebox. Soooo cold! They said they do that because the doctor's get very hot under their surgical gear they have to wear. So strange a feeling though, like death. They asked me to scoot over to the operating table which was much narrower than the bed I was on.  I centered myself, laid back, then I was OUT! I don't remember anything after that.

My surgery was standard for a proximal bypass. A couple of hours and I was done.

I don't remember anything in recovery except a nurse saying asking me to cough so they can take the intebator out of my throat. I did that and it came out no problem, but then my throat was sore and dry. After that they were going to remove the catheter to my bladder and that it had a ball that they would deflate and then I would feel like I was urinating but that it was just the catheter coming out. I did feel that and it did feel like I peed my pants, then I was asleep again. I don't know how far apart these things happened or how quickly. I was so out of it. I never remember opening my eyes until I was out of recovery and into my own room and I saw Ray and Sachia.

I'll post more later.

This past week has been a whirl-wind. I had a doctor's appointment each day.

Monday started with a pre-op appointment with the hospital. I thought they were going to give me a tour of where I would be at, at each step. I thought that's what I was told would happen, but that isn't what happened. All I did was fill out and sign forms for my pre-admission then visit with the finance office to make sure my insurance was going to pay, etc.

Tuesday I had my appointment with the internist to clear me for surgery. This can't be your primary care physician according to insurance. It has to be an independent internist. I really liked her. Her name was Jan Dunham. I talked to her about having her do my yearly pap exams from now on. (since I fired my other doctor.)

Later that day I took off early from work to start my "cleaning house" for the endoscope and colonoscope which would be preformed the next day. I was very worried that these meds were going to have me cramping and I hate that feeling, not to mention how painful it can be. I had never taken laxatives before and I prepared for the worst.

I think that because I have been on a liquid diet for several days now that the "cleaning" was very easy. I only had to finish about 1/3 of the liquid required before everything turned clear and I was able to stop the treatment. I was very pleased. I did need to be very near a bathroom constantly for about 4 hours. I started at about 6 pm and finished the "cleaning out" by 10 pm. I had heard that this cleaning out was the worst part of the colonoscope, but I was still afraid of the actual procedure the next day.

Wednesday morning, I continued my liquid diet, having just water and broth. I'm finding that I like chicken broth mixed with vegetable broth and vegetable broth with beef broth is yummy. The warm liquid feels good in my stomach and the salty flavor keeps me wanting my water. I've also learned that keeping hydrated is key to feeling good after having any kind of IV's, so I'm just constantly drinking water all the time and kicking myself if I forget.

I was very nervous going into the EDG and Colonoscope procedure. One look on my face was all it took for the nurse to know I was in need of reassurance and thank God she was so nice and did just that. She treated me with kit-gloves. It's so funny how I can just feel like a lost little child at times, then God sends me such angels to watch over me and comfort me. Only one poke with the needle and they got the IV in, smooth as can be. Now all I had to do was wait for the procedure. I think I only had to wait about 10 minutes and I was wheeled into the room. There was lots of machines and it seems like people were coming in and out of the room for another 10 minutes or so before the doctor came in and introduced himself. He was a very nice asian man. Quiet and reassuring. He said he understood that I was anemic and that, that is why I was in there, he also understood that I was going to be having gastric bypass surgery and said he would get some good shots of my stomach for the surgeon. Then he asked me to lay on my left side and he took a syringe and gave me some medicine in my IV to make me sleepy. I felt it take effect right away and my eyes went heavy. I don't remember the EDG at all except for biting down on something in my mouth. Then I was awake and looking at my intestines on a monitor infront of me. It was like I wasn't asleep at all just seconds before. The doctor moved through my intestines, out my colon and it was done. Volia. Thinking about it afterward, it was so easy and I'm facinated at how the narcotic drugs work on the mind, because I don't remember any of the EDG at all, but to be awake for the last part of the proceedure was kind of cool. I was sleepy for the rest of the afternoon and had a good nap when I got home.

Thursday I had my pre-op appointment with my surgeon. The appointment was suppose to start at 9 am but he didn't see me until around 10:30. I was ticked off about it, but what are you going to do. Leave? I guess he was called over to the hospital unexpectedly. I did get a chance to talk to his P.A. about her bypass and she was helpful offering her story to me and showing me before and after photos of herself. The doctor went over the bypass procedure with me again and was very honest and told me stories about the only two patients that died. Neither one died because of the procedure itself, but because of circumstances after that had nothing to do with having a bypass. Then he looked over my final labs and asked if I had any questions.

Friday I went in for my last iron infusion. It was a breeze and I thanked everyone in there and told them I would be back to show them how skinning I was later this year. They were all very supportive.

Saturday, I broke down and had a McDonalds hamburger and fries with Sachia my daughter. I just wanted to remember how those fries tasted and the fat from the burger. Thinking about it now, it grosses me out. That was the OLD LISA. The new Lisa is going to rise soon and not let that fat touch her new body anymore.

Sunday. Today. Two days from surgery. I'm not nervous. I went out and bought a mortar and pestle to grind up my calcium tablets. They are huge and I don't want to get them stuck if I swallow them whole right now. I combine them with my chewable vitamins and mix them with 2 oz. of water and it doesn't taste that bad at all. This is how I'll take my vitamins after surgery. I tried the chewable calcium and they tasted horrible. I totaled how many pills I'm going to have to take a day and it came to 18. Yikes, that's a lot. I may not have to do the iron after 3 months out but I'll have to wait until my labs come in then.

I still haven't found the protein powder I like the best. I did like the Nectar/Fuzzy Navel, but that orange taste is going to get old after a while. I want to find a vanilla flavor that I can mix flavors in with for variety. If you mix sugar free/fat free Jello pudding mix with the powder it makes a good shake. One thing I discovered was the Any Whey protein powder for baking made an excellent shake when mixed with Chocolate Jello pudding mix. But I found out that while it was good, the protein powder contains NO amino acids which my body needs to help break down the protein, so that was a bummer. I'll still use it sometimes as a meal replacement though.

Tomorrow I have to start another "cleaning out" for the surgery. This helps cut down on any bacteria in my stomach and intestines for the surgery so I don't have any infections later. I'm also on some meds to protect me from kidney stones which one of the antibiotics I have to start tomorrow can create. I've had two surgeries in my life, but never had this many tests and meds to take. It's been amazing but so will the transformation.

I may not write tomorrow. It's going to be so busy at work, but if I have a chance I will. I'm sure my emotions will be running high.

Well I've got twelve more days before my surgery. I'm feeling more and more at peace about it and looking forward to starting my new life. I have a vision in my head about the "real Lisa," not just that she's thin, I don't really think about that, what I envision is someone who is strong and physically fit. Someone who is active and spends more time outside doing things than inside sitting. With my job, I sit all day. Sometimes I have to remind myself to get up and walk around.

I was telling Ray about how I've always thought it would be fun to be involved with Dog Search and Rescue. I mean we've got two healthy German Shepherds, one a pup, that we could train to do the work. I've always loved the outdoors, hiking, fishing & camping. It's been hard getting my family to do those sorts of things. Snowboarding and skiing are the closest to any outdoor activity that we do regularly, which is part of the reason I just love it when we do it.

On Sunday (three more days) I have to start my liquid diet. I've done a liquid diet before and was ok with it, especially when you see the scale go down. The surgeon asks that all his patients do a liquid diet before surgery to shrink the liver. I guess the liver is in the way of the stomach when they go in and this helps so he can see better. One interesting point that I didn't know; your stomach doesn't sit vertical (up and down) in your guts, it sits horizontal. Isn't that interesting to know.

I'm feeling better and better after these infusions. I've got two more to go and I can't wait till they're done. I still get tired here and there, but I don't feel depressed anymore. It's a wonder how something can so mess with you not just physically, but mentally too.

Right after I heard the news about my test results the very next day, I got a really bad cold. It's lasted a good two weeks and I still have lingering cough attacks twice a day. I was told that being anemic, it would be hard to fight off colds.

The first time I went in for my infusion it took 4 pokes for them to get into a vein. It was awful. I wanted to run out of there screaming never to return, but I actually felt worse for the people trying to get the needle in. It took 3 different people to try. The third nurse, who was obviously much more mature and learned, went straight for the veins in my wrist which I heard later are the most easily accessible but MOST painful to get to. She did give me a shot of novocaine before and I barely felt the needle.... until after the infusion was done and they took the needle out. My arm burned like it was on fire. I didn't think I would be able to work that day it hurt so much. But within a half-hour or so, it was much better. I still have a bruise from that soiree from three weeks ago. I was told that because I had a cold and I was anemic, my veins were too weak.

The second time I went in I was so nervous that it would be a repeat, but it only took two pokes.

The third time only one poke. I feel like I'm becoming a pro at this now.

So now that I'm iron deficient, Dr. Srikanth wants to rule out that I'm not loosing blood from any other part of me that I shouldn't be, like my colon and my esophagus. Lucky me. Now I get to go in for a colonoscope and and endoscope. Both of these can be done at the same time but I will have to be put under and take a day off work to do. That is scheduled for next week.

A girlfriend of mine had a colonoscope done a couple of weeks ago and she said it wasn't a big deal. She said the worse was the day before because you have to take a bunch of meds that "clean you out." (Lovely.) I will be on my liquid diet by then and there won't be very much to "clean out" so I bet it won't be a big deal.

I started to read Susan Maria's book "Before & After" (http://store.bariatriceating.com/index.html) and I'm getting excited about AFTER the surgery.

My surgery is scheduled for November 21st.

I had my slew of lab work done in June at the Virgina Mason Clinic here in Bellevue. I waited and waited to hear back if anything was bad or anything I should be concerned about. They took about 20 different vial's of blood to test a bunch of different things like, uric acid, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, CBC platelet count, B12, serum foliate, vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, and the ever favorite 24-hour urine collection to evaluate my calcium levels.

Along with all of this, I was ordered to have an abdominal ultrasound, and upper gastrointestinal series, that's where you swallow barium and they take a bunch of pictures of your stomach and esophagus. I also needed an EKG and pulmonary function test. These are all standard tests that Dr. Srikanth orders for every WLS patient.

I had to take off a half day of work for all the blood work, then another half day off for the rest of the tests which were done at St. Francis.

While I was waiting for my lab work to come back, I had called my primary care physician 3 times to follow up with her and she never called me back.

About a month after these tests were done, I got the news that my insurance would pay for the surgery. I was thrilled. All of this would have been for not if they didn't cover it. Ray and I are trying to save to build our dream house and we just couldn't afford to do the surgery if our insurance wouldn't pay for it.

In the mean time, Dr. Srikanth had and opportunity to open his own practice within the St. Francis Medical Building and for about 6 weeks my case was in limbo waiting for him to set up office and get things back on track with his patients. I wanted to keep him as my surgeon because I really felt he would take good care of me and I wasn't in a huge hurry to have the surgery done by someone I didn't feel comfortable with.

During this time I was feeling very lethargic and un-excited about my life. Things with the house plans were going very slow, we haven't been able to find property we could afford, I was also, for no good reason, not that excited about my job. Looking back at it, I should have really examined how I was feeling and it should have been a HUGE clue something was wrong. I had absolutely no energy for anything. I would do my weekly grocery shopping and would come home just exhausted. In my mind I just said, well you're 270 pounds, what do you expect. But just 6 months earlier, and maybe 260 pounds, I was swooshing down the slopes at Snoqualmie. Skiing was an every weekend hobby with our family and I was having a blast.

Then came the news. I finally went into meet with Dr. Srikanth to go over my labs and get me scheduled for surgery when he told me that the labs showed my iron count was in the low 100s instead of the mid-400s where it should be, plus I was vitamin B dificiant and borderline diabetic. This all hit me like a TON of bricks. I was stunned and yet now I knew why I had been so tired all the time. I was beginning to think I was going through some kind of depression. Then I got just furious at my primary care physician. These labs were now 3 months old and she never bothered to call me to tell me I was iron deficient and I called her 3 times with no call back. All of this could have been fixed months ago, and now I have to go into the hospital once a week for five weeks to get iron infusions.

Have I told you that I'm needle phobic? I HATE needles! I know this is stupid, but I do. It all started with my dentist when I was a child. I remember the HUGE needle that they came at me with and poked into my gums and the PAIN of the novocaine. What torture! From then on, I avoided needles like the plague and now I have to go in once a week for 5 weeks and be hooked up to an IV. GREAT!!!

Lesson learned: if your doctor doesn't call you back, go in, keep calling, make a fuss, do something to make them tell you what's going on. By the way, my primary care physician is so fired! If my time wasn't so valuable to me, I would go in there and tell her to her face that she's fired, but instead I'm going to write her a letter. She probably won't even remember me, but she will remember my letter.

It's been a while since I've posted anything and I've got so much to tell. Here it is November and I started this journey to weight loss surgery back in May when I attended the seminar at St. Francis in Federal Way.

I immediately loved my surgeon. He was funny, but compassionate and most of all what captured me was what he said about what he does for a living. He said that he is so passionate about it that if he could, he'd do it for free. He said that it was the most satisfying job he ever had. Seeing people who have so much weight on them that they are killing themselves from the inside out and missing out on life itself, to be renewed and given a second chance, was so rewarding to him. I knew I was in good hands.

Dr. Srikanth ordered a bunch of lab work done for me. What I found out is that the labs he orders are not exactly standard for all WL (weight loss) surgeries. Dr. Srikanth is, for a lack of a better description and to quote a tech from the hospital "anal retentive" when it comes to his patients health. He wants a baseline of everything. I also had to do a psychological examination, which was a piece of cake. I felt that they just wanted to be sure I knew all that was entailed in the surgery itself and what I had to do to keep healthy after wards.

Since my primary care physician is in Bellevue I decided to have the lab work done up near my work at the Virgina Mason Clinic. I met with my regular doctor and told her I needed the tests done. She was excited about me having the surgery. I asked her to examine the lab results and let me know if anything showed up that I should be concerned about. She said she'd call me when they come back.

FYI:

ran·somed

1. 1. To obtain the release of by paying a certain price.
   2. To release after receiving such a payment.
2. To deliver from sin and its consequences.