My Weight Loss Journey

Most of you know about the Weight Loss Surgery I had last March 31, 2008. To those of you who didn't, let me explain. I have been a diabetic for the past 15 - 20 years. It had gotten progressively worse to the point that I was taking 4 medications plus insulin at night. In addition to that I was taking prescription medicine for a hiatal hernia and also high blood pressure. When I learned that Medicare would pay for this surgery if there were other co-morbidities, I began researching this in ernest. I learned that this was a cure for Type II diabetes and that it would cure or eliminate my other problems, I knew I had to have this. I spoke to my primary doc (who was somewhat skeptical, but who assured me he wouldn't fight me, and he recommended a doctor in Tulsa, OK. When I checked on that doc, I learned that his practice had not been designated a "Center of Excellent" (which is required by Medicare). I then turned to Kansas City (or rather Shawnee Mission). I found a Dr. Hoehn there who has done over 1000+ of these procedures. I opted for the Laproscopic RNY gastric bypass as opposed to the LapBand.

After much preparation, such as heart clearance, pulmonary clearance, psychiatric evaluation, and a visit with a dietician, I was cleared for the surgery. Let me add here that as part of the heart clearance, I had a stress test done. Much to my surprise, I failed it and was scheduled for a heart cath the next week. That test showed that I had some blockage and the heart doc wanted to put in a stint. When asked if that would prevent the surgery, he said he felt it could wait until after the weight loss surgery (WLS). He instructed me to return about 6 weeks after the surgery. My WLS surgeon also required me to get a second opinion, so I was sent to a heart specialist in KC. He also gave the go ahead for the surgery.

On March 31, I entered the hospital at Shawnee Mission. The surgery only last about 1 hour. I woke up with hardly any pain and even though I was on a pain pump, I hardly used it at all. I was up and walking that same afternoon. I was discharged the next afternoon completely off of all of my diabetic medication and the stomach medication. We left KC on the third morning and I hit the ground running. The only way I could tell I had the surgery was to look at my 5 little one inch incisions! I began a liquid diet and then progressed to the point that I can now (almost 3 months postop), eat almost anything I want. I don't drink carbonated beverages and no longer crave sugar. I haven't touched a piece of pastry, etc since the middle of March, and haven't missed it at all (even though I continue to bake and cook for Kurt). I have more energy that I have had in 25 years! I almost feel as if I'm living in a dream. I didn't realize how bad and how ill I really was until now. As of this date I have lost 40 pounds and have about 34 to go. I have gone from a size 18W to a size 12 and 14 in less than 3 months.

I am off of all blood pressure medicine and diabetic medication. I continue to monitor my BP and sugar levels. My sugar remains low and level. I am only taking two prescription medications, one is for harmones and the other for cholesterol. At my followup visit with my heart doc, he felt we could hold off on placing a stint because I am doing so good. He has scheduled me for a nuclear stress test next December.

I also workout 3 times a week at a fitness center that is close by (weights) and I walk a minimum of 30 minutes a day either in the neighborhood or treadmill. Best thing I ever did for myself. Best of all, my surgery was completely paid for by Medicare and our secondary insurance, TriCare4Life (through Kurt's AF retirement).

God is so good!!! He has allowed me to have this surgery and be successful with it! I truly do praise Him for that!

I have posted the following picture to show how awful I looked and what just two months difference made! I will post other pictures of me as I progress so you can keep up with me.






Until later,
Shirley

Lauren

I don't have much time to write, but wanted to post this page of Lauren's new haircut. I don't know if I've mentioned, but she is now working at Olive Garden as a waitress. She says she really likes is so far and feels she'll make a lot more money there. She has also moved into an apartment she is sharing with another girl from her church. She is going to Italy next month on a missions trip with her church. She's pretty excited about that! I can hardly believe she is half way through college now. Where did our little girl go!!!!

We frantically trying to get everything done up before Kurt has his shoulder surgery next Tuesday. We don't really know just how long this will keep him limited in his activites. He thinks not long.

Until later,
Shirley