Day three of liquids.........

I got my wife to take some pictures of me that I am going to use "Before" album. And she also measured me.
R Thigh 26 1/2
L Thigh 25 1/2
R Bicep 14 1/2
L Bicep 14
Chest 47
Hip 50
Neck 17 1/2
Hat 23 1/2
Total 218.5 inches

So far the liquid diet has not been that bad but I think tomorrow at work will be more difficult. Today I had problem getting my protein in because I stayed busy, (grand-daughter softball and Christmas stuff).

Pre-op doctor's visit.....

Today was the day I went to the doctor's office and the hospital to take care of my pre-op paper work and tests. I did not see the doctor, I guess I did not need to. Wife was confussed about that. Then we went to University Hospital for my tests. It went great there. We were are the doctor's office at 12:40 and left the hospital at 3:23. Most of the time was at the doctor's office talking with the surgical coordinator.

16 days and counting.

Time is flying ....

That's right, time is going by so fast I don't know if I will get everything done that I want to. The bad thing I have started gaining weight, just like every time before. That is why I am having the surgery.

Tomorrow is my pre-op doctor's visit. Get to have fun doing paper work and any other test they can think of done to me.

Liquid diet starts Friday. Hope I get some more direction on what I can have on a liquid diet. All I know is five protein shakes a day. Hoping to be able to have other things like broth and SF Popsicles.

Let's try again...

Well I did not have my surgery on September 30th like first planned. I chickened out, but there were other issues I had to resolve. But now I have a new surgery date, November 14th, and I am ready for it to be done. I start my liquid diet on October 31st. I have been eating too much and gaining weight. I think I have gained about 10-15 pounds. My new clothes are tight.

Wednesday, October 29th I go for my pre-op visit and tests. Got a call last week telling me about a $274 surgery deposit. No problem. Just want it over with. Also this time I recieved a letter from the doctor's office telling me what to expect between now and after the surgery. Go data that I shared with my co-workers who are going to have the Lap Band this year.

The only problem with my surgery date is it is on a Friday. So I hope I do not have problems with weekend doctor support.

More to come............

Catching up

It has been a while since I have posted something and a lot has happened. First there was Hurricane Ike and we dodged a big bullet. It went in north of us, but Lake Jackson still looks like a bomb went off. Trees and fences down everywhere. We had minor damage at our house, shingles missing and gutters torn off in the back yard. There are a few limbs in the yard too. Minor compared to others in LJ. We got power Tuesday afternoon. Had to throw away everything in the freezer and frig.

Because of Hurricane Ike I missed my pre-op visit and tests, and thought my surgery would be re-scheduled. But yesterday I received a email from Tricia and she said I could do my pre-op stuff on the 19th or 23rd. I emailed back and said 23rd was best and asked for a time. She has not replied yet. They are only in the office till noon on Friday's so I will have to call early. Started my liquid diet yesterday and so far so good. We went out last night for my wife's birthday and I did good with my bottled water.

Another issue came up yesterday also. Wife's mom and her grand-daughter started staying with us, since they do not have power yet. My mother-in-law is a very negative person, so I do not know how this is going to work.

Stressing

Anyone else stressing over hurricane IKE? I am suppose to go for my pre-op work a week from this Tuesday (9/16/2008) and it currently looks like the hurricane is coming our way. I work for a chemical company and if we get hit I will have to work a lot of hours. Just like everyone else who is at the same point I am, we have done a lot of work and I sure not ready to be bumped back further. My family says I freak out to much.

On a good note. I am starting today not drinking with my meals. I will wait at least one hour before drinking. This should be fun, since I usually drink about two to four glasses of liquid with my meals. I have not drank any carbonated drinks since early April, so it has just been flavored water and tea.

First meal, (breakfast) done. No liquids, now for the hour wait. LOL

Re-deadication Day

Okay today I am re-deadicating myself. I have gained 7 pounds since I finished my 90 day diet. I do not want to slip any further. I will start my journal today also. If anyone reads this please pray for me.

Today I have 35 days before my surgery and need to start planning better. A will and other legal papers are a must.

I start today...................

The countdown has started

After some frustrations I received an email yesterday about 3:00 pm telling me that they had found my chat. And they would schedule my surgery soon.

Soon is today. During lunch, (domino's) I received a call from the doctor's office and I am scheduled for Tuesday 9/30/2008 for my surgery.

Some instructions that I was given:
1 - I will be on a two week liquid diet
2 - Need to contact my Diabetes doctor about the liquid diet
3 - No aspirin seven days before surgery
4 - Had to order a Pre-op Gastric bypass kit ($200).
5 - I can have SF Jello on pre-op diet ( no red or orange)
6 - I have a doctor's appointment 09/16/08 to sign papers, etc.

I have started a countdown on my white board. 41 days to go. I still have to tell my boss the date. Hope there is not a issue there. Jane knows but no one else in the family does. Excitement is setting in. I have to start back on my diet and exercise, other words a routine. Need spiritual helps also. I will work on that.

Starting to become a pest...

Well it continues. I called this morning (9:40) and Tricia was out of the office so they sent me to her voice mail where I ask if she had found my chart yet. Also left my work and cell phone numbers.

Just called again, (1:15 pm) and was asked who is calling and was sent to her voice mail again. This time I took down her email address and sent her an email.

Quote"
I was wondering if you have found my chart yet? If not, is there any way you can schedule my surgery and continue to look for my chart. My concern is that I am getting pushed further and further back in the schedule.

Thank you for your time.
UnQuote"

Now the wait game continues.

@@#%^&*()

Just (9:30 am) called the doctor's office to see if they had tried and called me about scheduling my surgery and the scheduler can not find my chart. Said it might be on the doctor's desk. Took my cell number and said she would call me back. She is very nice. More to come, I hope.

Thinking.......

It's raining and everyone is gone different places. Got up cut the yard and now resting. I guess my age is starting to show through because I was thinking about life and how I fit in. Lately it has been a lot about me and my journey. So I have realized that I need to relax, and listen more to others. My youngest daughter is starting 10th grade and my wife is having issues at work so my journey might not be the most important thing.

Now for the hard part. How to listen and be a better dad and husband. Sounds easy to do but certain habits are hard to break. I will start with less TV. Oh yea, and more family dinners. Currently my wife and I have picked Wednesdays as our night out. That's a start... Wish me luck...

Small Steps

Shortly after my last post I received a call from the doctor's office, (insurance lady). She said that I had been approved and the schedule had my paper work and should be calling me.

SOON !!!!!!!!!!!