I had my head examined :P
No seriously a requirement of my insurance for the surgery is that I have a Physcological evaluation. I am guessing from what I have heard its to establish how educated and prepared I am to take on such a life changing thing.
I was prepared for all she had to ask...
what I wasnt prepared for is what she REALLY asked.
It was hard to recall for her my past 10-15 years of all I have been going through. She asked about anything from my health prior to my original weight gain, to our miscarriages and pregnancy and birth of Madaya.
The session was 90 minutes of intense questions, and I was a mess when I left.
I thought maybe this was all I had to do - and was puzzled as to why this stuff mattered.
Then Dr. P said " I dont normally work on Monday's but I would like to see you back here at 1pm Monday to finish this up - we will meet for 2-3 hours! "
I agreed, went to the car, and headed home.
On my way I got to thinking. Why? Why do I need to go back - Is something wrong with me. I mean I know I am an emotional mess, but not over the surgery or the things Im taking on. I was crying on 3 major things :
- Infertility and the struggles we had along with that.
- My recent changes in life : home, love, friends, family etc.
- My weight - and self image.
All that is to be expected right? I mean this stuff is hard!
So Monday January 19th I will meet with Dr. P again for her time stated, and hopefully will wrap up the evaluation. This is by all means the very last step - before approval.
Next Up :
- Meeting with Phsyc. Monday Jan 19th
- Attend 1 support group meeting Thursday January 15th 6pm
- Send off to Insurance ( hopefully late week 2oth-24th? )
- Wait for answer ( 24-48 hours from blue cross )
- Pre Op Appointment
- Operation
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
The cutest window cling ever!
I dont know what she was looking at or why... But she was stuck there .....
But from the outside in - shes the cutest little window cling I have ever seen :)
WLS UPDATE : Nutrition Visit
I had my nutritional visit today with the nutritionist/nurse at Rockwood for my WLS surgery.
I was so nervous but excited to meet her, and hear what she had to say.
Lord knows I have been reading, and researching each and every aspect of this journey, and the nutritional part has had me stumped a few times.
My decission hasnt come easy to swallow for some, yet for me its been clear cut and so out there infront of me its not even funny.
To have each peice of this puzzle begin to fall into place is so nice.
Mike went with me thismorning and that was so important to me. Him being my biggest fan and largest support person, I think its important he heard what the nutritionist had to say too. He can help keep me focused, and in line with myself and the team behind me.
Merri Lou ( the nutri ), Spent 90 minutes with us, questioning me about my ways, my attitude about it all, trying to see what exactly I knew and didnt know about what Im taking on and then spent some time going over what most patients need to know or do, and then an intro to foods for right after surgery.
We walked away today with tons of knowledge.
I think it really hit me when she pulled out 6 little 1oz glasses ( think tiny shot glass ) and said this would be what I consume the first 4 weeks post op. 6 individual meals, all liquid or pureed 1oz each 6 times a day... WHOA.
I know thats drastic, but what a way to put it into perspective. Even mike said theres no way he could do it.
I know its only temperary and that with time I will again be able to eat just that I wont be able to eat what others do. I will need to choose wisely, pay attention to proteins, and be diligent about how often I do eat.
Alot of work cut out for me!
I can do this!
Mike asked Merri Lou a great question " Will April feel bad when were all eating around her, or were out to dinner, and she cant eat certain things " - In my head I was thinking, well isnt that up to me? But Merri had a great answer " No - She shouldnt feel out of place, and neither should you guys. She wont be hungry. She will be satisfied with her ___________ ( whatever meal(s) ) and not think of it that way. The surgery changes body & mind! ".
Wow - that took me by suprise! I bet shes right... the feeling of satisfication will be different.
She did state its usually others at the table that are feeling useasy about me, and makes them watch what they are eating/doing themselves. Its a lesson to be learned when the time comes she said.
To sum it up she told us that during the time with us or me, her job is to determine how ready, able and educated I am about what Im about to take on.
She said I passed with flying colors and that I wouldnt even have to do the diet or any diet per say before surgery... GREAT right?!
I will need to be on clear liquid the day before operation though, and then we will go step by step. She also helped me with ways to get around the artificial sweetener issue. I think were on the right track.
I will see her more for my pre-op, post op and as needed to be ok with the way things are!
So....
the next and last step before approval is :
Phsycological ( editor did i spell this right? ) Exam. I do this in 3 days!!! Im excited and hope the outcome is just as good as today's!
Heres my to do list for this week - surgery :
- Be aware of how often I eat / log it on my journal
- TRY to get 6 eat times in a day / log them in the journal
- Cut out bread, and potatoes - this is going to mean a big difference long term.
- More water / aim for 1 gallon a day not the 3qt.
- Research vitamins - this is a must.
I was so nervous but excited to meet her, and hear what she had to say.
Lord knows I have been reading, and researching each and every aspect of this journey, and the nutritional part has had me stumped a few times.
My decission hasnt come easy to swallow for some, yet for me its been clear cut and so out there infront of me its not even funny.
To have each peice of this puzzle begin to fall into place is so nice.
Mike went with me thismorning and that was so important to me. Him being my biggest fan and largest support person, I think its important he heard what the nutritionist had to say too. He can help keep me focused, and in line with myself and the team behind me.
Merri Lou ( the nutri ), Spent 90 minutes with us, questioning me about my ways, my attitude about it all, trying to see what exactly I knew and didnt know about what Im taking on and then spent some time going over what most patients need to know or do, and then an intro to foods for right after surgery.
We walked away today with tons of knowledge.
I think it really hit me when she pulled out 6 little 1oz glasses ( think tiny shot glass ) and said this would be what I consume the first 4 weeks post op. 6 individual meals, all liquid or pureed 1oz each 6 times a day... WHOA.
I know thats drastic, but what a way to put it into perspective. Even mike said theres no way he could do it.
I know its only temperary and that with time I will again be able to eat just that I wont be able to eat what others do. I will need to choose wisely, pay attention to proteins, and be diligent about how often I do eat.
Alot of work cut out for me!
I can do this!
Mike asked Merri Lou a great question " Will April feel bad when were all eating around her, or were out to dinner, and she cant eat certain things " - In my head I was thinking, well isnt that up to me? But Merri had a great answer " No - She shouldnt feel out of place, and neither should you guys. She wont be hungry. She will be satisfied with her ___________ ( whatever meal(s) ) and not think of it that way. The surgery changes body & mind! ".
Wow - that took me by suprise! I bet shes right... the feeling of satisfication will be different.
She did state its usually others at the table that are feeling useasy about me, and makes them watch what they are eating/doing themselves. Its a lesson to be learned when the time comes she said.
To sum it up she told us that during the time with us or me, her job is to determine how ready, able and educated I am about what Im about to take on.
She said I passed with flying colors and that I wouldnt even have to do the diet or any diet per say before surgery... GREAT right?!
I will need to be on clear liquid the day before operation though, and then we will go step by step. She also helped me with ways to get around the artificial sweetener issue. I think were on the right track.
I will see her more for my pre-op, post op and as needed to be ok with the way things are!
So....
the next and last step before approval is :
Phsycological ( editor did i spell this right? ) Exam. I do this in 3 days!!! Im excited and hope the outcome is just as good as today's!
Heres my to do list for this week - surgery :
- Be aware of how often I eat / log it on my journal
- TRY to get 6 eat times in a day / log them in the journal
- Cut out bread, and potatoes - this is going to mean a big difference long term.
- More water / aim for 1 gallon a day not the 3qt.
- Research vitamins - this is a must.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Finger Painting or Painted?
Madaya and I were finger painting today... but I think she looks more finger painted!
She took it upon herself to lather herself up like lotion and tell me all about it.
I was stunned, grabbed the camera and she proceeded to show me exactly how she did it :)
For the record though - her art was just as pretty. Silly girl.
*** Will add photos soon - Please check back ****
She took it upon herself to lather herself up like lotion and tell me all about it.
I was stunned, grabbed the camera and she proceeded to show me exactly how she did it :)
For the record though - her art was just as pretty. Silly girl.
*** Will add photos soon - Please check back ****
On my way...
To where the skies arent grey... can you tell me how to get... how to get to sesame street?
.... We never did get directions, infact people might look at me funny if I hummed that lil tune, but we did find ELMO!!
MyGym had a open house day with ELMO today, and I took Madaya. Lord knows she loves this red lil monster and she was all about it.
We had fun.
Heres some super cuteness!
.... We never did get directions, infact people might look at me funny if I hummed that lil tune, but we did find ELMO!!
MyGym had a open house day with ELMO today, and I took Madaya. Lord knows she loves this red lil monster and she was all about it.
We had fun.
Heres some super cuteness!
Just hanging around... 
The monster of the hour...
yup... I know :)
The monster of the hour...
yup... I know :)
Friday, January 09, 2009
Dare I say it?
I dont know if I dare say this because things never seem to stay calm for long...
But I guess I will because we are so excited :
Mikes boss talked to him today and said he will have a Full time spot this coming schedule ( week ). And the weeks to come.
for us this means the recent lack or work, and layoff scare is dead in the water, and we can resume our life.
Its already stressfull to think that when and if something like a layoff happens he may have to go over the road to make ends meet, and that adds alot of stress on him and in turn I.
We love having him home daily, and this new way will certainly allow for that :) there will be times he leaves at 5pm - ish , but is gone over night home the next mid morning/afternoon. So not to bad.
Remember what he used to do. so it is nothing in comparison!
Mike - I am so proud of you. Your doing so good keeping your patients with the politics of it all and dealing with all your taking on. Im right next to you, so when your weak lean my way.
: ) I love you hunny.
But I guess I will because we are so excited :
Mikes boss talked to him today and said he will have a Full time spot this coming schedule ( week ). And the weeks to come.
for us this means the recent lack or work, and layoff scare is dead in the water, and we can resume our life.
Its already stressfull to think that when and if something like a layoff happens he may have to go over the road to make ends meet, and that adds alot of stress on him and in turn I.
We love having him home daily, and this new way will certainly allow for that :) there will be times he leaves at 5pm - ish , but is gone over night home the next mid morning/afternoon. So not to bad.
Remember what he used to do. so it is nothing in comparison!
Mike - I am so proud of you. Your doing so good keeping your patients with the politics of it all and dealing with all your taking on. Im right next to you, so when your weak lean my way.
: ) I love you hunny.
Diagnosis from Sleep Study ...
...... Sleep Apnea.
I had several occurances of non-breathing apparently and they said I need to try a CPAP machine.
What this could mean :
- Better sleep for me
- 8 weeks before surgery --- SO HOPING NOT!!!
- Better breathing for me
- A healthier immune system
- No dark circles under my eyes
- No snoring :)
Not too bad, and happy to have answers.
I meet with the Dr. this coming week for more info.
I had several occurances of non-breathing apparently and they said I need to try a CPAP machine.
What this could mean :
- Better sleep for me
- 8 weeks before surgery --- SO HOPING NOT!!!
- Better breathing for me
- A healthier immune system
- No dark circles under my eyes
- No snoring :)
Not too bad, and happy to have answers.
I meet with the Dr. this coming week for more info.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
WLS UPDATE
I called the BCBS office today to check on the status of the " prio authorization " the new nurse at the surgeons office said we were waiting on and " had to have before moving to the next step"...
HA!
The insurance had no idea about it, so I called the office and got ahold of my normal gal - who was livid to hear what I was told by the other nurse.
I dont need to wait for a prior Auth to do my Physc eval and Nutritional Consult and infact I need both those things before they can send it to my insurance for the approval - ARE YOU KIDDING? 2 weeks wasted!
I did manage to squeeze in the sleep study, so thats done. Now I have to do these next 2 things, so they can submit it to BCBS.
Were still hoping for surgery late January or 1st week in February if we can pull it all together.
This just in tonight :
I will do the Nutritional Consult Monday January 12th -
and the Physc Eval on January 15th!!!
Thats fantastic and deffinetely a step in the right direction! Heres hoping I am saine and hungry :)
Until next time...
HA!
The insurance had no idea about it, so I called the office and got ahold of my normal gal - who was livid to hear what I was told by the other nurse.
I dont need to wait for a prior Auth to do my Physc eval and Nutritional Consult and infact I need both those things before they can send it to my insurance for the approval - ARE YOU KIDDING? 2 weeks wasted!
I did manage to squeeze in the sleep study, so thats done. Now I have to do these next 2 things, so they can submit it to BCBS.
Were still hoping for surgery late January or 1st week in February if we can pull it all together.
This just in tonight :
I will do the Nutritional Consult Monday January 12th -
and the Physc Eval on January 15th!!!
Thats fantastic and deffinetely a step in the right direction! Heres hoping I am saine and hungry :)
Until next time...
What kind of animal ?
Want to know what kind of animal ... ?
" flarps "
" rows ass "
likes to " pink "
loves " hunny "
has " melly " feets
drinks " juuuuicey milk "
eats " got gogs "
Sounds horrendous huh?
No shes actually quite cute!
No shes actually quite cute!
See...
Its a roo bug!!
Flarp = roo for Fart
Row ass = She is growing GRASS ( in her container in the kitchen )
Pink = Paint - she loves to paint!
Hunny = Honey :) she calls momma, daddy and anyone else Hunny as well as the food.
Melly = Smelly - She always thinks her feet smell.
Juuuuicey Milk = Her pediasure. Sooo funny.
Got Gogs = Hot Dogs. One of her favs!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Dayas new throne
.....and this time I dont mean the potty!
We got a killer deal ( 14.00 ) on this 100.00 + chair for roo - Brand new. We all love a great deal right?!
It even says Princess on the pillow, and has an embroidered crown on the back --- soo roo.
It is a very pale pink, velvity material - so soft!
It is a very pale pink, velvity material - so soft!
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