Update

Yesterday I had my endoscopy. It went well except Dr Argotte found I have a hiatal hernia and an ulcer. He said that when I have my surgery he could fix the hernia if he thinks it needs it. Prescribed some expensive med for the ulcer.

Monday I picked up my machine for the sleep apnia. Apparently I have mixed obstructive and central sleep apnia and was having multiple episodes of apnia every minute so no wonder I'm always tired. I've been able to keep my mask on all night, but I have an extremely sore spot on the bridge of my nose.

weightloss update

Well it's been a while since I posted an update on my weightloss. I have started on my 6 month supervised diet. I have lost 5lbs since my official start of diet and 13 since I started the process. On Monday I go to pick up my cpap equipment. On Thursday, I have my endoscope done. On the 19 I have my psych evaluation and on the 20th I go back to the surgeon. and on the 25 I see my diet supervisor. All of this in addition to work and church, it keeps me hoppin.

Trip to Minneapolis

I had a great time on my trip. I took Amtrak. It was fun. On Thursday, my niece, Deb, and I went to the Minnesota Zoo. I love zoos and this is one of the nicest I been to. On Friday and Saturday, we went to the Women of Faith conference. Sunday was church and bowling with my nephew, Tim, and his family. Monday, my niece, Beth and nephew, Seth and his wife Laura, joined us and we went to the Mall of America. Laura works at Underwater Adventures, the worlds largest underground aquarium. She took us for a tour. I really enjoyed that alot. Tuesday, it was back home again. Phew what a whirlwind visit.

Fireproof

This movie was really good. I would recommend it for anyone except maybe children 8 and under. It might be a little intense for them. It is funny, touching, exciting and just plain good. http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/ http://www.fireproofmymarriage.com/index.php

Sleep study 2

On Wednesday, I had my visit with the Dietician at Herrin Hospital. It went very well. She is very nice. Went over what I need to eat to lose weight and discussed the diet I will have to follow after surgery. In the evening I had my second sleep study where they test different masks and test what presser works best. Again I couldn’t really sleep, but the c pap machine wasn’t too bad. I’ll get used to it I think. Today the doctor’s office called and cancelled my appointment for Monday. I rescheduled for October 30th. I hope They don’t change again, or they will mess me up for getting my 6 months in.

More Tests

Well today I had my stress test and my pulmonary function test. The worst part was leaving home at 4:30 am. Here is my before picture. Taken today 9/29/08 at 318 lbs.

Progress

Well I’m a little behind in writing about my weight loss surgery journey. I went to Lourdes Weight Wellness Center in Paducah, KY on September 17th. My appointment was with Dr. Argotte. I liked him very much. They did several tests that day. They did an h pylori test (that is what causes many ulcers. They also did a BMI and an EKG and a resting metabolism test. He say I am a good candidate for the surgery, and that if I jump through their hoops, BCBS of IL should pay for it. I have to get a five-year history of being over weight for Dr P. and go on a 6-month dietitian/doctor supervised diet.

Wednesday, the 24th I went to SI Neurology & Sleep Medicine in Herrin, IL for a sleep study. They found I do have sleep apnea. I am waiting for a call back for the second round of testing. Thursday night the 25th I went to Paducah for the bariatric surgery seminar. Not much new there but it was a requirement.

My next appointment is in Paducah on Monday the 29th for a stress test and a pulmonary function test. The worst part is I have to be there at 6:30 am so will leave the house a 4:30. I shouldn’t take that long, but I want to give plenty of time since it will be dark.

I have my appointment

I have an appointment with Dr Argotte at Lourdes in Paducah, KY. One of the things I have to do is write a letter telling why I want to have the surgery. This is what I have so far. I'm not sure if I'll change it any or not.

Dr Argotte,

I want to have bariatric surgery because I have tried everything else. I have been overweight since elementary school. The first time I lost s significant amount of weight was my senior year in high school I lost 35 lbs following Eat and Stay Slim, which is an exchange diet. I have counted calories, done medifast (lost about 100 lbs), I followed the low carb diet (lost just over 50 lbs) I always gain it all back and then some.

As I approach 55 my health is getting progressively worse. I have high blood pressure (controlled), high cholesterol, high triglycerides, type II diabetes, hypothyroid disease, joint pain (left hip and right knee and hands) and stress incontinence. In the last year or so, my activity has become limited as I cannot get around like I want. I am active in my church’s children’s ministry and can no longer get down on the floor with the kids, getting in and out of the bathtub is a problem, and I can’t go for long walks like I used to.

I know this is a big step and will mean a drastic change in lifestyle, but I am committed to the change. I realize I will never be able to eat like I do now, but it will be worth it to be able to return to normal activity. My biggest concern, beside some normal surgery jitters is money. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and cannot afford to have the surgery if they won’t pay. I also will probably have to make payments on my part of the bill.
At this time I am interested in the gastric bypass, but am open to discussing the lap-band procedure.

O Happy Day

The Church Secretary called today to volunteer to chair the committee fro Trunk or Treat! ...Wonderful!

Olympics

I have been enjoying watching the Olympics. I watched until midnight on Thursday to see the US girls win the gymnastics all round gold and silver.
Last night Michael Phelps tied Mark Spitz for 7 Golds in a single Olympics. Tonight he may get the eigth.

Weight Loss Surgery Journey

I have definitely decided to persue surgery as a solution to my weight and health issues. My doctor's appointment is on August 27. I will be asking him to start the process. I guess the first step is seeing if bcbs will pay for it. If not I can't afford to do it. If they will pay I probably will aim for January. That will leave me owing my whole deductable $2,500. Hopefully the hospital/doctors will let me make payments. I could probably come up with about $500 to start.

This and That

I'm not sure what this blog is going to be about. Maybe something...maybe nothing. For today I'm just trying to make a start. I'll try to use this as a place to keep track of things. Books, movies etc.