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I Forgot

Hey everyone! Thanks again for reading the misadventures of Me and Matilda. I'm three weeks post-op today, and I at times I felt so amazing I forgot I had serious surgery three weeks ago, but Matilda let it be known who runs the show. Matilda runs this!

I am very happy that I am still on pureed foods. My favorites are beans, guacamole, hummus and salsa. I've pretty much been switching between these foods and sometimes combining them. My fav combo so far is 2 tablespoons of beans, 1 tablespoon of guac and one tablespoon of salsa. I've yet to get all of it down, but I can do pretty good in 30 minutes.

I also had my three week follow-up appointment with my surgeon's office. My blood work is very good, blood pressure excellent. Incisions are healing good. Next appointment will be in September and they will do a full blood work up to review my vitamin levels.
Matilda's first warning....
Now, about the tug of war between Matilda and I. Things were going great. We were getting along very well. I was feeling great and my energy was up so I decided to do more than I was supposed to... It was more activity that Matilda was ready for so she whispered softly "No!" On Saturday, I had more activity and was enjoying myself. Matilda got a little upset and said a bit more forcefully, "NO!" I still ignored her so on Sunday, she took me out. I was enjoying myself at the Jazz Fest with family and friends sitting peacefully in my chair, when all of a sudden I felt like was going to get sick and faint at the same time. I was hot and flushed. So, my hubby, the dear man he is, hustled me out of the park and back home where I could rest and get comfortable. I was very nauseated, but I never got sick. Matilda was shouting "NO!" and grumbling and huffing and puffing all day Sunday and didn't calm down until around noon today. 
Matilda's last warning!!

I spoke to my Physician Assistant about it today, and she pretty much told me I was doing too much activity, and I needed to rest for the next few days, and she's right. My right side is a bit achy and Matilda is still cussing at me for not paying attending to her message. I'm sorry Matilda. I hear you loud and clear. I'm only allowed to walk until 6 weeks post-op. At that time, I should be able to do more activity - and lift heavy things, which I really love to do and miss terribly.

Now, if any of you out there are considering weight loss surgery, there are many options out there. Luckily, my husband had a friend who has the gastric sleeve and was able to outline exactly what I could expect if I decided to get the procedure. I appreciate the guidance T.D. 

Once I made the decision to pursue surgery, I contacted my local hospital which has a bariatric program. I made an appointment to attend the informational, and that was my first step. Once I reviewed my insurance to make sure the surgery was covered along with the surgeon and hospital, I was good do go, but it doesn't happen overnight. Some insurance companies require 3-6 months of dietary documentation and review. My insurance required 6 months, and at first I was upset, but then I realized how much of a blessing it was because I really needed to prepare mentally for this life change.  My insurance plan required the following:
  • 6 dietary documentations from a medical professional. I was lucky that my surgeon performed these visits. For 6 months I met with him to review my dietary progress and along the way, we formed a bond. I'm so happy I chose him.
  • No weight gain from your initial starting weight. I'm sure there could be reasons why your insurance would approve surgery with a weight gain, but I didn't even want to go there.
  • BMI over 40 - or BMI of 35 with several co-morbiditites. I had a BMI over 40 along with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and mild sleep apnea, which was discovered during testing.
Now, my bariatric program had additional requirements:
  • Extensive blood work 
  • Sleep apnea study
  • Upper endoscopy
  • Attendance at three pre-op support group meetings
  • Psychological clearance by a mental health professional
  • Three dietician visits - two group meetings and one individual meeting
So, it's really wasn't a gut check decision. I had plenty of time to make sure this was the right choice for me. I couldn't have asked for a better bariatric program or a better surgeon. 

So, as I sign off and get back to relaxing before Matilda starts shouting again, thank you for reading. I will have pictures next week at my 1 month review.  You'll find my stats below.

Weight Loss Stats
  • HW 361 lbs (circa 2006)
  • SW 278
  • CW 264.4
  • GW 160

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