DIETITIAN SESSION #1

My appointment with the dietitian went really well today. She went over all of the things that I will and won't be able to eat. She said the first 2 weeks will consist of all liquids (sugar free popcicles, sugar free jello, broth, water, crystal light). The next 2 weeks I can move up to eggs (any way I like), baby food, 1% or fat free milk, cottage cheese, regular cheese, yogurt with no chunks, protein shakes (have to have two of these a day, everyday!), multivitamin, and calcium supplement. After that I can move onto fish, chicken, lean beef (all finely ground or fish that is flakey), cooked veggies and cooked fruits, continuing with the protein shakes and vitamins. Things I CANNOT have: ANY soda (the carbonation will cause bubbles and make me immediately vomit), no drinking with a straw (air again can cause me to vomit), no gulping - sipping only (to prevent air bubbles again). No breads, pastas, rice, sweets, etc. She said that a good idea would be to like make spaghetti, but use spaghetti squash as noodles. And like with lasagna, instead of noodles slice up eggplant to use. She gave me a lot of great ideas on how to substitute. It's a very small window of what I'll be able to eat, but at least I like the things that I can have!  The motivation for us to have a family and for me to be healthy are all worth the sacrifice. Once I learn how to eat, things will just come naturally. Another cool thing that she pointed out was that once we do have a child, I'll be able to make healthy eating choices for them, which will in turn teach them how to make good choices and how to grow up healthy. I'll have to eat/drink pretty much all day. She said I won't have any appetite so my stomach will no longer tell me when to eat, but I'll eat by what the clock says.  But anyway, that's about everything from today! A lot of information, but great stuff to know. She also said that a lot of people have the mindset to eat however much I can of whatever I want up until the surgery, but she said to avoid this at all possible. She said that this causes the liver to be fatty and since the liver is right beside the stomach, we need to shrink it as much as possible before the surgery. She said to go ahead and still have the things I want, just to make sure that I watch all my portions and eat in moderation. Good advice, and that comment actually pinpointed to me.

So there we have it... visit 1 of 2... just another step closer to my dream!

CONSULTATION DAY!!!

October 20th --Today was the day that I've been waiting for a little over a month (which seemed like forever before it got here). I was so anxious last night I couldn't even sleep. This morning I had all kinds of butterflies in my stomach and needless-to-say, I was doggone nervous!

Vince and I went over to MJ this afternoon and got to have a lengthy, informative, and exciting chat with Dr. Mike Trahan-- and what a nice guy he is! He was able to go into more detail about the possible complications, nutritional issues, as well as the perks that I will receive from the surgery. One of the best things that he said was that I definitely had my age going for me, which should greatly reduce the likelihood of me having some of the complications that others have had.

So here is the REALLY exciting part -- His goal weight for me is 160 lbs!!! Wow!!! That's literally almost half the person that I am now! How life changing that would be!?

And even more exciting? (Is there anything more exciting?) -- My primary insurance does NOT require any waiting period and since Cigna is secondary, they have decided to waive their waiting period. So what does this mean you ask? I will be having the surgery come this January!! Happy NEW YEAR!!!!!!!

Holy crap, I just can't believe that the light at the end of this tunnel is so close to my reach. There were a couple people today that didn't have much interest or enthusiasm about my news, but I'm reaching a point in my life now where I really don't care. This is to improve MY life and MY health.

I had a break down earlier today with many, many, MANY tears... I just can't believe how much God is blessing me, even though I have failed him so much (especially more recently). Maybe this isn't only going to strengthen my overall health, but my spiritual health as well. God is good all the time... and all the time, God is good!!!!

Good News and Consultation Set

So, I mailed off all of my paperwork to Martha Jefferson and got a call back last week. Turns out that Anthem (my primary insurance) doesn't require a 6 month supervised diet and since Cigna is secondary (which normally does require the 6 month waiting period) it makes that waiting period void... so I won't have to wait near as long as I thought to have this done!!!

I have my consultation with Dr. Trahan set up for the 20th of this month. I am so excited I can hardly stand it! I can't believe that this is becoming a reality for me. After a few sessions with a therapist (which is required by both insurances), I've come to the conclusion that this surgery is the light at the end of the tunnel for me.

I'm so happy that I've formulated a good support system. Just keep praying for me!