couches & biopsies...

The new couch arrived this morning @7am!  We are pleased.  Sadly, we're having to have another wedge piece delivered because the one we got just doesn't seem to match up with the couch. But, the delivery guys were really nice about it and it doesn't seem like it will be too much of a hassle.  Plus, they helped us move some of our other furniture around (even into different rooms).  Pretty happy with Macy's Furniture so far!

The thyroid ultrasound results showed a "singular indeterminate nodule" on the left lobe of my thyroid.  I go in tomorrow morning @8am to have a FNA biopsy.  I have a 12-hour clear liquid fast starting at 8pm tonight and I will not be allowed to drive myself home (Mom is going with me).  Not sure if I'm going under anesthesia or if I'm just gonna get some really good sedatives.

Needless to say, I will not get my "cleared for surgery" letter from my PCP until this whole thyroid thing is settled.  So, the sleeve process is on hold for a while.

Please send good thoughts my way.  I'm trying not to get overly nervous (even if it is malignant, thyroid cancers are rarely terminal and usually don't require chemo)--but my intellect and my emotions don't always follow the same path.

thyroid nodules, couches & other stuff...

It's been a busy week, y'all!

I met with the nutritionist (Monday) and my PCP (Thursday) in order to satisfy my surgeon's requirements.  My PCP was very supportive and was glad to hear that I am finally getting relief from the problems caused by my band.  I should be able to pick up my "cleared for surgery" letter early next week.  She also gave me prescriptions for liquid meds and told me that I could stop taking my cholesterol medication!!!  

During the physical exam, she felt a lump on my thyroid.  She first discovered it last year in July, but when I had my bloodwork done the thyroid levels were normal and the lump seemed to be gone in December.  But, since it's back again we're doing another round of bloodwork AND I had an ultrasound done on the thyroid yesterday morning.  I go in for the fasting bloodwork on Wednesday morning and should get the results of the ultrasound as well. 

Doc is not overly concerned about the lump and suspects that it is just a benign nodule.  Fingers crossed!

In other news:

• We bought a new couch!!!--it is being delivered on Thursday.  We got a sectional with 4 "Power Motion" recliners.  Don't know what will happen if the power goes out--guess I'll be stuck reclining for the day. ;)
• I have lost 4.5 lbs since my un-fill two weeks ago.  I am being conscious of what (and how) much I eat, but have not been "dieting" nor really limiting myself in any way--go figure.
• My bangs have finally grown out to below my chin (I've been working on this for over a year).  I was almost there last year but then trimmed them again just before Chicago.
• I was able to find a liquid, chewable or spray version of all of my vitamins & supplements.  Orders were made and I should have them all in hand by next week.
• I have stocked up on liquids and liquid protein and am ready to go as soon as I get a surgery date.
• My husband spoils the heck out of me!  He's the best husband EVAR!!!

Cheers,

Yay, life!!!--and, how the lap-band is like shoes...

I'm still riding high in my happy balloon, y'all!

Had the appointment with the nutritionist on Monday--I am so jealous because she is petite and cute but one of those people you just can't hate her because she's so nice loved her!  She totally "got" it.  Of course, she started with the standard "tell me what you eat in a typical day."  I got a little flustered until she said "but, I guess you don't really have typical days with all of the problems you've been having.  That is why you're here, after all."  

So, we talked about what "normal" should be (I don't even know anymore) and about how eating after the sleeve will be different from eating after the band.  AND--I actually learned a few things:

You lose weight in THREE ways with the sleeve:

1. Smaller portions--because your entire stomach is the size of a banana
2. Less (fewer?) cravings--one of the enzymes that stimulates cravings is located in the part of the stomach that is removed
3. Malabsorption--this one was a surprise to me!  But, it makes sense after she explained that some digestive stuff is going away with the big bit of the stomach which means that you don't get quite all of the nutrients from the food.  She did stress, though, that it's not nearly as extreme as with bypass.

No more pills...ever!!!--liquids & chewables only

This also was a surprise.  One of the major problems I've had with the band (and one of the main reasons that I go in for un-fills) is not being able to take some of my daily meds that only come in pill form.

Upon further discussion, I learned that there is a difference of opinion among bariatric professionals on this issue.  The theory is that with the stomach being so small, pills do not spend an adequate amount of time dissolving to give a person the intended benefit.  Therefore, liquid/chewable vitamins & medicines are recommended since they absorb more quickly.  Some of my pills are really small, though--she suggested that I show them to Dr. S and get his take on it.

Also, since I'm seeing my PCP tomorrow for surgical clearance, I'm gonna ask her about my options for liquid meds.

Stricter vitamin/supplement requirements

This is related to the malabsorption.  Basically, I am required to take 200% of the recommended dosage.  In addition to the multivitamin and calcium that I'm already taking, I have to add iron, b-50 complex, and monthly b-12 shots.

I'm also going to have to make a radical change to the way I eat.  With the band, our goal is to only be hungry every 4-6 hours.  With the sleeve, I'll have to eat every 2 hours!--for the rest of my life!

I wasn't expecting most of these "complications" so I have some thinking to do.  I'll still probably go ahead with it, but I just need some time to absorb this new information.

And, now, as promised...

How the Lap-Band is like shoes (condensed version): 

My sister and I wear the same size shoe.  But, we have never shared shoes.  Why?  Because most of my favorite shoes--the ones I wear almost every day because they fit me so well and are so comfortable--give her blisters.  

The Lap-Band gave me blisters.

Cheers!

it's as if the lead blanket has lifted...

Ever since January, I've been fighting against a bout of depression.  I've been unmotivated.  My house hasn't really been clean.  I've been doing the bare minimum to survive--washing just enough clothes to get buy for the next day; washing dishes as I need them; showering every 3rd or 4th day; etc.  Just a few weeks ago I mentioned this to my husband.  I suspected at the time that it had something to do with the lap-band & my weight and the fact that I am feeling uncomfortable in my own body.

Fast forward to earlier this week--Monday, to be exact.  I met with my surgeon and got the process started for my conversion to the sleeve.  More importantly, I discovered that the process should be fairly streamlined this time.

Fast forward again to Wednesday morning when I woke up with a spring in my step.  I cooked breakfast and then started unloading the dishwasher.  I washed a load of clothes.  Then I dried them.  Then I put them away.  (did you hear that?--I put. them. AWAY.)  A few hours later, the floors had been swept & the carpets vacuumed; empty boxes that were laying all over the house were broken down and put in recycling; 3 bags of garbage that had been sitting by the garage door were actually in the outdoor trashcan.  

I did all of this without really thinking about it.  It was just what I felt like doing!  I used to do this all the time, but for the last 6 months it has been a real struggle to do anything.    In fact, one day in May I realized that I had not showered in over 4 days (I hadn't even put on clean underwear).  YUK!!!

My husband noticed my recent change in attitude this morning, (& not the fact that I hadn't changed underwear for 4 days back in May [thank god])--and he commented.  We decided that it is NOT a coincidence that this change has coincided with the fact that I now see a light at the end of the tunnel in regards to my lap-band issues.  Ever since my major un-fill on New Years Day I have felt a bit hopeless and, quite frankly, had given up--not just on the band, but on myself as well.  I felt heavy both physically and mentally.  I feel as though I have been muddling through my life with a lead blanket draped over my body.  Now, that blanket is gone.  I feel lighter in my mind and my body.  (In fact, I have actually lost 3 lbs since Monday now that I'm eating real food and not existing solely on ice cream & other sliders).

For the first time this year, I am hopeful and (dare I say it?)...happy. :)

Cheers!

PS  Stay tuned for my next post on how the Lap-Band is like shoes...

nice to meet you, lunch...

OK, so I know I'm posting a lot the last couple of days.  But, I'm just so ding-dang excited!!!  I ate lunch today like a regular person.  Also excited that my 8AM breakfast of cottage cheese & cantaloupe kept me satisfied for over 5 hours!!! :D

Today's lunch:
Arnold sandwich thin (whole grain white)
Wild Woods garlic-teriyaki smoked tofu (3 oz)
1/2 Hass avocato
tomato, 2 slices
red onion, 1 tsp finely chopped

Calories: 345
Protein:    13
Fiber:       13

Stay tuned...I wouldn't be surprised to find a dinner update later this evening.

Cheers!

PS  So far no heartburn and no vomiting.  Yay for me!

hello breakfast!

I ate breakfast this morning!!! Y'all don't know what an amazing accomplishment that was. Usually, I don't even try to eat anything until after 10am and even then I often PB--usually on a pureed yogurt/fruit smoothie!  This morning I had 1/2-cup cottage cheese and 1-cup cantaloupe.  And it went down just fine!  And I am full!

So happy today!!!

Sounds like it's gonna be "easy"...

I met with the patient coordinator, Jackie, this morning.  She is my most favorite person today!!!  She gave me a SHORT list of thing to do so that she can submit my paperwork for insurance approval.  I need to:

• get a "cleared for surgery" letter from my PCP (made the appt. for Thu., June 21)
• meet with the nutritionist (appt. made for Mon., June 18)

That's it!  They take care of the rest.  So to recap, in two weeks my paperwork gets submitted and then I wait for approval (probably a week or so).  Then, I get a surgery date.  Easy-peasy!

Cheers!

I am wide open...

Doc just took out 4cc... But, it's a good thing this time. Letting
things "settle down" in prep for sleeve revision. More details later.

Woot! Woot!

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