(updated) hopefully getting' some news today...

I know I've been quiet on this here blog lately.  Mostly, I've been busy stuffing my face with ice cream, Coke, hamburgers and more than a few "last meals".  You know---wanna make sure I gain as much weight as possible before getting sleeved.  And, I've been doing a pretty good job of it (yes, I am making an attempt to disguise the disgust with humor).  Although I haven't weighed myself lately, I'm pretty sure that I am at (or at least near, or maybe even above) my highest pre-surgery weight from 2010.  I have had to buy new clothes because nothing I own fits.  I even broke a bra last week.  Blech!

The good news is that my surgeon is finally back in the country (he's been vacationing oversees for the last couple of weeks) and I have an appointment with him in 2 hours!!!  I will be signing consents for surgery--and who knows what else?  I am hoping to get some sense of when I might be having this surgery...since Dr. S didn't do my lap-band I don't know much about the how the timelines work in his practice.  I do know that, for the most part, they seem to move pretty quickly on most things (I got my insurance approval call just 4 days after submitting paperwork to their insurance coordinator).

Fingers crossed for a date this month!

[UPDATE]
Doc said his assistant will call the hospital today to get a surgery date & schedule pre-op testing.  I should hear from her by the end of the day on Wednesday.  After a quick glance at his iPhone calendar, he guessed that it could be as early as the last week of this month!!!

Prior to surgery I have:
Clear liquid fast--2 days
Neomycin sulfate--day before surgery (2 tablets every hour for 4 hours, then 1 tablet every 4 hours=12 tablets total)
Milk of Magnesia--day before surgery (3Tbs before noon)

Easy peasy!

Cheers,

Approved!!!

Doc's office called today...insurance has approved the surgery!  It took less than a week. Gotta love Aetna.

My doctor is on vacation right now, but I have an appointment on August 13.  I'll find out then what comes next.

Yay!!!

quickie sleeve update...

I picked up the surgery clearance letter from my PCP on Friday and they were kind enough to fax it directly over to the Surgery Coordinator at my surgeon's office.  I'm not sure what kind of turnaround to expect...hoping I'll hear something by next week?

I know I've mentioned it before, but my PCP rocks!  Not only did the letter she wrote clear me for surgery, but she also took the opportunity to make a case for me to have the revision surgery.  She included stuff about co-morbidities, family history and also mentioned the numerous medical problems I've had as a result of the lap-band.  Love her!

Yay for "negative"!!!

The thyroid biopsy results came back negative...as in benign...as in NOT CANCER!!!

I pick up my surgery clearance letter on Friday AM and then the sleeve approval process will be in motion once again.

Happy Wednesday, y'all!

results are "pending"

Still no word on the results of my biopsy last week.  My PCP office called today to let me know that they hadn't forgotten me, but that the lab results were "pending" and that I would hear something next week.

Frustrating!!!  I'm not so much worried about the results (probably due to the Xanax that I took about an hour ago).  But, I just want to DO something instead of being on hold.

Happy weekend!

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,