I went to the Nanaimo support meeting last night and was quite inspired by the success stories , the "small" healing scars and the unexpected August surgeries (there usually is none preformed in August).
Today though, was my second appointment with Dr Amson. Mom and Paige made the three hour trip down with me as Mom really needed the day away from my once again ailing father.
We spent the morning, what else:? Shopping! I picked up a bottle of Clinques "Happy Heart" perfume. Thats how I would feel today, no matter how my appointment went. I called Val in reception at 11:30 to find out if Dr Amson was running behind. She laughed and almost choked when I asked, and told me that he was most certainly running behind, but I should still arrive on time for my 2:30 appointment. We arrived to a packed office (his practice is one of general surgery, cancer surgery as well as bariatric). I hit it off with another waiting patient named Vicky. We exchanged journals and info and had some good laughs. Nearly 2 hours late I was ushered in.
When Dr A whooshed in I asked him if the stork had arrived (6 daughters and a seventh baby due today). No baby, yet.
For the most part my appointment was conducted standing up. He took me into the room with his new high tech scale. It gives you a print out of body composition;percent body fat, free fat mass ,BMI, Metalbolic rate, total body water and target body fat.see below. Very high tech. Very Cool Very disheartening to see it there in fine print. His scales still read me at 10 pounds higher than my doctors and home scales. Thats OK though. I still registered a n 11lb loss. He was pleased with my progress there. Keep up the journals and the wokouts.
He informed me that in October there would be a doctor from Harvard coming to "teach" the Lap Roux-En-Y. He asked me if I would be open to having my procedure done laproscopicaly. They will be looking at doing a couple of "lightweights" as it is less difficult with less fat present. That was the extent of my interaction with Amson. Nothing concrete said.
I went back to Val to book my September appointment. I asked her then if she still wanted me to call in Aug to book my scope with Dr Daley. She was so kind she melted my "happy heart". She said she would do her darndest to co-ordinate my scope and my appointment with Jan the nutitionalist. I totally empathize with all the calls those ladies have to deal with on a daily basis the phones never stop ringing, and yet she knows us all, knows whats in our files.
We rode down the elevator withVal and you could actually see the relief when she "took off her work hat".
The next date to look forward to is the Annual WLS picnic, this year at Rathtrevor in Parksviile.
July 27, 2003
Today was Dr. Amson's 2nd annual picnic. There was an excellent turnout of approx.100 pre-ops, post-ops and their families. It was great meeting up friends form support groups and meeting new people too. Dr Amson and Val both attended. Dr Amson is now the proud father of a seventh daughter. Well it was a day of good weather, good food and good friends, even with multiple speeding tickets among our group!
The Three Pre-ops
Diana, Vicki & Kris
August 12, 2003
Val left a message today that I have my endoscopy appointment with Dr Daley on September 12. I check into admitting at Royal Jubille 12:30 for 1:30 scoping. It is done uner light sedation and I can go home at 3:30.Don wll probably want to go with me on that trip home as 1. He will not let me drive the Cadillac in a groggy state and 2. This will be one of the only times where I won't be talking for a the whole trip. How could refuse that offer!
People in the support group say that scoping is usually done just prior to your surgery date, although there are a couple of ladies who have been scoped 8 months ago and are still waiting.for their surgery date. I have been less obsessed with the whole process lately but I suppose a lot of that is because a lot of the preliminary steps are already happening. I consider myself very fortunate that my journey has progressed at this accelarated rate. I am at a good place in my life . My marriage and family are great. I like my jobs. And I like myself. I know, it may sound like a Saturday Night Live affirmation, but there is really something to feeling content.
August 18, 2003. Finally received the oximeter via parcel post. There was a $45.00 invoice with it charging me for the overnight study. I'm puzzled because everyone else picked it up free from their hospitals. Anyways the device simply is "clipped" onto your index finger for one night. There is a little infared beam that measures your hemoglobin count right through your fingernail. The same time that the oximeter is monitoring your blood oxygen saturation it is also monitoring your heart rate. Today I express it back to the company and they will fax off the results to Dr Amson. Another hurdle out of the way. Hopefully there will be no findings with the oximeter that will require an overnight study in the sleep clinic.
August 25, 2003
Val called today. She was passing along my appointment date with the respirologist. The appointment is February 26, 2004. My heart sank because when I hear Val's voice I let that little bit of hope crawl in that maybe, just maybe I got a date for the surgery. I sucked it up and said that I guess that means no Nov/Dec surgery. She said that they had had a lot of breast patients come in (cancer). She said not to totally give up hope..."you never know".
But as far as I can see, without the respirologist appointment out of the way, there is no way of this advancing. To top it all off she postponed my follow-up appointment from September 23 to Decemeber 9 because of construction enlarging the office. Well, there really is no point in wallowing in my sorrow. Everyone who had follow-up appointments in Sept, Oct and Nov were postponed. In my heart of hearts I knew that I would not be seeing the surgery done this year. I had even told my boss that I think it would be more like Feb/ March of next year. See I'm jinxing my own cause!
September 12 ,2003
Had a phone call from the Nutrional Department of Royal Jubillee to try to set up my appointment with Jan. They were looking to book it within the next two weeks. I feel guilty for having to book off all these individual days off of work. I asked if they could hold off until the nest Amson appointment in December, but she does not see patients on Tuesday mornings. So it looks like I'll have to make two separate trips down to Victoria. Not so gungho anymore for that three hour trip although I'm sure if Val called with a surgery date I would be willing to skip or crwal there!
Today I arrived at Royal Jubilee at 12:30 in preparation for my 1:30 endoscopy. No food or drink since 10 oclock the previous night makes for a cranky fat lady with a headache. For anyone who has not been to Jubillee in a some time (like myself), the new building is quite attractive and well set up. I was escorted by a volunteer to my ward. My two nurses Cory and Karen were quite amicable as they were poking mewith needles. Cory started my IV and Karen prepped me for the procedure. The Dr came in and walked me through the procedure and my history Dr Daly truly is a kind soul. Informative and compassionate. Karen administered a mix of Demerol and another happy drug that began with an "S". I noted the clock was 1:40. When I came to my senses it was 2:18. The procedure takes about 7 minutes and while you are not totally sedated, you still are not totally with it. I do recall gagging at one point and the doctor gently telling me to swallow hard just to get me past that wretching. Teen years with bulemia have left me with that easy gag reflex. Don and Paige came to gather me at 3:00 pm. I felt a little sore in the tummy as they pump in a little air so as to see inside and I guess I would describe myself as a little wonky but walking on my own accord. The gastroscopy cameras the esophosgus, the stomach and the duodenum. They do 2 biopsies in the stomach and the small intestine. It is important to make sure there is no ulcers present in the bottom of the stomach as it becomes "invisible" to the practitioner after bypass surgery.Tonight as I sit here I am very aware that there was a foreign obect in my body today. While it doesn't hurt , there is still slight discomfort. To anyone who is alittle apprehensive about having a gastroscopy- just relax...you are in good hands . Just be glad its going in the end that it is!
November 6, 2003
Today I had the pleasure of meeting Jan the Nutritionist at Royal Jubillee. Yes, once again Don and I made the round trip down island.
We had a scrumptious lunch at the Macaroni Grill. Not the brightest thing when in less then an hour I have to hop on a scale. Let me say how frustrating it is that the scales down island seem to add a ten pounds as opposed to Dr Braileys and my home scale. jeez, as if I don't feel bad enough already!
Jan was a very friendly lady. We touched on pre-operative and post-operative eating habits, vitamins, calcium and proteins. I also mentioned to her the study I had read about linking nocturnal eating and sleep apnea. I have yet to find out whether I do suffer from apnea (February apoointment), but Jan said she would be interested in following up on that. Like I said, I really liked her, and the hour and a bit went by very fast.Interesting lady...easy to talk to. As I exited Jans office I was I was surprised to see Sandra and Maureen waiting for me. Sandra is over from Osoyoos -Monday is her surgery date. I am sooo envious (she intially saw Amson a month before I did). Both her and Maureen are friendly, gregarious women.That seems to be an underlying trait with many of us overweight folks. My visit with the ladies was sooo brief. At this point Don and I both really wanted to stay down there for the night and socialize with the girls by going out to Pagliacci's for dinner, but the reality of family put us back on the road to Comox. I only have one more of the"dream team" to see and that will be the respirologist in Feb. I wonder if she would have any cancellation appointments earlier? I wish I could be more pushy, but I'm not. December 9th I have a weigh in appointment with Dr Amson. I will update then. I just wish those Southern scales were a little more agreeable!
November 23, 2003
I received an email from Kris today asking if I knew that singer Carnie Wilson had responded to a question from me posted via the newshow 20/20 on ABC. The following is her reply to me:
It has been a rough ride these past two weeks. My father past away two weeks ago today, his service is tommorow. Through the rough times he had given himself the goal to stay around long enough to see me slim and healthy. I had had such hopes to have had the operation by now. He could hold on no longer. My heart is still aching.
I had my three month check in at Dr Amsons office yesterday. I approached Val to get a more realistic idea of the timeline I am looking at. She hummed and I asked if I was looking at another 6 months and she agreed. They are just now putting through the last "June" person . I teared up. But what can I do. My appointment was much more positive with Dr Amson even with a 4 pound gain since July. He was able to recall much of my history without even referring to my file. He wants to get me back to my active lifestyle just about as much as I do.
I asked him whether I would be obligated to retake the pretesting if the wait was much longer. He said "No its only the gastroscope which needs to be recent...you havn't done that yet?" he said. I told him that I had and he said that it shouldn't be too much longer than. I feel that he is my advocate. These past 10 months have gone by rather quickly. Oh please let the next ones slip away even eaisier! And don''t let the government screw around with operating times or reveiewing this procedure. I ask anyone who is on a wiating list or considering gastric bypass to write to the health minister, to your MLA and to Gordon Campbell (to find your reps in BC http://www.legis.gov.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm or Federally http://canada.gc.ca/directories/direct_e.html
February 19, 2003 Today I had to go to my local hospital to have the prerequsite chest x-ray done for my respirology appointment on Tuesday in Victoria with Dr Bruce Saunders. This seemed like a simple enough procedure. The difficulty began when I arrived at the hospital .I started to have flashbacks to the night that Dad died and they transported him there. All of those suffocating memories came flooding back. A bit of a panic attack for me. Paige was born at that hospital and until Dad died I associated St Joes with such joyeous times. I loath that place and although the X-Ray wait and procedure took only 10 minutes- I couldn't leave quickly enough. I am appreciative that I am having my surgery done in Victoria at Royal Jubillee. No memories bound to that hospital.
When I saw Dr Brailey for my Januarycheck-up he told me he had received a letter from my surgeons office stating that I would have my surgery date in the New Year. Febraury is winding down and I have yet to hear anything. It has been a year on this journey, and to think, it really hasn'teven begun!
February 22, 2004
I am a planner. Obsessive at times. Ok-a lot! I am one of those neurotics that need to plan to be spontaneous. When my family went on vacation there I was 10 years old with a map and accomodation guide opened in my lap. No licence plate bingo for this young one.. I had dreams at one time of being a travel agent so I could plan for others too. I think I would have excelled at that or perhaps Party Planner. No details too small. Control control, control.
Thats what makes this waiting so difficult . I have been forced to relinquish all control. I am so used to planning and now I find I can't. I went shopping the New Year sales. I found this fabulous coat regularily over $200 marked down to 39 dollars. How could I pass it up? It was one I had drooled over at full price last fall. Only 39 dollars I rubbed my cheek against its softness. Wait! Will I still be fat next winter. Will I have a chance to wear this fabulous creation? I begrudgingly put it back on the rack.
Today I was browsing a website for Point No Point Spa Resort in Sooke. I pulled Don over and told him that that is where I would like to go this year for our 8th anniversaryin May. Don says "What if you have your surgery? You may not be up to it just then."
IF, IF, IF. Is there another word a control freak detests more! Please no more torture! Just a date, a promise, anything so I can go on and not have this on my mind day and night. Imagine it yourself; a year of obsessing over something you want so badly. It had come to the point where I need to ground myself from the computer again and try to live my life in a semi normal fashion. Neurotic I tell you. They need to fix my head at the same time they have me knocked out! I will update after Thursdays appointment.
Need to consult with uber web page guru Kris on how to properly post
this addition to my page. In the meantime you can click to access proposed weight loss graphing.
February 26, 2004
Sounding like a broken record; today Don and I went to Victoria for an appointment with Dr Bruce Saunders my respirologist.
We had the chance to get together with Kris whom I haven't spent time with since last summers picnic. We spent 45 minutes catching up as best we could. Kris has completed all of her specialty appointments with the exception of her gastroscope. It would be most fun to have our surgeries close together and finish this journey the way we came into it; together.
I arrived for appoinment with Dr Saunders and imagine my complete astonishment when he ushered me into his office EARLY!. Dr Saunders is a very friendly and very approachable. He let me know that my lung x-rays looked great and pronounced me anatomically correct. Don was most happy to hear that L:OL. My oximetry test came back totally normal with no apparent sleep apnea present. He did a cursary exam and was pleased with my present health. My blood pressure was 110 over 70. How relaxed was I?! Geez if thats what a day without work and kids will do....
Dr Sauders discussed at my sleep para sommnias. He said that after the Roux-En-Y if I am still experiencing the sleep walking, talking, fighting ect we can look at a sleep study. He would not want to order one now in case that would be misconstrued. He did let me know that there are Parkinson drugs that are being used to control restless leg syndrome. I let him know that I will address all of that later. He gave the his green light for surgery.
Don and I looked around a fitness equiment dealer and tried out a couple of elliptical trainers. I am trying to decide between a recumbant bike or elliptical trainer for my birthday present. I am leaning towards the latter as it seems to target more areas and burn calories at a higher rate. I just want to have the option of staying home to work out. And the elliptical would be forgiving on my arthritic joints.
Well it is the end of the day and the end of all my specialist appointments. So now it is once again a waiting game. I'm really bored with this game..lets play something else! I know...lts play doctor or how bout this...lets play Operation. I like that one.
March 16, 2004
I have been doing a lot of walking. I have a 10km fundriaser for YANA coming up on April 3. Seven Km are quite comfortable but 10 is still quite exhausting. I want to be able to do it under 2 hours but my arthritis in my knee is acting up so bad that it is slowing down any progress.
I see that more people are getting "the call" announncing surgery dates. I am thrilled to see the list being cut but am stillhurt that I am being overlooked after being promised a date no later than December of last year. Some were even put on the list after me. Oh a taste of my own medicine I suppose. I have had a lifetime of disapointments and should have beens. I find myself on the pricipice of depression determined not to go that route again. I am I suppose dealing with months of pent up emotions. Well, the best to those who are about to start their 'new lives".
"You can choose to be happy or sad and whichever you choose that is what you get. No one is really responsible to make someone else happy, no matter what most people have been taught and accept as true"
-Sidney Madwed
.
"Patience and perserverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish"- John Quincy Adams
March 23, 2004
My appointment with Dr Amson was for 1:00. The waiting room was somewhat quiet when I had a chance at 12:45 to talk frankly about surgery dates with Val. She grabbed my chart and we touched on the fact that we has both just lost our fathers. My name was the only name left uncrossed off on it's page ( I have to wonder -was I overlooked?). She hummed and hawed and said that I was one of her "May" people (wait wasn't I suppose to be lat November?!) . She saw the hope spark in my eyes and said not to get too excited because they were already booking June. Realistically she said it would be August or September. She then went on to tell me about Dr Daniel Duta whom was studying Dr Amsons technique (Kris had already passed on this info). Val said that Dr Duta would be taking on some of Dr Amson's patients ( Amson would go to the Duncan hospital to assist). Val put my name on Dr Duta's "list".. I am #2 on that list. They are awaiting word from Dr Duta of when he is all set up in Duncan.
Don and I were put in an examine room at 2:00. Dr Amson came in at 3:30 profusely apologizing for the delay. We discussed all the usual and then I talked to him about Dr Duta, exercise and fluctuacting weight. While Dr Amson does not condone dieting he did suggest reading Dr Phils latest book. He weighed me and then weighed Don and gave him his print out. He then had to leave for a hosptial emergency. I was fortunate enough to see him. Those poor six souls still waiting in the reception room!
On my way out I stopped with Val to book my next appointment in 3 months and to confirm that there were only two of us on Dr Duta's list. Val swore on her life that one way or another I would "be done" this year. She said I may not even be in for that next appointment.. All I really have is hope. So now the only thing I am sure of is that I am going to be having this surgery either sooner or later. Every once in a while I wish that I had kept this journey a secret. Whenever I speak to friends they ask if I got my date yet. Kind of like when you are 9 1/2 months pregnant and people keep calling to see if you've gone into labour yet. Just becomes a daily reminder that something good is coming that you have no control of.
Well I don't know when I will update next. Hopefully I will have news before my June Amson checkup. Geez...I almost had myself convinced there!
March 30, 2004
OK...so its only been a week since my last update. Today is my 38th birthday. I think that this is the year my life will turn around.
My gift from mom was a seven month membership to Curves Gym. That is where I am off to now. Talk to you all much later.
April 30, 2004
Completed my first month at Curves. In this year and a half surgical wait I have become accostommed to having to hop on a scale but darn it getting measured is just so humiliating still. I was only dowm 1 1/2 pounds but measured a loss of 7.25 inches
Bust -.25
Waist -.75
Abdomen -2.25
Hips -2.00
Thighs +1.00
Calves 0.00
Arms -3.00
Body Fat % -.20%
June 24, 2004
Had my quarterly meeting with Dr Amson. Val was away and I missed sitting there joking with her. Kris had her appointment set up for 10:00 and mine was for 12;00 yet we still crossed paths as she was exiting. We both had hopes for today. We started our journeys together and had hoped to have word today that we would be surgical twins. With Kris's appointment running an hour or so behind I hunkered down expecting a long wait. I was taken aback when I was ushered in just shortly after 12:00.
Dr Amson walked in, looked at me and said "you've lost weight" That and my activity level pleased him. He was impressed with my 10 km finish time We then talked about the three distances in the Victoria Marathon Festival on the first weekend of October (8, 21 and 42 km). I am considering pushing myself to do the 21 km or as many as I possibly can.
Dr Amson told me I was an ideal candidate for this surgery. Positive and motivated. He recalled the binder that I had presented at my first consultation. We then discussed his website and my own web journal, support groups and WLS in general.
He kept repeating that we have to get this surgery done schnell. He printed out on huge,bold letters at the bottom of my chart "Val, must get this patient booked as soon as possible". By fall he indicated. I almost feel hope resurging through me. I did question whether he has patients drop out at the last moment. He mentioned one recent patient who was chosen when someone else cancelled. I told him I would sure like to be considered if something like that happened againbut just in case; I booked my next quartely for October 7th @11:00.
Curves results this month were;
Total pounds lost = 5.0
Total inches lost 10.25
Bust -.25
waist -1.25
abdomen -2.50
hips -2.25
thighs -50
calves 0.00
arms -3.50
July17, 2004
Last weekend was Dr Amsons annual picnic get together at Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville. We, OK I decided, to make it a weekend of camping in the new/old trailer. It was good to see some familiar faces. Because my working hours have changed, I have not been able to make it to the support group meetings in Nanaimo. At the picnic I felt strangly detached because of this. When the time comes I will have to form the Northern Vancouver Island Group. While I was happy for all the newly post-ops I was plagued with envy. I was approached by some of the ladies whom had read this journal. They refered to it as the one that goes on and on all for naught. Perhaps it is time to retire this keyboard until something momentous actually happens. I am feeling defeated again. Will it never happen? Most people dread the thought of surgery and here I dream of it.
I know I wasn't going to write again but here I am! I sent a note to Val
asking if there was any word as I was one of her last December patients. She sent me back a reply
"Hi Diana
Just to keep you up to date...we still have 3 more people to go from our June list and Sheri is boooking into Oct. You are on my July list so it is coming up...I guess about the only thing I can pretty well guarentee is that you will be getting a call soon. There is nothing else you need to do except try and be patient (I know it is hard) it will be this year."
I undeniably needed this wind in my sails and I am thankful to have gotten a postive response. I really need to be able to tell my workplace when I will be gone. Well it is 31 degrees out and my brain and fingers are not functioning right.
July 25, 2004
Just prior to Theresa and Ken moving the four of us decided to try our hands at golf. Ken and Don were at an advantage as they had both golfed before. Theresa and I, well we had a pee yourself good time. I was no Tiger Woods but I actually loved the game ! Well Don bought me a really nice set of used clubs and I can't get enough of it. Right now I'm getting out there at least two times a week. An hour of wacking balls at the driving range is absolutley exhausting. We felt bad leaving six year old Paige behind all the time so we went out and purchased new clubs and a bag for her too. Its gonna cost us in green repairs I tell you. I have the Pinke's to thank for introducing me to such a fun sport.
August 21, 2004
Still no word. Getting depressed again. Others are getting dates in October already. The 2004 bus is getting pretty full.
With my promise to keep active pre-surgically ; now I find my arthritis in my knees is getting progressivly worse. Not fair...I try to better my health with excercise and instead only create another problem. I won't give up dammit. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE CALL ME
Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don't give up
- Anne Lamott
August 2004
Dr Amson has asked that patients submit their stories to the CBC for consideration before the First Ministers Health conference that is approaching in Sept. Here is my submission that I have also cc to our Health Minister Colin Hanson and to my MLA Stan Hagen.
September 10
Walked on my Walmart team for National Ovarian Cancer Association. I finsished the 6 kilometer walk in under one hour. Pretty pleased with myself....I passed Health minister Colin Hanson during the first lap! It was worth the pain later.
September 23
Yesterday a Kris got her surgery date out of the blue. We had out consultation together. Who would have known that such good news would send me on such a downward spiral. I spent 6 hours straight crying and wishing the worst on myself. I am contemplating giving up. I was told that it would happen last Dec and then told it would happen this Dec and I am highly doubtful of that.
Don called the office today and was told that there were still two June people to book into December. In July I was told virtually the same thing "there are 3 June people to book ". I envision myself being shufled further and further down the pack.
I feel that I cannot go on further injurying my arthritic joints trying to prove that I can be in Olympic form only to be delayed over and over. I have walked the walk, written the letters, spoken to my MLA on the plight of WLS waiting lists. I don't smoke, cut out white flours and most sugars. I write to many of the people who visit this site and try to educate them on this process. I am at odds to what I have done wrong. Why was I told that I was fast tracked only to pull me back by the collar. I am most certainly perplexed.
I think I shall have to think long and hard as to how much more disapointment I can endure. It is time to withdraw my name from the list? I am so torn. I am suppose to have my sixth checkup with Dr Amson on Oct 7. The fortunate ones have news way before 6 visits. Six full days taken off of work to make a six hour round trip. Four more if you include the other specialists. A thousand dollars in lost wages for myself another grand for Don friving me there. Do I keep going only to be rejected again? Depression is setting in; can you tel?! I would head to Mexico tommorow for the Open Roux-EnY in a heartbeat if I didn't care that it would put us 15,000 in debt.
October 7, 2004
I had my sixth pre-checkup with Dr Amson today. Val mad me cry ( a good cry though) I am emotionally spent and physically tired so I will update this journal at a later date. I guess the most important aspect that came out of today is that I am not prepared to through in the towel and that is going to happen sooner than later.
October 11,2004 Thanks to Jen from BCWLS for provinding this vital info
On Sept 14, 2004, the BC gov't released its first quartely report for 2005/2006 which included an updated revenue and spending forcast for 2006/07. The report is available at http://www.gov.bc.ca/fin online. The surplus is now forcast to reach $868 million this year, rising to $905 million in both 2005/06 and 2006/07. Assuming there is no change to spending, the planning forcast expects the surplus could reach $1.8 billion in 2007/08.
For the first time, the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services is offering the public the opportunity to respond to the Budget 2005 Consultation Paper using an on-line questionnaire. The Committee sees this development as innovative tools to expand citizen participation in developing provincial fiscal policy.
All online submissions will be treated as formal written submission and will be considered to be in the public domain. However, unlike oral presentations made at public hearings, on-line or electronic submissions will not be posted on the Committee’s webpage. All electronic submissions will be made available to Committee Members during the report deliberation phase.
Included in the consultation paper are three questions that serve as the basis for the committee’s public consultation. British Columbians are first asked to distribute surplus funds across a variety of government programs. Second, British Columbians are challenged to identify specific initiatives boost student learning and achievement; improve British Columbians’ health and provide timely access to medical services; enhance the economic security and quality of life for families and children; and strengthen private sector job creation and economic opportunities. Third, respondents are asked to suggest possible targeted tax cuts to help individuals or BC Business. In addition, the questionnaire allows the user to make other suggestions on provincial financial priorities not covered in the budget consultation paper.
This is our chance to voice the need for health care dollars to be allocated to Bariatric surgery , training and initiatives for sugeons considering the field of Bariatrics. Please visit this government link and let your voice be heard. Perhaps enmasse we can make a difference.
October 21, 2004
We have just had a bid accepted to purchase our new house and are frantically fixing up ours to sell. If I don't get back to you right away via email or update this site ..I havn't gone far. only about 3 km to be exact!
Nov 7, 2004
Well bascially our duplex sold before even hitting the official market. Now it has been a mad scramble to get out of this place. We moved all the large stuff this past weekend with the help of a couple of friends. I walked the spiral staircase at least a hundred times and man do I feel the burn on my calfs. Why pay for a gym membership?
Anyway the real reson I am writing this before I take off for work is because in Victoria right about now Kris is on her way to the hospital. How exciting and scary at the same time. I am sure that my adreniline would be on overload. My thoughts will be about 3 hours down island for a good portion of the day. I wish her all the luck and quick healing. If you have not visited her site I am sure she will fill us in on all the details post-op. Here is a link to her site http://www.krisjourney.cjb.net/
Nov 10
Kris made it through her surgery just fine according to her angels in Victoria. She was up and walking right after and alert and talkative. she is actaully going home today so that says something about her will to make things go right!
November 22
We are in our new house and today is the first day I have had internet. Man I can put up with no phone and no cable but take away my email and I am miserable! It is good to be back online.
Today I came home from work , checked my answering machine and screamed. Cherie from Dr Amsons office called (she does the hospital booking arrangements) and asked me to get back to her ASAP. Man my adrenelin was cranking. The line was busy, then busy , then still busy. I finally got through to Val and she told me that Cherie was on the other line. I left voicemail and sadly did not hear back from her before they closed. I am left in suspence and a little disapointed. Hope I can sleep tonight.
Later November 22
I was feeling very dejected when the phone rang at 5:30. Cherie said right off the bat that she couldn't leave me hanging overnight. She told me to sit down for this one. Would I, could I be prepared on short notice? They had an opening for a patient fitting my criteria at Victoria General on December 3. I need to be down there one week tommorow for anesthsiology (sp sorry) consult. My head is filled with details I have to take care of in the next week. I have butterflies. I think it is all normal to feel all of this though. Things will work out fine. Life is surreal. This weekend will mark the one year passing of my father. I know that he is with me for this next step. Wish me luck.
November 23
I had a dream last night that I had to find a prize calf in order to pay for my surgery. Gee do they still take livestock?
I started getting prepared . I got both of my records of employment and looked into medical leave coverage. I assumed it would be my mother who would accompany me down island but Don surprised me and said he would be there for the whole week. He would run the business from his cell phone. I booked a hotel for the week.
No four star resort!
I am preparing my list of things to pack for the hospital. I am adhering to the advise of those who have gone before me and am not taking too much in.
Kris is going to arrange a "last supper" for me. I am leaning towards Italian. I do regret that I will not be partaking in turkey for Christmas but this is worth it. I am not going to indulge in eating a lot of "last foods". I know that someday I will be able to enjoy them again but with reastraint.
Cherie called again tonight to tell me that my check in time had changed to six a.m and I am first in line.
10 days and counting. I express the excitement coursing through me.
I think that is the majority of everything I will need. I am still searching for a hand held battery operated fan. 9 days and counting
Nov 25
The absolutley good news is that there are three other ladies that I know of that have received their dates. There is hope again restored that this waiting list is starting to really move again.
I heard from the hospital. I went through preadmission on the telephone. Monday night I have to fast. They will be doing bloodwork and another set of xrays among other things. I fast on Monday. I fast on Thursday. How can one gain wait before their sugery at that rate.
I picked up sublingual b-12 today because I couldn't fathom being poked with a needle once a week.
Jennifer, Lenn and Family came over tonght bearing pizza, cheesecake and flowers. She makes me weepy. I am loved.
Tommorow is the one year anniversary of Dad's passing. He's never been so far away, yet so close to my heart.
Sunday I will have them say a prayer for me at church. Hey I can use all the help I can get.
This is an email I received from one of the ladies I know from the support group. I am priting it because I think it is excelent advise for other pre-ops
Hi Diana,
Congratulations on your surgery date!!! It is so exciting!
I happened to be reading the postings on Dr Amson's web site and noticed that you got a date of Dec 3rd and I wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
If I were to give you any advice it would be to enjoy your last supper and try not to eat too much a couple of days before you have to cleanse. On the day of cleansing get lots of vasaline for around the anus it will totally help with any burning and discomfort. I had lots of tea and clear fruit juice frozen bars for on my cleansing day so I didn't feel deprived. Don't mix the little bottle with anything if at all possible drink it whole and chase it with some gingerale or something else clear, it is so vial that you want to get it over with fast................so try not to mix it. The larger bottle stuff taste just like Eno (if you know what that tastes like) it's not too bad.
After you come home try and eat as much "home made" chicken soup with the meat shredded into the soup and you can even put small, tiny noodles in it if you wish. The chicken soup helps to heal the tissue of the pouch and the staple line and not to mention that it tastes so fantastic too. What I did was I made it before hand and kept it in small containers in the freezer. I also kept some of the chicken shredded in the freezer in little snack ziplock bags for other meals.
And when Dr Amson's says take 6 to 8 weeks to recover listen to him, this is probably one of the most important things you can do for yourself, don't lift anything above 5 to 8 lbs for the first little while and if I remember correctly you have a little girl, let her help you as much as she can, it's good for you and it's good for her too because she gets to help her mommy and gets great satisfaction out of that. My girls were 10 and 13 when I had my surgery and they were amazing around the house I couldn't do anything, even today they still won't let me carry the big water bottle, etc.
So you are about to embark on a wonderful journey, enjoy it and know that you have lots of wonderful angels watching over you. As you probably know my surgery twin Mark Jessup passed away on October 28th and I know in my heart that he is going to be watching over you big time!!! Mark was an amazing person, he was the other man in my life, we were good friends.
If you ever want to call or email me before or after surgery please don't hesitate for one second! I was 278 lbs before surgery and a size 26, today I am 170 lbs and a size 12 a year and 1/2 later. I would do it all over again in a second, I have been reborn and have been given my life back. I wish you well with everything and hope to see or hear from you soon.
Novemeber 26, 2004
Today marks the one year anniversary of dads passing. It has been a meloncholy day at best.
I had my presurgery physical with Dr Brailey today. My blood pressure was a little out of its normal range but then I couldn't attribute that to stress now could I?!! I started my illness claim with unemployment. Talk about a long process and still I made a mistake online and will have to make it into the office before I head to Victoria. Hoping to even make it to the operating table. For the fist time in my obese life I missed a step tonight and took a tumble outside on the cement walk.
On the brighter side this web journal just had its 10,000 hit. I am touched by the incredible outreaching of my peers who have been reading. Thank you for the emails they have touched me. I will print off the eamils and put them in a special album highlighting this lenghthy journey!
Novemeber 27, 2004
I figured out in hind site that I purchased the wrong iron suppliment (Ferrous Sulphate instead of Fumerate) . The later cannot be tolerated by Roux-EnY patients.
Thought I would pick up a few groceries for post op life. It took me forever with the label reading I had to do to avoid any hidden sugars and fats. I did get a hold of some chicken both and chicken breast which I'll shred up tiny and freeze in little one ounce containers. Bought some Junior baby foods with turkey and chicken. Some rice pablum with fruit flavouring ( am I making your mouth water?!?!?). Also in the basket were fat free and sugar free jellos and pudding, SF & FF juice bars and revell bars. I bought SF & FF cottage cheese..hope it doesn't expire before I get to it. I thought maybe Won Ton soup might be something I could buy, but it too has sugar.
We dug out the Christmas tree and have started the tradtional decorating accompanied by bickering. Must get back to the fun.
Novemeber 28, 2004
Its going on 6 pm. Don is still outside in the dark freezing night installing the last of the chain link fence to keep the dogs from running away from Mom & the kids while we are gone. I have a steaming pan of my homemade lasagne waiting for him to come in to. I look at the ingredients and think well I could eat the Ricotta, the spinach, cheese and a bit of sauce down the road. I will miss it as a whole though. Paige busied herself in the kitchen helping me shred chicken into broth. I found little one ounce Glad containers that are just perfect size for a meal. So they are in the freezer.
At church today serman revolved around the advent -Hope, Love, Faith and Joy. The pastor focused on Hope . So applicable to myself this week. Tears me up each week to see Paige lighting the candles and handing out the programs to the parisheners. We had a good family day today. I can hold that in my heart.
November 30, 2004
This morning we departed Courtenay. saying goodbye to my kids was heartwrentching.
Don dropped me off at Victoria General at 10:30. Big place! Theychecked me in and told me to b prepared to be there awhile as I had five appointments. Did I mentioned I had been fasting for about 14 hours at that point.Just call me grumpy! (excuse any mistakes as I am typing this out on a litttle laptop keyboard). I saw Dr Hermann the anesthesiologist first. He was pleased with my pre-op waitloss and apparent good health. A little alarmed that my bloodpressure was up to 160 over 95. He was also pleased with my choice of Epidural (nerve block) as opposed to using the PCA with morophine (Patient controlled analgesic). There will be less nausea and itching as I tend to have bad experiences with morphine if on for extended periods of time. I then went to sit down with one o the Nurses who went over in detail how\I would be admitted. I am literlly one of the first in the morning at 6 am. I will be prepped and ready to go for 7:50. the procedure is two hours. If no complications I can leave the Recovery to go to my ward which will be seventh floor blue building around noon.
Nurse Wendy also covered the business of sterile showers and the dreaded bowel cleansing. After making sure I I was clear on everything she sent me off to do my bloodwork at the lab. Quick enough and Samoya was gentle for a VAMPIRE!. Lab was followed by a EKG at the Electrodiagnostic and a chest X-Ray at Radiology. Considering the volume of this hospital there was very little wait at each stop. I was done in 2 hours.
Don and I were fortunate enough to make it to Stacy's last dinner arranged by Kris. We had a good time with Alanna (&mom),Sue, Stacy, Kris and Allora and Maureen & Les. Whata genuine bunch of people. Will post pics when weget home. My last dinner will be tomorrow night as Thursday it is onlyclear fluids for me. Pinch me ...is this real?
December 1, 2004
Well I managed to finally get to Pagliacci's as I promised myself. Carrot & Ginger Soup, Lasagne and their awesome bread. Don and I had lunch with Kris (just missed Susan). Kris gave my a beautiful dragonfly clip that will go on my Christmas tree. We tried to cram in' a little Xmas shopping as I really don't know how much energy I will have after. I also found the Nector protein powder by Syntrax that post ops rave about. Kris has been mail ordering hers but I was fortunate to find it a YVS in Mayfair mall for $42. Purchased the Roadside Lemonade- yummy. Don says that kris and I are lucky not to get busted handing powder in baggies to each other in public. We also passed a Popeyes on Douglas that is opening soon (Suppliment store)
Tonight was my "last dinner" at the Macaroni Grill with the same awesome group. I had the most delectible Lobster Stuffed Ravioli in White wine sauce with artichokes and asparagus and a glass of white wine. I had my rubber arm twisted when I ordered "Death by Chocolate" for dessert.. I was so full I couldn't finish. Hmmm my last unadulterated feast.
Tommorow is clear fluid day. About 33 hours and counting...oh my!
December 2, 2004
I just realized the next post I make here will be on a new page titled "post-op" Woke up to another day of fasting. I have had nothing since dinner. Don and I went walking in Beacon Hill Park. It was beautiful today-peaceful. thought I saw Dr A jogging there too.
We stopped so I could pick up a quick X-mas gift to drop off for Dr Amson and the girls. I have never seen his office that empty at 11:30. In fact Val said that Dr A has not been to the office in two days to sign my paperwork. That is a good sign for those still waiting.
Came back to hotel room and took the first bottle of Magnesium Citrate for the bowel prep. A word of advise to others following me...make sure you are fully hydrated. The stuff tastes horrible but it is easier if you gulp and do not think about it. It is so very effective and fast!! When you need to go, you need to go now!!! I take the second bottle the Phosphate in 45 min at 4pm. I don't see how ...I am pooping clear water as it is! (Sorry for the graphic details). I have lost all my energy but at this point I am not even hungry anymore. I am warned that the next bottle is more vile than the first.
I am not nervous about tommorow morning in fact I am not giddy nor excited. I know that I am ready. I have no reservations. Even if I became one of the 1 %, it is all worth it.
Thank you my Angel Kris for just calling and making sure I am doing OK. I will treasure you forever. We will always have this common bond.
Stacy & Diana's "Last Supper"
Alanna, Susan, Kris, Stacy, Maureen, Allora & Diana
