Pre-Surgery

18TH JANUARY, 2012

Day 2 of optifast shakes.  I've managed to drink 2.5l water plus my shakes.  Last night I had a big plate of allowable salad veggies and during the day, some fruit.  I'm feeling a little light headed, but I'm sure this will pass.

16TH JANUARY, 2012 - Last 'Normal' Day today

10am: My appointment with Taryn - my dietician.

We discussed my eating habits - which wasn't that bad really. (who am I kidding?)   I eat as a COMFORT eater mostly.  When I crave for chocolate - I JUST HAVE TO HAVE IT!!!  If I'm out on my own I'll buy something nice and scoff it before getting home.  I know this will change now and I say BRING IT ON - I'm ready!  I was given a lot of information about pre surgery preparation & diet, Post surgery fluid phase for 2 weeks, Puree diet for 2 weeks and then soft foods 1-2 weeks, then long term healthy eating.  I have to 'track' my fluid intake post-op and need to build that up to 2-3L per day.

COSTS SO FAR:  Today I've paid 'the gap fee' to Dr Layani.  My Dr Visit last week was $140 and received $77 back from medicare.  Psych $220, Dietician $120 which I can claim some back from my private health insurer.  I have also had to purchase B12 (sub-lingual) tablets $23.95 on eBay, fish oil capsules $4.99 (special), Elevit pregnancy multivitamin $24.99 and lastly, Optifast 21 sachets x 2,  $39.99 per box.  The anesthetist's fee is $1250 which will be paid next week and I can claim some back through Medicare (between $300-$400).  Another expense is the 1 off excess to my medical insurer $250 on admission day.

 I need a blood test to ensure everything is OK and  need to fast for this.

So, I have everything in place now ready to commence my journey.  Oh yeah, need to take some disgusting photos, just to remind me never to get to this WEIGHT EVER AGAIN!

STATS: Starting weight 110.4kg

Upper right arm: 15cm

Waist: 46cm

Hips: 57cm

thigh(r): 27cm

Bust: 49 1/2cm

Neck: 15 3/4cm

 

7TH JANUARY, 2012 -  COUNTDOWN TO APPOINTMENTS

Well it's only 4 days until I see Dr Layani and his team.  I'm so excited I can hardly sleep.  I've read everyone's facebook entries about their journeys and their success stories - it's amazing!

My daughter announced just before Christmas that she was getting married on 6th May, so I have a lot to focus on now, only problem is, I don't know what size I will be then ??? 

My surgery date is booked for 30th January 2012

 

DECISION TIME:

2011-  May

Saw my GP 5mths later and she referred me to Dr Layani.  It took me until December, 2011 to make that call and make the appointments.  I can't wait and I am very excited about having this done now.

2010 - Dec

Saw my GP got a  referral for Dr Nolan, made general enquires about the procedure and costs and hung up feeling very depressed - I couldn't afford that sort of money.

2010 - June

Saw Surgeon about knee problems, he greeted me with a set of scales, weighed me and gave me a business card to see Dr Nolan about gastric sleeve surgery.