Seeing Dr. A. and Dietitian Tomorrow!!
YIPEEEEE! I'm seeing the doctor tomorrow (1/9/07) at 2:30PM and the dietitian (sp?)at 3:30 PM. I'm nervous about what they are going to tell me I have to do. Whatever it is, it's for my own good, and I need to keep reminding myself of that. I went to the WLS support group at Middlesex Hospital tonight. It was good to hear someone say that they had arthritis in their knees and it got a lot better after the surgery. Maybe I'm not setting my post-op goals high enough...I didn't put hiking or rock climbing on my list because I figured I wouldn't be able to because of my knees, but...maybe I will?! I'll have to think about that. There was also discussion about finding a walk-in pool in my area cause I can't use even a small pool ladder. Actually, I have a swimmingpool in my back yard that I can't even use! Ain't that a TEASE?! I LOVE to swim, hence the pool in my yard! However, it wasn't until the year after the pool was installed that I hurt my knees. ANYWAY...I called a newly renovated hotel on the other side of town (thank you casinos!) and found out that they have a walk-in pool(3 steps)and for a fee (a BIG fee!) you can purchase a pool membership...$350 for 6 months! However, it might be worth it. I'm going to check it out. If it doesn't reek of chemicals, maybe I'll do it. ALSO...TODAY WAS WEIGH DAY! Lost 8lbs in 3 weeks so far! Let's see what Dr. Aranow gives me for a pre-surgery weight goal. Well time for bed! Night! Deb
I've seen more of Dr Aranow lately than I care to- not that I don't love seeing him LOL (cripes who dosn't mind looking at that????) he informed me today that despite not dying from peritonitis, I most likely ruptured my appendix - he'll remove the remains of it after I take some antibiotics and recuperate ....anyhow- I digress- I wanted to wish you well tomorrow with your meeting - tell him Bernadette said you are in the right place- you couldn't have a better surgeon than he, as a RN I KNOW how to pick a doctor- and I don't think there is a better surgeon/doctor/person in the world than him. AND Middlesex Hospital- I just really can't say enough about them- they are top notch. Do what he says and know even though he may hand you a laundry list of tasks to complete he is doing it because he wants you to suceed and he wants you to have a safe healthy surgical outcome- that HGBA1C has to get down- hey you alluded to being down Route 2- Camp Hemlocks in Hebron has a handicapped accessible heated swimming pool and also has classes for arthritic people...and isn't $350.
Sorry it took me sooo long to get back on the board......had a FULL WEEK! I coordinated a 3-day training, for police (state and local) and DCF, on the investigation of child sexual abuse. The trainers were from out of town, so I felt especially responsible for making sure everything was ok for them. I felt I needed to be there through all three days of it cause....well....cause I'm a fuss-budget who want's to make sure everything flows as smoothly as possible and has to do everything herself!!! I said it, so there!!! LOL! I put in between 10 and 14 hours a day, which is probably why I'm run down and sick today!
When I saw Dr. A on the 9th, he said I just needed to meet with the psychologist for a chat cause I already had the testing done in 2004. However, when I called to make an appointment, the psychologist said I need to re-do the psych testing cause it's been too long and the person I saw before is out on maternity leave. I also need to do the gallbladder ultrasound and upper endoscopy, which are scheduled for next month. As suspected, I need to lose 10 more pounds, which I'm fine with. I meet with the dietitian again next month, too, so HOPEFULLY, I'll be having my surgery in March! BUT, that is only if I can get my HBA1C down to 8!!! I'm going to give Camp Hemlock a call and inquire about the pool exercise. My work schedule is never the same two weeks in a row, so I don't know if I'll be able to take advantage of what they have to offer. I'm aware of some of the services provided there. May I inquire as to how you know about their pool, etc.?
Take care,
Deb
Hi Deb,
Tell Dr Aranow hello from Paula Hepler in RI. He did me and my hubby. And we both LOVE him. Think he's the best guy in the world *****ally cares about us and wants us to get healthy again.
Don't worry about the list of things you'll have to do. You're already attending meetings, great. You're starting with Liz already, check...You'll meet with Kim and get that done...check
You'll probably have to have an upper gastric test done...definately an ultrasound of your gall bladder...maybe a stress test..
I didn't have a lot of co-morbidities, so I didn't have to have a lot done. Just follow what he wants you to do and lose the weight and start exercising slowly..You'll do it!
You'll leave his office feeling like you can conquer the world and will want the surgery tomorrow!
Let us know how you make out.
Go over your paperwork to make sure it's complete!
You'll find he's a stickler and that's a great thing in a surgeon and someone you can trust to do a great job.
I'm biased!
Paula
Deb how did you make out with your meeting with Dr A? In's the the most awesome doctor? I found the staff all there fantastic too. And middlesex hospital is my very favorite hospital to go to for problems.
I'm coming up to my 3rd year anniversary and feel fantastic. maintaining the loss of 120 pounds. I went from a size 26/28 to now wearing size 8"s & 10's. The key to being successful is following through with everything he says to do.
I agree with everythign that momo said! your in good hands.