Kathy Newton

Hi. I am new here and normally post on the main board.... I found this one recently and realized you have the same surgeon I do. I know he is a great doctor but guess I am looking for some reasuance... What did you think of Dr. Colquitt? Also what sort of preop things did you do? Like did you do a liquid diet before? A bowel prep? HOw much weight did you lose on the diet before? Thanks for any help you can give me. Misty

Dr. Colquitt is a quiet man, and to the point. I had to ask him when I saw him in September if he was saying he would do my surgery? As long as I had a clearance from my Oncologist and that my blood work was in normal. I really like him, and he has a great bedside manner. He does actually chuckle, once in a while. I had a letter from my shrink, a medically necessary letter from my PCP, I had already done my sleep level test as I do have a high risk sleep apnea w/oxygen boost. I only had to lose 10-15 lbs prior, but with the chemo pills, they were causing me to retain fluids. I only managed to lose 8 lbs. But I didn't have to go thru the 6 moth diet supervised program. Medicare/TnCare didn't do the pre-approval until in February. I had mine in January. I see Dr. Colquitt on July 26 for my 6 month weigh-in/measurements. If you don't see a regular therapist, he'll send you to see theirs, Dr. Bentley, I think was his name. But I had already had all my paperwork, letters from all my Dr.'s, lab works, sleep apnea test, so all I needed was a date. I got that in October when my blood work from the leukemia was in normal range. I just told them I didn't want it during the holidays and wanted it the first week available in January. One resolution that can't be broken. Great way to start off the new year. Have you attended the seminar? Have you met with Dr. Colquitt? Have you registered online for $200? You will need to pay an additional $300 at the first consult. The office will tell you what you will need to do once you have your first consult. The more prepared you are for the first appointment then better and faster it goes. Oh, and you need to see Angie the nutrionist before surgery, and again after surgery. I haven't had to take my diabetic pill since 2 nights prior to surgery, nor my high blood pressure pill. If you have any more questions about this don't hesitate to let me know. I always check the board several times a day or you can email me. I always answer back. Later Kathy 277.5/191/130 surgry/current/goal

I have already attended the seminar. I also have meet with Dr. Colquitt. I am doing a 3 month diet (which I am half way through). I have my sleep apnea test tonight. Ultrasound in the morning, followed by seeing angie, blood work and monthly checkin with PC. After this I only need to see a psychologist. (waiting on appointment). I have paid my $500. So I need to lose 10 to 20 lbs. and hopefully will be having surgery some time in August. I am praying Aenta approves me VERY quickly!!!! I am reading both books he has given me. I have been very nervous as of late about this. I know I have made the right chose. But still scard. I know this is normal....I have had 11 other surgeries and still I wonder after everything if I have the strength to turn my back on the foods I love. I have given up Diet coke(after 15 years of drinking 2 2liters a day) and it has been 7 weeks on that. I think that truly shows how prepared I am to do this.... Misty

Misty, sounds like you have it all taken care of. Giving up carbonated drinks is a major step in the right direction. I will worn you, Blount Memorial Hospital gives the worst broth for you meals. Whether it's chicken or beef, it's nasty tasting. Tastes like onion and parsley. You can have broth brought to you, but I don't recommend the wonton soup from the chinese restaurant next to the family inn on Alcoa Hwy. It's hot and spicey. Chicken noodle soup, no noodles, vegetable soup without the veggies is good. I don't recommend the chicken soup from the $ Store. The broth looks really yellow like butter. Campbells Beefy mushroom is great tasting just dont eat the beef or mushrooms. Stock up on SF jello and pudding. SF jello goes towards your water supply. After your second or third day you will be given some apple juice with your jello and broth. I found I get hot real easy. I sleep with my a/c in my room during the winter. When I had surgery, I had a fan going at all times. Otherwise the room was hot and stuffy. It also helped to drown out the hall noises, and easier to sleep by. I wish you all the best. Love Kathy