On my way!

I had my 1st appointment with Dr. Rutledge this past Monday. He was so super nice. If everything comes together and falls into place, we're looking at doing my surgery over Spring Break (the 1st week of April). He wants me to try and loose 5-10lbs between now and then and increase my exercise. He also wants me to come off "the pill" and avoid carbs. I tried Atkins with some sucess before but it made me into a witch. Between that and coming off the pill, y'all might need to pray for my dear husband... I might be riding around on a broom. I have 3 things that have to happen before we can file with UHC. I have to meet with a nutritionist, a shrink, and get my letter of necessary from my primary care doc. I'm well on my way to completing these obstacles. I meet with the nutritionist this coming Monday. I'm meeting with the shrink on Wed to do heavens only know what... I guess to try and prove I'm not nutters . I have also called my PC doc to request my letter (for the 3rd time! I'm about ready to go over there.... this on top of "misplacing" my records for a month!!!!).

Why does he want you off the pill? Most surgeons tell you to use 2 forms of birth control for the first 18 months at least. As your weight comes down, your chances of getting pregnant greatly increases.

It's something about it being a blood thinner (or thickener, I can't remember). He said that some studies showed that being on the pill prior to surgery increased the chance for clots. I'm pretty sure that I can go back on it after the surgery.

Hi Kristen, I told you he's the best! I'm so glad to hear you're moving forward....Now for the witch part...Honestly.....I was a "bit' witchy for quite a while after surgery. I was a carb addict before but had been doing low carb for 8 months and lost 40 pounds before surgery. Here's how I looked at it.....Carbs make me swell, I knew this. I did not go out and have a big "last meal" before surgery, I wanted to be as fit as possible. You'll be fine. I've got a recipe for cottage cheese pancakes that are quite good once you haven't had carbs for a bit. I love them with splenda syrup, no aspartame for me or my family...long story my daughter is supper sensitive to it and MSG. OH and I've found doctor's offices are so nice if you bribe them, with goodies or fruit. Oh who am I kidding, I took panera bagels to my sleep apnea doctors and and basket of fresh mountain apples and muscadines to my PCP. I had my letters by the end of the day. Just "drop by" and inquire while leaving goodies. Hope all goes super well. Beth B. in Chattanooga what a beautiful week

I had to come off birth control 30 days prior to surgery... I am not quite sure why but it is something that they require. I will be praying for you... sister do I know about those hormone problems!! Yes there are so many different things you have to do before getting approval... but once you get your momentum built up, and your motivation going, you will not stop til its done... glad you like your doctor. Hope you are able to get everything in order... good luck

I got a call from my PC doc's office yesterday. My letter should be at Dr. Rutledge's office by the end of next week. Yea!!!