Cardiac Stress Test, Psychological Evaluation and More...

Well, I have lost a grand total of 9 pounds on my pre-op eating plan and I must say that I am quite proud of myself! Surprisingly I haven't felt too deprived. If I crave something I find a way to prepare it in a healthy way. I was getting a bit bored with my snack selections, so I have been on a mission to mix it up a bit. I have only come across one meal I am not a fan of and that's turkey burger on on whole wheat bread thins; talk about gross. The turkey was dry (it was 99% fat free) and bland despite my seasoning it with Mrs. Grass onion soup and other spices. But any way, enough about that, LOL!

I completed the cardiac stress test and they aren't kidding when they say "stress" test"! I thought I was going to cough up a lung I was so out of breath. First I had to lay down on my back with this Darth Vader like mask on that covered my nose and mouth. I had to lay there for fifteen minutes as my baseline metabolic rate was calculated...that is, how many calories I burn while at rest. Then it was treadmill time. Oh my goodness, I learned in ten short minutes just how out of shape I am. I was sore for three days afterward and my left knee is still sore. The results were good though and that is just one more pre-op requirement checked off the list!

I had the pre-op psychological evaluation done as well and from what I can tell, I "passed" and am not too nutty to have surgery. However, I do have to meet with the psychologist in about 2 weeks to discuss the report she will be submitting to Beaumont Hospital for my surgery file. I was asked about my life history, what issues I believe I have with food and questions regarding my knowledge about the surgery I am choosing to have.

I have saved the best news for last! I finally, got a straight answer from my insurance company and....drum roll please.....THE VERTICAL SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY IS COVERED AS A STAND ALONE PROCEDURE and I DO NOT NEED TO COMPLETE A 6 MONTH MEDICALLY SUPERVISED DIET!! Woohooooo!!!
The next step in the process is to see the surgeon after my psychological evaluation is in my file. In the meantime, wish me luck on my lifestyle changes...till next time !

New Eating Plan Update!

I am doing really well with the eating plan the dietitian gave me. I am consuming about 1,400 calories per day; I have been logging everything I am eating and drinking. I am proud to say that I have lost 6lbs since last Friday...WOOOHOOO! I always lose quite a bit of weight during the first week of any diet plan I start so I am sure that the weight loss will slow down, but that is quite alright!

Eating every 3 hours has really helped me not feel deprived and too hungry. I have been amazed at just how much food I have been able to eat. I have actually been out to dinner and had no problems finding something within my eating plan guidelines. I had a lean steak with veggies and it was great. I do admit that it was hard to be in a restaurant setting and not think about all other fattening things on the menu, but the key to my plan is everything in moderation. So it isn't like the higher calorie foods are off limits, but I know they are not really healthy for me and eating them is not in line with what I am trying to accomplish. Now, I am not saying that I will never, ever have dessert again but right now it just isn't a good choice for me because I know I will over do it.

I still haven't had any soda and I am actually beginning to love water...now that is a shocker. For the most part, water used to make gag, LOL. My only source of "discomfort" right now is all of the Halloween candy my kids have around the house...thank goodness for Yoplait and Greek yogurt; those are my sweet treats!