Tuesday, January 10, 2012

What a Day We Had Yesterday

Suzy again ---

Let me tell you about our day yesterday, when I got the final word about my surgery schedule.

First of all, I had my six-times-a-year visit to my pain doctor in Tucson, for an epidural shot to control my overall pain level. This helps with the spine problems and polymyalgia rheumatica. Next, Jerry and I had our annual appointments with our ophthalmologist; good reports on both of us.

Because I'd be going on my mostly liquid 1000 calorie per day program for two weeks, we popped into Panda Express for a farewell lunch. Goodbye to restaurants for a while!

The next stop was a delight: we pulled into the only Safeway store in the area that sells gasoline and took advantage of a $1 a gallon discount! That discount saved us $11.40 on one tank of gas.

Then across town we drove (and in Tucson, across town can be 15 or so miles) to my surgeon's office for more information on what's coming up. This office has a bariatric team that can't be beat: two surgeons who specialize in minimally invasive surgery and in bariatric surgery in particular, with a psychologist and a nutritionist on staff; and two patient advocates dedicated to making things happen for the patients. My advocate, Patty, has been working very hard to make schedules work for us to reduce the number of trips we have to make from Benson to the far side of Tucson.

Patty handed me schedules and maps so I would know where and when to go for a three-hour pre-surgery class (this Thursday), my pre-op conference with the surgeon (next Monday), and the surgery itself, January 24. Then she  gave me a thick book prepared by the Bariatric Center at Northwest Medical Center hospital, where the surgery takes place. It is a comprehensive manual covering nearly every possible condition for the two weeks prior to surgery, the time in the hospital, and the months afterwards. Jerry and I are enthralled by the many details included in this book.

Patty also provided samples of several flavors of the special protein meal replacements that are for sale either in their office or on-line. There were shakes in many flavors (such as chocolate, banana, orange creme, vanilla, and strawberry) and one that's supposed to be a chicken broth thing. Patty told us she doesn't get many positive reports back on that one. There are other protein drinks we can buy at Costco, Wal-Mart and Trader Joe's, so I won't have to worry about lack of options. I had my first go at these this morning for breakfast, a delicious chocolaty 11 oz. shake containing 30 grams of protein and scads of vitamins and minerals. Quite satisfying.

We said goodbye to Patty and returned the 60 miles home, stopping at our local Safeway for some salad makings, stopped at our mailbox in the park for the weekly package from our mail forwarding service, stopped at another rig to drop off some papers, and hurried on home. We had invited some dear friends to share my "last hurrah," and we were running short on time. Jerry threw some chicken breasts into a marinade (olive oil, tequila, and some great southwest seasonings), and I tossed a big mixed salad. Shortly Chuck and Dee arrived bearing carrot cake and some deviled eggs. They also brought their own beverages.

Beverages! Oh my, we had 'em! Jerry and I had a round of strawberry margaritas which were very sweet. Couldn't take any more of that, so we switched to Black Velvet and water, our usual choice. The four of us talked and talked and talked, solving many of the world's problems (and possible creating some new ones to work on later). It was 8:00 before the chicken hit the grill; while Jerry was grilling, I whipped up a batch of mashed potatoes. "Last hurrah" for sure!  What a fine evening, and we capped it off by putting out yesterday's post.

Thank you to all our readers who responded so positively about my decision to move ahead with the surgery. We'll let you know what happens in this phase of ... Our Life on Wheels.

18 comments:

  1. i am also having bariatric surgery, scheduled for 2-7...will be following closely to see how u are doing. Big decision! My insurance wanted me to loose 20# prior to surgery so no final dinner for me :( It is a whole new way of looking at & consuming food

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  2. Glad to hear that the shake tastes good. Our niece had the same surgery you are going to have and she is doing SUPER! She thought the shakes were really good. Matters-of-fact, her kids wanted to drink them. She said NO...cost to much money...LOL
    You sound like you have such a positive attitude about the surgery. That is so wonderful.

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  3. I wish you the best, and with your super attitude everything will be ok.

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  4. So very different. I was in Montana when I decided to have the surgery done in SLC. Talked to the doctor on the phone a couple of times, my folks drove me down to SLC and I had the surgery. That was it. No preparation like you've gone through. I am really excited for you.

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  5. With your great attitude you should do just fine...I don't know if I could forego food that you can chew for liquids, but I do love a good shake!! Sending good karma to you and knowing you will do well...

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  6. I somehow missed the post about your upcoming bariatric surgery, Suzy. How interesting that both you and Loree will be going through that around the same time. I am interested in following that journey with you. Best of luck to you, and prayers, too!

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  7. You are the first person I have ever come across that has mentioned PMR other than my "mom"!! Our dear Virginia has had it for years and now at 91 is only controlled with frequent doses of cortisone.

    Blessings for your upcoming surgery.

    Mike and Dee White
    gonerving.blogspot.com

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  8. Somehow, with our daughters here for the holidays, I missed your first post talking about your decision to have this surgery. I know it must have been a tough one but I also know that you and Jerry have researched the options fully and have undoubtedly made the right choices for your future health and well-being.

    I hope the next few weeks go well with your new diet and I'll be looking forward to reading about your operation and recovery.

    Best wishes for complete success!

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  9. Gerry and I wish you have a very successful surgery and that your recovery is swift. We are staying in the Vail area and if we can do anything to help, give us a shout.

    It does sound like you are well prepared for the surgery and that should help in your recovery. A positive attitude goes a long way after operations.

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    1. Thanks, Larry. Well be running through NW Tucson again tomorrow. Not sure what else we'll have on our plate, which is always full, except that Suzy's plate can only be half full for one meal, and a drink for the other two.

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  10. Glad to hear you had a 'last hurrah' celebration and you're looking forward to the new challenges with a positive attitude.

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  11. Suzi,

    My best wishes and prayers go out to, and for, you as you start your new "adventure" Good luck with everything involved, and thank you for sharing your journey with your readers. Hope to meet you someday down the road in "your life on wheels".

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  12. Sounds like you have a great team working on your surgery. Also sounds like a lot of reading:)

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    1. One heckuva lot of reading! And the meeting is tomorrow. Hope they don't give us a pop quiz!

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  13. That's a long haul you have just to get to the Dr's office.
    Thanks for the update.. I wish you well on your upcoming surgery, Suzy.
    Pam :)

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  14. Best Wishes on the surgery. Prayers goin' your way.

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  15. I too somehow missed your original post about the surgery. Wishing you all the best. Take care guys and hope to see you around the end of Feb or early March.

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  16. Again, sending thoughts and prayers your way for a great outcome on your upcoming surgery. Things have changed so much in this area and it sounds like you have a wonderful team helping you through the process. Keep us updated as you can.

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