May-15 | Sep-15 | Difference in Inches | |
Neck | 15 3/5 | 15 3/5 | -0.9 |
Chest | 47 7/8 | 45 3/5 | -2.275 |
Lt. Arm | 13 1/3 | 14 1/3 | 1 |
Rt. Arm | 13 1/4 | 14 1/2 | 1.25 |
Hips | 52 1/4 | 49 1/2 | -2.75 |
Waist | 50 1/2 | 47 1/2 | -3 |
Lt. Leg | 29 | 28 1/5 | -1.8 |
Rt. Leg | 27 | 25 3/5 | -1.4 |
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Difference in Inches
I started my journey the end of May 2105. I decided to take measurements from my start date and then four months later. Here are my results.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Pre-Op with PCP, Nutritionist, Hospital and Surgeon
On Monday (3 weeks pre-op), I had my Pre-Op appointment with my PCP. I was recovering from a minor cold, but she expressed no concern. She checked my vitals (BP, HR and Temp) and also conducted an EKG. My PCP was EXTREMELY thorough with my medical history to ensure that I was clear for surgery and that my surgical team had the best possible information to ensure my safety before, during and after my VSG.
On Tuesday, I had my Pre-Op appointment with my Nutritionist. I have been seeing her since May, so we had already discussed the aspects of my nutrition and activity post surgery. We went over best practices and my vitamin (all liquid) schedule post surgery. It was a relatively productive appointment and scheduled my post-op nutrition appointment for 4 weeks post surgery.
On Thursday, I had my Pre-Op appointment at El Camino Hospital. This was a two hour appointment. It included submitting my admission papers (saves time the day of my surgery) and received information regarding an Advanced Healthcare Directive. Once all the boring paperwork was complete we went through the check-in process for the day of surgery, discussed expectations post surgery (peeing, walking and drinking fluids). It was very comforting to go through the steps before and after surgery. I was surprised to learn that the procedure is only 60-90 minutes. Then 90-120 minutes in recovery and an overnight stay in a private room.
Today, I received my pre-op packet from Dr. Khalil. It included pre and post op instructions and a special bar of soap to ensure that the surgical area and areas surrounding are extremely clean.
I have to check into the hospital at 11:30a on Monday, Oct. 12. Surgery is scheduled for 1:30p.
I have scheduled a massage for the morning of my surgery to relax my body and muscles before heading to the hospital.
I had my pre-op with Dr. Khalil 13 days before surgery. He was VERY please with my weight loss thus far (17.1 lbs). We discussed incision placement - 5 in total. One at the apex of the bottom of the ribcage and then two on each side below the ribs. I have stayed well educated regarding my surgery - during and after.
And so the count down begins ....
On Tuesday, I had my Pre-Op appointment with my Nutritionist. I have been seeing her since May, so we had already discussed the aspects of my nutrition and activity post surgery. We went over best practices and my vitamin (all liquid) schedule post surgery. It was a relatively productive appointment and scheduled my post-op nutrition appointment for 4 weeks post surgery.
On Thursday, I had my Pre-Op appointment at El Camino Hospital. This was a two hour appointment. It included submitting my admission papers (saves time the day of my surgery) and received information regarding an Advanced Healthcare Directive. Once all the boring paperwork was complete we went through the check-in process for the day of surgery, discussed expectations post surgery (peeing, walking and drinking fluids). It was very comforting to go through the steps before and after surgery. I was surprised to learn that the procedure is only 60-90 minutes. Then 90-120 minutes in recovery and an overnight stay in a private room.
Today, I received my pre-op packet from Dr. Khalil. It included pre and post op instructions and a special bar of soap to ensure that the surgical area and areas surrounding are extremely clean.
I have to check into the hospital at 11:30a on Monday, Oct. 12. Surgery is scheduled for 1:30p.
I have scheduled a massage for the morning of my surgery to relax my body and muscles before heading to the hospital.
I had my pre-op with Dr. Khalil 13 days before surgery. He was VERY please with my weight loss thus far (17.1 lbs). We discussed incision placement - 5 in total. One at the apex of the bottom of the ribcage and then two on each side below the ribs. I have stayed well educated regarding my surgery - during and after.
And so the count down begins ....
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Protein -- Can't get enough!
I have never been much of a chocolate fan, but it seems that all the decent protein shakes are chocolate. I have yet to find a non-dominant chocolate shake that I enjoy.
Costco has been my go to for all protein. Remember the rules of thumb for protein
Calories: 140 (1 rounded scoop)
Carbs: 3g
Protein: 30g
Texture: Rich and creamy
Taste: Very rich and chocolatey
Calories: 140 (1 rounded scoop)
Costco has been my go to for all protein. Remember the rules of thumb for protein
- Under 220 calories in total (this includes the liquid you're using for shakes other than water)
- Double digit protein (10g or more)
- Single digit carb/sugar (9g or less)
Some great brands I have found that I thoroughly. I always use a blender bottle with coil ball and extremely cold liquid (water, coconut water, sugar free coconut milk)
![]() |
Carbs: 3g
Protein: 30g
Texture: Rich and creamy
Taste: Very rich and chocolatey
Calories: 140 (1 rounded scoop)
Carbs: 5g
Protein: 25g
Texture: Rich and creamy
Taste: Very sweet
Protein: 25g
Texture: Rich and creamy
Taste: Very sweet
Anthem Blue Cross of California - VSG Requirements
At the advisement of my doctor's office, I contacted my insurance company, Anthem Blue Cross of California (Prudent Buyer Plan) to make sure that I had all my ducks in a row. Here are their requirements.
- BMI of 40 or higher
- BMI of 35 with a pre-existing condition such as high blood pressure, Type II Diabetes, PCOS, etc.
- 6 months of a doc. supervised diet (Weight Watchers, Atkins, calorie and carb reduction, etc)
- Pre and post-op nutrition classes (I am doing 3 pre-op)
- Psychological evaluation
- Blood test
- EKG
- Barium test
My doctor, who is with Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF), a Sutter affiliate also requires that I attend two surgery orientations. PAMF also offers an array of support groups for pre and post op patients. I love these groups.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)