Re: Re: Margie's MGB :0)

[Guest guest]

As I sit here and think back to the beginning of my MGB journey, I

have to wonder if it started in 1st grade and noticed my size difference, or

was it when I accidentally came across the clos.net site? Whenever it

happened, I sure feel privileged to be where I am today. I am Very happy.

I was searching on the internet for the ultimate miracle, and I

don't take that word lightly,because at that point I had given up on any diet

or otherwise useless way to end this battle. My attitude was " Everyone has

to go sometime " ? At 41 I didn't care when that time was for me, it had been a

looong battle. My aches and pains had finally took over. I just flat out

didn't care at all. I was ready.

Anyways, I clicked on a site and accidently joined the e-groups.

All of the sudden I felt so important because I was immediatly getting more

mail than the president. Not just ordinary mail, but, mail about other people

who felt just exactly like me? I thought me? asupport group? For real? Ohhh

ya it was for real and that's why I am still here. The support people were

giving, the help, the prayers, the answers, and people pouring out their

hearts about this terrible disease that no one else understood like me

" obesity " . Ohhh I hate that word! I hate it all! The contents of the mail

that week was mainly about the MGB and Contacts. As I kept reading I learned

I needed to Download The 1st. So, that, besides joining the e-groups,

was the very first thing I did. Oh and I downloaded 2 just because I never

do 1 of anything. As I read the manuel and lurked on the list I saw these

people mention page 4 of the manuel as a guide to follow in order to be

approved for surgery. So needless to say that is where I went. #1 Review of

the Patient Selection Criteria, well OK that was on the next page in the

manuel so I wrote down each subject and how I related to that. Now let's see

#2 well I had lurked long enough to know this one was a bugger! It was

loooong and sometimes it had the nerve to erase just before you complete it,

so I downloaded Stay Online, which I hope is working right now and you will

see why. I then filled out the form and printed it out so I could check it

and I didn't send it because I didn't have a PCP as of yet. This must have

been in Feb., which is when I met a pre-op that was having this surgery the

MGB on Feb. 29th. She lived only 10 min. away from me. She was having the MGB

on the 29th I almost had a heart attack1 I prayed and prayed for her and when

she got home she came to visit. I was totaly at ease with this surgery

because she looked great, felt great, and she was a nurse. I kept in touch

with her and kept reading the manuel, which is #3 READ THE MANUEL!!! #4 was

another story! A letter of support from a PCP who has taken care of me only 7

mo. (I just moved here)? Would he support me? I copied the manuel again,

cause you know, I needed 2 myself. I copied Dr.R's profile, the requirements

I needed from him, and the latest stats, and at that time I think he had done

maybe 313?? And I also sent a patient letter to my PCP similar to Dr.R's. I

put all of this in an envelope and strolled in the office. OK so he said let

me review this stuff and I'll let you know in 3 weeks! I kept my cool, and

truly wasn't worried cause I had alot to do anyhow. Then #5 I had to call PA

to get my abdominal surgery records. I did have 5 surgeries. I had a

c-section, a D & C and abortion (lost a baby), A Tubal, An explor Lap, and last

but not least Gallbladder!!!! I thought I took care of this in March. As for

#8 The Pictures?? OK I snapped a few and threw them in an enveloped hoping to

Never look at them again!! YUKKKKK!!Although it was a great form of

Motivation, yep sure was!! Ohhhhhh sorry #7 Contact with Ten Previous

Patients, I had a great time doing that, because I would meet so many new

friends and they would tell me their thoughts and stories. Now, the FAMILY

SUPPORT LETTER? This was the darndest things, all it took was 4 months of

being very nice and a visit from Mr. smith and wesson and WaaaaaLaaaaaaa Mr

Vickers was Very Supportive! Who'd a thunk?:0)

Bless his heart! he's got a huge one too! Now #10 was Real easy No

Alcohol!!!! Who wouldn't know that after surgery there can be additional

damage to the liver following Rapid weight loss. Alcohol has a Toxic effect

on the liver and can cause even death! Your body can just no longer process

alcohol. I have seen some NASTY liver diseases and I owned and operated a

nightclub in Pittsburgh (close to it anyways) and I have drank myself into

oblivion, therefore, I don't have any problems obstaining from Alcohol. I

have plenty of ways to have fun without and besides I have fun anyways It is

more fun for me to watch everyone else hehe!!

OK so I made an apt. for a pap and a mamo and physical. I started my Patient

Letter. I guess I had no problem with any of the steps? I am not saying I am

glad it is all over, because it isn't I will follow up with Dr.R till he

shooo's me away, but, It was all self explanitory.

OK so I am all done and I knew I had my PCP apt #2 on May 3rd!! I waited 3

weeks just to here " yes I will support you " and he didn't even mention my

surgery!!!!!! Well, He almost got Out The Door and I must admit I was teary

eyed at this point because all I wanted to hear was " YES " and he was just

going to walk out and I think I grabbed him (by the throat) and smiled and

said " Are you going to support me for this surgery " ? He said Oh ya, and

proceeded to leave! I was so happy I flew out of the office, I think i paid,

and went 100mph all the way home to send in my form!1I sent it in I think on

the 9th. In the meantime I moved accross town and 7 days or so later I

received Dr.R's letter he sent to my ins. in the mail and as you will see It

was GREAT!!!!!!OHH even though I knew I had a direct exclusion, I thought

there is No Way they can refuse me!!Wel yes they did, and for 24 hrs. I

booooo hoooo'd on the list and suddenly had 700 people supporting me Right

Now!!!!!! It was so awsome!! Thanks guys!! Ya know you can't keep a good

girl down!! I personally met 2 more girls that live nearby and loads from the

list who picked me up and brushed off my pants!! They prayed there guts out

for me and waaaaaaa Laaaaaaaa I was up and fighting!!well I decided I would

get a loan and self pay and fight later. I figured Have Car/ Have loan! Oh OK

How did I rationalize this with my husband? Husband/Harley........Margie/MGB

even steven woooooo hoooooo How could I lose? LOL It worked LOL How could I

lose?? By this time he knew I breathed and lived for this. In Fact, Yesssss

we did have a quarrel or 10 about the long Hours Dr.R requires us to be on

the internet and I am grateful he REMEMBERED to bring that up in clinic!

Thanks Dr.R. OK so now I am ready to send in my packet and it just happens

to be the week we had a vacation planned for months? OH NOO I called my Pcp

and Begged for his letter! Made up a physical form on the internet( well

someone else did) tee hee I won't use any names to protect the innocent1 I

called PA and Begged for my medical Records they Forgot to send, and received

it all in the mail the day before Vacation!! I Fed Ex'd that baby and Off to

Myrtle Beach I went!!Let's see that was Mon. June 21st On the 29th I called

home from vacation to hear barbara say I was approved by Dr.R and I got the

July 26th date! I had requested this date when I sent in the packet!

Cool!!!!! OMG I was ESTATIC!!!!!!!! The following Mon. I called Barbara who

is REAL NICE BTW, and confirmed my apt. I had to call anesthesia and put a

downpayment on that. I talked to (919)384-0200, SHE WAS VERY NICE. I

got my 2 cashiers checks from the bank and started packing!! wo Hooooooo!

Well I packed for 1 week and my husband said I could have gone on the

Survivors show?? Who knew?? Oh well I wont need groceries for months!! My

date was set for 7/26! I was going CRAZY!!!!! I decided to stay at the Duke

Towers. I wasn't sure if my hubby was staying andddd I wanted to have my dog

(which we left home:() and I wanted to be where someone else was having the

MGB? So here it is Mon. the 24th at noon and we are on the road!1 Holy Cow

was this exciting! We arrived in Durham at The Duke Towers at 5:35pm and

registered and had the weird lady call Judi and tell her my room # cause she

wouldn't give me hers. when my husband and I got to our door There Was Judi

and Lori waiting to greet us!!!! It was fabulous dawling! It was like meeting

your long lost sisters on the Oprah whinfrey show!! I felt like a million

bucks, even though Trish couldn't bring it upon herself to join them she did

wave to me from the balcony ! LOL My little soup feeder Trish!!LOL We all

went to the cracker barrell and met about 10 other MGBer's and ate even

though Carl Tried to Lose us hehe We found him!! We ate, talked, laughed, and

went home. The next day I was scheduled for the 1:00 clinic and I had to go

to dr.R's office and sign in and pay and then off to the clinic! it is just

around the corner! When we arrived about an hour early, I turned in my 2nd

patient info form and registered (make sure you print 2222222222 copies of

this or you will do it again! Then into a room full of US Great People!

needless to say there was endless chatter! debbie was explaining packets and

pictures, Barbara was measuring our waists and all that stuff and then dr.R

came in and introduced himself, had us introduce ourselves and tell where and

how we found him, and then he answered some questions, took the post op

staples out, and began to see us 1 on 1. He reviews your PI form, answers any

questions you or your family have, drinks carbonated beverages and makes you

feel very confident with your decision! Oh and at 3:00 you can call the

hospital and find out your surgery time If your surgery is on wed. BTW I was

Numero UNO!!!! Yep that means 1st one on the gurney and thats the 1st belly

ache I ever did have! LOL I was soo Excited, Happy, Confident, Smiling Ear to

EAR!!!!!!!!!!!! After clinic we all met at the Macaroni Grill! Of course I

had water w/lemon Yummmmmm! As I watched someone to the left of me w/

appetizer and filet(post-op, and wont give names), and to the right a hearty

bowl of soup! I sipped to practice! hehe I didn't care cause I knew My Big

Day I had Been waiting for was in a matter of HOURS!!!!!! It was so Super

Cooll to meet Judi, Carl, , Lori , Trish, , ,

, Jane, Jess, Valma! and loads of others! We took a few pics and

left early to go home and shower with dr.R's famous Hibiclens!!! It was so

soft and smooth and silky! LOL Oh How sweet it is!! I already took my MOM

that morning, put my patch on, and took my prevacid I was going to bed to get

some sleep! hehehe Rightttttttttttt I was up at 3:30 to shower and ready to

leave at 4:30 LOL we left at 5:30 picked up from the Fairfield and

she is from Texas! I just Love her, but, Boy can that girl talk!!! Bless her

heart! At first i thought she was nervous but, nope, I think she talked Dr.R

through her surgery!! I still love her I even nicknamed her JJ short for

jibber Jabber!! tee hee! sorry denise! i love ya! But, don't call me!!

LOLJust kiddin! AnywaysWe arrived at Durham Regional at 6:00 sharp! We were

early the employees were LATE!!!!!!! Anyhow I got registered and paid them

and was on my way to the holding area! There Ruth (who is wonderful) told me

to put my birthday suit under a gown so I did! Then she started my IV and was

very good I might add. she informed me she would be putting me to sleep so I

was REAL nice to Ruth!! Then Dr.R came in to say hey and see if I had any

questions, which of course I did not, after all the quizzes?? I had to fill

out a few papers the same ones that are in the back of the manuel. YOU WILL

FILL THOSE OUT ON THE GURNEY! There Is No Back Support!You Will Be Glad When

Done! It Is Very Very Uncomfortable!!You are allowed to copy from the ones in

the manuel, but you Have to rewrite them! Then I was wheeled into the OR! I

was very calm and wide awake!! But, I wasn't worried cause I knew Ruth had

big plans for me! As I looked to my left, Dr.R was playing solitaire on the

computer or something, then they placed some toasty warm blankets on me and

pillows under the legs WOW it was sooo nice! Then ruthy said Ta Ta and I was

off in wonderland! I woke up I only remember my room?? I guess they skipped

the recovery room?I remember my husband standing there I guess I pushed the

pain pump, just for precautionary measures cause I wasn't in any pain LOL and

just after that the nurse I love her VALERIE took my b/p and it was Toooooo

Lowwwwwww ! I always have Low Blood pressure, it runs in my family, but, it

was 96 over 43?? I was REALLY RELAXED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hmmmmmm Then They

immedatley gave me a shot to counteract the pain meds, and it did, I was

nervous about that, but I never did have any pain?? But I thought NO PAIN

MEDS????????? WHassssss up???????????/ I will tell you that Dr.R was Right

there ASAP. So was his nurse and the floor nurses and that kinda made me

nervous, but then again I was soo relaxed!! I don't remember what else they

did, but I was all back to normal by 2:30 Oh I got back to my room at 8:30??

I wasn't aloud up till 2 though! The only discomfort I remember was

GASSSSSSS YIKESSSS, So I walked alot!! I know they brought in a tray of

liquids and I remember Trish trying to spoon some broth in me and she is so

sweet, and Lori was checking in on me alot!! Thanks guys! I love ya!! I

decided to get some sleep around 10 and BTW I slept on my side and tummy?? It

was Great!! Then around 4:00 I woke up and I thought I was dreaming! I

couldn't move my hand!!!!!!! It was really strange! My hand all the way up to

my elbow was Hard and Sore and BIGGGGG like a mitt! I couldn't move my

fingers! I was scared so I buzzed the nurse, by this time it was and

she said " Oh you are the 2nd one tonight! It has infiltrated! I said What's

That!!!! She said It was when the IV solution goes in your tissues instead of

your vein!!! She took the IV out thank Gawdddddd and put a warm cloth, which

didn't help and that was it?? It finally went down today!! 5 days post op!!

My vein where the IV was is still Very red and Sore!! Finally at 7:30 Dr.R

came in to discharge me and ask if I had any questions. I didn't so I left

ASAP and took denise to the drugstore Eckards by the Fairfield, it took what

seemed to be about 2 hours for the poor ol boy to fill em? I thought we were

gonna be lying on the floor!LOL We took to her Hotel and went to ours

and rested and walked the rest of the day trying to get rid of the gas. The

day after Fri. we went to a mall and walked around and then rested. sat. we

were going to attend the support meeting which we did take Judi and went,

but, my hubby was feeling bad, so we left . I did take alot of pics, but

when I went to load them it said they had a Stealth Virus?? So I didn't load

them? We drove home 4 hrs no problem, at all. I made it home and I feel real

good! At first, actually untill today It is very hard to take a deep breath,

burp, or yawn. Yikes! But it dissappears and is normal I guess? I have had NO

REFLUX at all, NO NAUSEA< NO PAIN < My swelled up feet and face is

GONZO??????? I think Dr.R tricked me cause I feel too good!! But I really do

! I am about ready to die and I want you all to know that I cannot type1 This

was done with 2 fingers! I think I deserve a standing Ovation!! LOL Hey If

anyone wants to know anything at all you can e-mail me : MCypher31@...

or Call (864)284-6060 I am home most always1 hubby leaves around 8am and

returns anywhere from 4 to 6 We usually hit the sack around 10:00. Call

Whenever! If I can't talk I'll call back! Hey Does anyone have an easy way to

take the protien mix????? YUKKKKKKKKKK It does make a huge difference though!

Oh BTW I love you all! Wish you alllll my best!! And Dr. R.... You Sure Got

It Goin On!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good Luck! Love Margie Vickers

The 1st 7/26 post-op

Self - Pay

Start 232

Evaporating!

PS I am all pooped now I need a back RUBBBBBBB PHILLLLLLLLLLLLLL :0)

[Guest guest]

Margie...

That was incredible girl!! I felt like I was there! It did

take a long time to read..like you warned me earlier on Instant

Message..lol..but was worth it! I am so happy you are doing so well. People

like you really put my mind at ease! I have to say I rolled on the floor

laughing several times during your story. You are such a hoot! Can I ask

what you have been drinking since surgery? Anything especially good or

yucky?

I wish you were closer so I could come visit you! Are you going to the

September picnic or the cruise in February?

I will catch you later or call you...was going to today but I was gone most

of the day with the funeral and then when I got home youe were online typing

FOREVER!! LOL!

talk to you later!

Hugs,

Holly