Today was my final pre-op appointment with my surgeon. Before she came in to the room, I took a couple pictures of the room. The one above is of their area… computer and what not. To me, that area looks like every other doctor’s office I have ever been in.  Then I glance around the room and saw this…

Take a look at these chairs. The one on the right is a standard chair. The one on the left is about 50% larger. That is the type of chair they have in the waiting room and at the nutrition classes. I had never really thought about it, but so many chairs are not made for larger people! I must admit, I love the larger chairs. I can fit myself and all my ‘stuff.’ lol

Dr. Peluso is great. She answered the few questions I had and encouraged me to call her if I think of any more.

I asked what percentage of patients who start the process don’t end up with the surgery. She said that about 2/3 of the people who start at the information session have the surgery. We talked about what sort of things would cause someone to drop out. She said it can be a variety of things, from discovered health issues to simply not being ready.

I know I have learned a lot about my body, including the discovery of thyroid nodules. I am fortunate that they are non-malignant, but I would never have known they were there if it were not for the clearances I had to get.

We also discussed my goal weight. I explained that I wasn’t sure what to set as my goal weight, and did I need to have one. She said that I don’t have to have one, but that she thought I should aim to weigh around 140-145.  I don’t think I have been that light since I was in maybe 6th grade?!?! I distinctly remember in 8th grade being weighed in Mrs. Kennedy’s office and the scale said 180lbs. I was shocked! I had not been weighed in years and certainly had not thought I had ballooned up that high!

She also said, “In my world, you are small.” I had to let that sink in… I have been the fat, big person in my world my whole life. My sisters, nieces, aunts, and friends are all (okay, mostly) thinner than I am. But that is not reality.  Dr. P’s office is not really reality either… she sees people on the largest end of the spectrum. I get that. But to hear that I am ‘small’ in anyone’s world really was a surprise! It also made me smile!

So, my weight today in the office was 236.8 (It was 234.4 on my scale at home). Let’s see if I can drop 100 lbs or so! I have one more picture to share.

This is a special body wash (and instructions) that I need to use 2 nights before and the morning of my surgery. It has special anti-bacterial properties to help reduce the chance of infection. How cool is that???

So one more appointment tomorrow… this is with my GP. He just has to clear me that I am fit for surgery and there will be nothing left in my way!

Yay!