NSV

NSV = Non-Scale Victory. It is a phrase commonly used by those working on losing weight. We definitely have scale victories to celebrate, sometimes the NSVs are even more exciting. For example, I now fit more comfortably into some chairs. I fit into pants that didn't fit a few months ago. I had to tighten my bras straps. It is exciting to have a few NSVs creeping up on me, even before I have my surgery. I look forward to even more.

Down the hatch

On Tuesday I had my upper endoscopy.  It was really interesting. I was wheeled around in a hospital bed, given an IV (the first one in my life!), put on oxygen, and sedated with versed and fentanyl. The drugs were fun...it didn't take me long to black out. I woke up after the procedure was over and was groggy and goofy. I don't remember much of that next few hours...just little snippets. I slept much of the afternoon too. Doc said everything looked pretty good down there. I have a small hiatal hernia, which is fairly common and might be repaired during the surgery. I also have some minor evidence of reflux. I wouldn't be surprised if that is damage lingering from when I was pregnant. I generally don't have heartburn on a regular basis, but when I'm pregnant it is debilitating.  The doc took a few small biopsies (standard procedure) but doesn't expect to find anything. He said I look good to proceed with surgery.

So that is it. All the hurdles are complete. I've lost another couple of pounds, so I'm now 10 lbs under the surgeon's requirement. I just have to maintain (or lose) for another 6 weeks until surgery. Next significant date is June 20 when I go down for the pre-op appointments with the surgeon and anesthesiologist.  In the meantime I might need to find some new pants. These are getting kinda loose.

The last big hurdle

Tomorrow morning I head down to Eugene again for my upper endoscopy. It is the last significant step in the process. Most likely everything will look great and the surgery will proceed as planned. On the off chance there is something to consider, we still have plenty of time to address it. I'm very curious to see how it goes in the morning. They say I won't remember anything and that I really won't feel any discomfort. The entire procedure only takes about 5 minutes. Keith is coming down with me because he'll have to drive me home when it is over. In the hours before the appointment, I get no food or liquids. Should make for a chipper morning. ;-)

I have a date!

My surgery has been officially scheduled for July 5th. Pre-op appointments are June 20. It is all moving forward.  I still have to complete my upper endoscopy, which is next Tuesday. And I have to keep my weight steady or go down. I've lost a few more pounds recently, so I think I'm doing okay. Down to 280!