We're back safe and sound.
Just a run through of the happenings in Melbourne....
We met with the Psychologist Wednesday - he seemed o.k. ran through everyhting from start to finish. He then spoke with Small Man alone for 15 minutes which threw me a bit - but I get it and it was fine (I'm just not used to it). His summary was that Small Man doesn't have any 'mental disease' that would go against the lap band - that he presents well but has some issues - and would benefit greatly by some weight loss.
Thursday we met with Dr Matt - an awesome Englishman who specialises specifically in weight management for children. What a lovely guy! We went through everything then with him, from start to finish, on the health aspect, the eating problems etc
During the appointment Prof John arrived. Wow! What a genuinely kind and understanding man, so sweet. He also had extra questions, after Dr Matt had filled him in on 'the story so far'.
Long story short the plan is:
Small Man is to start on Xenical (gee, didn't someone want him on that last year.....anyway!) which is a medication that stops your body absorbing any of the fat you eat - it passes straight through. He will still need to follow a low fat diet because it's not a magic wand - eating too much fat could really upset the belly.
He is also to go back to physio - YAY! he loved it there, and it was helping. Dr Matt is going to request it for us - I offered to take Small Man privately but we both agreed that familiar is better with the anxiety etc
These are to prepare him for surgery.
Prof John feels Small Man is a candidate - however we all feel that maybe, hopefully the Xenical will work and he won't need it.
So our aim is to get 'fit for surgery' - but the reality may be that he won't need it - his goal loss is 25kg -to a maximum of 35kgs - if he loses say 10 - 15 kgs on Xenical he won't need the band as his BMI wouldn't be high enough.....all good!
The only downside is that Dr Matt has to apply for it - and it could take 6-8 weeks to get approval.
We also have to get further blood tests done - and anything else he may have decided after putting it all together.
We then saw the head dietitian at RCH.
What a nice lady!
Small Man was a bit grumpy by the time we saw her, but she was so great she even had him talking by the end and asking questions.
She congratulated me on the job I am doing with the food he currently eats, as I explained how I cook and select his food to keep it as low cal, GI & fat as possible with what he will actually eat.
She will be an email away with help with his diet for Xenical.
The hospital is ginourmous!
We had a job to find our way to everywhere - at least next time it will be easier.
We did some walking while we were there - oh my!!!
All around Chadstone Shopping Centre Tuesday, City DFO Thursday afternoon, then the Vic Market Friday. Scored a few good bits for Small Man - spoilt him just a little bit - but he deserved it! He ended up with a new hat, trousers (found a pair - at Target of all places couldve bought them here - oh well!), a long sleeved top, a t-shirt, a necklace, a gun (toy machine gun), a new watch, undies (how exciting!).
Z17 got a trendy zip up hoodie from the Industrie store, an awesome looking stainless steel ring, a 'shock pen' (trick pen gives u an electric shock) and a 'shock lighter' (same thing) - he's into that stuff! I could have bought clothes galore for Z17 - he has the shape for the current fashion, but I'm always conscious when Small Man is with me - he'd love to be able to wear that stuff - one day!
Big A got a sexy black Zippo lighter (he's hard to buy for!).
Me - two pairs of sunnies for $5 each (just what you need in Winter - haw haw!) and a long sleeve top - that's all I found really - was after some boots - no luck - they make them for people with barbie doll legs I think - I wanted them with enough calf room to fit jeans in - FAIL!
Small Man coped o.k. with all of the walking. I was conscious to keep the drinks up, and to rest him often, and not to let him go for long without eating something. He managed to find the 'husband chair' in most shops which was good!
So that's it.
I'm pleased with the outcome.
Small Man was hoping for different news I think, but I think he's better about it now.
Thanks everyone for your good wishes,
I haven't had internet access all week so found them all last night.
G
xxx
6 comments:
Yay, that's great news!
Wonderful to hear all the support you're getting, too, as it's not easy.
Glad to hear Small Man enjoyed himself, leaves him with good memories of the visit :)
Gina, wonderful news. The plan sounds quite a good one - although the Xenecal plan gave me a start it is worth the try because it might do the trick. I hope all goes well with that and that the medication suits Small Man. Glad there was some time for retail therapy as well.
Holding you all in The Light
Good for all of you!
At least it was fun as well!
you impress me. you are helping your son find an answer to his issue instead of yelling at him for eating too much.
not all parents look at it the way you do. my mother was the kind to yell, "stop eating", instead of pushing the doctors to find out where my appetite came from.
ah well, it's good to know not everyone is that way.
I hope Little Man gets what he needs from this. Carrying extra weight takes a lot of effort. It wrecks your concentration on the rest of your life.
Good luck to you and him. And again, you freaking rock as a mom.
Thank you, you are each very precious indeed.
Small Man is now suffering extreme exhaustion as I expected, but you know I always carry a teeny bit of hope that the fatigue will end - not just yet it seems.
Jayne - It was great - such a change to what we've experienced in the past!
Miss Eagle - I'm happy to give it a go - it acts on the body, not the mind which is always good!
Warriorwoman - I reckon yelling would make things worse...
I fear regret, especially looking back and thinking "oh maybe we shouldve done something when he was younger". I also have always believed there is a reason for everything (in life, not just this)- not an excuse as my DH likes to think I try to find sometimes - but a real reason.
Cyndy - Thank you!! We did have fun - especially when we couldn't work out where to put our coins in on the tram....so had a free trip to the city....ooops!! Us Tassie folk just don't 'do' trams and things!!
G
xxx
YAY, I am so thrilled to hear that there is some support.
Go Small Man.
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