and I meet a "pregnancy" psychiatrist..

This is a continuation of the blog from “blogging in 2015.. a DO or a DON'T?”..

You know, where I announce we are on the journey of growing our family- not sure what God has planned but we trust him.

If you have read my blog at all- you know I am a fan of counseling/mental health/ therapy.. A friend introduced me to my therapist through weight loss surgery and I still recommend Patti to anyone and everyone.

Another form of therapy is is hair therapy. I was sitting in Kate's chair and a lady and I started talking about being pregnant and I told her I wasn't sure if it was in the cards because of my adderall and medication issues. She says oh girl- call UAMS Mental Health Services for Pregnant Women and get an appointment with Dr. Stowe. And that is how I ended up in the chair at Dr. Stowe's office several months later.

Dr. Stowe was very friendly and down to business. In one hour we covered everything- how I was raised, if I loved my husband, what meds I was taking, what sort of pregnancy I wanted and more. I walked out of there more informed than ever!!! We discussed in great detail my medical history and how it was going to affect a possible pregnancy. He was pretty much to the point- according to the timetable - aka my age- the time is sooner rather than later. 

So.. We started with the Adderall discussion.. He says John and I need to research the information he is giving us and go from there. There are several options for me. I am still praying about with my husband but, we are leaning to a clean pregnancy with no Adderall. 

We discussed my neck pain and meds I take for that. He had great recommendations for that. He was clear that neck pain would not get better with pregnancy. I need a breast reduction. I have several nerve issues in the neck vertebrates due to large chest. I had injections 2 years ago and it helped.  We all know that surgery will happen within 12-18 months post baby for breast reduction. Dr. Stowe says additional skin surgeries will happen. I am not sure I have faced that reality.

Then we discussed why I am taking melatonin. I said well, since meeting John sleep has been different. Kids are early birds, I am taking a stimulant, I have more stress, and it's a side effect of surgery. He says melatonin is not regulated by FDA good enough in his opinion and he does not trust it for pregnant women. ​I am off that and trying essential oils. So far it is working..

Our biggest challenge with pregnancy is treating my acid reflux- there is a chance it will cause some complication with a pregnancy. 

Of course Nutrition stabilization was another topic. So far my levels are between low and normal with meds- He says we will do blood work and be very diligent about me eating healthy and seeing where we are at levels over the next few months. He says I am in great shape for being 18 months post-surgery but, he says I need to finish losing my weight. Therefore, I will continue using shakeology, working out and hopefully  continue to meet my weight loss goals. 

So “bariatric surgery to baby” plan is still going strong. My goals I talked about in my previous post are also going great. I have not had any caffeinated sodas since January 4th. The only soda I have had is sprite zero. I also have only used a straw once and wow, major improvement in my reflux and calories from liquid. I stopped using a straw because of my wisdom teeth surgery. 

So that is the latest update. 

Stay tuned...