01january

1/6/01 Happy New Year everybody! It has been too long since I updated my journal...I've been so busy! I joined the YMCA today and I am really excited about it. They provide free childcare too which is way cool! I have had a frustrating couple of days pertaining to my WLS though. I called Dr. Callery's office on Thursday to make sure all my ducks were in a row and found out all my ducks had flown the coup! I had my final pre-op test done on 12/27 and was told that Dr. Callery would have the results within three days. The rest of the tests were to have been faxed to Dr. Callery when those reults came in, which should have been 1 - 2 months ago. Marte informed me that they have not received any test results...not a one! The reason that this is so crucial is that my surgeon doesn't even submit to the insurance company for approval untill he has these tests on hand to provide them. At this point, after all these months, I still don't know for sure if I'm even approved for WLS.

I immediately called my PCP's office and left a message with the call center telling my Doc what I needed and that I would come in and pick up the copies of all the tests the following day. Of course when I got there the next day they didn't have them ready for me because they were swamped - I kind of expected this. They told me to call them back on Monday. I did, however, get a call back from them that evening confirming what test results Dr. Callery needed and they told me that they would fax them to his office. I asked the nurse to mail me a copy as well just to cover my bases, and she told me that she wasn't sure if she was allowed to do that. I don't understand why I can't get copies of my own tests but WHATEVER! I'm so ready for this part of the process to be over and I keep reminding myself that I am almost there. Hopefully Dr. Callery will receive the fax next week and my case will be submitted to my insurance provider. They ask that patients call on Wednesday to check status so I have to wait til next Wednesday to be sure. Luckily my insurance company usually approves/disapproves within 2 weeks so I shouldn't be in suspense too much longer! I am hoping, realistically, to have my surgery in February!!!! Oh I hope, I hope, I hope!!

1/07/01 Well I finally have my after-care all worked out. What a releif! We live in a small apartment above my husband's grandmother and have to go up several stairs to get in. Everyone who I have talked to, who has had WLS, said that I probably shouldn't go home for the first week or so because of the stairs. In addition to the stairs, I've been really anxious about my 16 month old daughter. I know I won't be able to keep up with her let alone pick her up for a couple of weeks. Honestly the thought of caring for my daughter has caused me more stress than the thought of surgery! Friends had offered to let my daughter and I stay with them for the first week (Thanks Nanci!!) but that would be hard on my hubby I think. Grandma came through and invited me to stay in her guest room until I can make it up the stairs safely. My husband's Aunt has also offered to come over while my husband's at work to watch the baby. My sister Alisha, has also offered to come stay with us for as long as I need and my friend, Wanda, has offered to take time off from work if needed. I feel supported! The best thing about this set-up is that my husband and daughter can still sleep uptairs in their own beds so it won't throw off their routines. I think everything is falling into place and I don't feel as anxious. Now I'll probably start freaking out about the surgery!

I joined the YMCA yesterday and am looking forward to starting an excercise routine. I am especially interested in water excercise!! They have free babysitting too - bonus! My friend Nanci joined with me so I even have a workout buddy. I am cancelling my other gym membership which I have only used once in the last 2 years! I'll let you know how it goes!

1/10/01 I called Dr. Callery's office this afternoon to make sure that they finally have all the test results and to my surprise and disapointment, they were still missing some of the lab work, although, my PCP's office did fax everything else as promised. After several phone calls to my PCP's office and the lab we figured out that the lab failed to run the missing tests. Upon examination of the paperwork they determined that the lab technician overlooked the tests that were clearly marked on the lab sheet. I am going back to the lab at 7:30 am tomorrow to have more blood drawn. This really is getting rediculous! Once again I am reminding myself that it is worth all this effort, I will get there!

I took a flexibilty class today and it was really good! The focus was stretching and correct breathing with a little strength training at the end. It was slower paced and actually relaxing. I was the only obese person in the class and found myself wanting to leave more than once before class was over. Damn mirrors! It was hard to do some of the moves due to my size..in a few months it will be a peice of cake right? I hung in there though, and I'm glad I did. I'm taking a day off from the "Y" tomorrow but am planning on going back on Friday...I'm even looking forward to it. Three days in one week? That's got to be a personal record!

1/18/01 I never made it to the "Y" on Tuesday but I did go today. I took water aerobics with my friend Jamie. Jamie had WLS just over a year ago and she is doing incredible. She has lost 198.5 lbs!!! She has a great Website called "Weight Matters". There are lots of before and after pics. Click HERE to check it out! I found out that my surgeon now has all of the paperwork necessary to submit to my insurance company for approval. Now just waiting for the final word! I'm happy, although I probably won't get a date before the end of February as I had hoped. It will be great to finally have a date scheduled!! It all seems a little unreal now.

1/22/01 On Saturday I went to a luncheon with a group of friends from an on-line WLS support group I belong to. There were about 23 of us and it was incredible! All but 4 of us were post-op and everyone looked so healthy and happy. Many brought before pictures with them...so amazing! I went with my best buddy, Wanda, who is 6 months out and has lost 105 lbs. She went from a size 22/24 to a size 6!! It was a very inspiring time, it really reinforced the decision I have made, I guess I can be patient a while longer while awaiting my insurance approval. I've come this far!

1/29/01 I GOT MY INSURANCE APPROVAL TODAY!!! I am so very happy! They are sending the approval letter out today and Dr. Callery should recieve it within the week! I can hardly believe that I'm actually approved. I still have my nasty cold but I think it is just about gone. I hope to return to the YMCA before this week is out. I'll have to wait for my daughter's nose to stop being runny and gross befpore I can put her in their daycare though. I really want to make sure I am healthy so I don't have to worry about postponing and rescheduling surgery dates! Right after I got the phone call telling I was approved I felt a little nervous but now I don't feel nervous at all! I'm just totally excited. I am comprising a list of things to take to the hospital when I go for my surgery. Most of these items have been suggested by patients who have already had their surgery. If you would like to view the list CLICK HERE. Feel free to print out a copy of the printer-friendly version at the bottom of the page!