Sunday, December 28, 2014

12/29/14.  I am waiting for my insurance to be in effect on January 1st so I can enroll in the bariatric program with the insurance company, then call the surgeon for an appointment.  I've been preparing for this since last March. The very first thing I did was,  I quit smoking.  I heard the surgeon would deny me if I smoked, because smoking will make it impossible to heal, and could cause leaks.  Don't want that!  I've done a ton of internet research, watched a ton of you tube videos.  Attended a seminar at the surgical facility I plan to use, with a friend from work who has already been through the surgery,( and is doing fabulously!)  I set up monthly appointments with my PCP for supervised diet purposes (for an insurance hoop).  I had my sleep study (twice!) this summer. and have been diagnosed with sleep apnea.  I now use a c-pap machine.  

There is quite a large group of people at work who have either already had the surgery, or are waiting for approval from the insurance company for the surgery.  They set up a monthly support group meeting, and that has been fun. It's nice to be able to discuss it without being judged. 

I told my Mom about my decision in July (I think).  We were at the YMCA walking on the treadmill, and I just came right out with it.  Of course she thinks the "sleeve" means I would be wearing a "sleeve", which is a little comical.  You have to understand my Mom is 85 years old, and my best friend. As time has gone on, she has done some research on her own and is on board now.  I told my husband rather gently.  It took some time and careful planning, and rehearsing the right words for him to understand.  It didn't go well. Of course the first thing he said was "stop eating, and get off your ass and work out".  Um, ok. I tried that.  I tried it every year for the 26 years that we've been married.  It doesn't seem to be working. I lose the weight only to gain back even more........every single year!  So, I suppose he believes I should stop eating altogether, and work out non stop, forever until the day I die.  Because, unfortunately, that's what it would probably take, and I don't even think that would make a difference.  I'd just be fat, undernourished, and tired, or fat and dead.

My PCP took lots of notes during our monthly meetings.  My Dad died from complications from diabetes and heart disease.  He also had hypertension, and had a ton of mini strokes. These are things I would really like to avoid. So my PCP agreed this was a great choice.  I met with my OBGYN last week, who also was super excited that I had made the decision to improve my health and quality of life and the fact that I had decided on the KC Bariatric Pavilion, and Dr Hoehn cinched it.  He told me Dr Hoehn was a genius and was the very best of the best. 

Today I told my sister.  I probably didn't need to do that.  She is not on board.  She is of the philosophy to just eat less, and work out more.  She asked me if I really thought this through.  I had to laugh to myself at that question.  It's all I think about from the time I wake up till I go to bed every day of my life.  I have been the fat one all my life.  I have been teased, ridiculed, been the last one picked for teams in school, made fun of, and talked about behind my back all my life, and I'm done.  I am ready for a life style change, and since I can't do this on my own, I am going to ask a doctor to help me with it.  

I will update the blog once I call the insurance company and contact the surgical center. 

This is going to be a game changer and I'm ready for it!  BRING IT!!