I do better writing my thoughts down -- helps me work through them

1. My first appointment is Tuesday, Oct 4. I have questions

How does Medicare work? Is there a waiting period? Does it have to be pre-approved via the clinic? If not, how do I know they are going to pay? What has been MBS's experience dealing with Medicare.

How soon can I expect to have the surgery? Do I need to have so many pre-op appointments, nutrition appointments, etc.

How soon can I drive after surgery? (reason: I want to do this and have only Patrick know what is going on. I would prefer no one go with me.)

Are there any additional tests I will need?

How do I take my medicine after surgery? Confirm that I will have to give up Celebrex.

Upcoming cataract surgery -- should I wait until to have the bypass until after that is done?

2. I need to formalize my support plan.

Attend MBS support group once a week.

Dr. Harden - start seeing him as soon as surgery is scheduled. See him every two weeks until surgery; every week for first four weeks after surgery; then once a month for a year.

Keep Karyl and Pat in the loop and Patrick & Mayra.

Be faithful about food and exercise journal.

Figure out how to answer the "you have lost enough weight" comments and "why have you done this" comments.

Figure out how to handle being attractive again -- have I been hiding behind my weight; do I want another relationship; how far would I want a relationship to go. This is a topic I will need to explore with Dr. Harden's help.

Learn to exercise again.

3. How to handle pre-op stage cause I'm not doing a very good job of it right now. The last two weeks I've been eating way beyond what I should.

Get back to on three meals a day

No snacks

High protein, low carb

Eat a table, not in chair in front of TV

When watching TV find something to do with my hands (build a puzzle, finish afghan, figure out how to get on bike and ride it while watching TV

Spend less time watching TV. Limit my self to 2 hours each evening during the week.

Work on my Beth Moore study and bible archeology study.

Use RNYTalk blog.

4. Once surgery is scheduled:

How to tell Dr. Heard I will be having surgery and need two weeks sick leave.

Keep it quiet - how to answer questions aimed at finding out why I will be out.

Clean out kitchen.

Use weight loss surgery for dummies book to stock kitchen (pretty well stocked now)

Attend MBS support group weekly until surgery..

So I have a basic plan. Now I just need follow-through.