I survived my first pre-op consult, and feel like I've got a new lease on life!!

I was running late, I should have been at the hospital for my first appointment at eight-thirty and didn't get there until nine, because traffic was insane at rush hour!!!! When I got there, I was pleasantly surprised to see the chairs had no arms, and the chairs that DID have arms were enormous, and could have fit three of me! It was the first time I didn't have to worry if my big butt would fit comfortably in a waiting room chair!!! :car:

My first appointment of the day was with the psychiatrist. Lucky me, I thought, getting shrinked at nine a.m. is a great way to begin the day!!!

The psychiatrist was actually wonderful, and my fiance and I will be going to her for couples counselling throughout my banding and weight loss process, because I told her about how he and I had discussed how it would change the dynamic of our relationship. She was thrilled I recognized the importance of that, and also that I recognize the seriousness of the decision I am about to make. She told me I am a perfect candidate, and that she will be telling the surgeon that,psychologically, I am a go-ahead for surgery!!!

My second appointment of the day was with the nutritionist, who was only like, two years older than I am, I swear! We discussed the need for my diet change. I am on my pre-op (which will end up being my post-op lifestyle,actually) diet, where I will eat three meals a day, no more than six hours apart, that will all begin with three ounces of protien, lots of veggies, and lastly, a single serving of starch if necessary. It seems to me like I am going to be eating a LOT MORE food than before, and a lot less random,grazing junk! I also have to drink 2 liters of water a day!

My last appointment was with Pam O'Brien, the most amazing Nurse Practitioner on the planet! She has so much spunk, and was so motivating! We discussed the risks and the benefits of my surgery, and what I expected of it. She also told me I am the perfect candidate, due to the fact that I am only 21, have a lot of life to live, and know the changes I want to see. She liked that I am willing to go out and act upon what needs to be done. She's a hugger, and I love that! She wants me to fax her the files from my pediatrician, saying that I have been overweight since middle school so she can prove that this isn't a new battle for me. She said only insurance is her concearn, because my company had a rider saying they excluded WLS unless medically necessary. It is for me, but she said they get to pull the definition of medially necessary out of their asses. Theses are the next steps for me to proceed!

1.sleep apnea test

2.lab/bloodwork

3.loose 15 lbs pre-surgery (easy!)

4.exercise 5 days a week/30 minutes a day

5.attend one support group meeting

6.attend 4 lifestyle skills classes

7.four week follow up with nutritionist

8.4 week followup with Pam (When we set the date!!! YAYAYAYAYAYAY!)

There is info overload in here, I know! And it's not even the least of it! I'm just glad that I'm getting this opportunity!

PRAISE JESUS!

Tomorrow I get my files faxed to Pam, and then pray for the next 15 days about getting pre-approved (using a false date to know if I'll get approved...)...Please Keep me in your prayers!