ordinarybeauty

Thanks Kathy and Dorrie. I love that I am losing weeight and that I will lose even more with the help of my sleeve. Your support helps!

I have a great life, with one exception. My body has changed dramatically in the last few years (since my thyroid was irradiated) and I hardly recognize myself. I want to hike, dance, workout and live again with ease. I want to recognize myself when I look in the mirror. I want to be free from the pain I now have in my joints and muscles. I want to regain my strength. I want to feel good about how I look and strut my stuff again. I want to move in the world with the grace I have always known. I look forward to "leveling the playing field", to giving myself the VSG tool and to reclaiming my place in the world. In March 2012, I had interviewed one surgeon (Dr. Lauter) and though I was not thrilled with his demeanor (his boundaries seemd a little weak), I was preparing to use him as he and his program was quite convenient for me and for the requirements of my insurance company. In April, he decided to take a sabbatical which doesn't work for my schedule. Then, I researched other options and found a highly regarded surgeon (Dr. Chablis) who was a little further away but would do the surgery in a conveniently located hospital. While I thought he was arrogant, I was willing to overlook it as he reputedly has exceptional surgical skills. However, his office does not provide the pre-op medical supervision my insurance company requries and the provider to which he referred me for pre-op medical supervision is not approved by my insurance company. As I want to get the surgery this year, I will be traveling in November and December and my insurance requires a 6 months pre-op program, the clock was ticking. I met with yet another surgeon in May (Dr. Nguyen) and I am pleased to say that he fits all my requirements. He will be available when I want the surgery, his office oversees the pre-op program my insurance comapny requires, he and his team are covered by my insurance and have worked with them extensively, he and the hospital with which he is affiliated are conveniently located, he's Harvard trained in bariatrics, he will except the March meeting with Dr. Lauter as my pre-op program start date and best of all, I like his demeanor. My surgery is scheduled for 9/27/12. I started I have upped my exercise and decreased my calories. Since the beginning of May, I have lost 25 pounds and dropped one size. I am learning to eat my Protein first, drink more Water and watch my carbs. I am looking forward to continuing the journey and excited about reclaiming my life.