lbriteyes

Ok. It took me an hours drive to get there. I went in and signed in. I was called back pretty quickly and talked with Charlene. She took my insurance information and copied my drivers license. Because my insurance company didn't send her the information she needed (big surprise there!) she had to call them during our appointment. We discussed the different methods of gastric surgery and how much each one would cost. Then she finally got the financial information from insurance (I'm just glad they cover anything at this point). Looks like it's going to be expensive in any case. After my appointment with Charlene, there was a lot of paperwork I had to fill out. Things like health history on me and my parents. Listings of meds I take (I cheated... I took a prefilled out form with me). Then I made appointments for the dietician and the doctor for my complete physical. When I left, I was given a form for fasting labwork, and a pee cup. I left my house at 10:00, and got home at 2:30. It was a long day. Ready for the next step Linda

Also good information. I'll write it in my journal. thanks. Linda

Good to know. Thank you for the information. :-) Linda

You did the same thing I did! Technical research makes it less scary... you get to know exactly what's going to happen, but first hand experience is invaluable. I read Tawnya's story from start to finish before I made a post, too. She's very well written and easy to read. She's kinda like a mentor to me. I wish you well on your surgery. I know it isn't easy. Not an easy decision, nor easy to physically do. The fact that you have a specific goal in mind is going to make it easier. I hope it brings you everything you want. Having children is a blessing (and sometimes a curse!). My daughter is currently having problems about children, too. First she didn't want them, and neither did her fiance. Then it went to her feeling like it was ok. Then she found out she probably won't ever be able to have them, naturally or otherwise due to endometreosis, plus some other conditions she's medicated for. Having the knowledge of knowing you have the option of having children to being told you may never be able to is devastating. I wish you well on your journey, and hope to read more about you. Linda

Its like taking the good with the bad. I'm learning a lot about what to do, and not to do from you. lol Have you had weight loss post surgery yet? I need to get a ninja. I really hate vomiting in general, so if I need to do a liquid diet for awhile, that's fine. Do they give you guidlines and hints on what you should be doing? How soon after surgery did you resume exercise? I know you have to drink lots of water. Is it difficult to get it all in throughout the day? Linda

There's really nothing I can do about my step-daughter. Its kind of like a death I have to grieve. I've done all I can. I have to realize that I did a damn good job raising her - she's a responsible adult. She works and takes good care of her son. It isn't my fault her mother poisoned her. As for the husband, he'll figure it out when she never calls him. I know what its like to only have one car. Having to take the husband to work when you have appointments is a pain. Especially when you have to get up really early. Its so important to have your independence! I'm glad you finally got your car so you can do what you need (and want) to do. It makes mama a very happy camper! Evaluation appointment is scheduled for Monday at 11:30 in the city. Its a long (about an hour) drive, but I know it'll be worth it. Ack! Twenty-one hours is crazy to drive in one session! You're going to need sleep to rest up for what you need to do when you get there. Driving tired is awful. I hope you will be able to talk your husband into stopping. Please be careful. Linda

I have my evaluation appointment on Monday. Not sure what to expect. The woman who called said to just bring my insurance card and drivers license. We'll see. My Dad and I have both been kinda down lately, so I called him to see if he wanted to take a day trip with me to ancestrial places in the state. We'll be traveling in state this time to a town named for our ancestors. In the fall, we'll travel to a neighboring state where it all began. We did that last fall, and had a blast... keep in mind that we have issues, and are a lot alike. We're very close, but not, too. I love him, but can only take so much of him. lol We both share a love of genealogy, so this will be good for us. I'll post back on the eval appointment. Linda

Definitely. Linda

Thanks. I had my first appointment on Thursday. Mostly a meet and greet thing. I laid it all out on the table, and I go back on the 30th. She seems nice enough. I've been taking my blood pressure readings and it looks like we're going to have to try a different med. :-( Linda

It was so good to hear from you this morning! I thought you'd be busy with the move. Is everything set up (other than the stuff that will be moved from your place)? I know what its like to move outside of the service, I can't imagine what has to be done in it. Arguement is over for now. Lots going on though. The birthday was a wonderful success. The kids had a great time discovering treasures in the sand. My dad and sister came, plus my neighbor and his wife. Music blasting throughout. Good eats. Linda

He took me off my high blood pressure meds. The heavy palpitations have stopped. Wonder of wonders. Suggested I look into a thrapist to learn how to deal with stress. I think its a good idea. I think I'm going to need one anyway for when I have the lap band surgery. My doctor said something about that, too. I dunno. We'll see. My blood pressure has been running in the mid 140's over mid to high 80's. Not too bad. L

I have mine on my refrigerator. lol I don't use it quite as much as you, but I do use it a lot.

I understand you'll be busy for awhile. Don't worry about anything but getting your move on. :-) I think if I had to walk off all the stress I'm feeling right now, I would walk clear to China. July 4th weekend is always busy. I haven't been able to sit down for mor than 10 minutes at a time to find out everything I need to. July 3rd was my 50th birthday. The fourth is... the fourth. I've been prepareing my birthday party since Monday. Today looks like rain, but its a light rain, supposed to clear up by birthday time. I have everything ready, just have to set it all out and grill the burgers. Most likely, this will be my last big party. Hubby and I argued pretty heavily on the 4th. It almost broke my spirit. But I'm stronger than that, and I will carry on with my parties. It isn't like he has to do anything for them. Linda

Wow! Lots going on with you. Its good to keep busy, though. Right now, I'm living in that dark place. My husband has never used my weight against me. When we argue, its usually about his daughter. She's in her mid 30's and is better than everyone. btw.. I raised her. I don't know how she got to be so different and hateful. The only variable was the addition of her mother into the mix. My birthday was on the 3rd. I lost a daughter on the 4th. She's not dead, but she's dead to me. She's toxic and causes nothing but pain. I had posted previously that I'd put her on a shelf. This time, she burned the box. It hurts a lot, but there's nothing I can do, and arguing with my husband only makes it worse. So I *have* to be done with it. Sorry. Off topic.... I love the idea of the rubber band. I'm going to use that. I have Klonapin for anxiety. lol Congrats on your car! I bet you feel a lot more independent now that you have it. I know that when I don't have a car, I feel soooo dependent on the kindness of strangers. I don't get out as much, don't get enough exercise, feel like crap. Even if I don't go anywhere, having a car makes me feel better. I'm going to read up on fills. I know what they are, but not how they work. And I have to remember to call the hospital to make sure they got all my information. They haven't called me yet for my eval appointment. I wish you nothing but good things on your move. I do hope it goes well for you. Linda

How awesome is it that you will have round the year farmers markets? The closest I can get is the organic section at Kroger, and even then, the pickins' are slim in the winter. My grandmother taught me to can foods when I was a little girl. I don't remember how. I think I should look into it. I really do admire your attitude about life. Life is hard enough without the crap we have to deal with. I sincerely hope you don''t have to suffer too much longer with the weight thing. You project yourself as someone who knocks down each obstacle in your way. You seem strong and more than able to reach the goals you've set for yourself.

One would think so. Add cholesterol and triglycerides and I think we have a party. The problem is jumping through all the hoops to get it approved.

That's what I'm thinking. I cut my dose in half, and it seems to have helped. I can't shake the fatigued feeling though. Its like I'm walking through Water.

Called first thing this morning. I have an appointment with my regular doctor at 11:00 today. Wish me luck.

I'm basically just waiting for a call to schedule my evaluation appointment.

Took the course online on the 24th. Yay! I'm putting a lot into my party. Amazon loves me. lol Linda

Sounds great! I'm with you about certain things tasting better the next day. Noodles are really easy. I don't have a recipe. lol The crock pot is the most underrated tool in our kitchens. I think people forget they have them. Linda

I'm glad you're on good terms with your inlaws. The more the merrier, right? I was sorry to read that you've been sick. I worried. Stress can really do a number on us. Although it sucks having medical problems on top of it. I hope you're somewhat better now. Remember to breathe. Long deep breaths through the nose and blow it out through your mouth, like you're blowing bubbles. Its great for relaxation. Hang in there. Linda

Blood pressure is all over the place. I'm so very tired all the time. Ugh. Linda

Spent the better part of the week in the hospital with severe palpitations. Had every test known to man, but they can't figure me out. I think its the new med for HBP they were giving me. I'm home now. Still unknowing, still scared. Can't see my doctor until next week. Resting until then. Linda

Ok, so it wasn't so bad. I was doing my research to calm my nerves when I found out that I had the option of taking the course online. I called and cancelled my in person appointment, and just did it online. Looks like the ball is starting to roll. I filled out the questionaire at the end, and contacted the coordinator. I'm just waiting now on my evaluation appointment. I should have an appointment for that by the end of the day. Here we go. Linda