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Hi all, Froggi - hope you had a very easy surgery and are recovering perfectly!:tt1: Please update my current weight when you get a chance to 241 - I'm now down a total of 24 pounds, 14 since surgery! :):biggrin:

Hey CT Banders! Sil - congrats on your date - you're going to do SO well! Heather - I'm just getting to mushies...doing well so far, but it's only been two days :biggrin: I'm finding that 'more liquid' is better than 'more solid' so far. Had chicken risotto Soup yesterday and with the mushy veggies and soft Pasta, had no trouble whatsoever. Allie and Sharona - I hope to duplicate your results! I'd love to be down 45 lbs by my birthday in February, though I'm not going to destroy myself by pushing it too hard. My current goal is to make 230 by Jan 1st. First post-op appointment this morning, band support group tomorrow night. I'm loving my new banded life so far...making better choices with food, fighting the head hunger a bit (that's the hardest part) and people have already started to notice the weight loss! Had a NSV (non-scale victory) over the weekend - bent down to tie my gymshoes before walking the DDog, and realized my tummy wasn't in the way any more! It's definately not FLAT yet, but it's going down, and I'm so excited!

Hey Ladies, Can't remember if I posted this already (pre-menopausal brain fart) so here goes (again)... Surgery was Nov 17th - great experience! Was the 2nd surgery of the day - went into the OR at 10 am, woke up at 12 noon after surgery and was feeling pretty good. Had a coughing fit shortly thereafter, and I was glad that the anesthesia hadn't worn off yet! Didn't feel a lot after that - slept a lot in recovery, and it took them some time to find me a bed. Once in my room, I slept off and on (lots of tests, blood draws, etc) and got up at 4 am to walk. The next morning, was subjected to the "parade of professionals" :tt1:...all my doctors came to check on me, plus a few residents and some med students. I don't mind too much...they've gotta learn somehow! Out of the hospital by 1 pm that next day - the "swallow test" that morning was totally gross,:biggrin: but it showed that my band was placed correctly and all was well. Minimal pain in my incisions, mostly the port site. I took the liquid painkiller a few nights to help me sleep (I tend to sleep on my side, which was a little uncomfortable) and was following the 'eating rules' regarding liquids. The first week was a lot of sleeping and relaxing. I noticed the 'head hunger' almost immediately - I wanted to eat EVERYTHING!:eek: I think it was a sense of 'loss', knowing that I wouldn't be able to eat like I used to. That love affair with food is a dangerous and persistent thing! Now I'm two weeks out, and feeling fine. Back to work and was very tired at the end of the day yesterday, but still good. For those full-busted among us, my surgeon placed my scars in such a way that the first couple of days they were a bit sore, but I'm back in my regular bras now (even underwires) and not feeling too uncomfortable. A little sensitivity, but that's all. The port feels a bit weird - not used to having something there - but not painful. I'm now down approximately 14 pounds since surgery, 24 total. My clothes are fitting looser already, and I've 'donated' all my "fat" clothes to the local Goodwill. I'm thrilled to be on this journey - still working through the 'head hunger' but the restriction helps keep me focused. I can't eat nearly what I could before surgery (and that's a very good thing) and I'm satisfied with different things now. I am making good, healthy choices with my food (except for certain 'trigger' foods like Goldfish crackers) and haven't pb'ed or anything. PB - Projectile Burp - a bad side effect of eating the wrong foods :eek: Have my first post-op appointment today - glad to be eating mushies. Cream of Wheat cereal (lovely in the morning), yogurt, and lots of soup. I love soup, so that's not a hardship... Will keep checking in - congrats to all the Notorious Novembers and those waiting to be banded and become Darling Decembers!:tt1:

Hey Warriors, I'm back in! I'm back at work after 2 weeks recovering from band surgery, and I'm down 24 lbs (14 post-band as of this morning). I've got a goal - I want to hit 230 lbs by January 1st. That's 11 from where I am right now, and since I'll be on mushies for 2 weeks, I think I can make it. Walked with DH and DDog this morning (usual 1 mile), plus walked at work. Going to the gym tonight and will walk on the treadmill. First post-op appointment tomorrow morning with surgeon, so I'll know what I can do from that point. I know walking is good for me, but I REALLY miss the Iron... :thumbup: Hoping to get the clearance to get back to lifting...designing a new free weight routine to hit my trouble spots and help me build muscle while I'm losing fat. My ultimate goal is not only to hit my goal weight, but NOT to need plastic surgery. Maybe that's a little ambitious, since I'm looking to lose more than 100 pounds, but I'm gonna have a great time trying! Nice to be back in an Exercise Challenge thread!

Fellow Notorious Novembers, Nice to see everyone checking in!:thumbup: I was banded on November 17th - no problems there. The surgery was pretty fast - it actually took them longer to find me a bed for the night! After getting settled, I slept most of the night and into the morning. I did get up at 4 am and walk because I was suddenly wide awake. More thirsty than anything else, port and surgery sites were a little sore. It's too funny - I was the subject of a lot of 'viewing'...lots of med students and residents. I didn't mind too much - they have to learn by talking to someone! Took 2 weeks off - first few days on liquids was harder than I thought it would be, but I made it through. Broth, Crystal Light, water and I are good friends. My family is doing the same eating plan with me - DH is already down 8 or so pounds, DD down about 5. I'm down a total of 25, 10 of which was pre-surgery. I'm thrilled! :cool2: Tomato soup is one of my favorites...plus I like the clear protien drinks made by Isopure. I also had sf jello and popsicles, though my family loves them too so I had to 'beat' people off of them periodically. Sat on the couch a lot, caught up on my reading, HGTV and some crocheting. Only used the pain meds about halfway through day 1 and that night. I did use the Roxicodone for a couple of days at home at night. Now I'm at the beginning of week 3 and moved on to mushies (2 weeks on liquids was what my Doc said). I check in with the doc tomorrow. Surgery sites are healing well, though my bra band irritates them a little. At a size 40H, I can't go without, so I try not to move them too much. I'm going back to the gym tonight to walk on the treadmill - I can't wait! I've felt some restriction - probably due to swelling after surgery - and I'm glad for it. I'm definately not eating the quantity I did before surgery. This afternoon I felt nearly NO restriction, so I guess my healing process is going well. Now I must be even more vigilant about what I eat so that I don't put any weight back on. :tt2: I have a personal goal to be below 230 by Jan 1st. I'm at 241 right now, so I think I can make it - especially with me getting back into the gym. Congrats to all the Notorious Novembers - let's ride this wave of success right into 2009!

Princess - my doctor didn't mention me holding off, so as soon as I felt good enough, I invited DH back into my embrace, so to speak. We did modify our position and took it easy because I wasn't sure how I would respond. So far, side-by-side is working well. I'm afraid to try man-on-top because he's a big guy, and woman-on-top could be sensitive because he likes to grab my torso - if he hits the wrong spot, I might go through the roof,:cool2: so for now, it's strictly side-by-side... Just be careful, girlfriend - you don't want to have the port flip or you end up needing a second surgery to put it back in place!:thumbup:

Good afternoon Sistas, I got some difficult news today :thumbs_up:...I am anemic (found out at pre-surgery blood test) and they may want to postpone my surgery until my numbers look better. :tt2::eek::mad: My PCP told me and of course I cried...the good news was that my irregular heartbeat did not show up (good EKG) and my prior challenge with my platelet levels is gone - they are normal again. I SO want to have my surgery on Nov 17th! :frown: I am praying that taking my Iron supplement and eating iron-rich foods will help bring them up, and that my surgeon doesn't feel it's that much of an issue... Pray for me, sistas - I sure need it right now! :cool2::crying::w00t:

I know I'm late, but... I use both - HAVE TO!:cool2: When I first started, I could use either - I was a "regular" girl, 7 day cycle, no really heavy days. After my first child, I went to having 2 - 3 heavy days at the beginning, then tapering off. I used both on heavy days, light pads on the rest of the days. Since I turned 40, fibroid tumors have made multiple pads a necessity - my mom and my sister had them, so I kinda knew I was going the same route. First couple of days, I have to wear double pads and a tampon - and even then I have to be careful!:smile2: After the first 3 days, I can back off the second pad, and a couple days after that, I can back off the tampon and go with just a pad. I'm actually looking FORWARD to menopause because then it will finally be OVER!:cool2:

Hi all you Dedicated Exercising Warriors, I missed y'all so I had to come in and post...:cool2: It's been a while since I posted - things got crazy at work and I couldn't make it to the gym for a while, but continued my daily walks. DDog doesn't care WHAT my schedule is, and that's a good thing... Actually didn't walk on surgery day, but did get up at 4 am after and walk around the floor at the hospital - couple more banded insomniacs up to walk with - was kinda nice. Been home almost a week - walked every morning, though DD handles the dog - he pulls on the leash a bit, and that was just too uncomfortable on my incisions. Missed y'all - gonna continue to walk and wait for the okay to get back into the gym. Post-op appt with doctor on Dec 2nd, but back to work on Dec 1st. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!:smile2:

I wanna jump in too!:smile2: My Stats: Surgery date 11/17/08 Highest Weight 265 Preop diet starting weight 260 Surgery weight (Your weight the day of surgery) 255 Current weight 246 Goal weight 155 Thanks, Froggi for doing all of this!:cool2:

Hey Everyone!:smile2: I'm doing very well - 5 days out and feelin' fine! Very little pain during the day, still taking a little pain med at night to help me sleep (I tend to toss and turn a bit). Eating liquids and doing well on those - LOVE SF popsicles! My DD has become a Jello Mistress - she makes it for me nearly every day (the whole family loves it) and is a big help. My DH is wonderful as well - I could be on total bed rest if I chose to, but he's encouraging me to get up and get around when I feel like it. Still a little sore around the incisions, a little around the port, but no big deal. I'm losing already - I didn't really expect to, but I'm down a few since being banded. I'm trying not to obsess about the scale...:cool2: Glad I took 2 weeks off from work - sitting upright is putting a little more stress on the incisions than I thought it would, though if I had to go back on Monday (1 week) I could. Loving the banded life - the head hunger is the worst part...I am satisfied with SO MUCH LESS food right now than ever before in my adult life. Surgery was a breeze - had a coughing fit right after in recovery, but no biggie. I got up and walked the first night, dozed off and on most of the day, went home the afternoon after surgery. Feeling strong and good. Doctors eliminated two of my diabetes meds, took me down to 1 for diabetes and 1 for my blood pressure. I'm psyched about that! Loving the banded life!:cool2:

Hey all, I am on liquids for two weeks (banded Nov 17th) then mushies for two weeks, then slow transition to solid food. I'm just at the end of my first week of liquids and doing okay. The head hunger is what I'm fighting...I want a cheeseburger so bad I can practically taste it, but the stories I've read about pb'ing have kept me sane. Found out I really LIKE chicken broth - it's wonderful on a cold afternoon:wub: Hang in there!:smile2:

Hey Sistas, Had to check in and thank you all for your good wishes and prayers...they work! I am 5 days out from surgery and doing very well. I'm drinking my liquids / Protein and feeling good. I've taken at least a 1 mile walk each day, and feeling stronger each day. I'm no longer taking any Tylenol or aspirin during the day, but I do still use a painkiller at night - I tend to sleep on my side, and that's still a little uncomfortable. I've lost about 10 lbs so far since the surgery, and not feeling 'true' hunger at all. The head hunger is a totally different story...I think it's because I would normally be eating SO MUCH that my head thinks I'm starving. I LOVE the Isopure protein - it's a clear liquid, and has 40+ gms of protein per bottle. Of course, it took me 3 days to go through a bottle (following doc's orders not to eat too much) but since it's a little on the pricey side, I don't mind too much. I'm having NO trouble with my incisions - one of the smaller ones seems to have "opened", but it looks like a paper cut, so I'm not too worried. The one covering my port was hard to find at first - they are not puffy or anything, but a gentle touch around it let me know where the port was. My DH says I'm a little bruised around that area, so that confirmed it. I'm doing great and wouldn't go back for anything in the world. Gotta update my ticker - wishing you all the absolute best!!:smile2:

Here's my surgery day story...length alert - this is a long one! I was scheduled to be banded at Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) on Monday, Nov 17th by Dr. Andrew Bell. He is part of a three-doctor team of Bariatric Surgeons there. I called the Friday before and was told to report at 9 am, with nothing by mouth after midnight except for a stomach-acid pill (can't remember the name) at 6 am. Of course, I was up waaay early! Normally my DD and I walk our DDog at 5:30 am, so I did that as normal. The nerves were beginning to rise a little, so the activity helped. My DH was working midnights, so I took DD to school and got home in time to give DH a kiss and a hug. We live an hour away, so I drove myself to YNHH and parked in valet parking (a bargain at only $9 per day versus the parking structure at nearly $20 per day). :eek: Arrived at 8:45 and checked in at Pre-Admission. They sent me to the 6th floor at 9:10 am, and I was prepped for surgery. This consisted of changing my clothes, a conversation with the anesthesiologist on duty and a welcome visit from my surgeon and his team. He works with a medical resident and an intern - it was nice to see familiar friendly faces. :laugh: I was taken to the surgery area by a cutie-pie orderly with shoulder-length dreadlocks :w00t:(be still my heart!) who joked with me about trying to get tickets to the Obama swearing-in ceremony. Definately helped to ease the tension... Arrived outside the surgical suite and was greeted by the two OR nurses who checked all my info and took my DH's cell phone number (for the 4th time - everyone asked for it). Everyone was just wonderful and eased my nerves...not that I was TOOO nervous, just slightly nervous. They started an IV and I was out cold - don't remember anything else until I woke up in recovery and was having a coughing fit. Evidently my body didn't like the anesthesia and I must have coughed for 3 minutes straight. Thank God for morphine - I didn't feel much during this, but I did protect my new incisions by holding a pillow to my abdomen while coughing. It took a while for them to get a bed ready for me - I was in recovery by 12 noon, and the surgery started at 10 am. I wasn't in a hospital room until nearly 5 pm - of course, I didn't really care, because I was sleeping most of the time. Very little pain from the incisions - more like I had done too many situps in the gym. I was hooked up with a morphine pump, but didn't use it much. I'd been told I could hit it every 30 minutes, but only used it when I was woken up for a finger prick (I'm diabetic) or some such. About every hour or hour and a half or so... Once I got to my room, I slept well - seemed that more time passed than the nurses told me. I'd ask what time it was, thinking it was the next day, and it was only 10 pm or something like that. Got up and walked around the floors about 4 am because I couldn't sleep. The nurses were amazed - they didn't think I'd be up that soon. :cursing: Had one roommate - a cancer survivor who had been in and out of the hospital for about 3 weeks in the last 3 months. She was SO ready to go home, but had a bad reaction to something they gave her, so she had to stay overnight...there but for the grace of God... :thumbup: The next day, I was up and about - walking the floors, talking to the other patients and nurses, and watching TV (when it worked). Talked to my best friend from work who came to visit me twice, and drank lots of Water. No food, of course - but surprisingly, I wasn't really hungry. That's a new feeling! :w00t: Went for the "Swallow test" around 10 am. The first liquid they had me swallow was dark brown and very bad tasting - horrible stuff! :cursing: The second liquid was white, like milk of magnesia, and tasted like a vanilla milkshake. Not bad at all - and it was over in less than 30 minutes. They showed me the "picture" and all was well with my band. Went back to my room and slept more - not using the morphine pump at all, now. Just a little discomfort from the incisions, but nothing a Tylenol wouldn't take care of. Talked to the surgical team again - this time, they came in to check my incisions and brought several interns with them...oh boy! The idea of exposing my too-puffy belly to strangers wasn't my favorite thing, but I understand that they have to learn by observing SOMEONE, so okay - bring in the parade of interns! DH took the train to New Haven (we live an hour away) and took a taxi to the hospital. By the time he arrived (around 1 pm) I had recieved my discharge instructions and was dressed and ready to go. I am full-busted, so I had my trusty underwire bra - no problems with the incision sites. My surgeon was wonderful in placing them where I could wear my normal undergarments :wub: It's 4 days post-op and I've already been called twice by hospital personnel making sure I had scheduled a follow up appointment and getting a review of my experience. Great follow-through! I am recovering well, eating what's on my plan (liquids only) and doing well. Haven't weighed myself today, but am down a few pounds from when I left for surgery. No referred shoulder pain at all, very minor discomfort from my incisions (except when I have to cough or sneeze :eek:) and I'm doing well. Hope this story eases someone else's nerves...I don't regret a minute of it, and am looking forward to more great things in the future!

Good morning Notorious Novembers! First time I've been able to check in since surgery...I was banded on Monday, Nov 17th. Had a good experience - I'll post more details shortly. Surgery went fine - I think my pre-op diet really helped. I was in and out in less than 2 hours. Very small incisions, very little discomfort after the surgery. I was on a morphine drip, and after about 6 hours, I didn't need it any more. I used it the first night, but not much at all after that. I came home on Tuesday afternoon, and other than a little pain, I'm doing fine. Got up with DD and walked DDog the past three mornings (hubby working midnights) for about a mile each time. Feeling good, and glad to be officially in bandland!

Donna - you're right, it is a LOT to ask (or suggest) someone do...I think Diva's up to it though, based on her posts I've seen here... I know the pain of being talked about behind my back... it's not something I'd wish on my worst enemy, and something I hope to avoid when I can. If I can encourage even one someone to SAY SOMETHING to the person being dissed, and they can make a change that helps their health or their self-esteem, then I guess it's okay. :tongue2: That said, if Diva doesn't feel comfortable doing this, no pressure here...I completely understand!:tt2:

Sandy - that's awesome! 46 lbs already...you are doing so well! How much of that was pre-op? I'd love to match your numbers in MY first month...I've lost a few before surgery, but am looking forward to big losses after. I'll remember the Gas-x strips - thanks for the tip! I love to walk, so it's going to be fun getting around the Nurses' station...:tongue2:

LilMissDiva - that is a hard situation...several years ago, I had the same problem. Well, actually more than 10 years ago. My breath was awful...and I couldn't smell it! It took a really good work acquaintance to tell me about it, and yes, my feelings were hurt, but I'm really glad she told me rather than just talk about me behind my back. It ended up with me going to the dentist and finding out I had some really troubled teeth. That eventually led to me finding out I was a type II diabetic. My dentist said "Your teeth wouldn't be that bad if you never brushed them for 5 years - there is something systemic going on"...I thank GOD someone said something, because if I had gone undiagnosed, there were all sorts of bad things that could have happened. As long as it's done with a reasonable amount of sensitivity - if you know this person fairly well, you could ask them if their health is okay...that might get them talking, and if they ask you why, say that it's been talked about in the office (because I'm sure it has) and you're concerned for them (which is the truth). Rehearse the conversation in your head and if it sounds "soft" enough, you might want to soften it a bit further to be sure. It won't be an easy conversation, but it must be had. There may be something serious health-wise going on, and knowing that other people have noticed might be the push your co-worker needs to DO something about it. Good luck!:tongue2:

AthinnerDenise - that's my fear with getting involved with a threesome. My DH has said he'd like to see me with a bi / lesbian female, but if she's also into guys, I think I'd be horribly jealous and wouldn't enjoy myself. With another guy involved, I'd be worried about DH seeing me enjoying myself with another guy, and would he get jealous? He's not suggested THAT, by the way...:tongue2: I know a lot of the way I'm feeling has to do with my own self-esteem and more than a little insecurity. Some days are better than others...I'm hoping some of this will be resolved once I'm banded and get smaller. A lot of it is tied up in my visual and my health...

Congrats, Ronda - let us know how you're doing when you're able... Countdown to banding - now just 2 days! (I don't count today) I'm really excited and going to do my final shopping this weekend so I'll have everything I need...:tongue2: To everyone on a pre-op diet - hang in there! To all who sent me good wishes and prayers, thank you! I don't usually check in on the weekends, so the next time you hear from me, I'll be banded!:tt2::w00t::w00t:

PJTP...I'm only TWO days away from being banded! :w00t::tongue2::tt2::w00t: I'm going to do the last of my pre-op shopping today and tomorrow (if I can't find some things). I'm all cleaned up at work, have told everyone I'll be out for a week due to abdominal surgery (I had already arranged to take vacation on Thanksgiving week) and I can't wait! Had my Protein shake this morning (chocolate with Peanut Butter - YUM!) and will have a whole food lunch, then a shake for dinner...don't want to gain any weight pre-surgery. Thanks to everyone here for making me laugh, for helping me keep my head on straight, and for the occasional WTF? moment Will try to check in on the weekend - though I usually don't because they are so busy - but will definately check in when I get home on Tuesday afternoon. DH is working midnights, so he'll come and get me on Tuesday after he gets off work (and after he's had a nap...he's a real crank when he's sleepy, and it's a 1 hour drive to New Haven from my home). I'm going to drive to New Haven and leave my car in secured parking, then he will take the train and pick the car up, then pick me up. I'm soon to be banded!!!!

Hello Evahbody!:thumbdown: I'm in such a good mood...not even a minor mess-up with my insurance is gonna get me down! My employer (Yale U) covers the lap band surgery 100%, but I also have secondary coverage through BC/BS with my hubby for local stuff like prescriptions. Today, the surgeon's office called to say that BC/BS was listed as the primary, and the dumb folk at the hospital called them to get an authorization for the surgery! Of course BC/BS said "what the heck?" and then they were all a-tizzy. The surgeon's office is great - they just called me and told me to tell BC/BS that Yale is my primary, and away we go...simple process! A 5 minute phone call, and I'm all set...I know this is just pre-op nonsense, and I'm not letting it get me down. I'm flying so high right now - I've only got three more days to wait and I'll be banded!:w00t: Congrats to all the new forum visitors / members / posters...hang in there with the pre-op diet - it's definately worth it to make things easier for your surgeon!:w00t: I'll keep checking in, and you'll definately hear from me when I get home on Tuesday afternoon...as a banded woman!

Hey Sil, Yes, you told me so! :wub: Thanks for the good wishes and prayers - they work! I've been working with Dr. Duffy, and he did NOT require a pre-op diet. I chose to do one because I read so much about an enlarged liver being a problem during surgery that I wanted to give the surgeon as easy a time as I could. I started a pre-op diet of my own (2 shakes a day, 1 meal) two weeks before surgery. I fell off the wagon a bit this week, but will be okay, I think. Back on the shakes for the weekend to empty out my system, and Monday, I'll be in Bandland! I agree with you - the pre-op diet would have been WAAY to hard without the reward of being banded on the other side of it. I have tried it before to lose weight, but never really succeeded. My DH and DD are even going to follow me through the stages of my post-op eating plan. They are going to do liquids with me for two weeks, then mushies, and then back to real food. They are sweet to do that - and it will help both of them get on the right track as well. They will, of course, eat more than I will, but having company will make it easier for me. I will be sure to check in after my surgery - I'm so excited I can't see straight!!! :thumbup::biggrin::w00t::thumbup::w00t::w00t::thumbup::biggrin:

Mornin' Ladies! Reporting in to say that I'm only 4 days away from surgery and getting more excited by the minute! :thumbup::w00t::w00t::thumbup: Had my pre-op appointments and all went well. I've been walking every morning and at lunchtime, but we've hit a busy period at work and I haven't been to the gym. I'm definately going back as soon as I get the okay from my doctor - probably sooner because I can do aerobics without bothering the weights until he says okay. I'll be sure to clear it with him first. He is very supportive - and happy that I lost another 5 lbs prior to surgery! I was determined not to make the surgery hard for him, so the next few days I'm going stay with my protien shakes (2 meals) and a real food meal for either lunch or dinner. I was tested as slightly anemic, so I started taking a supplement called SSS Tonic. I feel better already - not so cold all the time - so I know my iron levels have come up. I will continue it after surgery because it's a liquid, so it will be easy to take. I have a goal to become his best lap band patient ever - I want to eventually co-lead the support group that meets here in New Haven. I'd also love to do one closer to my home in Norwich...I don't know if the hospital in my area does the lap band surgery, but I'm going to check into that. Congrats to everyone on their commitment to exercise - I know I would not be in as good a shape for my surgery if I was not exercising...keep up the good work! Trina - you are getting stronger - that's why your recovery time is shorter. Your body is telling you that it LOVES the exercise...you will probably gain strength and endurance easily! LastOptionAtty - your commute sounds a LOT like mine...an hour on the train, a 30 minute drive...I found a gym in the train station where I start my journey, so that's where I joined. I have to walk past it / drive past it every day. Though I've been working late the last week or two, I've felt kinda guilty about not working out because I have to SEE the gym every day! That's what made is easy to stick to my workouts initially...and it will help me go back to them when I am cleared by my doctor. Will check in before and after my surgery - thanks for all the prayers and good wishes!:thumbup:

Very happy to report that I'm on track for my Monday, Nov 17th surgery date...had a scare with anemia, but am better now. Can't wait to be banded...everyone in the surgeon's office is amazed at how calm and prepared I am. They even talk about the binder I bring to every appointment with all my info in it - I'm a bit anal-retentive about organization when it comes to medical and health matters. I don't depend on my memory - I write it all down and bring it with me! I'm SO EXCITED...Monday can't come fast enough for me!