I've been reading your blog for weeks, but this is my first time posting. I just got my date yesterday (April 22nd) and I am excited. It felt a bit like part of my life was on hold until I heard an actual date, you know? Anyway, mine has been an 11 month process. My seminar was 5/27/08 and my first appointment with the surgeon was on my birthday, July 18. Then I found out that my insurance company requires a 6 month process of dieting and clearance appointments. My 6 mos actually started on August 11, 2008. I was approved by insurance on March 2nd and had my weigh in at the office last Friday. I have 10 pounds to go and rumor has it that my doctor will refuse to do the surgery if the goal isn't met. My next appt to weigh in is 4/17/09, so from 4/9/09 until that day, I will be on a liquid diet. I can relate to your stories, B_G, and I am excited to go through the process with all of this support online. I've only told my immediate family and 2 close friends.
Thanks for being honest and sharing all your ups and downs. It helps. It also helps that my date and my son's acceptance to college next year came in the same week! Much less stress now.
You take care and keep blogging! :thumbdown:
Jill