Checking in

[pizzicato66 1]

Hey gang! Thought I should check in after all this time. It's good to see everyone here and doing well. I need to spend a BIG amount of time catching up on everyone! In the meantime, here's what's happening in my world...

I'm settled in San Diego now, and really enjoying exploring the city. I do miss family, but I'm making friends and have my furchild to keep me company too.

The job is okay, and I'm committed to a year there before I find anything different, so I'll make do with the impulsive and mildly neurotic boss and understaffed team until the time is up. At least it pays pretty well and they moved me out (can't have everything, right?)

As for the weight loss journey, I've been stalled since I got here in May, but I haven't gained. I'm pretty much holding steady at 200 lbs (up a lb, down a lb but it's averaging out). But, other than just stopping when I'm full, I really haven't set any rules for myself this time. I know the stall is all my fault and other than really needing a fill, it's a matter of getting back to good eating habits to get things back on track. I'd love to lose another 20 lbs at a minimum, 40-60 total if I can.

Why haven't I gotten an adjustment since March? Well, this is where it gets annoying and nerve-wracking. First, I had a 60 day wait before my insurance kicked in here. I tried to be proactive by getting my referral and paperwork done well in advance, found out I had to go to the Pre-op seminar and I went (I was the annoying born-again bariatric in the audience, I'll admit it). After all that, I waited another MONTH to get an appointment, only to find out 1. they wanted me to pay $500 cash just to get in the program (they said they were giving me a break and it's normally $1500, even though I would be the first postop they let in - not sure what "normally" meant in that case), and 2. they refuse to bill insurance for fills and would want me to pay $250 cash for every fill because they found that people are more successful and don't abuse their fills if they have to pay cash. SO, 3 months waiting for nothing. I walked out with my file and started the search again. Arrogant jerks - never going back to UCSD.

Now comes Doc 2. I called all the other places in town and found one that would actually charge my insurance (which by the way covers fills regardless of what UCSD said), and wouldn't charge me an up-front fee to join them. The catch was that the doctor has to review my file and decide whether to take me on. So, I hand-delivered my file to them, switched primary care providers, went to an appointment with the new Primary care doc and got another referral. It's been almost 7 weeks since I dropped off the file and the doc still hasn't reviewed it. I've called every week, but the nurses are stonewalling me and it's doing no good.

So, I wait. 5 months since the last fill and counting, and use it as an excuse to not eat carefully. Meanwhile, my tummy has been sore lately. I get a localized pain right around my navel and I think it's a combination of my band being irritated and gas (probably from the irritation). Kinda freaks me out.

I think what I need to do is going on liquids for a day or so and see if things settle down. I really dont' want to go to a non-bariatric doc for my tummy irritation and I do think it will be better if I just eat carefully a bit more.

So, that's my saga. Sorry if it sounds whiney! I do miss you all and will try to get out here more often (can't do it from work at the new job so I need to make time at home).

Feel free to scold and guilt me into getting back on track!

Donna

[Candle 11]

Hi Donna!!

Glad you stopped in! Sounds like you are doing well in CA. It's starting to get a little chilly here in NY, I bet you aren't going to miss the MN winters!!! I’m jealous!

I know it's easier said than done but try and look at the glass as half full. You've been very successful with your band so far. Once you get the doctor stuff in order, which sounds like a major pain in the ass, you'll be back on track! Are you exercising? I've been fighting a major sweet tooth lately!

Even though it doesn't sound like you are thrilled with your job, it sounds like it's working out and you'll have more options next year. Most people (myself included ) are really worried about the stability of their jobs right now. All this economic stuff going on right now is down right scary!! Me and my boyfriend just got part time jobs at Netflix to try and help add to a little safety net. I'm in finance and my company is barely holding on right now. I’ve decided to wait it out and go down with the ship.

Are you going to be in MN any time soon? Holidays? Maybe you could see your original doc for a fill while you are there?

Have you found any belly dancing activities in SD yet?