Okay so, as you guys know- I had a sleep study appointment ordered for February the 14th... so ya, I spent Valentine's night in a sleep lab- hooked up to 30+ wires all over my head, body and face.
I also had chest/abdomen straps that monitor the breathing which were just a little too tight. Nasal plugs too. Ugh.
 
Adding insult to injury, the bed was like a rock and the room was ice cold (I'm prone to cold cause of my anemia.) Yikes! I mean, I thought it was gonna be easy as pie. Just sleep, right? Instead, I barely slept 4 hours and I woke often. What a horrible, uncomfortable experience! I hope I never have to do that again.
Anyway, Sleep Apnea was detected. The technologist also said he observed insomnia and aggressive tossing and turning...he concluded that I'm a pretty violent sleeper. No shit, Sherlock. :/
I couldn't wait to get out of there. I mean, I don't usually complain but I am Queen Cranky when I don't get my sleep! Grrr! lol

Unfortunately, my Psych Evaluation was scheduled for the morning right after the sleep study; February the 15th at 9:30 am. Since, I live over an hour from the Psych office I wasn't able get sleep at all. My old man got out of work at 6:00 AM and drove right over to get me- so he didn't get any sleep either. My poor baby. I'm lucky to have such a supportive man that loves me. Believe me, it doesn't escape me in the slightest...I am very thankful. :)

The Psych evaluation went super smoothly. It took about 20 minutes. Lots of questions, but in the end the doctor deemed me READY FOR SURGERY! Yay! Both birds killed with one stone...

When I got home, I changed my clothes and called my bariatric coordinator. She told me that the NEAREST appointment for a nutritionist is on March 3rd. I felt a little disappointed because I was hoping to get a Feb 22nd date. I'm gonna try to be patient and keep positive no matter what.

The nutritionist is going to cost me $290 for 2 years. $$$! It isn't covered by my state medicaid so it comes out of my shallow (dusty) pocket. lol. Also, UNTIL I finish that initial appointment with my nutritionist- I cannot get on the surgery waiting list. So, who knows if it will be in April after all. :(
I'm just going to do what I have to do and HOPE that I get on the Medicaid Patients Surgery List ASAP.
** In state medicaid, in order to get bariatric surgery- there's a waiting list.**

Waiting is the hardest part. Man, I am SO ready. I am so excited, determined and nervous-rolled into one. Keep me in your prayers, guys.

Here's hoping for my VSG in March/April...and to a new way of life. Cheers!

Ooooh Yeahhh! Raf and I are gonna celebrate our Valentine's Day in rock n roll style! Friday night we're gonna hit the casino, share some champagne, a good medium-well steak, some Social Distortion, and LOTS of kisses! ...That should SO make up for the sleep lab nightmare. ::giggle::

Weeeeeeee :0)
Big hugs for everyone!
Amy Lou

So mid last year, I said "2011 is going to be my year."

I don't remember what I did first. It's as if I was led by winged, biblical figures to my destiny.
For the life of me, how I got on this path is kind of hazy. I just know that God put me on it.
I remember losing my job last year after a debilitating knee injury put me on an extended medical leave... and in crutches.
(Yeah, this probably sounds all too familiar, huh?)

So, there I was... In terrible pain, depressed and broke.
Then one day I had to sit on a cooler to wash my hair in the shower. Oh hell no.
It closely resembled what drug addicts like to call Rock Bottom.
GRRR That was it! I was so vulnerable, so angry and in such darkness. ...Desperate and just FED UP.
I started to harass my local government.
...To be honest, I never thought I'd be given a chance at such a miracle.
I hadn't even seen a doctor in YEARS. I was hurt and friggin hopeless.
God intervened.

After something like 67 days and tedious paperwork, I received a phone call:
I was being pre-approved for disability and medicaid benefits.
What?! ...Really? ::limps for joy:: An open door at last! :)

Months of hospital appointments, legalities, sports medicine surgeons, doctors, nurses, check-ups, pain, fiery hoops, etc.-
I was getting some help from the government in changing my situation. Hooray!

I researched WLS for almost two years before I even became injured...
Suddenly, I'm attending a WLS seminar on November 2010. I thought to myself; there's no turning back for me.
I filled out paperwork. Acquired a Primary Physician. Got some tests run. Met bariatric surgeon (Dr. De La Cruz Munoz.)
Met the bariatric coordinator and got my list of prerequisites. Fraternized with WLS peeps on YouTube. Joined the OH site. Just moving further and further along with fire in my eyes.

...I've been doing a lot of smiling lately. I've got my sleep study on 2/14. My Psych appointment on 2/15. My nutritionist appointment on 2/22. Coordinator says my surgery will be performed April 2011. I still can't believe this is happening. I am so nervous, excited and hopeful. Even though I worry, I feel I am exactly where I'm meant to be.

I've really enjoyed the folks I've met on OH thus far. Such nice folks.
We are kinda in this together. So, I'll keep everyone updated.

I can't wait to heal, jump, dance and skate again. To feel healthy and have better stamina is my primary goal. .
..and to live long and strong.

I remain ever driven, ever determined, and ever hardcore.
;)
 

I know it's healthier to be of a 'normal' weight; especially in the long run.
...but I mean, I've been the "big, tall doll-faced girl" for as long as I can remember.
At about 6 feet and 359 pounds- I never felt ashamed. I never felt "typical."
Now that my knee is hurt, won't heal properly, and my father died of complications with diabetes-
I find myself quite vulnerable and [actually] terrified of ending up in the same situation.
So, the weight's gotta come off... and so it will... because I'm SO determined.

...but the lingering question remains...
Who will I be when I'm not "Me" anymore?
When the reflection is drastically different and the perception is alterted- WHO will I be then?
(ignore the obvious answer there lol) But really... I feel like Amy Lou will be gone forever.
And I wonder who will take her place. Will friends recognize me? Will people act differently around me?

I'm ready to be stronger and healthier for my future, but I also fear that change. I've been me for so long, I've fought wars being me, and I'm [honestly] gonna miss...ME.


::sigh:: God Speed, I suppose. :)