Saw Dr. Waldrep today for my one-on-one...went really well.  He went over my medical history, I asked him a few questions about the surgery, and then he gave me a medical exam.  He cleared me for surgery and said I'll be getting the smaller sized Lap Band and small port.  

My PCP hadn't sent over the ok and EKG results, but Dr. Waldrep's staff got right on it and by the time I was ready to leave they had the stuff faxed to them!  His staff is awesome!  I then had my lap band boot camp and got information on pre and post operative diet and a lot of misc. info.  Now for the good part....my request is being sent for approval and I'm already scheduled for surgery this coming Tuesday!!! YAY!!!  Let's hope my insurance stuff runs smooth, I have a feeling it will, but you never know.  I'm going to proceed with my pre-op diet and getting last minute stuff in order as if I am going to have the surgery but I know there's always that chance of denial so I won't get too excited.

I have done so much research on this I know I'm ready, but I still want to get organized so that I won't have to think about anything after the surgery - I'll have the stuff I'm supposed to drink and then later eat, I'll have my house already cleaned so I won't have to worry about it, my husband will have time off of work, etc.  

So, now I'm just left to do last minute things and try not to worry about the surgery too much.  I have to admit I'm nervous, but I'm cutting out the cafeine which I know adds to being a bit anxious, I'm going to meditate, relax, watch comedies, and remember that this is a life change that is worth making! 

 Wow, It's been 2 months already since  I last posted!  I had some problems getting my PCP to submit my referal but it finally worked out.  Thank goodness for Dr. Waldrep's office!  I guess my PCP forgot or the person who did referals just plain put it off because I left messages and Dr. Waldrep's office left messages yet the referal request was never submitted.  Oh well, I've been really busy with school anyway, so maybe it's gonna work out for the best.

I get to go to my group appointment next Monday and after that will try to get my other appointments done asap so I can get on with this already!

Just got back from my PCP appointment and it went so well.  At first my doctor wondered if I wanted to try a weight loss program with her after I told her about problems with my weight.  I didn't even get in to all the things I had thought I was going to say, I just asked if she was opposed to weight loss surgery and she said absolutely not, that she had a couple of patients already that had done it with Dr. Waldrep and had been really successful with it.  The person in her office that coordinates referals was out sick today, but as soon as she gets back, the doc said she'll refer me.  Yay!!  I know this by no means guarantees me the surgery or a smooth process for that matter, but it was a huge hurdle for me to overcome considering I had worried so much about having her have a negative reaction.  Anyway, I went from being worried to very happy!

Don’t know why I’m so nervous to talk to my pcp about getting a referral.  I’m past the point of feeling embarrassed about my weight with her.  I don’t think it’s the judgment about my fat.  I think it’s that I really want this, and if she has a negative reaction it’s just going to prolong the wait even more and cause me to have to struggle even more to get this done.  I’ve gone over how I’m going to explain my decision in my head – over and over I’ve thought about it.  I know I’m over thinking this, but it’s hard not to, and I really don’t want to start over with another pcp and have to wait once again.  Anyway, just a few hours till I’ll know…

Last night my husband and I both went to Dr. Waldrep’s information meeting and it was great.  I took off early from school – I didn’t like having to leave class early, but I really think that going was more important in the long run and I couldn’t have attended if I didn’t.  I thought I’d be late, but actually got to the hospital early and had to wait for my husband who left work a little early to attend with me.  He’s thinking of having wls too, but if he does, will do it after me.  Anyway, we got to the meeting and Dr. Waldrep explained both kinds of surgeries he offers.  I thought I had already researched everything, but he did add a couple of things that I wasn’t aware of, so it was a really good experience.  The best part was having my husband there not only because he was interested, but just as a support for me.  It was nice to know he is going to be involved and knowledgeable about what I’m doing.  Now I’m just looking forward to my PCP appt on Thursday – I’m nervous, but I already know what I’m going to say, so hopefully she’ll be on board.