June 26, 2006: My papers are filled out, ready to mail. I go for my informational meeting on July 17th. I'm choosing the surgical team in Redding, CA, chosen by at least 3 people I know who are doing wonderfully. It's taken me 2 plus years to make this decision and go forward. July 2, 2006: My papers were mailed. I have a call in to the office to see if I can ge any appoints on the day of our informational meeting since Redding is a 2 hour drive. My girlfriend, Kim, is going with me. In the meantime, I'm learning everything I can. I bought Weight Loss for Dummies, and am reading that. It's funny, I denied myself the surgery for so long and now I can hardly wait!!! July 7, 2006: I have my consultation scheduled for the 17th, also. I'm also hoping to get any other appointments necessary that day, so I can get this show on the road. July 18, 2006: I went for my initial consultation yesterday, followed by the information meeting. We met Dr. Stone, who really was interesting, and at times funny. I am quite impressed with this program. They do not do surgery on smokers! And the followup seemed phenomonal. Even though it's 120 miles one way, I plan to do everything I'm told. I am dreading cutting out the coffee, and the sodas. But this is for the rest of my life!!!! I want the rest of my life to be longer! And healthier! July 27, 2006: I finished up my psych appointment. I was so blessed . . . working for the State of California I have the Employee Assistance Program, and was able to use that for my psych consultation. And to top it off, the doctor I chose is a Christian. Whoohoo! Thank you, Jesus. Oh, and he didn't think I was crazy . . . fooled him!!! LOL! Today I see my PCP to get other issues addressed, per Dianne . . . the WLS Coordinator at Shasta in Redding. I'm hoping to see the nutritionist and the surgeon soon!!!! July 29, 2006: It's a lovely Saturday afternoon. I saw my PCP, and he's supportive of my surgery. He said he'd do whatever he could to help me. I have my appointment with the nutritionist on Wednesday, August 2nd. Jody, the WLS Center secretary said they couldn't promise I could have my surgery on September 11th (when Rick is on vacation), but then she couldn't deny it could happen either. I have a bone densitometry on Monday morning. Hopefully, I can take the results of that and all the recent blood work I've had to Redding when I go on Wednesday. Wow, it's been six weeks since I've made the decision to have the surgery! Things are happening! Stay tuned! August 3, 2006: I saw the nutritionist yesterday. She agreed that my goal of 150 pounds (to weigh) was reasonable. Gosh, I haven't weighed 150 pounds since about the 7th or 8th grade. She also gave me instructions on what to do while waiting for surgery. All my ducks are in a row, and now it's waiting to hear from the surgeon's office for a consultation with him. I really really want to get this over with and get on the losing side! August 26, 2006: Oh my gosh, I forgot to post that I have a consult with the surgeon on September 6th. My friends who have had the surgery by the same surgeon, and who have the same insurance, said it will go real fast . . . I'm hoping by the end of September or early October . . . I'd love to start the new year under 200 pounds . . . okay, maybe not quite but what's stopping a girl from hoping! September 7, 2006: Whoohooo! Had my consult yesterday, and received a phone call today offering me September 18th. They'll push the insurance okay through, but there doesn't seem to be anything holding that up!!! September 27, 2006: Wow! I had my surgery on September 18th. I'm doing well. Since September 6th, my consult day, I've lost 21 pounds (as of Monday, the 25th). 13 of it was from doing the "Honey I Shrunk My Liver Diet." The week of broth, jello and popsicles (sugar free of course) was so much easer than I expected. Of course, the 24th was my birthday and it didn't feel like a birthday. I was also in a hotel, because I was more than an hour away from the hospital. Oh well . . . next birthday it's a shopping spree!!! I'm feeling pretty good, just tired about mid day. I know that when I drink water, though, it perks me right up. I'm going to try to post at least monthly, on my surgeraversary (I made that word up) day.