April 2006 -  

hello to all! well in order to keep this somewhat chronological I'm going to start my journay from the beginning as all good journeys must start!

Have finally decided that just maybe a surgical solution for my weight and diabetes is the answer!

Moved to Punta Gorda Fl and began my journey by attending a bypass support group that is local to the area. Gosh they are so friendly even though I have not had surgery and dont even know how i am going to get it they have welcomed me and the hubby with open arms!

They have also directed me to a wonderful PCP in the area who believes in WLS so things are going great!

May 2006

Things are cooking along.... have contacted the insurance company about surgery and lo and behold they have an exclusion clause... wouln't you know it!  Um I wonder if I can get around this since I have been overweight ever since I can remember... even in elementary school was on a diet plan started by the school nurse!

June 2006

gosh its great to be in florida! the beaches, fishing without driving 50miles to find a 'hole' ,the sun, the people, just wow!   Still stressing over this exclusion thing but have decided to let GOD take take of that end so am trying to get my documentation together. Went to Tampa for a info meeting with Dr. Murr's group (in network, a center for excellance! what more can a girl ask for?) well my impression wasn't all that great.  Very informative but ddin't get to even see the surgeon so I could form an opinon, also have to get thru the whole spectra thing for a good sum of money before I can make an appt to meet them, what if i don't like him or get bad vibes or something?... I guess i'll just check around some more

July 2006

My is it HOT! the beaches are still wonderful! Fishing is so much fun here! the water however is alittle different feels great when you get in then feels like tepid bath water... oh well great to be here enjoying the sun.... still collecting information, seing the Dr. every month discussing mostly my diabetes...

Aug 2006

Did I say HOT how bout miserable now... I stay inside alot because of the heat and then in the eves when its cool the bugs come out to nibble so have become a vegtable locked up in my own camper! Went to a seminar in Orlando with Dr. Kim's office... He gave the seminar himself... seems like an okay person however my insurance says he's out of network so that increases my cost if I can get insurance to  pay for this... Okay but I think I keep looking just in case.  However I do know that I want a center for excellance doing my surgery just because of the experience the surgeon must have.  Also went to the Obesity Help seminar with my buddies from the group what a reat time and very informative!

Sept 06

Well five months down on my 6mos dieting plan.  Have attended a seminar in St. Petersburg Dr. Reinke.. not sure yet.. Meanwhile have still left the ins issue up to GOD (at times I try to take it back but the load is just so heavy)

Oct 06

okay the day has come to make a decision!  and Dr. Kim is the winner for me....Hopefully insurance will see things my way as well... the information gathing is done ...now it time to colate and disseminate...Have sent the paperwork along with a personal appeal letter to Dr. Kim's office and spend alot of time with Jennifer ins. person trying to get things straight and narrow... OH MY GOSH.... Thank you LORD I have been approved!!!!

Nov 06

This month has finally arrived! I am so exccited! every day there seems to be something I need to get done!  Another cardiology release and need to see a specialist.. what if they find something wrong? oh GOD continue to help me now! whew passed that test with flying colors... now a psych eval? how am  I goina convince this women that I really am sane?  well that meeting got off to a good start because we read the same authors! took a ridiculous test mostly dealing with will i kill myself, chatted for a few min and then was done.  For this I paid $400.00? Sure hope she approves me! phew another hurdle overcome.... next is the all day class on friday... very informative, work all weekend including monday (12hr shifts) arrive in Orlando on Monday nite, do my bowel prep sure hope there's enough time for it to work effectively! Nov 21st Arrive at the hospital 6am sharp! and off to surgery I go..  Nov 23rd Thanksgiving day! I sure have alot to be thankful for... surgery went well, i'm discharged from the hospital and have the opportunity to vist with my kids and grandchild today!  still alittle painful but well worth it!  Black friday off to the shopping spree.. okay so i went mostly in a wheel chair but it was great fun!

Dec 06

Almost a whole month has passed and i've experienced a wide range of emotions from why did i do this to thanking GOD for this opportunity.  So far have lost 24lbs yippee... if this type of loss keeps up I wil meet my goal in 4 months! Did have 2 weeks of only (hahahah) losing 3 lbs each. at the time, I was upset but now.... think about it 3 lbs weekly... better for my skin and my body and have I ever consistantly lost weight every week? NOPE... so 3lbs is just fantastic!  Have been thinking about herbal wraps for my skn to help with the elasticity... I know they are designed for water weight loss but will all those herbs and stuff help my skin??? Will post that question and see if I get any responces... well the most thing I am waiting impatiently for is COFFEE my 30days is almost up!!!