I am so glad you have fun.  Well since you brought up Cindy's name.  Did she tell you that she is going to be Beth.  You know Beth and the Bounty Hunter.  I told her she don't have to stuff her bra.  Well Everyone there is so nice.  I am thinking you will probably have your surgery right after the New Year.  Good luck and remember to call HMSA for reimbursement.

Asia

Hi All,  Just a quick update on my progress.  I met with Dr. Fowler yesterday -- and as you've all said, he's wonderful!  I have a list of things to do... blood work, sleep apnea test, ekg... but everything else looks good.

I also met with the Physical Therapist which was surprisingly a good experience.  He helped me learn that the injury to my knee last year was not the end of the road for me as far as exercise goes!

Then I met with Cindy -- I was laughing because all I could think of was Asia's post of how "Cindy kicked her butt".  Got some great pointers about starting a program right now!

Finally I met with Allison and was thinking this would be the biggest wake up call of all -- and I wasn't wrong... seeing the portions of food and all the rules to follow made me a little queesy..... but then on the flight home I realized that whether or not I have surgery, the exercise and diet HAVE to come into play to get healthy.  It all sort of fell into place in my mind.  Allison said since I eat three VERY large meals a day with little to no snacking in between, that the band is a good choice for me since those three meals will be so limited now.

So today I pray for Insurance approval and start the process of making appointments for the tests required.  Not looking like I can have surgery before the holidays as I had hoped (my company closes for 2 weeks during the holidays and I was planning on using that time to recoup).... but hey, January is just around the corner!

Anyway, I'm exhaused!  Running around Oahu for 12 hours was fun, but boy am I a country girl at heart!  Glad to be home in Kona and back with my kids. 

Thanks to all for your support and sharing all of your experiences with all of us who haven't yet reached the surgery date -- you keep me so motivated!

Aloha,
Nicole

Hey Friends.  I just wanted to let you all know that I have about 15 individual packages of the K2O Protein water drink mix in Pink Lemonade flavor.  I haven't been drinking them so they are just gonna sitin my cabinet and go to waste.  If anyone on the island of Oahu wants them just let me know I can meet you somewhere.  I also have a couple of boxes of sugar free jello if anyone wants those.  I hope you all have a great dya!!

Hi Makena,

Yes, I am staying for a week like you did. And I would be grateful for any all suggestions.

Keala,

No problem, the more the merrier, lol. We are just about a month apart so I will share my experience when I get back and then we can compare after you get back.

Kamehanaokala,

Thanks for the info, I've never been to San Fransisco so every little bit of information helps. :-}

Brinn,

Can I jump on this bandwagon for advice?

I'm in the same situation thinking ahead about my date with Dr. C on 12/9.  I'm flying out on 12/7 and I started a list from some of the things people have said -- I'd love to get the "veterans" input on it.  Brinn -- we will be about  a month apart!

For the Hospital
Robe
Slippers
toothbrush/paste
my glasses (important!)
phone and charger
stretchy, comfy clothes


Helpful stuff I heard about:
GasX strips
mouth moisturizing spray?
liquid tylenol
listerine strips
thermometer (if we are in SF for a week, do we have to monitor our temperature?)

Also. where in SF can I buy bottled water to mix protein and how much should I buy for the duration of my trip.  (a case?)  Do I need to take powder protein with me to have enough for the plane ride home?  

I have to go alone because DH has to stay home, will I have any trouble getting around for the first few days?  Is the shuttle between the hotel and hospital reliable?

Thank you!