Where is everyone?

Have we all sucummed to the heat?  It's been oh so quiet here.  How are all the recent surgeries doing?  Who else is coming up on surgery this month?  Are we planning a get-together this month?   I may be able to host one in August or September if Kim is too busy with the house.  Hope to hear from you all soon. Linda

I just assumed it was the summer time blahs.......or just being too busy............. Let me see, I have tentatively scheduled a meeting with Bay Bariatrics in Coos Bay for the end of the month.....I have yet to hear back from Legacy.  I know I should call them, and will do it the end of the week.  My understanding is that Bay Bariatrics has achieved there Center of Excellence, and I qualify, but we will see.   I have a sleep study scheduled for next week............not really looking forward to that.   I have been attempting to get in 64 ounces of water daily, and let me tell you, at first it was extremely difficult, but each day is getting easier....course it probably doesn't hurt that the temps are getting higher.   Other than that, quiet on this end.   Did take your suggestion and bought a small compact umbrella for the Quilt Show in Sisters this weekend............ And how are you? 

Hi..It's hot here in Medford...105..Just got out of the pool..take a shower and go to bed wet with fans blowing. The sleep study is very interesting. I had it because I was always tired. It was real  interesting to see the levels of sleep I went into. I thought I was sleeping and found out I would just get barely under. No wonder I was so sleepy during the day. Now I have to wear a very glamorous mask. Sure curbs the sleep overs. Ha Ha  I wished!!! To finely have a day of no naps or yawning was great. Now I am hoping that loosing this weight will eliminate the need for the CPAP. Why did you choose Bay Bariatrics in Coos Bay? I am considering  them. Their packet of information was great..the price was ???  Some one wrote me that it bottom lined at $12,000.  What does Center of Excellence mean? Let me know how it is going. Kandy

Hi Kandy!  Yes, I know what you mean about the sleep study.  I only spent about 45 minutes of the night in REM sleep -- the kind that gives you the good rest.  And, that is when I stop breathing!! So, I too have the lovely mask.  I haven't used it for the past two nights because I was waking with super headaches.  I think I'll give it a whirl tonight and see if I wake up in the morning with another headache.  Well, since I have to go to OHSU bright and early with no coffee again, I think maybe I'll wait another night.  I haven't woken with a headache since I stopped using it, so I think I may need to call for an adjustment. I hear that Coos Bay Bariatrics has a lower price.  Not sure that will hold now that they have their COE.  Several people have posted here that they really like the surgeon there. Linda

Well Kandy truthfully, I was choosing Bay Bariatrics only because I thought that I could have my surgery sooner than in Portland and one of my main concerns was the drive to Portland.  I hate the freeway system there and I get totally stressed.  But, in the mail today, came my approval for Legacy Good Sam in Portland....................so, I am proceeding with that.   I do, however, have the pricing information that they sent out.  Total charge prior to the actual procedure is 10K, then addition figures approximately 1K......so looks close to 11K...... I do know a guy that had the lapband procedure there  and he was quite pleased with his "treatment" and the staff.  Any other questions, ask, but not sure I will have the answers.....I am new to all of this too.  My hubby and I were driving over to Florence today, and he brought up my surgery.  Wanted to make sure that I still wanted it, and that I was certain that I kwew what I was in for. So, we had a nice conversation about it.............which was fantastic.  And certainly glad for the cooler weather today!  Brandon

Hi Brandon - that could be it -- everyone just trying to find a place to stay cool!  I heard about Bay Bariatrics getting their COE certification, but I can't find anything about it on the BCBS page.  I hope that works out for you.  While Legacy is a good hospital, I have heard that they are way booked up and also performing several surgeries a day.  I like to think that my surgeon with not be overtired when working on me!! Good move on the umbrella.  I think you're going to need it. Linda

Hi Linda, I'm here and getting quite anxious, since my surgery is Friday the 13th!  We leave for Portland on Thursday morning.  Can't find anyone to take my money yet.  OHSU is a big place.  I guess when they want money they'll find me.   I'm trying to be good and not eat anything with fat, sugar or caffeine in it.  I still have this horrible pain on my right upper abdomen, which is another reason I am having the open RNY.  I'm getting nervous - since I know what to expect  surgery-wise (been there and done that) for stomach surgery, so not looking forward to it.  I wasn't lucky enough to have the lap surgery - too much scar tissue and whatever else going on.   You'll be going in shortly after me.  I plan on staying with my brother in Portland for an additional week in the event there is a complication.  Calling 911 in Cave Junction is not a good idea!  Someday we'll live in a larger town, but for now, this is home.    Donna

Oh Donna! Actually, Friday the 13th shouldn't be unlucky unless you happen to be one of the Knights Templar.  That date has been deemed unlucky because that was the day their temples were raided by the King of France in 1513 or something like that.  I think we're all pretty safe.  Hmmm - that pain you're having could be your gall bladder - maybe another reason they are doing your surgery open.  You're having a revision, aren't you?  Anyway, best of luck to you.  You'll be in my prayers! Linda

Hi Linda, Thanks for the encouragement.  I had my gallbladder removed several years ago, but dr. might have "knicked" the bile duct -one possibility.  Or, I have ulcers again, which didn't show up on any of the tests.  And, I have a lot of scar tissue from the previous WLS from 1990.  I'm really not superstitious and am grateful that I was able to get this booked so quickly.  Our insurance isn't going to pay for most of it (gastric bypass part) but will pay for the fixing of whatever else is going on in there.    I'm just imagining a nice, long needed rest.  I'm way too busy.  Today is my last day of work, so I'll be there quite a while getting everything re-routed to my associate.   We leave for Portland in the morning.  I'll try to find the office at OHSU who will take our money!  Seems odd to me, but I'm sure they'll find me when they realize I was supposed to deposit funds prior to the surgery.   Anyway - I am glad the time has finally come to get on with my life - get rid of this pain once and for all and move ahead to the new life we have all been waiting for.  I'm sure my pains are all related to the previous surgery - so says my gastroenterologist in Medford, and Dr. Wolfe agrees. Donna P.S.  I guess I'll start reading my books on the Knights Templar - didn't know that. 

Best wishes for everything going okay Donna.  Yes, it's hard to believe they won't take the money! I'll bet they be after you right away once you leave!  Have a good trip to Portland and prayers are on their way for successful surgery! Linda