Annie B.
Appointment with Surgeon coming up...
Oct 05, 2007
The earliest appointment is November 2nd at 3:30pm. Though they said I can keep calling back to see if anything opens up earlier. It is with Dr. Beekley at Madigan Army Medical Center. As of right now, I want to have the Open RNY, and I know Tricare covers that, and from what I've read, I know Dr. Beekley does that surgery.
And from what I've read here, there have been no bad reviews of Dr. Beekley...though there are not many reviews total of him. Guess I'll find out when I meet him how I feel about him. One thing I'm trying to get better about is listening to that voice inside of me - that tends to be pretty spot-on about things...hopefully I'll get a go-ahead from that little voice (and it's right). Otherwise, I'm pretty sure I'll have a fight with my insurance to go to a civilian doctor.
My journey begins...
Sep 04, 2007
September 4, 2007
I have been thinking about this for a long time. As you can see by my joining date - it's been more than a year!
But in the last few months I have been thinking about it a lot more. Then this last weekend I was at a family reunion. I felt so uncomfortable and FAT. I didn't like having to lean over the table (with much effort) to make sure I didn't spill on my shirt. Then I looked at my mom...5' 5" (or so) probably at about 350 pounds (or more). She has sleep apnea, depression, hypertension, diabetes, knee/foot problems, walking from one side of the room to the other totally winds her! I can't end up like this. This is my wake up call!
Also, I see my cousin - who seven years ago had gastric bypass surgery. She celebrated her 50th birthday during the reunion - she looks GREAT for fifty. My mom will be 51 this year...she seems SO much older than my cousin! Not just one year. I talked to my cousin about her experience, and I think this is where I was really given my confirmation. I asked her about it, she said, "I thank God everyday. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me."
So I am inspired and encouraged - seeing both the good and the bad. Seeing what I can be if I do it, and seeing what I will most likely become if I do not.
So here I am - I called the Tricare appt line this morning. Got an appointment for next Wednesday with my primary care provider to discuss the surgery. From what I've read - it's seems realisitic to expect surgery to happen within about three months of starting the process!! Wow...that means I could have it before Christmas!! What a gift that would be!
I am 29 years old, 5' 8" and I currently hoover around 300 pounds. It seems to fluctuate - and yes, I am a scale addict...sometimes weighing several times a day. I currently wear a 4x or a 26/28.
So...my journey begins...