"I finally decided which surgeon to have a consultation with. That seemed like the toughest decision, but my PCP was very helpful and we decided that he seemed to be the best choice. Now that I've decided to take this step I want to have it done and over with and start my new life. My conultation date is March 31, 2003. I'm hoping that I'll have a date for my surgery sometime after that. I've done so much research on this surgery and talked to so many people that I'm confident that this is the way to go. My main reason for having this surgery is that I don't want to die young. Yes there are other advantages, but that is just good side benefits. I don't want to die from being overweight. I've been fat all my life and I know that if I don't do this, I'll die. I want to see my nephews grow up and become adults. I want a life where I can do things. I love to be active. Although when I was younger I was active. I would play softball, tennis, swim, workout. Now I can't do any of that. I've never let my weight stop me from doing anything. Now that I'm older my body is betraying me. I'm only 41, but there are times that I feel 80. If you ever met me, I'm a very self confident person. I'm upbeat and very much out there. I'm no shrinking violet. I've never let my weight get in the way of that. I'm comfortable with who I am and what I look like, but I don't want to die. Yes, I want to look good and have clothes that fit me and not have to worry about chairs and where I sit. But the main reason is that I don't want to die. I'm a little leary about losing my identity. I've always been known as the pretty overweight woman. Guess I'll just be the pretty woman now. I'll keep you posted on how I make out with Dr. Nusbaum. I'm so excited I can't wait for March 31st. What's even better is that my older brother is going to be going thru the surgery too. His first consult is on March 7, 2003. So we'll both be going thru this together. That's a comfort. He does have a different doctor and a different hospital. It'll be interesting to see how we compare. I'll be in touch with you to let you know how it goes. Till then!
Mary Kay
April 18, 2003
I had my consult with Dr. Nusbaum. I liked him. He looks so young. He made me feel at ease right away. He was consice in the way he explained the surgery and answered all my questions before I had a chance to ask them. I felt right away that I made the right choice. I had to have a few things for my insurance but I'm hoping to have a date soon. Today I had my psychiatric evaluation. The doctor I went to said that he would overwhelmingly approve me for surgery. Hmmm, I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. I also had to have a thyroid test done, since my last one was 2 years ago and a letter from my PCP stating what diet programs I've been on under his care. Once that is all done, I'll just have to wait for a decision. I'll keep you posted.
Mary Kay"
