Until March of 2006, I had never considered WLS as a means of weight control.  Following Dr. Sharma giving me the advice that my time on earth was severely limited (like a few years, statiscally speaking), I gave it very serious thought, research and more thought.  I spoke with my wife, Jan and other family members about it and finally in May of 2006 decided to go for it.  Thus began the second stage of my journey. A seemingly endless routine of appointments, tests, appointments and more tests.  I haven't mentioned to this point that I have Ulcerative Colitis, a rather debilitating bowel disorder.  I haven't been under attack since 1999 and if I had - the surgery would never have happened.  Any surgeon, anywhere I checked, wanted the IBS off the table from square one.  I had a psychiatric test, colonoscopy, small bowel meal, blood work (of course) and it just seemed to go on and on.  Every time I checked out well, another test came up.  Anyhow, finally in the first week of December my application to OHIP was submitted.  Just one week later I received word from the Barix Clinic in Ypsilanti, Mi. that they had received the OHIP FULL APPROVAL!

I was scheduled for a consultation with Dr. Schram at the clinic on Dec. 26th. Yep, spent the day driving 4 hours down and 4 hours back. Actually, Jan did about 60% of the driving....  Attended an orientation seminar, had a great meeting with the Doctor and was told the only thing he felt was needed was a heart stress test showing I'd pull through surgery.  Upon returning to Hamilton, I was able to schedule this very quickly - that Friday, the 29th.  After getting the results a couple of weeks later I contacted Barix and the surgery date of Feb.12th was agreed on. 

Jan and I drove down to Michigan on Wed. 7th to be at the pre-op testing for Thursday.  This went well and we decided to stay through the weekend instead of driving back and forth.  Good choice - some good shopping, relaxation, dinner and a movie - not a bad way to say goodby to the old life and prepare a bit for the new one around the corner.  Monday morning came soon enough and off to the clinic we went. 

This pretty much ends the second stage of my journey.
 

About Me
Hamilton,
Location
48.8
BMI
Mar 05, 2006
Member Since

Friends 1

Latest Blog 3
First week home
Heading home
The beginning of the third stage..Feb.12th, 2007

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