briwin
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.