D. Robertson

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Well I was supposed to go to the psychologist and pulmonologist today but I somehow never got scheduled  for some tests/bloodwork  I need to have before I go to  the pulmonologist.  So I have to go do these tests on Monday 1/29/07 and then go to the pulmonologist on 2/6/07. That week I have to go to Tulsa on the 2/5,2/6 & 2/9. Then back the next week on 2/12 for the support group meeting and 2/13 to get the vena cava filter. We are just staying the night on 2/13 since my surgery is the next morning. No need to go back and forth the very next morning. 
I didn't get lost at all today. I went from the hospital to the psychologists and back home no problem. I even found the mall. It was on the way .
The visit with the psych was fine . She said I sound ready and motivated. 
Well unitl the next step...
d

Well I can check the stress test off of my list of things to do. Boy am I out of shape. I didn't last 5 minutes on the tread mill. I felt embarrassed but then I reminded myself that this is why I am doing this.
I have to go to the pulmonologist and phychologist tomorrow 1/24/07. I hate driving on the highway so this is a huge deal fro me to be doing this driving by myself. It is a little bit liberating to show myself what I can do if I have to. 
Well I'll update after the next step.
d

WOW I sure have a lot of trips to Tulsa in the next 4 weeks. Next week I have a cardiologist appt.-stress test on 1/22/07 and a couple of other appts. on 1/24/07-pulmonologist and radiology( I think). Then I go again on 2/5/07,2/9/07,2/12/07-support group,2/13/07(vena cava filter),2/14/07-surgery. I have multiple appoints on 2/5 & 2/9. I am wearing map quest out !
I'm excited but it doesn't feel real just yet. I thought I'd be more hyped but I'm just living normally. Time isn't dragging so it's probably better this way.
Anyway I just thought I'd update since my surgery got moved up a day.
What a Valentine's present !!
d

The doctors office called and asked if I was ready to schedule my surgery.I said YES I AM ! I am giddy.This has been an almost 2 year battle and my day is finally scheduled.
I have a ton of pre-surgery appointments betwen now and then and I'll be working Saturday so I won't have to use any vacation time when I miss work. I have anough saved to completely cover my recovery time.
I hope I'll be so busy that time will fly by . 
I will still keep everyone informed about the senate bill 97 and I really want to try to be at the hearing to give a poistive testimony for WLS and for the equal treatment of the obese population.
I really am thinking about framing my approval letter. I am so ready to start my new life .
I'll of course keep updating along the way.
d

Yesterday Dr.Gorospe's office called and told me what I have waited almost 2 years to hear....you are approved !!Yahooooooo!!
The scheduler will be calling in the next day or so to set up my clearance appointments and set my surgery date.
I am a lot more calm than I thought I would be. I guess all of the praying for patience and for GOD's will to be done has given me this beautiful peace. I am now on this journey and not just trying to get on the road. It feels so good. 
I want everyone to have this opportunity.That is why I will continue to support and fight for Missouri Senate bill 97 which would mandate insurance coverage for the treatment of morbid obesity.
I am so excited and so happy. God is good all of the time!!!!!
d

Yep I have sleep apnea.They said I stop breathing about 10times an hour. I have to go back to Tulsa for a follow up study where they put a CPAP on me and test the pressures.
I got lost in Tulsa again. :>(   Thank God I live in little old Joplin . I would hate living in a bigger city. 
The bed in the sleep study was AWESOME.I wish I could have taken it home.It makes me not dread the next sleep study.
Well I'm still waiting to hear from UHC. I really want to have my WLS in Janurary. What a way to start the new year!!
Until next time....d

A nurse called today to schedule my sleep study. I was shocked. I didn't think they did any of those appointments until after approval,so I asked and she said they  do the sleep study before approval. COOL ! That's one less thing I'll have in my way before surgery.I'll be going next Tuesday . I hope I can find something to do  to kill time close to the sleep study center. I took the latest appointment offered which was at 4pm but I don't check in for the sleep study until 9:30pm. I am not going to be adventurous and drive very far after my last trip to "the land of the lost" in Tulsa. 
Well it's coming along isn't it? It's hard to really imagine the call that says I'm approved. I am anxious !! Soon, I know.
d

Well I went to my intake visit with Dr. Gorospe on 11/22. 
He is so awesome. He just sat down and we talked about so much. We talked quite a bit about insurance exclusions. I told him about going to the Missouri sentate hearing to try to get the bill passed that would mandate insurance companies not exclude treatment for morbid obesity.I also told him how United Healthcare recognizes domestic partners which is making it possible for me to get this surgery. He was so nice and asked a lot of questions. It was such a great visit. 
Now I just wait for the insurance company to approve me. The office girls said that it's been taking the full 30 days lately and with it being holiday season it will probably take that long for sure.
I am anxious but so happy to finally on the way.
A couple of dark moments of my day were when I stepped on the scale to find that I now weight 318lbs.not the 305 I thought which makes my BMI 52 and makes me "super obese".That hurt.Boy do I need this surgery and quick!
 I  also got totally lost in Tulsa and was in tears for a minute on my way there. I am absolutely not a highway or large city driver. Still a great day and it is a beginning .

Well I called the doctors office to find out how far out they were scheduling the appointments since I have vacation days I have to use before the end of year. I was expecting next month or even January but much to my suprise the receptionist said how does next Wed.  11/22 sound? I was like "uh ,sounds great!". I am shocked and thrilled . I will update after my appointment. God is so good!!
d

Well Saturday 11/11/06 I went to a seminar held by my surgeon.You have to go to the seminar before you can get an appointment with him. I had done the seminar before but it had been a year and half so they wanted me to do it again. 
They will be calling me this week to set up my intake visit and get this ball rolling. I am so excited !! It's been a long journey.
Hopefully by my birthday (August 5 of 2007) I will be a new smaller woman.
I have been avoiding going places because I am ashamed of how big I am and I don't want to be seen. I can't wait until I feel just the opposite.
I would have given up if it weren't for all of the wonderful people on this site.
Thank you everyone!!
Dannielle