Jen Halliday

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11-29-05
Well, A LOT has gone on in the past couple weeks. I showed up to Dr. Cole's office on the 17th and he walked into the room and told me that he needed to cancel. He had an emergency call. I was told that he and Dr. McKane are both coroners and that Dr. Cole had to go pronounce someone dead. That sucks. So, I got a new appointment for the 28th, yesterday. I showed up and the nurse came in and said he was going to be late because he had an emergency endoscopy at Arnot. So, he was 35 minutes late, but that was okay.

I just want to say that he was incredible! His manner was straight-forward and I really appreciate that. While others may not be impressed with his "bedside" manner, I was impressed with the way he explained things in a direct way. He sometimes touched my arm or my leg. That didn't bother me; on the contrary, it made me feel like he was trying to make a connection between himself and his patient. People need touch. It releases endorphines. *happy sigh* So, I just took it as he was trying to make me feel more at ease, which I did.

So, after I had the appointment and he told me that the next step was to make an appointment for the intake "exam", I went out to Debbie to make the appointment for intake. She said, "Oh! I have a cancellation tomorrow. Do you want it?" Without a second going by, I answered, (quite loudly, ooops!) "YES!" So, today was my intake. I met Sandi and Joann and Colleen, and I'll meet Sarah when I go to my appointment. It was awesome. So much information! I feel much better about the surgery after today than I have. Much less fear, but some is still there. Colleen said that I am a good candidate and that she doesn't think I need to make changes to my diet, with the exception of NO WEIGHT GAIN and eating in moderation. So, that's good. I liked everyone I met today. Oh, and I met John, the billing guy, and I was like, "I'm gonna be good friends with him!" That's only because I want to make sure that my insurance (GHI Family Health Plus) pays for what it needs to pay for. Joann said that she doesn't panic when she sees that GHI is a carrier for a patient. So, that's good!

Well, the next step is going to the meeting on Monday the 5th at Arnot and getting a sleep study done for sleep apnea. My doctor referred me today to Dr. Ivanic for that. And I had a thyroid test today at my PCP's (primary care physician) office. So, I'm stoked. Let me know if anyone has any advice or input into my journey. Please. I'll keep updating. Until then........

Jen

11-16-05
Okay, so tomorrow is my first consultation with Dr. Cole and I am SO NERVOUS!!! I guess not really about meeting him because I've heard great things about him. I think I'm more worried he's going to look at me and say that I'm not a candidate for the surgery. I guess I have a lot of little worries and concerns. Anyone else experience thoughts like this? I am seriously afraid something is going to happen with my insurance. I don't have insurance, I have GHI Family Health Plus, which, in New York State, is one step above Medicaid. I think things will be fine. *deep sigh* Well, wish me luck. I'll update tomorrow! Until then......

Jen 

 **Highest weight: 332 pounds  Height: 5'3"**
11-1-05
Hi, I'm Jen. I'm 28 years old and I'm meeting with Dr. Cole on November 17, 2005, to discuss gastric bypass. I'm nervous about it, but I'm at peace with the fact that now is the time. I just found out that I have high blood pressure, which is saddening because my whole life it's been 132/70. Now it's 174/104. Well, since I've been on Toprol and Maxide for a month, it's lowered to 145/90. It fluctuates. I also had bloodwork done and I have high cholesterol....I'm not happy with that. *sigh* When I talked to my primary care physician, he said he'd write the letter of referral to Dr. Cole right away. You know, he really did! He wrote it the day I saw him, and he sent it out to Dr Cole's office the next day. I told my PCP that if I were to have the surgery, I look forward to running again. (I used to be a runner) I also look forward to hiking and riding a bike and keeping up with my nephew who is three.....the list goes on. So, this is my first entry and I want to keep people updated, but I also want to hear from people in this community. If anyone would like to email me, feel free to send me a message. And I'll keep updating on the journey. Until later........

Jen