Jili_bean7
Today is June 1, 2008. I guess I should finally make an entry on here considering I've been a member since April 11, 2008! 
So here goes... I am a 38 year old wife to a wonderfully caring and very supportive husband and mother to one beautiful 7 yr old son. I am currently 276 lbs ~ as of May 30, 2008. I have had weight issues from the date I was concieved, I think. I can not ever remember not having an issue. I started going to Weight Watchers when I was 11yrs old. I have been on just about every diet out there that you could possibly think of: from Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, LA Weight Loss, fad diets, diet pills to excercise programs and gyms. You name it, I was probably on it!
I have decided to have this surgery not only to look and feel better about myself but I have a form of osteo-arthritis (cartilage deteriorates). You might see me fondly refer to it as Arthur. I have had it since my teen years, but was stricken badly with it in my mid to late 20's. I had a check up (had a full overhaul - from mamogram, blood work, and Xrays to check on the progress of Arthur) at the age of 35. My Dr told me after getting the Xray results back that that if I didn't get the weight off before I turned 40, I would need both of my knees replaced. I have been trying since then on my own to get the weight off. As you can see, I haven't been very sucessfull at it! So here I am, 3 yrs later. This surgery is the tool that I know will be the key to my success! 
March 12, 2008 ~ I send for an informative brochure from Barix Clinics. I was just "window shopping" really. I had been thinking of having the surgery for about 2 yrs, but never really did anything to pursue it.
April 4, 2008 ~ Barix called me to see if I was interested in a consultation appt. After I had read the info packet that was sent to me, I was interested. But again, I had not called to pursue it because I had thought my insurance wouldn't cover it. When I talked to the rep at Barix, she explained that they would do everything in their power to try to get me approved. So I jumped at the opportunity! 
April 11, 2008 ~ Date of consult with Dr Marymor. I was extremely nervous! He and his staff was so kind and sympathetic to me (I think they could see me shaking). They put me at easy almost immediately. I had my "vitals" taken - BP was kind of high due to my nervousness. Everything else checked out great. Because I am am mostly healthy (except for the fact that my BMI is considered Morbidly Obese and only having Arthur), I only needed to pass a Psych Eval to qualify for surgery.
April 23, 2008 ~ I AM APPROVED FOR SURGERY BY MY INSURANCE!! Oh happy day!!! 
May 20, 2008 ~ Date of my Psychological Evaluation. Pretty basic stuff; wanted to know about family history and my background information. Also had a lot of questions asked about who supports me in my decision and who will be there to help both mentally and physically after the surgery. Dr Connolly said she supported my decision and my results would be sent via snail mail to Barix.
May 28, 2008 ~ Barix called to schedule my surgery date and my PATs. Happy Dance!!! 
June 4 is the date for my PATs. June 17 will be my re-birthday! 
I am VERY excited and a little nervous at the same time. I can not wait to get the show on the road! I am looking forward to a whole new me. One that can move with ease and play with my 7 yr old without pain! 
