Nancy E.

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I realized a couple of things this morning when I woke up ...
1.  It is my birthday BUT it is my LAST fat birthday!
2.  I am waiting for a new birthday date with my WLS

I had my pscyh eval on July 3rd and yesterday I checked my insurance website and they received all the info yesterday, July 11.  There is a big ole "pending" beside it.  I called Southern Health and they said it is in the system and it can take up to 72 hours for a decision.  That means I could know something before the end of this week!  I am full of emotions - excited, happy, scared, nervous.  I hope all of this is perfectly normal.  I can't wait to be normal again.  

Anyways, just wanted to catch things up on here. I'll let you know as soon as I find out :)

Last IThursday, June 7th, I had my initial consultation with Dr. Schirmer and his team.  I was totally impressed with the information that we learned and the patience and kindess that was shown in the clinic by all of the staff.  Here is how the day went....
1.  We met as a group (there were 7 of us pre-ops) and Anna Miller the RN taught us about the gastric system...gastrology 101 :)  It was very informative and I learned alot.  She also told us about the risks of the surgery, which are the same as any other major surgery.
2.  A nutritionist then came in and talked to the group about what our eating habits would be like post-op.  Again, not much of a surprise after doing extensive research on here and reading everyone's story. 
3.  Then we were sent into the waiting room and when our name was called we got to go downstairs to give blood...5 vials worth. 
4.  After that we saw the nutritionist for a one-on-one evaluation to tell her pretty much how our eating habits are and she told me ways to improve. 
5.  Then had a physical exam by the resident intern and Dr. Schirmer.  He is such a pleasant doctor with a very mild manner and voice.  He did not seem hurried one bit and answered all questions that I had.  

He said I was an excellent candidate and could expect great results.  So...the next step is the psychological evaluation and then they will send everything to the insurance company.  I asked him what kind of time frame he thought and he said around the first of September if everything goes as planned.  It was music to my ears to finally have a time frame for this long journey that I am on.  I am going to try to lose as much as I can pre-op so that I can have a headstart.  Easier said than done ;)  

Oh, I took my best friend with me to the initial consult which was the best choice that I could have made.  She has been 100% supportive of my decision way back 3-4 years ago when I even started thinking about it.  My mother and sister were hurt that I did not ask them to go but I explained to them that they did not start out being 100% supportive and I did not want anyone there with any ounce of negativity.  Well, bout time for bed so I will talk to you all later. 

I can't believe it is June 1st already!  Only 5 days and a wake up for my initial consult with Dr. Schirmer.  I went ahead and called to scheduled my psych evaluation today and good thing I did...the first available appointment is not until July 31st!  i was pretty bummed because that just means it will be longer until I can get a surgery date.  They have put me on a waiting list though so I am hoping that a cancellation will come through.  I would have called them earlier but thought that I had to wait until after my consultation.  It's Friday...yah :) 

I have gone through my PCP and have my initial consult with Dr. Schirmer on June 7th!  Only 21 more days :)  yeah.  Can't wait for things to start happening.  I have told my boss and the people that I work closely with.  They are nothing but supportive.  The only person that I have a problem with so far is my 19-year-old son.  But he will come around.  You see, I am all that he has and he is afraid of losing me.  What he doesn't understand is that he may lose me if I keep on this way.  Keep your fingers crossed for me and say your prayers that every step of this journey goes as planned.