One More Full Day!

Apr 24, 2011

 Remember when you were younger and the sun was setting behind you and your shadow was as long as the pavement? Legs stretched out arms thin, a giant. I was reminded of this today when I went on a walk. I seem to be spending a lot of time alone lately. I don't know if this is my doing, or it could be that my friends are tired of hearing about my surgery. Part of me feels like I would be tired of it if I were them.  Tomorrow is my last full day before surgery. I have class until 3, then its home and getting my bottle of disgusting soda in me, and everything else out. I'm excited, I really am. I'm excited that my mom will be here to support me for a little bit, but, I think I am excited to do this on my own, I am 22 and independent. Its been this way for 5 years now. I moved 7 hours away from home for school and, essentially never looked back. I see no reason to look back when my future is in front of me. I am glad that some of this journey will be done with me alone because I never did well with people hovering over me. That's not how a person learns to be independent. Yes, its true, I am going to be upset when my mom leaves. But, I know that I will be seeing her again soon. 24 days later, actually.

My journey has been an interesting one so far. And rather quick too. I went to my first seminar in December. The surgeon was very nice and answered all my questions without hesitation. When I realized he was not in my insurance plan, I decided to shop around. When I found UCSF, I was thrilled. They're big in the medical field and they are pretty up to date with technology. I went to my second seminar in February. I also met my surgeon that day too, Dr. Jonathan Carter. He was super nice and I think he was glad to see someone on the younger side. (every time I've been to the surgical practice, I haven't seen patients my age..) He went over all my paperwork and he asked me some questions about my life--if I felt I was healthy, if I could walk distances, if I was able to walk up stairs, if I slept through the night, if my periods were regular...all the fun stuff. I'm healthy. I'm obese and healthy. Who knew. Anyway, he checked me over and then we talked about pre-op testing. It was usual. I needed a Nutritionist Consult, a Psych Eval, an ECHO, and an Ab Ultrasound. My list was short. VERY short. I was grateful. My age and health is to thank. The minute I got home from his office, I jumped on the phone and within the hour, I had both my ECHO and my Ultrasound scheduled for the next day. I was loving how easy it was. I read SO many people's journeys and saw how difficult it was..Then I got to the Psych Eval...I had to find a Psychologist that was in my insurance and even then, I made at least 2 dozen phone calls before anyone got back to me. I finally had an appointment and then I had to wait for my letter...and wait...and wait.....2.5 weeks later, I had received both letters I needed and I was on my way. 

My hope for this surgery was spring break. March 19-27th....No such luck, I did however, get the last available spot in April. So, like I said, very quick, VERY interesting....

OK, 1 more day. I can do it. I CAN!!!!! :D

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