pat clements
FROM THE BEGINNING........................
Oct 21, 2006
Friday Sept. 22
Well, this is just the very beginning of my weight loss journey.
I live in London, Ontario. I am awaiting approval for my wls and i hope to have it done in Detroit at the Henry Ford Hospital.
The surgery is available in my province but the wait is quite lengthy.
I am 51yrs old, 5'5" and weigh 280lbs BMI is 46. I quit smoking on Sept 5 so my weight has gone up 10lbs!!
I was very active when younger, i played alot of sports including baseball and basketball. In 1987 i was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and from then on i have struggled with my weight. As i got heavier and older i became very frustrated and depressed because i couldn't physically do the things i did when in my 20s.
I have worked at my job as a laboratory technician for 30+ years and i hope to retire when i am 55....only 4 more years to go. It sure would be nice to be healthier and have more energy to enjoy physical activites when i have alot more free time.
I love to travel, this spring i bought a trailer out at a local lake and it has been very nice spending time out there. My partner and i love it....i hope to spend a great deal of time there when i retire.
I am anxious that i will not get approved for the surgery and if not i will appeal it with the support of my doctor.
Sept. 26/06
I saw my doctor this morning. Still feeling a little 'under the weather' cause of my sinus congestion. But the doctor gave me some antibiotics. I have not taken them in a long time so i feel its ok to take them now.
The bad news is that the secretary at her office messed up and didn't even send my application to OHIP until Sept 22!!! I thought it went in on the 11th. On top of that she forgot half the paperwork (including the actual application) but OHIP contacted her right away and she was able to correct the problem. So here i go...starting the 'holding pattern' all over again. I really am not too upset about it all...it sure would be nice to have an answer but i also believe that this journey has already started and it is just a matter of time....
I bought my friend Tina (who had wls on Aug 10) some little treats...calcium chews and peanut butter, high protein granola bar. I figure i am getting in the habit for myself plus i want to try some of these foods beforehand.
As i write this i am listening to my new Carole King album..she has to be my all-time favourite and brings me right back to my teenage years!! I am Happy, Happy, Happy!!
Thurs. Oct 12 early hrs of the morning
Well, in a few hours i should hear whether i have been approved for wls or not. My sense is that the answer will be positive.
My doctor called and left a message on my vm to say she has heard from our provincial health. In Ontario where i live, the prov. insurance will only deal with the referring physician so i have to wait to hear from her.
So here i am sitting at the computer. I should have gone to bed a couple of hours ago but i am just too pumped up.
As the days have passed since i first submitted my application for out of country surgery i realize how hopeful i have become.
I read all the postings on the Over 50 forum and participate.
People are so positive and supportive. But there is a special bonding that comes from having had the experience of the surgery.
I know that i will develop even deeper friendships as i enter the next phase of my weight loss journey.
I want to be healthier and more energetic.
I am trying to trust the process and believe that all is unfolding as it is meant to.
Oct. 12/06 Yahoooooo! I talked to my doctor today and she received approval for me to have wls. I am so excited. So much to think about. Also received a message from Henry Ford Hospital and they want to set up the consultation appt. It seems to be all happening at once. A little scary although i am in good health despite my obesity.
My friend told me to make a list of all my favourite foods to have before the consultation (not pig out and gain 20lbs!!)
It seems like a good idea to have the special treats before surgery.
Then of course i will be required to lose some weight before and will start an exercise program and i've been looking forward to trying some of the protein drinks. So now would be the time to sort out what i like. My partner Denise is very excited for me...and incredibly supportive. She will walk with me the whole way.
Fortunately all of my family has been very supportive and as they learn more and more about the process i am sure they feel more at ease. So...probably looking at wls sometime in the new year, possibly Jan or Feb. I know that this next wait will be much less 'painful' than waiting for that big approval from insurance.
Until next time, Adieu
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