I have a confession to make.....

protein shakes have become vile, discusting fluids that I am finding harder and harder to choke down. And, this morning was the first one I made myself drink in almost a week. slapping my hand. I just told my fellow band sister she has to drink her shakes, and here I am slaking royaly. I will do better this week. I will have two a day; moving on.

I have posted some pics from the day of my surgery. I can't believe it's almost been a week. Wednesday will be my weigh-in day and I am excited to post official numbers and lost since surgery. Recovery has been pretty smooth and I am back at the office today. I love my career and the people I work with; I missed it while I was out.

Waiting to go to surgery; the hat was no fashion statement!

cuties :)

When my husband first came back in recovery; I was sleeeeeping like a baby.

still sleeeeeeping.

2 of my 3 incisions; the other is in the belly button. ewee.

As for a NSV, this morning I fit into pants I outgrew about 5 - 6 months ago. They are my favorite Old Navy pants in the world and also a corporate work shirt I was never able to fit into! Can't wait to weigh-in this week for official numbers.

loving this!

One more thing, someone said I was loosing weight already this morning. That made my day! 

My date has been scheduled!

....and the count down begins.

My Dr.'s office called my date has been scheduled.

September 22

I am beyond happy and my prayers haven't stopped thanking my good Lord for this wonderful, much welcomed blessing. Other dates to remember:

Sept 7: Pick up Unjury
Sept 8: Start Unjury
Sept 9: Pre-Op Physician Consult
Sept 13: Pre-Op Education Class
Sept 20: Pre-Op Anesthesia Consult
Sept 22: Surgery (time TBD on 9/21)
Sept 30: 1 week Post-Op follow-up

My life is about to change and I can't put into words how happy I am. I'm just as nervous, so don't let me fool you. The IV petrifies me, I'm a baby for pain and nervous about 6 weeks of a liquid only diet. (2 pre/4post). But, I am mentally prepared I think, but continue to become stronger each day. I want actually know my strength until the day comes and the weeks after. But, I do know that I have the most amazing husband, family, and friends and that I will have the support I need to carry me through the tough times.

Thank you Lord for this wonderful, wonderful blessing.

i've been approved!

I've been APPROVED for my lapband surgery. Praise Jesus! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I've not been blogging because I really had nothing to write about until I heard if I was approved or not. I didn't want to bore everyone with what I had eaten, when and where I had walked. If you read when my journey began, this has been a very, long and painful wait. I first pursued banding in 2005. Through my first denial and changing companies twice, I finally an insurance who covered gastric surgery. I am so happy right now!

The last month wasn't exactly smooth. Apparantly there has been a change in office staff since my visit last November. My nutrition appointment was on 8/4. The paperwork wasn't faxed to the insurance company until 8/13. When I followed up on 8/16, it hadn't been received. My Dr. office admitted it had been faxed to the wrong number. 8/20 is wasn't showing received yet; but finally confirmed they had received it, but wrong department. This past Tuesday, the national account for my medical insurance still had not receieved it as my Dr. office had never called and set up a verbal file, which is needed to submit to the pre-cert nursing department for approval. My Dr. office called and set this up. I called today to make sure everything had been received and set-up; to be told I had been approved and was given my approval number. If you are beginning this process; you are your own advocate. Always follow up with your insurance company and make sure your Dr submits all needed documentation upfront to avoid delays.

I called my husband first thing; tears flowing. I called my mom, who I had told since the last blog and although she doesn't agree with it, wished me much success. (I know she will be there on my surgery day) My dad is still working but sure mom will tell him before I can this afternoon. I called my mother in law and two of my best friends; they are all I am telling for now. I then called the Dr. office to confirm my approval and to see if they had recieved the paperwork from my insurance. She confirmed they had received it and she had 30 charts she was working on today, and would hopefully get back to me this afternoon.

I've lost about 5 lbs; so still about 15 to go. Next stop: liquid diet. And hopefully a surgery date before my birthday, 10/3.

Enjoying this beautiful pre-fall day.....