lots of lasts

With the liquid diet lurking eagerly around the corner, the last few days have have been filled with several "last" meals. The biggest "goodbye" was the trip to the chinese buffet; it's my favorite food and has been a staple in my life for so many years. But that's in the past. Come Wednesday, it's game on. I am ready. Bring it!

I went this morning and picked up my Unjury and Pre-op diet list; this will be life as I know it for the next 4-6 weeks. Being honest, the next 2 weeks will be a challenge. And anyone who believes differently; well, feel free to share me your ideas on how to not be stressing over this. I am very happy that the pre-op diet also includes 6 small daily servings of sugar-free jello, pudding and yogurt and I think also some raw vegi's. A quick trip to the grocery store is on my to-do list for later today.

I just had my last "full" lunch with my co-workers. I told the girl I work with about my surgery, I assumed one person knowing would provide a little support here at the office; the thought of no one knowing was unsettling. She seemed happy and said she would be very supportive. I've changed my vacation week (Oct. 4-8) to coincide with my surgery and pre-op appointments. What are your thoughts? Have you told co-workers? If so, what were thier response?

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.....

o happy day!

We made it to another Friday! This was really a good, good week. Work has been busy, which defiantly helps with the afternoon snacking, which in fact - I haven't done at all. I can't verbalize how proud I am of myself. This is day 10, and not one time have I slipped up. It's been a perfect 10-days of eating healthy, eating right, and staying on tract toward my pre-op 10%. Jay and I went for a walk last night around 8:00; at the park. We followed up with a fat-free yogurt w/ fresh berries from a new local yogurt bar.  Yum!

After work, were heading to my parents for the night. They live close enough for a weekend drive but still too far to travel through the week. Love my trips home! 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

peeved.

I am peeved.

I called my insurance company to confirm that they had received my claim for pre-cert; since it was "refaxed" on Monday, after being faxed to the wrong office on Friday. They said there is nothing on file. I called my billing person back, and she assured me it was faxed and it could take up to two-weeks to show in the system. This sounded squirley, so I called insurance back again and they said it at the most would take a few days. Long story short, it was received by insurance and is pending. These people are making my head spin.

I.just.want.a.surgery.date.this.century.

dear krystals:

I miss you. I miss your taste in my mouth for breakfast. Every morning, as I pass by your little place there on the highway, I taste your warm, greasy kryspers and your fluffy, cheesy, sunrisers. Your breakfast completed my mornings, I loved you. I'm sorry you were not in any way good for me. You slowly contributed to the demise of my smaller waist. I should've been smart all along and never have fallen into this fatty relastionship with you. It was fun while it lasted but now, I don't need your calories or fat, or your greasy, greasy grease granny.  Stay fresh kid; if you decide to shed some baggage and become a bit healthier, look me up.

The Krystal Sunriser; no bueno on the ol' waisto

where did this come from?

Perhaps knowing that this is it; motivation has taken control. I'm down another -2.2 for a total of -6.4. It has to be the drive knowing that 10% gets me banded; I have ruffly 13.6 to go.  Yee-haw!

I told one of my other BF's last night that I am getting banded. She had lots of questions but was totally supportive. We became friends in the 6th grade and she knows the struggles I've had with my weight. She has always been t.i.n.y. but one of the few people I feel totally comfortable around. Here we are this past fall, her so cute and I thirty-pounds lighter:

I still haven't told my parents. I think I have decided I will once my date is confirmed, and one week before. My brother, who had gastric, waited until the night before, which wasn't so nice - she was upset over the sugery on top of hurt feelings. We have the greatest parents in the world! I lost weight once on Weight Watchers and now she thinks thats the answer to everything and WLS is a stupid decision. God love her; maybe it isn't for her but for me, this is what I need and what I am going to do.