Patient Benefits

Spoke with someone in patient benefits today and no word on surgery approval yet.  Today was only the 5th business day since my packet was faxed to the insurance.  I am so excited and very anxious to get my date.  I told the woman that I spoke to that we need a code word.  I asked her just to say "YES" on my voicemail if I am unavailable.  That way I can get the anxiety over with.  LOL.. She said most people cannot stand it when she calls and shes the final step before surgery.  She said she will only say YES if all is well.  Things have worked so well to this point.  Monday is coming.  Tuesday just might be the day and call. 

Yet Another Symptom of Obesity

The humidity in the air the past few days has been aweful.  Almost crippling to people suffering from Obesity.  I know this feeling all too well.  I am using my inhalers more frequently and trying to stay out of the direct air.  One day it will be nice to not feel like I have taken a shower just by standing outside in humid conditions.  The feeling will be not be measurable.

I like Tuesdays

America's Got Talent & Losing it with Jillian is on tonight.  Primetime tueday is my favorite.  Just finished the show, "The Biggest Loser" & American Idol.  The seasons seem to pass quickly.  Thank god for DVR.  Who has time for commercials anymore?  LOL.  Today is business day 4 since I have seen the surgeon.  Can take from 7 - 10 business days for approval and surgery date.  I called yesterday, but unfortunately no answer as of yet.  I am sure I will hear soon.  The weather has been awesome.  Too bad summer ends very fast in Northern NH.  You think I would be used to it by now. 

Surgeons Visit

Today went much more pleasant than I anticipated.  I was with the Dr. for about 40 minutes.  He discussed at length the procedure itself, risks and side-effects, along with the benefits of having the surgery.  He answered all of our questions and was quite informative.  I am seeking solace in his ability to help me change my life.  Now I wait for a surgery date.  I have been anticipating this day for months.  Wonder became hope in just one visit. 

Tomorrow's Surgeon Visit

I am so excited.  Tomorrow I will meet with the surgeon who will be performing my Bariatric Bypass Surgery.  He holds a very important tool in my healing from obesity journey.  I have waited a very long time for this day and will not take a moment of it for granted. 

PRE-OP Class Happenings

Today was very informative and was glad to be a part of it.  What an amazing group of men and women ready to take control of their lives and beat the battle of obesity.  Diane was very informative and answered any last questions that all of us had at this point.  At the end of her lecture, she handed out wonderful samples of Protein Powders and such.  Following her presentation, we finished the class with a session from Maureen.  Shes always a delight to see and a truly a wealth of knowledge.  More questions and answers, yet this time there was a quiz that she passed around the room & each of us filled it out and turned it in.  With a passing grade you were handed your DHMC Certificate of Achievement, followed by an interactive DHMC CD to explore on your home PC.  Finally we received our Bariatric Surgery Discharge Information on paper & officially completed the journey to this point.  Last but not least, Allen, a very friendly fellow discussed Advanced Directives & Living Wills at length, and anyone interested in filling them out did so.  You could also take it with you and fill it out at home.  There were two separate forms.  One if you lived in NH, and one if you lived in VT.  Its been a long journey.  The finish line is in sight.  Thank you for allowing me to see the light.  I am blessed.

Tuesday I meet with the Bariatric Surgeon, which is the final step before I am given a surgery date.  Words cannot express how much this will change my life.  I feel great today.

Pre-Op Class

Just spoke with Julie this morning in the General Surgery Department, and was informed that the pre-op class which was scheduled for Friday, June 18th, has been changed and re-scheduled for tomorrow June11th at 9:00 am.  Neither one of the dieticians will be available next friday, hence the date change.  Hope to see everyone there and meet the people who are on the same journey.  Sleep tight.  See you tomorrow.