Surgical Consultation....CHECK CHECK CHECK!

Friday the 16th of April was my first meeting with my surgeon. Jared went with me to meet him and we both left feeling calm and confident in this decision. The surgeon was very gentile in his exam and friendly with the discussion of surgery. Jared and I asked questions and everything was very smooth and easy. Today, my phone rings and in the blink of an eye it is official. I will be having Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on June 28th, 2010. A new day for me, one that I hope will become my new birthday. Life is going to change for me on that day, no other way to look at it really. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I want this to be a smooth and easy process; however, I know it will take work and time to get the proper result. I have 282 lbs of excess body weight that I would LOVE to see hit the road; though, I am realistic and know I'll never shed all of those extra pounds. Each day will likely bring something new, and will be a hurdle to overcome. I am READY. A new day is just around the corner and I feel so blessed to get the tool to make my life what I always wanted it to be.

A million thank you cards would never be enough to thank my father for the wonderful gift he is giving me. I hope I make him proud during this journey and when it's all said and done, I hope he feels like it was worth everything he gave. Bring on June!!

Primary Care MD Approval....CHECK

I have now officially begun the real process for the big S day. I had my primary care physician evaluation yesterday and it went terrific. Not only is he giving me his approval that I am healthy enough to undergo this surgery, he is giving clearance that I am psychologically prepared for it as well. I had a nice long chat with Dr. L. about the risks and benefits to the surgery and he admitted to me if he had the cash laying around, he would be there next to me in line for the surgery. I don't quite know why, but that is reassuring to me.

In the middle of our discussion, he asked what surgeon and hospital I have chosen for the procedure. When I told him my choice, a smirk came to his face and he noted he was happy to hear it as he feels they are, "the best". I am thankful to hear him say that. I have done my homework and I feel prepared for this. I know it will not be an easy journey, but it is one I must endure. I know I could die, but if I don't go through this, it is certain I will die anyway. Not only that, but I will have to suffer getting sicker and sicker until I do. I want to be free of this and know I am ready to do whatever must be done to get there.

The next big step for me is not far off. One week from today I will have the first meeting with my surgeon. As long as Dr. L sends his approval letter before my appointment, I will likely be able to schedule a date! If not, as soon as the surgeon gets his approvals, I will be ready to schedule. I am so freaking excited...like ready to jump out of my body excited. Each day brings me closer to that final goal.

Tick tock tick tock...bring on the next leg of the race!