April is almost here!!!

Our anniversary month is almost here! Time to reflect on the past year. Some questions to get your minds a ticking. 1. Who did you first tell that you were considering WLS? 2. How long did it take to get approval? 3. What was the first thing you thought when you woke up? 4. Were you scared to eat/drink after surgery? 5. What is the coolest, most bestest thing about having lived thru this past year? 6. What does the next year bring? Can't wait to hear your answers! Peace, sarah

Ok, I'll go first. 1. My sister - she had it two years before I did and I was envious of her new life. Was feeling left behind and didn't like it. 2. After approval from my weight loss center it took about 2 weeks to hear back from the insurance company. Two very long weeks. Then, surgery could have been 2 days after that but I waited for a week. 3. What did I just do? Ouch! 4. Not really. My mouth was sooo dry I don't know if I even thought about it - just tried to get my mouth wet. I remember sitting up in the chair for breakfast the next morning, I think I was just happy to be out of bed. 5. Knowing that I am on a much healthier path now. All the little things - the collar bones, the bracelet that keeps on sliding down my arm, the ease with which I can move now, the wow moments. Every day I thank God that this happened, never a day that I wish I could go back. 6. Who knows? I am so ready and willing to try things. Honestly I hope there is a relationship in the future, moving towards marriage and a family. Whatever God plans, I'm ready! Ok - you're next sarah

What a great idea, Sarah! 1. Who did you first tell that you were considering WLS? I told my husband and my sons from the beginning, then I told my mother and my boss. I took my time telling others, it was on a need to know basis. 2. How long did it take to get approval? I went to one doctor and had an insurance snafu, so I redid the process with another surgeon. I don't know how long it took for them to get approval, but I started with the one doctor in Oct. and had my surgery in April. 3. What was the first thing you thought when you woke up? I made it!!! I'm alive!!! 4. Were you scared to eat/drink after surgery? I was nervous about following the rules, but I did get a handle on things eventually. 5. What is the coolest, most bestest thing about having lived thru this past year? The things I have accomplished and how all my co-mordities are gone now. And I love wearing the clothes I can now wear. 6. What does the next year bring? So many things. I'm thinking of going back to school, of course, I have my walkathons to complete, and hopefully the plastic surgery this coming year. Have a wonderful day! Sue

1. Who did you first tell that you were considering WLS? My husband and then married daughter and sisters. 2. How long did it take to get approval? Paperwork was faxed to BC/BS Mar 7 and called BC the 14th and was approved. Next day was given surgery date of April 25th. 3. What was the first thing you thought when you woke up? Will I really be able to do this? Meds always affect me poorly.... 4. Were you scared to eat/drink after surgery? Oh Yes, terrified. And I did have some trouble and got dehydrated. But since then it has been wonderful! And I praise God daily, several times a day for this miracle of new life. 5. What is the coolest, most bestest thing about having lived thru this past year? Just to participate in my life and not be a bystander in it. 6. What does the next year bring? Everything....we are planning to sell our home in SC and move to Colorado to be near our married daughter and grands...and I may work part time job there until I finished homeschooling youngest daughter for three more years. I was always embarrassed to apply for job because of how I looked. I miss working with people asI love people and workedfor Dr. before. I have even dreamed of working with bariatric patients and helping them if the Lord opens that door. In His love and never ending grace, Joan M

1. My cousin Charlotte who was always a big supporter of doing "whatever it takes to make you happier and healthier". 2. Unfortunately I never got approval. I paid out of pocket due to an exclusion in my policy. Was worth every penny. 3. I'm still alive! (I was extremely nervous about not waking up from the anesthesia, having never had surgery before in my life). 4. Not scared to eat or drink. Just not thrilled about the thought of pureed food. 5. Best things are "re-shaping" my new body, shopping for clothes, getting my self-confidence back. 6. Who knows! I hope to get to 100 lbs. lost by my 1 year anniversary on 4/6/07 (I'm at 95 now). Would love to get down to 120 total pounds lost, but would also be thrilled to maintain current loss. Don't think I'll be wearing a two piece swimsuit any time soon, but never say never! This experience has been incredible and life-changing. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Congrats to all my fellow "losers"!

Okay, my surgery date is the 24th, so I still have almost a whole month. 1. Who did you first tell that you were considering WLS? I believe, (cant remember exactly) it was my husband. 2. How long did it take to get approval? I started the process in end of Feb and had a surgery date in March, then insurance changed their policy, so I had to find another doctor. At that time there wasnt any doctors in MO that Medicare would accept, so I found one closest to me in Chicago IL. My first visit with him was in March 20, and had my surgery 24. I got approved right away, but had to go though other things first. 3. What was the first thing you thought when you woke up? I made it, yeah!! 4. Were you scared to eat/drink after surgery? The first day after, I was very nauseated, so I didnt eat, except the popsickles. 5. What is the coolest, most bestest thing about having lived thru this past year? My new body, which I hope isnt done yet, the reaction from other people, even my husband, lol. I am no longer on any prescribed meds, I have so much energy, and love getting up after only 6 hours of sleep. I go strong all day without getting tired, I just love it. I am doing more, enjoying more, and can exactly play with the grandchildren better, without in problems. Life is great, and I thank God everyday for this wonderful new lease on life. I want to thank all of you April surgery family for helping me to make it this far too. Without the support and love that I get here, I dont believe that I could have made it as well as I have. (((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))) for everyone for just being here for me when I need it. Love to all Kathleen

1. Who did you first tell that you were considering WLS? My husband 2. How long did it take to get approval? I started the 6 month doc supervised diet June 1st 2005, received offical approval March 8th, 2006 3. What was the first thing you thought when you woke up? I'm awake!! 4. Were you scared to eat/drink after surgery? Yes, my first "soft" food was string cheese and I only nibbled at it 5. What is the coolest, most bestest thing about having lived thru this past year? Going to the beach and feeling absolutely carefree about wearing a bathingsuit!! 6. What does the next year bring? Hopefully a baby

April....hooray can I be an honorary Nanny (Grandmom). I will pray for that and the right time. Joan M

First let me say my road to the surgery was very long and rocky...come to think of it, it has been the same since too!!! lol... but of course no regrets!!! 1. Who did you first tell that you were considering WLS? I believe it was my mom-was a very long time ago!! 2. How long did it take to get approval? I started my journey to have this in 2000, but due to my employer changing ins companies, it took me forever! Once I changed jobs and finally found a surgeon I felt safe with, it was about 2 1/2 years. I had to put it on hold for awhile and take care of my father. 3. What was the first thing you thought when you woke up? Man i'm really hurting and at the same time, looked at the clock and wondered why my 1 hr surgery took almost 5 hours, and why did I still have a dang tube in my nose! 4. Were you scared to eat/drink after surgery? yes, and wasn't allowed to drink for almost a week!!! All I was allowed was that stupid stick w/a green sponge on the end to wet my mouth But when he said I could drink I was sooo thirsty I don't think I even thought about it! 5. What is the coolest, most bestest thing about having lived thru this past year? For me I would have to say not having a nervous break down with all my complications, and how amazing I feel 200lbs lighter in such a short amount of time! 6. What does the next year bring? Hopefully more lbs gone and like April, hopefully a baby!

1. Who did you first tell that you were considering WLS? My Husband. 2. How long did it take to get approval? My first call to the surgeon was in December so first phone call to surgery was only 4 months. 3. What was the first thing you thought when you woke up? Oh My GOSH , what did I do? Why couldn't I just stop eating? I had a bad case of "buyers remorse" for awhile. 4. Were you scared to eat/drink after surgery? More afriad to eat than drink. 5. What is the coolest, most bestest thing about having lived thru this past year? Being in less pain. Being able to do more around the house. Not falling down all the time (my knees were buckling often) 6. What does the next year bring? Hopefully more weight loss, being more active. I want to totally reorganize, fix up and paint my entire house! Lizzie