Introduction

Please allow me to introduce myself to the group. My name is Penny. I have met many of you at the PMRI meetings or at several other support group meetings I have attended in the last couple of months. I am in the middle of the clearance process with Dr. Wynn as my surgeon. So far I have passed Pulmonary and Cardic clearances. Unfortunately, I had an ulcer on my esophagus when they did my EGD so I am on Prevacid for 6 weeks and have a follow up scope scheduled. I began my lifestyles classes last week. They would not put me on the schedule until I gave them my credit card over the phone. $ 900+ that my insurance would not cover. The good news is that they have dropped the weight loss requirement so anyone who is looking down the road to these classes can relax. I am blessed to be the mother of 8 year old twin daughters and have a wonderful husband who has been patient and supportive as I get deeper into this process. I have learned so much from all of you as I lurked these last few months. I am looking forward to being an active participant on the board! Thanks, Penny

Hi Penny It's Bonnie here............... Now I want to ask you about the weight loss requirement. Are you saying that You do NOT have to loose a certain % of weight before being cleared?? I have not been cleared by Dr Monsart because he was waiting for my labs,(which I've had done and my PCP said everything was O.K.) and I still needed to loose 3 lbs. I have been struggling with 3 lbs. for weeks now. I'll call next week and see if I'm cleared if I don't have to loose those 3 STINKIN' lbs. Bonnie

Hi Penny, nice meeting you yesterday. WARNING Once you start posting this can be addictive. Glad to have you onboard. Believe me when I tell you that you'll need tos tay positive , focused & keep your sense of humor about the whole process until the day of surgery. It is done for a reason to prepare you for your new healthy life. It can be sooooo frustrating at times. Take the oppurtunity to research and learn all you can. It'll help you in the long haul. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Thanks Elissa, I am fortunate that Debbie Papa is a friend of my sister so I have had a wonderful role model. I am grateful for the PMRI classes. I have so many questions and I am sure I will come out much better informed at the end. At this point my only concern is what I am going to have to go through with Aetna and the approval process. Penny

Hi Penney, Welcome! I'm sorry I didn't have the opportunity to meet you yesterday. You sound like you have your ducks in a row so far, I too, had a small ulcer and it was cleared up in 4 weeks and did not interfer with my surgery at all. Best of luck in your journey! Valerie

Thank you Valerie, I was concerned initially because the Dr. told me I also had lesions on my esophagus and stomach and he did some biopsies. Naturally your first reaction to that word is to worry. But they called last week and told me that all of the pathology was normal and I just have to retest in March. I am doing everything he recommended including giving up all caffeine. No easy feat in my home. One of my favorite vices is great coffee. I am considering this a step towards a healthier body. Gave up all chocolate as well. Baby steps... I will look for you at the next meeting. Do you attend any of the other local support groups? Penny

Hi Penny, Nice to meet you yesterday and I hope you post alot! Welcome and the best of luck to you in your process. Anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to ask. Linda

Linda, Thanks for the offer. You may come to regret that! Penny