May 11th is my date...

Well, I have thrown down the gauntlet and written out the big checks , told my boss I'll be out of work a couple of weeks,and May 11th is my plastic surgery date. It is a financial burden since the insurance company has denied me, but my spouse has been great about letting me do this next necessary step. Less than two weeks away so I need to scramble to get all the pre-surgical tests done. Dr. Malek will performing the surgery and he does a 330 degree TT with liposuction. I have been very pleased with my two contacts with him and his office staff has been great. The scheduler actually took care of finding me a date at Wilmington Hospital on her vacation because she knew that I wanted to get out of a special criminal jury duty in late May. They have all made me feel special throughout this journey. Not sure what to expect with recovery. Looking for feedback from the pros (kathleen and faye, where are you????). I am anxious to get this surgery in May to give me time to re-train for the MS-150 Bike to the Bay in October and the 5k run from the Logan House in late October. I guess I will miss several of the support meetings in May, but since they are mainly Lap Band oriented (at least the PMRI meetings) they probably are good ones to miss. Pre-Plastic Rob

Rob, think of it more as plastic fantastic. I am planning on pushing you on the road bike come mid-May. You can rely on me to provide the lead and break wind (hahaha). You helped me push out, now its time to repay the favor. Amish ride in September and maybe one of the Jersey 50s we enjoyed so much last year.

Good for you, Rob. I'm right downstairs in clinic if you need anything. As always, you will be the pillar of strength and an example for us all. Looking forward to hearing the details. You must be excited. Dianne

Dianne, Was that you walking into the entrance at Wilmington Hospital Monday morning? I got my pre-testing done and thought I might have seen you from a distance, but then again the woman I spotted was real skinny. Hope that was you... Thanks for your long time support. Excited and frantic. Rob

lol, Rob! I'm definately not skinny. I look much the same as last time I saw you, except shorter hair. I enter the building at the clinic entrance (over top the emergency room) everyday. I didn't see you, and I know how skinny you are! Dianne

PP Rob, Reminder...there are only 7 more gym days left! Don't work out too hard! The surgeon won't have anything to take off! I hope you are enjoying the gym and let us know if you need anything. Can wait to see the scars! I guess you will be displaying them in the ladies room during support group break time? Hugs and Fleece Blankets Debbie

Hey Debbie, Well, I am actually down to three gym days, and I must admit I have been a maniac. Maybe time off during my recovery will a good thing but I have a feeling I am bound to go stir crazy and nuts. (Although I did read the instruction manual for the TV yesterday, so at least I will know how to turn it on and off). Over the weekend I achieved a personal best running 5k in 32 minutes. I have two more spinning classes left this week, one body pump class, and then maybe a 5k before Thursday. On Wednesday, I go back to the surgeon's office and get Sharpie'd up so they know where to cut and slice and dice. Then I have to start obeying the surgeon and my wife and behaving, but until then..... You may want to keep your distance since I can't shower until after my first post-surgery visit to the surgeon which should be Monday (I assume I will be ripe at that point). Yes, there probably will be a private scar showing in the ladies room. Keeping it real. The clock is ticking. Pre-Plastic Rob