Good morning!

Well, I am still running on nerves. I am really getting my house cleaned up, though. I have filled out my papers to take to my first appointment on the 22nd. Now I am writing my letter stating how I understand all this. Every word I put in it seems important. I guess years of being overweight has made me self conscious even when I am writing about it. I have never had any kind of surgery and I know this is what I want but I am sure nervous about the anethesia and such. I just read everyone elses profiles and messages and I think everyone is so brave. I salute you all It is getting easier just reading on the info written down on this board. Thanks for being there to listen. Carol

Carol, Hi there! Looks like your getting close and closer. I would be lieing if I said I don't get nervous also. I think it just comes with the territory in this journey! Keep positive and keep it together your moving right along~ Love and Prayers to you! MICHELLE

I read a thread on the main board yesterday about some of the complications that others have had and how they are disabled and can't work and such and it scares me to death. I don't think that will happen to me, but what will I do if it does!! I'm single and have to support myself. I don't want to lose my job and house and way of life!! Things are bad enough the way they are! I'm trying to improve things and I'm scared that this will be the worst mistake of my life. Anyway, today I thought about this all day and hopefully I'll be able to put things behind me and I'll be able to stay positive. Can you tell you're not the only one who worries??

Ah shucks I don't have an appt. yet since I am changing doctors so no surgery date in sight but I am scared too but think about all the hundreds or thousands of surgeries performed every day and how thankful eveyone is that their quality of life has so much improved. When I come across a post that will make my brain go into overtime, I pass over it. Well its actually morning again, I got here late but wanted to check out Michele's post re; Ericka. Carol forgot to ask you how far are you going to have to travel for this doctor?

I know we all must be nerves but you are right about just going on. I stay away from too much of the grief stuff. I know it is there but I don't want to dwell on it. I will be traveling for about 5 hours to get to Jacksonville. Not a bad run and when I found such a great group to talk to I just decided to go. Not to mention, My father had a stroke in March 2004. He lost all feeling in his entire right side. He was sent to Jacksonville to the Brooks Rehab ( right next door to Memorial Hospital where I will go) Now Dad is up walking and even started driving again. So I am taking it all as a good sign. IF JACKSONVILLE WAS GOOD ENOUGH FOR DAD......IT IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME. Crazy huh! Carol

Hey Carol, forgot to tell you Tricare has a few pages that indicate reimbursment if you must travel more than 100 miles. Lodging, meals etc... You might want to ask your benefits office about what they offer for reimbursement. I know you are still ChampVA but there has got to be something available. I just came acorss thia page last night. http://www.tricare.osd.mil/primetravel/default.cfm Hope we are allowed to posts links...

thanks for the info. I will check in to it. Need all the help I can get. Carol