I'm Approved-Surgery 11/9/04

Hi everyone: Well, all of you know that I have been struggling with the weight loss thing now for many, many years. All of you also know that I have been attempting to have a gastric bypass surgery now for the last three years and have had many obstacles fall in my way. I have struggled with insurance coverage the most. But today October 19, 2004, I am proud to say I received my call from my surgeons office and I have been approved for surgery by Blue Cross / Blue Shield Health Options. My surgery will be November 9, 2004, at Ocala Regional Hospital in Ocala, Florida. My wonderful surgeon Dr. Jawad (a leader in his field) will be doing my surgery. I am one of the lucky patients that will be having this surgery performed laparoscopic, which means small incisions (3 to be exact) and my recovery time will be very minimal. My daughter Amanda will occupy me for this procedure and will be staying at our corporate suite in Gainesville. I had to tell all my friends of my wonderful news. I have been blessed throughout the years with great friends and wonderful family and I had to share my joy with all of you as soon as I heard the wonderful news. I am on my way to a healthier me, weight loss is so important to my health especially since I have become diabetic. Thank God for the knowledge he has bestowed upon this wonderful surgeon I'm going to and thank you all for your ongoing support in my quest to a healthier, thinner me. I want to shout it to everyone how happy I am, but since most of you are states or city's away this will have to do. Bye now, Marilyn

CONGRATS!!! I know you are so happy !!

Thank you Kim for your support and words of encourgement. I don't know that we have ever spoken before but I wanted to say thank you just the same. We are fellow Jacksonville-errs. LOL That's so cool. Bye now Marilyn

Congratulations, Marilyn! You have fought the good fight and finally you're on your way. You'll actually have 5 incisions if you count the JP drain and the G-tube, but you're certainly right that you've got a leader in the field in Dr. Jawad. He's just excellent and I'm sure you'll do just great!!! Let me know if I can do anything for you as I'm the self-appointed and totally unofficial ORMC greeter for this board!! Jan

Jan: Your support and information has been the most helpful in my choice of Dr. Jawad. I look forward to meeting you in person at ORMC. God bless you for all your help and support you have given to me and I'm sure everyone else. I could not have done it without your help. You have been my gardian angel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Marilyn

Marilyn, How exciting for you! I am so glad that you didn't give up and stayed focused in your quest for WLS, that is an inspiration for those who are struggling for approval. Please keep us posted on your surgery and your progress. Amy

Hi Amy: Thank you for your encourgement. I too am glad I didn't give up, but have to confess put everything in God's hands about 4 months ago and decided if he felt I should have this surgery then he would see to it that I got approved. I feel so blessed. I will keep everyone updated and post often I promise. Marilyn

Congratulations Marilyn. I know exactly how you feel . This has been a wonderful choice for me and I am sure it will be for you. Sounds like it is all falling together for you and I will be sending good thoughts and prayers your way. Carol

Hi Carol: I agree I to feel so lucky to have made this wonderful choice and evey luckier to have been approved. Thank you for your prayers. I'll be needing them. Marilyn

Congratulations. I know you are excited. The hard part is over. If you have questions, there are several of us ahead of you on the weight loss and will be glad to help. Also, we have started a Meet up group here in Jacksonville. When you get back on your feet, please join us.