A little Blue but taking things as they go!

I finally got to my first consult with my surgeon, Dr. Roger Shinnerl. He is awesome - but I knew that already. The only really bad part was that I had to be weighed on the laundry scale in the hospital laundry room because I was over 400 lbs. 412 lbs to be exact - I was shocked. The last I knew I weighed about 390. We decided to do it open instead of lap and do it in Sioux City because I'm a high risk candidate. I have sleep apnea real bad. I'm a little scared but know that my life will end sooner if I don't get this surgery. I'm sick of going from one room to the next gasping for air. I'm sick of not being able to walk more than 6 ft without my back in so much pain I have to sit down or lean against something. I'm sick of only being able to stand for 2 min and then having to sit down because my back hurts so bad. I have already gone through some preop testing - mamagram - blood work, and EKG. I have an appt with a cardiologist this Friday for pre op exam. Things are going well but I need some support since my local support group from the Ida Grove Hospital broke up. My mom is scared of the surgery, but I have friends that are supporting me - especially my ex fiance believe it or not. I would love to have an angel or a host of angels to help me through this time. All my Love - Carol

Carol- I have been following your posts for several months now, and I am excited for you that you finally met with your surgeon! I understand that you have some anxiety too, and that your mom is scared- I went through the exact same thing last fall. Just remember that those who are concerned love you, and that is why they worry. Did your surgeon say when you might get a surgery date? Please keep us posted. God Bless You! Take care, Lori

Carol, Thanks for keeping us updated. Aren't you just so glad that your journey has begun? You have all of that testingdone already and are almost there. Let us know when you get a date. If you don't get an angel from your area, let us know so we can get one for you. God bless, Andrea

Carol, The scale thing must have been so embarrassing but just think, that will come to an end soon! Congratulations. Although I wasn't as large, I also had trouble walking distances, but now, 7 months later I love to walk for exercise. I just got home from walking 3 miles on our country road & am heading out to the barn to feed calves. Before I definately wouldn't be walking for fun & chores were horrible. I would have to sit down several times on a bale to catch my breath & to wait for my back to quit hurting. Now I just breeze through them. Still don't like doing them but it has nothign to do with my weight now. I just hate doing chores! Before long your life will be like this- but hopefully you don't have to feed calves. Dixie

Carol ~~ best of luck to you on your journey. It sounds like everything is falling into place for you now. Your family who is scare is only worried about you. Truth be told they were probably scared for you before you decided to have surgery also. We will all be pulling for you. Please keep us posted and let us know if we can do anything to help you. Those of us who are post-op know of the uncertainty feelings before surgery -- you will be fine. Trust your surgeon. We'll all be here pulling for you. Janie 272/202/140?

Hiya Carol...Congrats on your upcoming surgery!!! Iam soooooooo glad you are having it done in Sioux City! Keep us updated ok! I do believe that our support group is gonna start meeting again next month, I'll let ya know OK! Iam sorry I haven't been much support this summer as I have been soooooooooo busy, Ive hardly been home...if ya need to talk just keep trying til ya get me OK! Hang in there, Janet Schmidt