Had my 1st consultation today

Had my first consultation today at the Barix clinic in Belevidere, IL. It went really smooth. I think i was the last person they seen that day cause my family and i were the the only ones there besides the people working. Had a nurse ask me my medical history and take my blood pressure and weight than the Dr. Boe came in and explained the 2 types of surgery that they were doing either lap rny or open. basicly the same results in the inside of my body just different ways to open me up. i didnt have to many questions really because of all the great information on this site and others like it. My family had some questions which i knew thats why i wanted them to come. If i had the Lap i would have a drain in my stomach for 2 weeks and a easier healing process with less scarring while i could have the open with a bigger scar and more time to heal(well thats how i understood it.) i just would have to wait a little longer for the lap surgery. I'm not really too scared anymore. Just a little cause ive never had surgery before. My family and friends are great supporting me on this. MY mom met someone whose had this surgery so she feels pretty good about it. Carl had the surgery like last year and he only comes to the town where i grew during the summer on the weekends otherwise he is in florida for like 6 months. He was 2 inches shorter than me about the same weight but 66 yrs old, with diabetes, gout, tendicies for blood clots and all that good stuff. Well he walked in to my family's restaurant in my hometown (St. Donatus, IA has a population of about 200 and i think they serve about 2000 to 10000 people a week between the restaurant and catering, it' s amazing, and i think im related to half of the 70 or so people that work there) well he walked in without his cane and about 200 lbs lighter and all his health problems pretty much nonexsistant. My mom couldnt believe it. Now mom and everybody else is excited about me havin the surgery. Now i just have to go get a few things done at Medical Associates in dubuque. A pysc eval., something for hypertension, and sleep apnea evaluation. Than they get to send it to my insurance which i think wont be too much of a problem. lets hope. i think blue cross/blue shield is pretty good about this surgery. I called them earlier. i'm pretty sure the max i would have to pay is $2000 with my insurance. Well i'll post next as soon as im finished with all the tests. T.J.

Hi Travis, You've jumped the first huddle on the medical end, GOOD FOR YOU!!! You sound very positive & you've done your research. I had lap surgery & healed very nicely. How much longer & why do you have to wait longer if you have lap? Good luck to you & be sure to keep us posted. If you have ANY questions be sure to ask that's why we are here Carolyn

Hi Travis, What a great positive attitude you have. I sometimes think that is 1/2 the battle in this journey. Positive attitude, patience, and diligence to keep after Dr's and ins co's. Also you are SOOO lucky to have family support. Some don't have that. Best of luck, keep us posted. Sheila preop, surgery date on the horizon.......

I love kalmes.......I have been there three times since surgery, I go to the one out in St. Donatus.....It is a nice little drive and I have three young kids so it is easier there for us! Very nice resturant! I too go to Medical Associates......They are pretty darn good! I had lap with no problems.....the drain in a pain in the butt, but not really that bad! Feel free to email me anytime! Take Care and keep us updated! By the way nice pic, handsome! Jesi

I went to barix in Belvidere too! It's really great isn't it!