Consult date!!

I finally got a consult date. My dr agreed to let me go to Grinnell...I have read so many wonderful things about the drs there. I will be seeing Dr. Kermode...****ep wanting to say Dr. Kermit--like Kermit the frog!!) I will be going down on August 29th. It is quite a drive for me...but closer than Ia City. I did get some information from a place in Sioux Falls, SD. They do take Iowa Medicaid. Anyone here on this board ever have anything done there? Just curious. I havent told anyone about this but my bestest friend in all of the world in Davenport. She is very supportive. I dont know where I would be without her. My sister and her family are here this weekend..she is a nurse--so I hope she will understand...and also is in my shoes. I want to tell all of the adults (my parents, my sis and her hubby) about my decison this week while they are here. Anyone have any ideas on how to approach the subject? I have talked somewhat to my mom about doing this. She actually suggested it to me once a couple of years ago.....and when i brought it back up a couple of months ago...she didnt seem real thrilled about it. I am not sure if that has to do with because my dad is so sick and she doesnt want to have to worry about me too or what. My dad has emphysema (not sure that is spelled right or not), colon cancer and it has spread to his liver, lungs, bone, and now his bladder. He starts Chemo tomorrow for the next four weeks. He has been sick for so long...for about the last five years.....but he is such a trooper. I know he would support me...he worries about me.....anyway.... How should I bring up this life changing decision to my family? How do I start the conversation? I wont do it till this weekend...everyone here seems to have a cold/bronchitis or some sort of ailment!! Now I think I am getting it..sigh...last thing we need around here are more sick people!! Billie Jo

It's scary telling the people you love. You just gotta jump right in and tell them. I'm not sure there is an easy way because every family is different. Just make sure they know you have been researching this for however long, you've done all your homework, and that this is the only way you can see to save your life. Because if you don't do it, chances are pretty good you will die from an obesity related disorder. Be forceful and not wussy about it. If they sense the "wussy" factor, they may work really hard at making you change your mind. Tell them this is YOUR decision and hope that they choose to support you in this journey. And then plunge ahead with or without them. Speak from the heart! WoooHOOOO You are soon to become a loser! Congratulations!

Morning Billie Jo Yeppers agree with Lyn on this one. Be firm about telling them. My prayers & thoughts are with you & your family. Hugs Carolyn

Be very excited about this. It will spread to them. Prove to them you know what your'e doing & are getting into. Know the facts. I can almost guarantee someone will bring up the possibility of dying. Don't let that get to you. Remind them that without the surgery there is a 100% chance of dying from morbid obesity, maybe not in the next few years but eventually it will kill you. Also, if they make a fuss, ask them if they would be questioning you if you told them you needed your gall baldder removed or some other surgery the doctor said you needed. In my case, it was a hysterectomy. That didn't seem to worry them. This really is probably no more dangerous than that kind of surgery. Good luck & congratulations of your consutation date. Dixie

I am so sorry to hear about your dad.....thats gotta be tough as it doesn't sound good I think it might be a great thing for your dad to hear.....that you are taking control of your life and chosing to become healthier......if anyone jumps on the ole' bandwagon of it being so dangerous.......remind them that you have a lot greater chance of dying driving to work or the grocery store every single day........and that dying of obesity and all its related aillments isn't the way you want to go!!! Hopefully they will all be happy for you Wishing you and your dad the best Take Care and good luck jesi