I'm on my way!

I attended my learning seminar this morning at Mercy Capitol in Des Moines. There was a large crowd (literally) so I know I'm not alone in this boat. I'm excited about the journey I'm about to take part in but know that I will need lots of moral support. I am such a big baby when it comes to pain. : ' ) I just want to kick my behind because I've let this get this far out of hand. I was not a heavy child....quite the opposite. Just wanted to let you know, I'm here, I'm alive, and I'm scared. Please be my friend and walk with me.

Hi Linda, stay strong you can do it. We are all here for you. If you ever need somebody to talk to e-mail me. I haven't been on here for awhile thats my bad but I feel so much better since my weight loss I just can't stay put. This surgery saved my life. sometimes we have to go through pain to get the results and believe me its well worth it. stay strong. Lavonda RNY 05/27/05 421/280/?

Hi Linda, I went to Mercy Capitol Dr. Smolik was my surgeon I also met Dr. Beck they both are so nice and good surgeons. If you have any questions at all please ask. My surgery date was Nov 15th and I lost 70 pounds today! Good luck Angel

Linda, I was there too!!!!!!!! I am looking forward to the journey as well. I'm just hoping my insurance approves! I have my paperwork filled out and will get sent to Mercy tomorrow. I have my psych appt scheduled already for this week. Janine

Welcome, I am happy you have joined us. We all wanted to kick our butts for getting so large, but that wouldn't have helped much. Besides I couldn't have reached my butt Now you have made a decision to help yourself and it is a very event filled ride. It is only normal to be scared but if you have researched the surgery and trust your Dr. you will do good. Just follow what your Dr. says, they have their reasons for their rules, even though they differ from Dr. to Dr. Be sure to ask any questions and come here often. Have you visited the Main board yet? You will find it goes faster, and usually alot of your questions are answered there by others. Good luck, and hurry back. Cindy G.

Thanks to all of you who have replied via this message board or via email. It helps me a lot to know that moral support is just a few keystrokes away. I'm in the process of filling out the stack of papers I received on Saturday but am having a few distractions. My grandson is home sick today so he wants my full attention. He's almost 7, but being of the male species he demands a little more attention. I don't mind...he's my best bud. His mommy is at school and at a job interview and sisters are at school. Grampa is at work so Westen will help fill my day! Laundry, dishes, etc can wait. Thanks again and I will be lurking around alot as this process speeds up or slows down whichever the case may be.

I just spend some time on the phone with my insurance company....Blue Cross Blue Shield..... I was so concerned about the out of pocket expenses I would be liable for and found I have nothing to worry about. My only expense is my $100 co-pay and the psych eval will be $20 or $45 depending on where it is done. The insurance lady said we have one of the best policies. Now my next concern is the diet records since I have changed doctors due to insurance over the last 18 years plus living in another area with dr's I can't even remember. Heck, I can't even remember what I had for breakfast, how am I supposed to remember half of this stuff?? Anyway, I'm excited as it seems to be going smoothly so far. But I know there will be some bumps in the road and I know you will all be here for me to vent also. Thanks all.