My First Meeting!!

Hello all, I just wanted to share with everyone that I had my first consultation last night (Thursday). My husband got off of work early and was right there with me. I met with Dr. Vaughn at Barix Clinic in Belvidere Illinois. I had met him at the free seminar last month but did not get to have a 1 on 1 meeting with him. I didn't know what to expect at all. First a nurse took me back by myself. She weighed me. I nearly cried because it wasn't until then that I actually realized how horribly over weight I really was. I'm 5'5 and as of yesterday I weighed 257 lbs which fluctuates up to 260 on days. She told me what my ideal weight should be (134 lbs) and then I did the math quick like. Ohhh, my Lord....123 lbs over weight! That's like a whole other person. Well, the nurse took my blood pressure and then proceeded to ask me a ton of questions. She brought Robert in then Dr. Vaughn came in. He explained exactly what would be done and how everything would work. He didn't mince words. Everything he said to my husband and I made so much sense as to how it all would work and how the fat actually messes up a persons body so badly on many different levels. He told us some stories of peoples lives who have been transformed by this surgery. Many questions and fears were put to rest yesterday. Dr. Vaughn gave Bob & I a chance for our questions to be answered. He took the time until they were all taken care of and he didn't rush through anything. He said he is on call 24/7 in case I have any questions at all. How reassuring is that? My husband told me the only way I could have this surgery is "if" insurance covers it. I pray that it does. I just feel like I'm at the end of my rope. I guess now they send papers in to someplace. The insurance approval (disapproval) begins now. I am actually pinching myself because I have taken these steps so far in the process. It's not anything that I've just decided to do just yesterday...I have been thinking about this for several years now. It would be so great to feel healthier than I am right now. I can't even comprehend what it must feel like. My weight started to escalate about 20 years ago due to some health issues and more than several medications I have been on and off of. How can medicines help you in one way but ruin your life in another?? Especially when they are medicines you "HAVE" to take or else!! Very frustrating. I didn't sit down with a box of cookies and a gallon of ice cream and pig out over the last 20 years. It makes me a bit angry how I got this way. Excuse the rant. All I want is to be better and healthier and remove the risks of getting high blood pressure, stroke, etc. I want to be able to grow old with my husband. I want to be able to climb a flight of stairs without heavy breathing at the top. I'd really like to be able to cross my legs. Wow, there's so much I can sit here and imagine as I've forgotten what I used to be like. I long to find the person in my wedding picture (19 years ago this August 2nd) (Been with him 21+ years now!!). I guess we'll see what happens. I'm having to find out some insurance information then have to call the clinic back with it. Hopefully I'll find out the information I need to know today or he said Monday. Makes me feel all anxious inside. I don't like to do the hurry up and wait thing but I guess I have no choice. Be blessed in all you do...........Tammy

Tammy Hint #1...do NOT be intimidated by your starting weight Work your way towards surgery and that number will be nothing but a DISTANT memory! Dont get overwhelmed because 123 seems like a lot to lose. Follow your surgeon's instructions and it comes off relatively easy for a the most part. Keep your chin up