Good Afternoon a couple days late.    I got some time on here and thought I would give an update.  

I got a call from my last employer, the work at home for Office Max, asking me to come back.  It may not be full time (they do not want to pay benefits) but I told them I do not need them as I have my own insurance.  Surprise, surprise, surprise,  Office Depot's people overseas are not able to handle the calls.  So they are bringing people back.  We tried to tell them that but they would not believe us at the time.  LOL.  I am considering this offer because  A.  I still have not found anything working from home, and B.  I did love the job and C.  It would start fairly soon.  

So I may be back in the workforce shortly.  That is great news.  I guess I am a glutton for punishment to consider going back and letting Office Depot fire me a third time.  

I dont know if I said anything.  Smokey ran away from home and found a new home.  It is a block and a half away.  I talk to his new mom almost every day.  She loves him as much as I do.  I am waiting to get a cat proof fence installed, and then plan to bring him back home.  Right now I just go and visit him.  The couple of times I have tried to bring him home he comes in the house, eats treats and heads out the back door.  The catio has proved to not be cat proof.  The cats keep creating holes and escaping.  So we are having to go to plan B.  The funny thing is Nibbles goes to see Smokey almost every day and cons him into going exploring with him.  Those two are best buds. Smokey lives outside at his other house and I am not really comfortable with that.  

Rick had a slight set back because they stopped physical therapy on him so he has to work on standing again.

Dawn, could you possibly be having migraines?  I had a headache often on for about 6 weeks until it was diagnosed as a migraine.  They had to get the cycle broken before I got permanent relief.  Now I take medicine to prevent them and it really helps.  The other possibility is nerve entrapment in your neck.  I get that a lot and I get headaches and pain running through my shoulders and down my arm with it.  I sure hope they get to the bottom of it.  

Crystal, you sure have found your soulmate.  Greg sounds like he is the perfect match for you.  I am so happy for you.

Lisa, I hope you are enjoying your free time now.  

Everyone have a great weekend! 

Hello there...

I have been issues with pain too but with my left hip.  The problem is that it only bothers me at night and I have a terrible time sleeping.  I went to the doctor yesterday and he prescribed me steroids and a pain killer.  He said its not the bone because when he flexed my hip around he said if it was my bone, that would have caused me a lot of pain.  He thinks its inflamed muscle or tendon.  Next step is physical therapy. 

We went to All State Arena last Friday and I was amazed at how small the seats were.  I mean if you have just a little too much "junk in your trunk" you won't fit in these seats.  I just barely fit.  Which brings me to this.  Just a few seats over was this lady and her husband.  She was about the size I was before I lost weight (maybe 350lbs)  She was not fitting in those seats.  She had just a small portion of her bottom on the seat and looked so uncomfortable.  I kept flashing back to when that would happen to me.  I felt so bad for her.  Needless to say she left before the show even started...I don't know what she did.  Maybe stand outside the doors.  How sad for her. 

Well I'm off.  see ya later 

Hi Misa and welcome!

Lisa hit all the high points of the beginning of this journey.

Many times, insurance, including BCBS, will ask you to jump through hoops.  Even though I had many failed attempts at losing weight, I still had to (re)do a 6 month trial of Phentermine with specific record keeping involved.  Once that was done, approval was rather quick.  I guess I'm trying to tell you that you should indeed call them to see what, "ducks" need to be in a row to avoid disappointment.

I live about 2 hours northwest of Chicago, so I had my surgery done at UW Madison, WI almost 10 years ago.  I have had an interesting journey and am actually scheduled to see my surgeon on June 6.

Welcome again and best of luck to you!  

Welcome Misa,

I had my surgery done at the Kane Center, in Elk Grove Village, by Dr. Guskie, at Alexian Bros. Medical Center. He is very understanding and great with WLS.

1.  The first thing you should do is check with your BCBS. rep and Find out what they require.

2. Attend  an informational meeting given by the Dr you select.

3. At this meeting, they may give you a packet of forms for you to fill out.

4, When you see the Dr. for the first time, he will discuss the different  surgury's.

5. This is not a quick process. You will need to see a few doctors before hand.

6. this is the start of your journey. It will go fast. sorta.

7. Our group is small, but we care and we are here whenever you need us.

I am also on Facebook, if you want you can friend me @ Lisa Silberberg Tucker.

Lisa

Hi all!

My name is Misa, & I'm seriously considering weight loss surgery. I have a few health issues, many pain related, & as I'm in my 30s now I'm finding it harder & harder to lose weight - &, sadly, to live my life. I'm at a crossroads for certain, & it's time for a change.

I'm wondering how many of you had your surgeries in the Chicago area? University of Chicago, or anywhere north side? Also, I realize there are a few kinds (I've done my research), but what are your thoughts as to the benefits of each?

Most importantly, I'm wondering about how long it takes to get approved through BCBS (I have a PPO) - once you have your ducks in a row, obviously. I realize everyone's case is different, I'm just curious & would love any inspiration I can find right now.

Thanks so much, have a great weekend!

Misa