Hello from the Kalamazoo Area!

Hello Everyone, WOW what a great site!! I am new here and I just thought I would say hello. I originally posted on the main message board, then I found the Michigan one.... I have truly learned a lot by reading the posts here. I have done research on the surgery but every time I came across anything negative it freaked me out.....that is until I found OH. It is so refreshing to get other perspectives on things!! I had a mini-meltdown last night and your posts and support of one another really encouraged me. I am in the Pre-Op stage. I have had all my appointments already (Psych, Dietitian etc..) so now we are waiting for them to send their clearances in so that we can submit it to my Insurance. THANK GOD that I have great insurance! Other people on my job have had this surgery with no issues with insurance so I don't see that being a problem. So it is a waiting game and I am sitting around thinking what if... what if.... what if..... Someone please tell me is that normal???? Anyways I am looking forward to getting to know everyone here!!! God Bless!! Kathy

Hi Kathy Welcome to our big happy family!! We are all here for you whenever you need us. You're so lucky to have such great insurance. Everyone gets freaked out and worried about the what if's, but let me tell you this, this will so change your life. I never imagined how great life could really be. Email me anytime you need. Hugs Linda 360/168/?

Hi Linda, THANKS for the warm welcome!! Yes I am lucky or should I say blessed to have great insurance! Some of my co-workers told me that they even send you a letter of congratulations and well wishes!! I am really really really looking forward to all the wonderful changes in my life after this surgery... Just to have energy would be worth it all Thanks for the encouragement and I may just take you up on that offer to email you!!! Thanks again God Bless! Kathy

Hi Kathy! Welcome to the board. I'm just north of you in Otsego. A group of us just met this afternoon at Finleys on Westnedge for a West Michigan get-together. Don't be afraid to ask questions! Good luck on the insurance approval. Matt

Hi Matt, Thanks for the welcome!! You may not believe this but my Grandma and I ate at that Finleys today!!! It was around 1:00 or so..... I LOVE Finleys!!! Their Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is AWESOME!!!! That is wonderful that you had a get together.... Maybe I can come to the next one! I am sure I will be back with TONS of questions!! Thanks again! God Bless! Kathy

How did you find out about the informational meetings?? I am very interested, but want to do my homework like you spoke about.. Thanks

Hi and welcome to the board! We are glad you are here! I can't begin to tell you how much this place has helped me! Although I have the best support network ever, it's very comforting and helpful to talk to people who have been in the same boat as I am...experiencing the same thoughts, same feelings, same what if's. (Yes, that is very normal. I'd be more concerned if you didn't have those thoughts/feelings.) So...enjoy the journey...it's an interesting ride! Take Care, Maria W.

Hello Maria, Annette, & Pam!!! Thank you all for the warm welcome!! Looking forward to getting to know you all better... God Bless!!! Kathy

Hi Kathy, You are normal. God bless you, Annette

Hi Kathy! I think you know me ... but I may be off base here. Jeremiah? Jaela? Ja'nya? If this doesn't strike a cord, then I'm wrong. If I'm right, I'm the one that Anissa told you about. I wanted to welcome you and tell you that you have nothing to worry about. You are in AWESOME hands! Bonnie goes the distance to work things out with your insurance. As to your actual surgery, I know that many here think that their surgeon is the bomb, but I can personally attest that Saber will not do anything that will put you at risk. My original surgery with him was cancelled (while I was in pre-op) and rescheduled because there was a question about a surgical clearance test. Stick around.... you'll love it here; there is so much knowledge and help! Sheryl In the Zoo 375/294/???