about myself...

Hello Tami, Lana, Jan, Sue, Vesta, Janet, and Melissa and everyone else. Thank you for the warm welcome. I can't tell you how touched I am that you all responded soooo quickly. Let me start by telling you a little about myself. I am 35. I live in Fulton, MO and work at the VA hospital in Columbia. I am married to my soul-mate, Scott, and we have two wonderful kids, Andrew 15, and Victoria 10. Plus my three furry babies, KC -choc lab, Chiko -blind jack russell terrier, and last but not least Leo - the cat. My journey started August 2006 when I went to my first seminar. I got my insurance approval, first letter, on January 22-07. I have FEBH Bluechoice. I am waiting for my PFT's to be scheduled and to see Hematology, pending that I have to complete a weekend seminar and then my final appt. with my surgeon, Dr. de la Torre, Missouri Bariatric Services, then I'll get my surgery date. It feels like forever but I feel like I've made it over the first hurdle getting the insurance approval. Anyway, just thought I'd drop a line and say hello again and Thanks!

really nice to meet you and hope you will keep posting and letting us get to know you and you get to know us. We are all one big family here and try to be here for everyone. So be sure and come back often. Jan

Melissa L. You are doing so great on your journey. I know it seems like forever, but it is so worth any wait. I also have a Jack Russell terrier, 11 1/2 years old, who tore his ACL right before Christmas and who is recovering from surgery done the 10th of January. He's a lovey boy and we are very devoted to him. We also have Emily, the gray cat who is about 2 1/2 years old. I work at Missouri State University in Springfield in the PE department as an Administrative Secretary. Have the best boss and co-workers in the whole world. Do keep coming back and letting us know how you're doing. Most people post in the AM but I post before bedtime sometimes too. Hugs and love, Lana

Congrats Melissa. I too had Dr. DelaTorre. He is great. good luck to you on your journey...and keep us up to date on what's happening. Once that ball starts rollin' time goes by so fast!

Hi Melissa, Nice to meet you and know something about yourself!! I am so happy for you...as soon as all the testing is out of the way-you will be on this losers bench with us-and believe me-we ALWAYS just keep scooting down and patting the bench for the newbies...this is the best place in the world for support, even if you have it from your family-sometimes its nice to have it from people who feel just like you do, you know? We seem to have a lot in common..before I went on disability, I worked at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO for over 6 years...I too am married to my soul mate, have a choc lab and children around the same ages-however, I have a couple more-due to children from our first marriages... Also-I love MO Bariatrics-they are so awesome. I had Dr. Fearing, and the day of surgery, Dr. Scott was her fellow-as everyone gets 2 surgeons to assist in the surgery. I still have appts to attend to up there (for 3 and 6 month check ups) so maybe we can meet sometime? In March, my friend Melissa and I are going up together and staying over nite-as her Dr and mine are on consecutive days and we cant see any other surgeon but our own-cause we tried to get it for the same day.....so maybe we can hook up then and get some coffee or something? No pressure-will talk more before then, Im sure. Take care and hope those tests come quickly and we will be thinking about you. Welcome!!! Jan

I'd love too! If I'm lucky maybe you can visit me in the hospital-haha Anyway, just let me know when you two will be in town and we'll meet up!! A friend of mine, Richelle, just started the process so maybe she can join us also. I look forward to meeting you all and I'm sure I'll talk to you lots more before then. Melissa

Melissa, my surgery will be across the street at UMHCC. Dr. Scott and Dr. de la Torre will be doing my surgery as well. We have a jack russell terrier also - Willis. I was lucky to get him at the pound. My daughter, Mikaela, and my husband, Richard, are incredibly supportive of this surgery and look forward to a "straight up and down" momma - as Mikaela would put it! I am so glad you were able to get insurance approval. My school does not have this surgery covered in our insurance. We are going to sell our new car so we are not stretched to thin. I have completed everything and will return to Columbia on the 21st of Feb. for the surgery. I will keep you posted on the process from here. This is an exciting time for us!

Sue, that is so wonderful!! If you feel up to it I would like to come over and say hi while you're in the hospital. If not, I totally understand. That really stinks that you dont' have insurance that will pay for this, but I'm glad your family is supportive emotionally and finacially. Yes, please do keep me posted. If there is anything I can do for you or your family while your in the hospital don't hesitate to ask. My phone number at the VA is 814-6352. I work M-F, 7:30a-4p.

I would love for you to come over. Thanks for the offer. I look forward to meeting you.

WELCOME ABOARD and we will be here to support you all the way. Sounds like things are starting to develop for you and it wont be long till you are on the losers side. If we can help you please let us know. Colette