Hoping for a GBS in April 2009
As you can tell, I am very anxious for that date to be scheduled. At first, when it really hit me that I was full-on into this, I was really scared. But I have been spending alot of time reading books and looking at websites trying to gain as much knowledge as I can, as well as encouragement. That is why I am responding to your post for a "pen pal". I need all the encouragement I can get before surgery, and I am sure you do, too.
I live in California - have been married for 25 years - one daughter who is a junior in college - one dog, three birds, three fish.
I hope I can encourage you, Linda -- looking forward to hearing from you!
Meleani
Hi Meleani,
First congratulations on your next step "calling to set up the date"! It must have been a tough to wait till until someones vacation was over. I to have been pro-active myself. I will fill you in in a minute. Setting the date to me would be the beginning of the end of this whole process. When you hear when the date is you can begin to imagine your new life. Your new active life. Life without being controlled so much by food. A new life where our addiction isn't the first thing people see in us before they see our smile. It sounds like your doing it all correctly. Make sure your already taking your vitamins, water, and some form of exercise .I also did my six months, then went to my surgeon, last my psyc appt. is Wednesday and then Im thru. My letters went to insurance office today or maybe tomorrow. The office receptionist is a bit over whelmed so I have had to hold on to my hat a few times. They need to understand how anxious this process if for people. It's not like were going for a manicure!lol I completely understand your feelings. I too am scared, excited and nervous. Eatting more than I should. My husband has come around to the idea. He's scared of the whole surgery idea, so I had to deal with all his reservations first. I feal like a spent too much time convincing other that this is a good thing. I decided now that I will only tell only who must know the date. Others will see my results! I too, reading everything, learning, I have a notebook with all suggestions, drinks food ideas, vitamins, you name it, if I liked it I recorded it. I live in New Jersey- 45, Married 23 this year, son freshman at Virginia Tech. Daughter sophmore in HS. (whole other example issue there). Two dogs, two cats, 3 guinea pigs, 1 hamster, I snake. (my daughter is going for vet science). Hope I did scare you with too much info. I so totally relate to you.
Did you date come thru???
thanks-Linda
Why not print out a new spring outfit for your mirror to inspire you for they next few weeks..
Hi Linda! No, you didn't scare me at all! LOL! 
Souinds like we have some things in common, Linda - that is a good thing! Yes,. I am excited to report that I did get my surgery date - it will be Tuesday, March 31st, at 12:00!!! 
These smiley things are cute! I love them! so many to choose from - LOL!
My daughter is attending college right now at Taylor Univesity in Fort Wayne Indiana, but her school is closing down the end of this year so we are thinking of her transferring to Biola University (both of these are private christian schools) this coming Fall. She is coming home for spring break, the week before my surgery, so we can drive to So. California to visit Biola. I am very excited to see her. She is our only child, and we are a very close family. she and I love to travel together! We have so much fun! I could have had my surgery on March 13th, but decided to wait until the 31st because it was so close to her coming home - I wanted to be able to fully enjoy her being here, both in terms of how I am feeling and in terms of what I can and cannot eat. I would have still been on pureed foods for our trip to So Cal and I thought that might be difficult.
My daughter is majoring in Professional Writing with an emphasis on Journalism and Public Relations. She has always been a good writer - I am so jealous, because I am NOT a good writer. My husband works for Lockheed Martin as an Engineer and commutes every day a couple hours in a vanpool to the Bay Area (San Francisco area).
I have never been to New Jersey except to land in the airport on my way to NYC. Harmony went to school in NYC for her first year of college. One of the biggest things I've done in my life was to fly to NYC and visit here there and see the Macy's Parade at Thanksgiving! Not to mention battling the Christmas crowds (wall to wall) between 5th Street and Times Square! But we had such a great time - NY is a beautiful city - so much to see and do there -- too bad it is so expensive! LOL! Some people might say the same thing about some areas of CAlifornia, though.
Well, I am really glad to hear from you. We will struggle together as we wait for surgery to come soon. I am taking my vitamins and getting all the water daily -- right now I just have NOT been doing any exercise, other than just being a normally active person. I bought a video from bariatriceating.com and I hope it will help me - it looks like it is a good one made specifically for WLS people. I also need to start walking my dog every day, but it has been raining alot lately. How is exercising going for you? I don't work a regular job right now -- so I have plenty of time -- it is just a matter of beginning to make it a higher priority and starting the day with it rather than jumping right on the computer to check my email - LOL! I am trying to eat lower fat and high protein but not sticking to what the doctor recommends for right before surgery, yet! I mean, come on...only one 4 oz serving of a meat/protein per day? I'd be starving with my normal stomach before surgery! I am also journaling what I eat and thoughts/emotions every day - trying to get into the habit of doing that. I know I am getting older because I have been really good this past week, but only lost a couple pounds. Ten years ago I would have lost at least 10 pounds in a good week like this (in water weight). Not so now at age 51~ ugh~
Well - looking forward to hearing from you from time to time, Linda! Have a great day! Hope your surgery date gets confirmed soon!
Meleani 
