Hello all,

It was so nice having help yesterday with packing.  I think after work today, I will again, get stuff together for the swap shop.  It is time to get rid of stuff again.  I am thinking I may have to get rid of some more books as well.  I love books, don't you?

Hubby is giving me a hard time.  He is hinting as to NOT coming back down to help.  I told him that may not be too good for all your stuff because I will weed all that out too.  Let him ponder that for awhile.  He is a saver keeper and doesn't get rid of stuff well.

I was going to put some stuff on EBay but found out it is just too much of a hassle.  Anyway, that's about it for today.

 Hello. I have some questions. My insurance is Medicare and Medicaid. I know that the CMS is reviewing and making a final decision by the end of June about covering or not covering VSG, but also read the memo that suggests the sleeve will only be covered in research clinical trials. Very disappointing. BUT, I have to say how confused I am about something. I've read a couple examples of people that HAD their sleeve covered because they convinced CMS with the help of their doctor that they needed the sleeve instead of the other covered surgeries in order to continue taking necessary medications like NSAIDS which can not be taken with the covered surgeries. I feel like coverage CAN happen if you find the loop holes, but feel like doctors and office staff is against trying to help with this. LIke they are the speedbumps in the road. Might never get covered even if I do appeal and try this approach, but shouldnt we ATTEMPT to get it covered instead of assuming they will say NO and not bother with it? Has anyone had luck getting approval? If so, how did you? I want this so much but can not afford self pay because I dont think I could get enough credit or loans to self pay! I really want to find a way to get an approval. I went for Lapband, was literally sent home after getting the IV on the way to surgery because I had an unexplained fever. Probably the best thing that happened to me in hindsight. I read such horror stories of the band! I am SET on wanting VSG, so what can I do???????? Thank you

ALSO, if you have an insurance company that covered your sleeve? Can you share which one please? I might have to go that route if nothing else works. THANKS again

I am so glad to here you are doing better. Recovery is definitly an indiviualized journey. Also, CONGRATULATIONS on becoming a nurse. It is the best profession out there. I have been one for 19 years and still love it the same today as the day i graduated.

Audra

Hi all,

Yesterday was such a beautiful day! I like those kind a lot.  I even got some stuff done!!  Today is more of the same packing, sorting, trips to recycling.  I have a couple friends coming over tomorrow.  I'm going to put him to work taking stuff off the walls.  She can help me pack up china.

I am going to try something new.  I'm going to try to sell something in EBay.  We shall see how that goes lol.

Have a great day all.

I recently was watching a show on TV that had a counselor on the show who was addressing self image issues. They had a couple of women write down the things that they tell themselves about how they look. Many of us might be able to relate to litany of comments they made about 'thunder thighs', 'muffin tops', 'bat wings', 'turkey necks', etc... After writing them down, the ladies where then asked to tell the other person that they had 'thunder thighs', 'muffin tops', 'bat wings', 'turkey necks', etc... Each of the ladies were intensely uncomfortable about doing so and when asked why they were so uncomfortable, they said because they wouldn't want to say such mean things to stranger, much less a friend. Then, the counselor asked them why it was okay to be so mean to themselves, when they wouldn't consider being so mean to a friend or stranger? Both women agreed that they might reconsider before making such disparaging remarks to themselves about themselves. 

Next, they asked them to look at themselves as though they were looking at a friend or stranger and then describe themselves from that perspective. They both provided much more gentle, compassionate, and complimentary assessments of themselves.

I think it's important that we consider that what we say to ourselves about ourselves. What we tell ourselves helps to shape how we see ourselves in literal and figurative terms. How we see ourselves also often makes a difference in how treat ourselves and take care of ourselves. 

So consider who you are talking to... and be sure to be gentle, kind and compassionate with yourself.