Gearing up....

[Veee1226]

Hi everyone!

I  went to my pre-surgery class on Jan 15.  I was given information and paperwork on what kind of changes to expect in  my life for the next 6 months.  Some frightening information.  I felt bombarded!  Things I didn't think about or realize are appearing now before my eyes.  It is a lot to digest (pardon the food pun)!  I'd like to say I handled the bombardment of all of this information with grace and style, but that would be a lie!  LOL  No, panic took over and I wound up in my car after the meeting, almost hyperventilating and calling "my Wingman" for reassurance.  (Thanks again!)  Then I thought, "well, maybe the insurance company will find a reason to deny or delay the surgery."  But, nooooo!   The very next morning Sophia called me to tell me that my surgery had been approved.  Less than 24 hours for the approval?  Wow, that was quick! (My apologies to the "money-hungry bastards" at Empire BlueCross BlueShield whom I have been bad-mouthing for six months!)  So, it is official.  I will be having my surgery on February 11th at 7:30am.   

Still not jumping for joy, but I AM MOVING FORWARD with a new attitude and I am glad for that!

I woke up this morning and thought, the life changes we are all facing on this journey makes us all heroes....very special and exemplary people.  I used to think that this surgery was "taking the easy way out."  I will never think that again and never allow anyone to say that to me again.

So I will spend the next few days reviewing all my papers, preparing myself for the my two week liquid diet and then for my recovery and whatever is to come afterwards.  I will be making a new list of items to buy at the supermarket for my new life.  I am going to be purchasing some new underwear, because the ones I have now keep sliding down the inside of my jeans!  LOL  (My apologies to all the men who read this.  Soon, I will be like Oscar, posting about my pants being about to fall down or me falling out of my shoes because my feet have shrunk.)

But the point is, I am moving forward, I am preparing, I am gearing up for the changes that I am facing.  I am finally taking care of myself.  My mantra for 2009 is "ON MY TERMS" and I am setting up boundaries in my mind of what I will and will no longer accept in my life.  And as I count down the days to my surgery, I will not allow defeat into my life anymore.   Watch out!  There is a new sheriff in town and she's kickin' ass and takin' names!  And I am doing it all "on my terms."

I look forward to seeing you all January 27th.

Veronica

[Osk]

  Tiger Eye.


  Tiger's Eye.


The Eye of the Tiger!


Risin up…back on the street…did my time took my chances…went the distance now I'm back on my feet…just a man and his will to survive…..so many times…it happens too fast…you trade your passion for glory…don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past…you must fight just to keep them alive…It's the eye of the tiger…its the cream of the fight…risin up to the challenge of our rivals…and the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night…and he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger…..Face to face…out in the heat…hanging tough…stayin hungry…the stack the odds still we take to the street…for the kill with the skill to survive.…..It's the eye of the tiger…its the cream of the fight…risin up to the challenge of our rivals…and the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night...and he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger…..Risin up…straight to the top…had the guts got the glory…went the distance now I'm not gonna stop…just a man and his will to survive…It's the eye of the tiger…its the cream of the fight...risin up to the challenge of our rivals…and the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night…and he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger…The eye of the tiger......The eye of the tiger.......The eye of the tiger......[/i]

[icarus96]

Hello Veee
Wow!!!  Only 24 hours for approval!!! February 11 will be here sooner than you think.  It's a Wensday so I can't wait to see you the the meeting after.  Also the meeting before.  Remember ... tough times don't last tough people do, and what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.  By this time next year you will be one of the toughest, strongest persons I know.  We should come out of this well.  You have been through, and are going through so much, you deserve a better life with better health, and some better underwear.      Enjoy shopping for your underwear, and from what Osk says you should look forward to many shopping trips in the future.  I know I am.....

See you around..... oh don't forget to take a before photo.

[Ms.B]

Hang in there! I don't think you're feeling anything different than anyone of us felt in the days leading up to the surgery.  For me, the end justifies the means. Had my Sleeve Gas. done Wed. Jan.14,2009.(down 9lbs since and 29lbs since I started the protein shakes Jan.1) I must truly be blessed because most of what Dr. Buchin warned me could happen, hasn't happened. The worst part of this journey was the extreme gas I had from the moment I woke up until Sun. when I finally got the hang of drinking the shakes. A word of caution, when he tells you 2 ozs, trust him. That extra 1/2 oz of water I tried to get in the day after surgery had a very bad result. Oh and let's not forget that horrible barium you have to drink. The tech. actually saw that going back up while looking for leaks in my sleeve. Funny part was I had to tell him to get the garbage. DUH!
 I am not having pain from the incisions nor any nausea. Have not even needed to crack the bottle of Tylenol w/ codeine. And while I realize not everyone is the same,I urge you to just BREATH! You made this life changing decision for a reason and I'm sure you thought this through before you even stepped into Dr. Buchin's office. You'll be fine. 


Ms.B