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I had my 3.5 hour psch eval this past Tuesday.  Not sure how all the test related to the wls but I think it went well...I assume that the insurance process is now going on...hope it doesn't take too long.  I will call and follow up!

This week I made initial contact with 3 different bariatric program out of the state...I was most impressed was Wellstar Comprehensive Bariatric Services www.advancedobesitysurgery.com.  Out of the three they have services already coordinated for out of state patients...it was obvious that they took the time to come up with a system for out of state patients to make it convenient...using skype, over the phone, and co-ordinating services with a local nutritionist, pcp, and physical therapist...I definitely felt at ease speaking with Dee

Tomorrow I meet with a local surgeon who performs the sleeve surgery...I just found out that my insurance does not cover the sleeve but covers the sleeve gastrectomy...so looks like I have more research to do...

I now think I am going tp pursue the DS since my insurance covers with no additional red tape...

I have been exercising more, eating my fruit a day and I have noticed that I am eating smaller meals too...Really trying to get prepared for my new life style.  Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the vitamins.  Have been taking D, B-12, Omega 3 and a multi-vitamin pack too.

This site is the best, so many supportive and informative people!

Friday I walked my paper work to the administrator...I wanted to talk to somebody...I had the choice of two well know surgeons at two different hospitals...One hospital has a well established bariatric program (COE) but the surgeon lacks the bed side manner that the other has...but he performed most of the surgeries in the area...very good track record...The other surgeon comes from a COE facility and in approx 6 months will have gotten the program there certified as well...He has a good track record from where he comes from and is now establishing one here in Charleston...As far as surgeon's I did not think I could go wrong with either one.  The fact that the program of one has been established longer, they seem to have more of a support system in place with a lot more resources to pull from since they are a teaching hospital.

After speaking with the administrator and sharing my concerns she set me an immediate appointment to meet with the surgeon on
Thursday...I have a list of questions for him.  At the suggestion of the nutritionist I have been given the goal to eat a piece of fresh fruit daily and exercises daily without regard to time...I have been riding bike 1-2 times a week for 1 to 1.5 hours outside..this past week I walked for an hour too.  Today got up and went to the gym...felt good.  Trying to establish a routine now...I have been thinking about testing some protein drinks and some different healthy recipes...Just want to make sure I am prepared for my new life...I wonder if my taste buds are going to change?  I just hope I can get my carb addiction in check and keep it in check...I am preparing for success!

After thinking about it and researching for the past two years, two weeks ago I finally made the decision to have wls.  I made an appointment with my primary care physician last week.  I could tell that his nurse was not supportive of my decision.  She has always been the nurse to try and encourage me to loose weight..."remember your babies" she would always say..."keep trying, I know it is not easy"...she did know she used to be overweight herself...she was one of the lucky ones who successfully kept it off.  My doctor was just as I expected, he was professional...he drilled me to make sure I understood the risk.  After reviewing my history he simply said, "have you researched a surgeon"? He did not make me go the the surgeon in his network.  Another side note, many people on my job have already had wls.  So I have been able to speak with them.  Some have been successful some have not been as successful, but most all of them say the would do it again...even though's who had complications....So, yesterday I attended my informational session with the surgeon at the local bariatric program...They are in the process of being accredited as a COE...I submitted my initial application and hope to have my initial appt within 2 weeks, cross my fingers...for now I continue to read everybody's post and start to make changes in my thinking, eating, and exercise routine in preparation for my "Birthday"