This is my first blog entry. I will be using this blog as a place to log my journey. I will post updates, future appointment dates, my surgery date and so forth. After my operation, I will use this as a tool to post about successes, set backs, and my day-to-day well being.

A quick update on my progress thus far:

1. Met with my PCP to get a referral to the BS Department (8/24/12)

2. Attended mandatory orientation for gastric sleeve (8/26/12)

3. Met with Surgeon for GSV (8/31/12)

4. Had EKG, Upper GI X-Ray, Ultrasound, and necessary lab work (9/4/12)

Still TO DO:

5. Meet with NUT (Mandatory for clearance) 9/17/12

6. Have Psych/Mental Health Eval (Mandatory for clearance) 9/24/12

7. SCHEDULE SURGERY DATE (TBD)

I am almost there. Luckily I have already been pre-approved by my health insurance, so this process has been running like a well oiled machine (knock on wood & fingers crossed). I hope to have my surgery date scheduled sometime in October. I am very pro-active in my care, so I made sure to contact my insurance company first, prior to starting the process, to see what I would need to get this done. I also went ahead and scheduled all my appointments directly, rather than waiting for the various departments to contact me, which I have past experienced in the past, could be delayed up to 2 weeks, before someone finally gets around to contacting me. By being proactive, I am making sure all my t's are crossed and i's are dotted so to speak.

I am nervous, as I am sure everyone is. BUT - I am also ready. SO ready. I am prepared, mentally, emotionally and physically for this. I have my own reasons for this surgery, as I am sure everyone has. This could literally help save my life and make the time I do have better. It's about quality of life for me at this point. And I am prepared to do whatever it takes.