NYSparklegirl

Cool. Thats great.....Welcome...glad you joined!!!!

OMG.Ive just spent about an hour...going through all the new posts and responding to them and giving my update...etc etc and somehow...I lost it all!!!! well....Im sorry but its way to late to start over tonight!!! Will start over tomorrow. GRRRR. Have a good night all.

OMG.Ive just spent about an hour...going through all the new posts and responding to them and giving my update...etc etc and somehow...I lost it all!!!! well....Im sorry but its way to late to start over tonight!!! Will start over tomorrow. GRRRR. Have a good night all.

Hi everyone. Well, I am hearing that you all want to go back to FL? Well next year then maybe! I hope that Little Nelson gets better soon its so sad to see our little ones sick...but playfulness and energy in btween the fever spikes are a good sign. Im so happy to hear about all the excitement about hitting that point...and the weight loss and passing breaking the points..of staying the same for long periods of time... Congrats to all. Hope all is well and everyone had a great Presidents day and all those on Holiday are enjoying. I am on vacation however because I want to take off for the week of surgery and if need be the following week im working this week...and I worked Christmas week as well so just in case I need two weeks I wont feel guilty. So...Im pretty much working for free again this week..or it certainly feels like it! Its kind of strange how I was so busy the last three months getting all the consults and tests done...and going back for follow ups...and now..its so um quiet. Since I orriginially was supposed to have my surgery on the 8th of Feb and I was bumped because of the sleep apnea for six weeks supposedly. Well...now that..that was cleared before the six weeks...due to good behavior lol. I feel like Im in limbo...just waiting around doing nothing. Im ready...but have to wait a month. Not happy! Im ready. I know another month wont kill me however.....this was a good time for me...not March....March 16th is my daughters bday. Purim is the first week and Passover is the last week. Can there be a worse time?? NOOO. but...like all others..who are waiting...I am waiting as there really is no choice unless there is a cancelation..which there might be...but if there is it will still be after the first of March! Lol Okay....finished venting...sorry..just tired of the waiting after all the busyness of getting ready for the surgery! Kind of a let down at the end of the process...instead of the surgery being the culmination of the whole process. well...I certainly have plenty to do besides the surgery stuff to keep me busy. Tomorrow is pet day at my daughters school. Not really sure how im going to get the dog to the school at 11:30 and then go to work and be home by 4:30. Im not a magician but sometimes feel like I need to be one. I really dont want to bring the dog to school. She isnt going to like it! lol but, the kids are expecting all their pets for show and tell? Didnt show and tell end in pre school? My daughter is in the fifth grade. I think that the dog should just be able to come to school for the day!!! Yea. Let her take her with and bring her home. Im sure the class would love to have her eat all the school lunch leftovers that the kids throw out! I told the parents that I work with in Williamsburg that ill be bringing the dog to work with me afterwards...I thought they were going to have a heart attack right there...until I told them I was kidding. (yikes) Its olmost Wednesday and I still have baking and shopping to do for the upcoming holiday of Purim. Why im procrastinating im not sure...but there is still one more week left before..and ill just kill myself the last week like always...to get everything done in time..lol (WHY I ASK??) The one thing I did do ...is get my daughters costume ready. After seeing "The lightening Theif" She wants to be "Medusa the greek goddess" on Purim ..like Holloween the kids dress in costumes....So..I was able to get her a Roman mideavil costume...now I just have to figure out the hair?? snakes?? lots of snakes?? any suggestions..will be accepted gladly! Well you all have a great night!! Jodi

[quote name='wlcoyle;1416024 Hi Whitney' date=' Welcome!! [/color'] You just keep posting and we will surely get to know you and make sure you remember how fantastic inteligent, beutiful, and talented you are regardless of your appearance...no matter what your outward appearance might be and before you know it....after being banded you will begin to feel the same on the outside as well as inside too! You seem to have a built in support system from your parents at home...that surely will be some help and support! Good luck! Hi Edmgirl Welcome....Glad you posted! Jump in share/ask away and respond anytime. The more we all do that the more educated we all will be regarding the ins and outs on this jouney we are embarking on in the same time frame, Good luck!! Hi StevieVeith, HI.....Never to young...the younger the better...for the rest of your life youl be healthy! I hope you get that date...the 2nd...Good luck...keep is posted! Yea.....Us!! There is a possibility that I get a date sooner if there is a cancelation between now and March 15th as Im now cleared for surgery however....im not expecting any time sooner. lol oh no...im sorry to hear this...I was sad to when my surgery was bumped from Feb 8th to March 15th because of sleep apnea...but your right....that wasnt nice....but maybe its an emergency? I always think that what ever the date...given instead for some reason...is somehow meant to be...and maybe that will be revealed to us at some time and then maybe it wont...but whatever the date...it will happen and we will keep you company until then....anxiously waiting together!!! Wow.. my insurance does not include fills even after they pay in full for surgery but not cover the fills....how crazy is that?? so Im going to have to pay $250 a fill. Im coming over to you! $75 is not bad at all! Oh Im so sorry...you had this experience..but I have to also say...Ive felt the same way at times. Its worse when you see people who you havent seen in a long time....and for me..well Ive just gained my weight after pregnancy so ..those I havent seen in the last 12 years and I see them...are like....omg what the heck?? (that makes me feel real good seeing them, not) I then feel like I have to explain how this happened. Like I know?? I just got married, had a baby got divorced, my ex died and im a single parent...thats how...need I say more to them?? As far as shopping and going out etc etc...Its the same..you get treated differently...I know this first hand. SO. Ive stopped going out shopping...as nothing looks good anymore anyways! Why bother!! Im just waiting till I can go back to reg sized clothes...12 and under lol. Ill be happy at 12 at this point! I just know...I need to be happy with me...regardless of how much I weigh...I know I need to present myself in the best light....regardless of the situation...and remember....I am a fantastic person...and if whomever cant see this....I just say...heck with them...they arent worth it. However much I say this....no matter it still hurts and it still feels when we are made to feel small! Im sorry you are feeling so bad. Perhaps...in time. In a very short time you will begin to see things a little differently. Until then....chin up and we are here to listen to whatever you have to say and feel!! Jodi I couldnt have said what you just wrote any better than that!! You are so right! Oh and about the Maam...I have this friend...she is from Texas..and omg...when she has to talk to a stranger...for something and she says...excuse me Maam or thank you Maam...I want to smack her silly, lol I know she only means well but here in NY...well I hear the possibility of being insulted but your right we cant take it to heart. Hi everyone. Hope all is well and everyone had a great Presidents day and all those on Holiday are enjoying. I am on vacation however because I want to take off for the week of surgery and if need be the following week im working this week...and I worked Christmas week as well so just in case I need two weeks I wont feel guilty. Its kind of strange how I was so busy the last three months getting all the consults and tests done...and going back for follow ups...and now..its so um quiet. Since I orriginially was supposed to have my surgery on the 8th of Feb and I was bumped because of the sleep apnea for six weeks supposedly. Well...now that..that was cleared before the six weeks...due to good behavior lol. I feel like Im in limbo...just waiting around doing nothing. Im ready...but have to wait a month. Not happy! Im ready. I know another month wont kill me however.....this was a good time for me...not March....March 16th is my daughters bday. Purim is the first week and Passover is the last week. Can there be a worse time?? NOOO. but...like all others..who are waiting...I am waiting as there really is no choice unless there is a cancelation..which there might be...but if there is it will still be after the first of March! Lol Okay....finished venting...sorry..just tired of the waiting after all the busyness of getting ready for the surgery! Kind of a let down at the end of the process...instead of the surgery being the culmination of the whole process. well...I certainly have plenty to do besides the surgery stuff to keep me busy. Tomorrow is pet day at my daughters school. Not really sure how im going to get the dog to the school at 11:30 and then go to work and be home by 4:30. Im not a magician but sometimes feel like I need to be one. I really dont want to bring the dog to school. She isnt going to like it! lol but, the kids are expecting all their pets for show and tell? Didnt show and tell end in pre school? My daughter is in the fifth grade. I think that the dog should just be able to come to school for the day!!! Yea. Let her take her with and bring her home. Im sure the class would love to have her eat all the school lunch leftovers that the kids throw out! Other that im working for free this week....lol Its olmost Wednesday and I still have baking and shopping to do for the upcoming holiday of Purim. Why im procrastinating im not sure...but there is still one more week left before..and ill just kill myself the last week like always...to get everything done in time..lol (WHY I ASK??) The one thing I did do ...is get my daughters costume ready. After seeing "The lightening Theif" She wants to be "Medusa the greek goddess" on Purim ..like Holloween the kids dress in costumes....So..I was able to get her a Roman mideavil costume...now I just have to figure out the hair?? snakes?? lots of snakes?? any suggestions..will be accepted gladly! Well you all have a great night!! Jodi

This was the funniest....thanks for the description. Im glad to see you all had a great time!!

Hi all....just wanted to say....you guys are great. Thanks for all the pics and posts. It was nice to hear and see you all having such a fabulous time together!!! Thanks for allowing those of us not there to be a part of your very special weekend! Have a great week all!

Hi...this sounds really great. Thanks for all the information. This was so helpful. I wish the support group that my doctors office had was as informative as yours! I went to my first one with them Thursday night and well...it was nice but it was more like going to an AA support group. I love the idea about plates and the clothing exchange. I am going to recommend we try to do the same. I for one certainly cant afford new clothes! There is btw also a clothing exchange thread on this site as well....I posted to it but havent gotten responses yet. Thanks for sharing!

Hi. I had the same question you had after noticing that not everyone was recquired to have different consults and tests done before surgery. What I was told..that it really depends on the state, hospital, insurance and doctor that you are using....however it seems that NY recquires the most testing and consults to have done..I couldnt believe all the doctors and tests that I needed!! All in all it took about 6 months just to get those clearance letters! [ Welcome Neverquit, Matilda and Daurceart NEVERQUIT!! Glad you guys posted....March is just around the corner....jump in anytime you see a post you want to respond to or ask questions about etc etc....we are all here to help and support!! [

Hi. Finding Me....Welcome...of course you can join us...just jump in at any time to respond, present concerns or just touch base about whats going on and how your journey is going! Good Luck on the road to finding yourself. I am reading a really good book that addresses your concerns about eating after the band and families etc....you might want to check it out..Im finding it helpful about food, eating and retraining our brains on how we think about food and eating called "BECKS, DIET SOLUTION" check it out maybe it will hep you too. Welcome again. Jodi Hi. I see that you wrote about having to wait to get a a consult with a nutritionist..even though you allready had one at NYU that you paid for. Why do you need another one? Cant you get the one you had the original consult with to give you her letter of clearance? I didnt have to use the nutritionist or psychologist from LI Bariatric if i didnt want to..and I didnt as they didnt take insurance and if found my own people I could. So i did...I called oxford and I asked them for referals and they gave me several in my area. Perhaps you can do the same? I would ask your doctor if you can use what you have previously..like you said no reason to have one again! I agree. You really want to do this..and you found a way you could!!! Good for you!! Good luck! Ive heard alot of people having going to Mexico and have a great experiences.

So...Today....I got my clearance from the sleep doctor. He said hes pretty confident that ive been using the CPAP machine correctly...as he watched how I put it together in his office to demonstrate. I felt like I was being tested putting together this machine...like I was being timed for precision and confidence lol. In the end...he laughed and said...I really didnt need to see this demonstration but you were so set on showing me you are using it properly..that I let you he said, "I just needed the information of the calibration of the machine thats why I asked you to bring it". hmmm. did he think he was funny?? lol ( I took that whole machine apart and cleaned it etc etc) Just as well...he gave me clearance three weeks early.... meaning: I get to have surgery...when there is a cancelation...between now and March 15th when my surgery date was rescheduled from Feb 8th. Now it could have been the end of Feb...but go know.....he said he wanted 5 to 6 weeks...so I changed it for 6 weeks. so now, I wait for a date..either March 1st or2nd or 8th or 9th. If there is none....then Ill have it March 15th....Id hate to have it then however, Dassis bday is the 16th and I would hate to be in the hospital on her bday as ill need to stay overnight. boo hoo. I would go next week if I could bu they still need to get insuarance clearance and that takes up to two weeks..with Oxford. so I wait..patiently. not!! I did go tonight to the support group that my center has once monthly. That was fun...met lots of great recent bandsters and want to be bandsters. We talked about some concerns and how and why people are banding....etc etc.. The surgeon was there to answer all questions that was nice....it was pretty far out so...I wont be going again as I needed to have a babysitter and that cost alot....as it took all in all a few hours... well....Thank god...there is school and work tomorrow..If I have to cook, bake and organize one more closet ill kill myself....Dassi had some friends over for the day and they at least had a blast in the snow again for the second day in a row. To think...that there is another day off on Monday?? Feels like another week vacation unplanned. Monica...let us know how the book goes for you!!!

Well....I hope that everyone is where everyone needs to be this weekend or at least on the way!!! Have fun in the sun....and havea great time....enjoy everyone! So...Today....I got my clearance from the Sleep doctor. He said hes pretty confident that ive been using the CPAP machine correctly...as he watched how I put it together in his office to demonstrate. I felt like I was being tested putting together this machine...like I was being timed for precision and confidence lol. In the end...he laughed and said...I really didnt need to see this demonstration but you were so set on showing me you are using it properly..that I let you he said, "I just needed the information of the calibration of the machine thats why I asked you to bring it". hmmm. did he think he was funny?? lol ( I took that whole machine apart and cleaned it etc etc) Just as well...he gave me clearance three weeks early.... meaning: I get to have surgery...when there is a cancelation...between now and March 15th when my surgery date was rescheduled from Feb 8th. Now it could have been the end of Feb...but go know.....he said he wanted 5 to 6 weeks...so I changed it for 6 weeks. so now, I wait for a date..either March 1st or2nd or 8th or 9th. If there is none....then Ill have it March 15th....Id hate to have it then however, Dassis bday is the 16th and I would hate to be in the hospital on her bday as ill need to stay overnight. boo hoo. I would go next week if I could bu they still need to get insuarance clearance and that takes up to two weeks..with Oxford. so I wait..patiently. not!! I did go tonight to the support group that my center has once monthly. That was fun...met lots of great recent bandsters and want to be bandsters. We talked about some concerns and how and why people are banding....etc etc.. The surgeon was there to answer all questions that was nice....it was pretty far out so...I wont be going again as I needed to have a babysitter and that cost alot....as it took all in all a few hours... well....Thank god...there is school and work tomorrow..If I have to cook, bake and organize one more closet ill kill myself....Dassi had some friends over for the day and they at least had a blast in the snow again for the second day in a row. To think...that there is another day off on Monday?? Feels like another week vacation unplanned. Okay...again..hope all who went to FL have arrived safely and are enjoying finially meeting!! Have fun...and um stay out of trouble! lol Jodi

Hi. BabyDiva yes, Oxford I hear is pretty easy and takes about two weeks to get approved. I hope that all will be good and they do approve! Tomorrow the center is starting to send them the request....do you have a copay with Oxford im paying $30 for each visit and for all the consults and tests....alot so far! I havent spoken to Oxford yet whether there is a copay for the surgery itself...not really looking forward to hearing the possibility of having to pay more for the surgery....it will be hard enough to pay the $250 per each fill that insurance doesnt cover at this time. lol Thanks for the info. Welcome LiftingChic, I hear you and all your concerns. I think everyone has pretty much the same or very imilar. lol. Yet we are all here waiting to be banded shortly so we must want it badly regardless of the concerns....so we have a month..pretty much to have those concerns squelched addressed or answered . Tonight I went to a support group at the center where im being banded with people who are going to be banded or have just been banded. All the concerns were addressed and well..bottom line....each experience for everyone is slightely different and each surgeon has different rules and regs. lol but, the group was a good beginning to get all those concerns and then some on the table. I think I will go again at the end of the month. Maybe you should find one and see if that will help you as well? You talk about your job and the physical demands but your jobs psychological demands are stressful too...Paramedics have the most stressful jobs in the US. Kudos to you. If you can take the time off now by doing this for yourself and getting healthier you will eventually be taking off less time later? Just a thought. Hopefully you will get your surgery date...for the March 1...but if its a week or so later....youve waited this long it will come!!!

omg...you go girl!!! Good for you! I am so happy for you!

omg that is so amazing....to wake up to a Revelation song and see a rainbow at the same time...two days in a row..it must be a really good sign! Isnt it great when we can keep a good feeling from morning through the day..... thanks...youve lifted my spirits with that anectode.... btw..I dont mind hearing about the trip you are all taking...Im excited for you all..youve worked hard for the last year and developed some really important friendships along the way....whom are very supportive...I am happy reading about how excitied you are all and so im happy for you all....I like it! thats just me!

Hi all.... Just for point of interest/reference.... The February Bandsters are beginning their surgeries this week and ive been reading their posts.. to see what kind of experiences they each are having..I started out in that group but got bumped to March which is how this thread.group was started. I wanted to wish them all luck and see how they were..... Its kind of interesting to look up to them and kind of see them as our mentors as they are a month ahead of us in getting banded. I think it would be a good thread to read if you want to know about peoples recent experiences being banded in the first days.... I think its helpful.....to know at least for me. another snow day tomorrow.....and ive spent the day cooking and baking ....what ever shall I do tomorrow? Clean and shop online??? lol Have a great night all.

thank god....you didnt have the endoscopy today....as you have strep. That wouldnt have been a good thing I would think...they might have cancelled it in the end regardless? Im sorry you are not feeling well. If all that you are waiting for is the endoscopy and the psychologist...it shouldnt put off the surgery for the 8th. Hopefully it wont...but no matter when it should be the right time..thats what counts. I also am a worry wart and am always the pessimist...but some things just arent in our control ...like the damn snow lol How was your day? Tomorrow there is also no school in LI. I have the babysitter in the PM but...I have these two doctor apts. the second consult..and the pulmonologist afterwhich my daughter has an apt with the ped. orhopedist for braces to wear at night. what a day its going to be...I hope things clear up by then. Well, have a good night...feel good!! Jodi

Well...all you Feb Bandsters.....you guys seem to be doing great!! I wanted to check in and see how you are all doing and everyone is really coming along...glad to see....Good Luck...with the rest of the months bandings....Ive been keeping up reading posts but there are just so many...but just wanted to let you all know that ive been thinking about you all!!!!

Hi... was just wondering if you were still on for your endoscopy today or they cancelled your procedure due to the BLizzard. I hope all is well and if you did go for it....it all worked out and you are feeling good! Keep safe and dry!! Jodi

Hi all. Good morning. Well, we are having a real snow day in NY. All the schools are closed so...I figure if this is the case so am I even if I didnt get an official we are closed from the agency I work with...why I dont know. Should have I suppose if the BOE is closed all over in NY. LOL Its a great day for baking, cooking, drinking hot chocolate and watching soap operas! I have lots of baking to do for the holiday coming up ....and Im going to be making healthy baskets to give out to friends and families for the holiday Purim. Just need to find some healthy recipe for Hamentashen....using whole wheat flour. hah I think we will venture out and go to the supermarket which is around the corner and buy all that we need...If I can convince Dassi to come...otherwise...we wont be baking Hamentashen as I dont have the stupid filling at home. I had two appointments cancelled today. One with the surgeon for the second consult..just to touch base...see if anything is missing in the files and to discuss anything else needed for surgery. I think pretty much all is done and for the next month Ill be starting a exercise program and begin to read "BECKS SOLUTION"! The other apt. was a follow up with the pulmonologist to see how the CPAP machine is going. MOnday, I went to a new Chiropractor where not only do you get an adjustment but you get a deep tissue massage. I liked that. I needed an adjustment because ive been so nurvous about the CPAP working at night that I apparently am tensing up and sleeping in wierd postions..so ive gotten a stiff neck and slight muscle tightening in the upper back. Not helping the Asthma. After a week.....I figured it was time to find a new Chiropractor here in the neighborhood. No one really recommended anyone in particular but after a year and a half of being in this neighborhood...I figured I needed to just pick one and try. Im happy!! After I was happy; I took Dassi and she was as well! Now. I need to find a dentist. lol I found everything else...but not a dentist for me. Im hoping ill find one before Ill need one. Hope all is well and everyone east is warm and keeping safe out of the snow....and driving if possible. Jodi

Hi all. Good morning. Well, we are having a real snow day in NY. All the schools are closed so...I figure if this is the case so am I even if I didnt get an official we are closed from the agency I work with...why I dont know. Should have I suppose if the BOE is closed all over in NY. LOL Its a great day for baking, cooking, drinking hot chocolate and watching soap operas! I have lots of baking to do for the holiday coming up ....and Im going to be making healthy baskets to give out to friends and families. Just need to find some healthy recipe for Hamentashen....using whole wheat flour. hah I think we will venture out and go to the supermarket which is around the corner and buy all that we need...If I can convince Dassi to come...otherwise...we wont be baking Hamentashen as I dont have the stupid filling at home. I had two appointments cancelled today. One with the surgeon for the second consult..just to touch base...see if anything is missing in the files and to discuss anything else needed for surgery. I think pretty much all is done and for the next month Ill be starting a exercise program and begin to read "BECKS SOLUTION"! The other apt. was a follow up with the pulmonologist to see how the CPAP machine is going. MOnday, I went to a new Chiropractor where not only do you get an adjustment but you get a deep tissue massage. I liked that. I needed an adjustment because ive been so nurvous about the CPAP working at night that I apparently am tensing up and sleeping in wierd postions..so ive gotten a stiff neck and slight muscle tightening in the upper back. Not helping the Asthma. After a week.....I figured it was time to find a new Chiropractor here in the neighborhood. No one really recommended anyone in particular but after a year and a half of being in this neighborhood...I figured I needed to just pick one and try. Im happy!! After I was happy; I took Dassi and she was as well! Now. I need to find a dentist. lol I found everything else...but not a dentist for me. Im hoping ill find one before Ill need one. If I can have an opinion and im not sure I do as I am a newby...lol ..I would like to go somewhere other then Las Vegas...next year. Ive been there three times in the last year and dont really care to go back there...more because im afraid of what might occur...I was in a pretty serious relationship with someone who moved from CA to Las Vegas and he lives there full time now....he is a production manager and he practically lived at the Monte Carlo. I stayed there many weekends. Finially I had to break it off with him as he didnt want to move to NY and I didnt want to move to Vegas as I have Dassi here...in NY and I just cannot uproot her from here...I was thinking of LA before he decided to move to Las Vegas which was doable but there is nothing for us there..so when that happened...I decided it was time to pack to in. SO,,, the thought of going there....makes me sweat alot and the mention of Monte Carlo.....im running like the wind the other way, pretty silly reall but im so afraid to have that relationship pick up after trying so hard to let it go.I know just hearing that voice.... lol. Please lets go anywhere ...Alaska?? S. America? Mexico? somewhere else if we are making choices now. lol. Well...you all have a great day...and those east like me....keep safe and warm and out of the snow if you can!!

Melissa, Im sorry you cant join everyone this year however you and I can go next year as well! I see that this trip was important to everyone Im sorry that "stuff" seems to screw us up sometimes from doing things we really want. Valentines day is olmost here...please give yourself lots of hugs and kisses you deserve it!! Im laughing out loud as Ive had the same experiences youve had before I knew any better either about what shabbat was about. You light the candles at sunset friday night and they burn about 5 hours or so. It is the time when shabbat starts. You dont blow them out....(but you didnt know). I would have laughed not get angry....silly really. Or whom ever should have explained this before dinner. Lighting the candles is a spiritual act. Fire is auspicious so we use that to begin the shabbat and let the light......"light" up the table, room, our lives. We say a prayer after we light the candles to say we are lighting these candles and bringing in the "light" (knowing) of the sabbath time. Sometimes a candle is lit for each member of the family...and Ive been in houses where there are about 13 members and there have been thirteen candles lit. It is really beutiful. As for the silverware....you use seperate for meat and dairy so when not in use its easier to keep seperate so you dont get mixed up and use them together or for the wrong foods by mistake. If you put them together when puttting away its no big deal...you just take them and put them where they belong. Im sorry who ever it was that you were staying with made you feel bad or sorry...this is the problem sometimes with people who are so inflexible and take things to the letter of the laws...Phooey to them. These could have been such a beutiful customs for you experience.....if they were explained within the beuty they were supposed to show. Have a great day all...late again for work grr. Jodi [

From what I hear....the average time people have been taking off is about a week and taking it easy the following. I put in for a week and the following ill take it if I need it. Lucky that my work is flexible enough that I can at the last minuet take off more or less time. Deffinetly a week however. I work with babies and so lifting and bending, sitting on floor and standing up is problamatic the first week or so....not sure about the second. I have my 2nd consult with the surgeon Wed. I will ask what he thinks. I wonder if what that Bariatric center is about in Canarsie. You are in Canarsie? I work in Crown Hghts...so I pass through Canarsie everyday to/home from work. Yes, LI or NY would be a trip to get to for you to use Garber or Holover. Even for me Manhasset is a trip but my saving grace...all the consults and tests with all other doctors have been in or around the same building as my surgeon. Ive scheduled apts on the same day and right after one another lol. Three are on the same floor even and they were all refered by my PCF and surgeon. Im also a little concerned with the snow storm on the way for tomorrow. I have the 2nd consult and a follow up with the sleep center/Pulmpnologist in the afternoon. I will be coming from work in Brooklyn to LI for the apts on the North Shore and I live on the South Shore. Im not happy about the thought of all that driving in the storm. I guess Ill have to not go to work lol. I hope they dont reschedule your endoscopy if you dont have to. I did need to take the rest of the day off after I did mine. My throat was sore for three days. More scared of the endoscopy then the whole surgery and all the other tests combined...but it really was nothing to be scared of after all. yes, check out that book if you can find it lol. I had such a damn hard time. let us know what you think. good luck with that....drive carefully and stay WARM! Hi Eileen. Welcome!! Glad you have chosen to stick it out and are still going through with the surgery!! Seems like you are doing what you can and doing it well...you have a great attitude about getting it all together now while you can...I feel the same. I finially decided to go to work for an agency full time to get the benefits so I can do this surgery and get healthy. I was an independant contractor before and had to pay my own for everything...so I decided until this is all done and finished and over....meaning...im down to a healthy overall condition...including all the weight loss I will think about going back full time...right now...this is good!! Let us know how all is going. keep us posted!! I will be banded on the 15th so we are the same week....Your blog is cool. Thanks for sharing. I hope all goes well now. Keep us posted.

oh no...no tearing up....did not want that..however if you are ever back in NY and want to come for shabbos dinner you are ever so welcome!! Cant promise food like your grandmother but it would be somewhat close. As for anyone else passing through....just give me a couple of hours notice dont need more then that and your all welcome! Door is always open!

Hi all, Well its been a heck of a week! Finially am getting a sec to sit and reflect a bit and catch up on some much needed sleep. Finially getting used to the CPAP machine...at least I think I am. Im not fidgeting with it all night ..thinking the mask is not on right or the water has run out etc etc.. I havent really seen/felt any changes as of yet except that the dog isnt waking me up after woken the dog up to take her out or to play. lol My daughter hasnt noticed if im not snoring but if the dog is not waking up then I have to assume im not snoring correct? Today...we went to the cemetary because this week was the anniversary of my ex. death. My ex-husbands family two brothers and wifes came as well. One brother and wife from Israel and their daughter and husband...and the other brother who lives in NY. We never see this brother from NY even though he lives close by. The brother from Israel well...we see them and their family when ever they come to the states to visit, go figure. They took my daughter out for lunch and a museum after the cemetary wand spent the day with her. That was nice of them. They invited me however I was happy to have some time to myself and I wanted them to spend time alone with their niece without me impeding. They brought her a beutiful necklace from Israel and a present from the museum. I wish they lived here not there....she could use some relatives of her fathers for support. oh-well. It really upset me today ...at the cemetary, to again realize how sad it is to have to comfort a child who lost a parent. It is so ironic that this should be able to happen, Its just so unfair. It should be only allowed to comfort middle age and older people who loose parents. No other situation should ever be allowed. I know this is foolish thinking however when you have to hold and comfort a ten year old...its soo wrong and sad. Whats worse...about the whole ordeal? Her father wasnt even my husband any more..and yet who else can go and comfort her and take her to see him to pay respects if no one is around from his family to take her...and would I want someone else to take her at this age and comfort her?? no...I wouldnt. Shes my daughter and I would never let her hurt alone ex husband, husband or not. The whole damn situation really is sureal. His brothers/wives/nieces and daughter...and then me...the ex with them. Kind of ironic really. Karma I guess. Well. another year passed...and as each year goes on...the anger, resentment, unanswered questions and hurt dissipates some only sadness remains. Perhaps in time that too will turn into something a little less painful. For my daughter this may take a lifetime.... okay enough.... this week...is another week of new beginnings!!! All consult letters are in. Apt. with surgeon and pulmnonologist. Then if all is good im good to go..... Then its just about waiting. Big month ahead. Its Purim time. Thats the fun holiday when all the kids get dressed up an deliver goodies to all their friends. Have a big meal and go hear the story of Esther the Queen. My daughter was born during this time so she is named Esther in Hebrew....Hadassah. SO...somewhere in the middle of all this will be her birthday party. lol (somewhere) The big question is....how to make fat free Hamentashen? whole wheat cookie doe? fat free filling? What type of food shall go with it in the baskets for at least 10-20 people? Frut....yes, Nuts yes chocolate molds maybe.....Ill take any suggestions...but have discussed with my daughter that what ever we recieve is going right back to someone else afterwards!! no candy in the house. no no no! any suggestions on making healthy food baskets? There needs to be three different items of foods...of course..we arent talking yet of cooking the meal for that day...that will of course come later.....much. Have a great week all and enjoy the FL sun! Youve all earned it for sure.....I cant wait to hear about all the good time. Jodi