About Me

My name is Sara and I am on the quest for a better me! I was banded on May 23, 2012. Come join along and help me stay accountable!

Monday, April 30, 2012

Surprise Surprise!

So, the last time I posted I was on my way out of town for my job's annual national conference.  The day I left, I got a letter in the mail.  A very important letter telling me I was APPROVED!  I called the doctor's office while I was driving to the conference, but had to leave a message.  For the next three days, we played phone tag, as I was in classes for most of the day, and couldn't get on my phone.

So, I called this morning, now that I am back home.  When I went in for my initial nutrition consult they were booked about 4-5 weeks out.  When I called today, they said I could come in for pre-op testing tomorrow!  Holy cow!!!  I was originally thinking late June / early July, so I had not arranged anything at work... or home.  There is no way I could pull off tomorrow so I pushed it back just a bit, but am officially scheduled!  I go for pre-op testing on the 11th, have my last consult with my doc on the 16th ( at which time I start my 1 week pre-op diet) and officially get banded on the 23rd of May!

Everything fell into place at work re: my coverage, and two of my sisters already volunteered to hang at the hospital with me for the day.  Only problem is I am not ready at home!  So, I need advice from you all.  I've trolled enough forums to have a general idea, but what things would you wish you had around the house.  Especially if it is something I need to track down or order off the internet.  I only have 3 weeks folks!  Help a sister out!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Livin' la Vida Loca

It has been an absolutely crazy week, and it does not look like it is going to get any less crazy in the next few months.

Here are some of the crazy things I have going on.

#1 - Work is nutty!  I'm in charge of placing clinical students for a 2 year health degree program.  It is way more of a sales job than I ever thought it would be and I had 8 cancellations last week alone!!

#2 - I live in Kentucky, more specifically, Louisville.  For those of you not lucky enough to live in or around Louisville, this is the best time to come visit.  It is DERBY TIME!  The official kick-off for the Derby Festival, Thunder over Louisville, was this past weekend.  It was a good (albeit, a little cold) day hanging with a couple of my sisters (I'm the one in the middle). I promise everybody was happy, some were just trying to be funny!


#3 - I leave tomorrow morning (later this morning since it is now after midnight) to go out of town for a conference.  First time at the national conference, and I'm excited, but always get stressed leaving.

#4 - I GOT MY APPROVAL LETTER TODAY! :-)  I'm super excited, but holy cow, it is real!  I'm hoping to call my doc tomorrow morning to possibly get scheduled.  They were scheduling about 5 weeks out a month ago, so I'm anxious to see what the possibilities are.

Anyway,  just a quick little blurb.  Will most likely be posting again as soon as I get scheduled!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Officially playing the waiting game!

So, a week and a half ago, I did the "psych consult" and nutritional consult as required by my insurance.  The psych consult was kind of a joke.  $35 copay for literally a 4 minute q & a session.  Basically, since I don't hear voices in my head, have never been hospitalized with mental health issues and have never attempted suicide, I'm good.  I was so worked up about it, it was actually kind of a let down.

Anyway, the psych doc said he'd turn in my paperwork last week.  I called today just to follow up with my doctor's office to make sure they'd gotten everything.  They got it last week and have already turned it in!  I'm officially in the waiting zone!  I'm so bad at waiting.  I more than meet the BMI requirements, but am a little hesitant because my doc is trying to pull off sending in my ww records for my supervised diet.  He seems to think it will work - I have my fingers crossed!

So that's all for right now, I spent most of the weekend reading other people's blogs (I'm slightly OCD in that I have to go back to the beginning and read them ALL) and neglected some of my reports / notes for work.  OOPS.  So tonight is a catch up night, I have LOTS of paperwork to do (the definite down side of health care).



Saturday, April 14, 2012

BYOC

Yes, I know it's Saturday, but I'm still new at blogging.   Since I'm new I figured I'd go ahead and do this, so that you fine folks could get to know me a little better

BYOC - Bring Your Own Crazy! That means it’s time for BYOC. Bring Your Own Crazy! We answer 5 questions in an effort to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break! Copy to your own blog and enjoy!

 1. Whether you’re a parent or not….what do you think the appropriate age is to talk to a child about “the birds and the bees”?

I am not a parent, but have worked with kids my entire adult life. My view is age appropriate honesty. If they have questions at 4 you should answer them honestly, but age-appropriately. I remember Oprah had a guidebook/timeline for this on one of her later shows. I think I saved it somewhere.

 2. What’s the color scheme in your bedroom?

Let me preface by saying that I've come to realize I need external motivation to get projects done at my house. My bedroom is one of 2 rooms that still has not been painted. So, right now it's still gross 70's- used to be white but now probably more off white- once I finish the two in process projects, the bedroom will be painted!

3. What kind of shampoo and conditioner do you use on your hair?

Usually Pantene. I actually got sucked into the wen infomercial the other day, still trying to decide how much is true. I have short curly hair so I need moisture without weighing it down.

4. And since it’s nearly summer time…do you paint your own toes, go some place for pedicures or not paint your toes at all? What’s your fave toe color?

This is actually a nsv I have on my list (I'm planning a post on them in the near future.) as I am not banded, and just over 300 and have extremely tight hamstrings, I cannot paint my own toes. In the summer I get a pedi about every 2-3 weeks.

5. Repeat question: Summarize your week!

Real life- I finally told a few people in my family that I was in the process of getting approved to be banded. So far the reactions have been cautious but very positive.

Blog life- I have followers, and made 3 posts in a week! I'd say that's pretty awesome

Thursday, April 12, 2012

10 Things Thursday - My first!

So, after the shout out yesterday (thanks MDlapband) I have followers!  Holy Cow!  Just in case you notice the amazing amount of "Holy Cows" it is because I am trying to keep it PG.  Feel free to insert your own explicative if it makes you feel better :-)

Since I started following my followers, I've read a ton of these 10 things Thursday things.  I'm going to start out easy and move up to more complicated as I continue the journey.

1.  I am the oldest of 6 kids - 5 girls and a boy.  Yes the boy is the last, yes we all have the same parents, and no, they did not "keep trying till the got the boy"  They just liked even numbers :-)

2.  I live with a 5 lb Chihuahua / Papillon Mix - She is the most adorable dog in the world as evidenced by the following pic- She is also the complete opposite of me.  I could lay out a bag of food for her and she'd nibble and then walk away when she was full.  I have no understanding of how that works!


3. I was a girl scout all the way through 12th grade.  Was this close to finishing my gold award, which is the highest award (similar to eagle scout in boy scouts) and didn't finish my project - BIGGEST LIFE REGRET TO DATE!

4. I am a life long student.  I have a bachelors in occupational therapy, a masters in special ed (assistive technology emphasis), and will be starting an MBA program this fall.  ALWAYS learning!

5. I have a hard time turning down free school - see above post.  Was lucky enough to have an academic scholarship for my undergrad degree, a Dept of Education grant for my first masters, and hope to get the 2nd masters through a tuition assistance program at work.

6. I have spent most of my adult life working with children with special needs.  It is always challenging and sometimes very trying, but I love being able to change people's lives.

7. I am preparing to be a bridesmaid for the 8th time.  Yep 8th time!  That means 8 different brides have had to try and find a dress to fit big ol me... not an easy task.  One wedding had girls ranging from  a size 2 (not me) to a size 22 (yep that was me... and skinnier than I am now!)

8.   I'm a crier.  When I'm sad, mad, happy, just because.  Have been known to randomly break down at work, school, home, wherever.  Best thing to do.  Leave me alone for a few minutes, and let me catch my breath.  Promise, I'll be fine.   The more you comfort, the harder it is for me to stop!

9.  HOLY COW this is hard.... and this is only my first time--- how do you veterans do this every week!

10.  I was originally very nervous about starting this journey... Now I cannot wait!  Reading your blogs has made me super excited to start the next chapter!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Holy Cow - Its really happening!

Yes, I realize its been a while, or months since I've posted.  Good news is, nobody really reads this, so... I'm not really disappointing anybody :-)

I can't believe this is really happening!  I've now done my 1st surgical consult, my nutrition consult, my psych consult, and got all my paperwork in order.  The office is turning in my paperwork this week, and then the waiting game starts!  I am really hoping I can get banded the beginning of July.  Was hoping for the last week of june (which would have been a great week for work) but I'm dog sitting for a couple weeks, and it involves lots of work, so I figure surgery is out until afterwards.

So, I can't believe its actually happening!  I finally told a couple members of my family.  I really figured most would be very supportive, and they are so far.  We'll see how it goes.

Anyway, hoping to check in more often as things get going.