It is getting a little scary now; I might actually be getting to have this surgery. I won�t let me get my hopes up, we still have insurance to deal with, but this is the farthest I come so far. I sit and think how this is going to affect my life and know that even with all the changes I will undergo this is still my only option for a normal healthy life. I sit after I eat and think, how will I survive on only eat 2 ounces, will I be able to find a protein drink I like, Will I miss all the foods I love and can�t have. I�m still totally committed to this just getting the jitters I think. I printed the forms for FMLA for my job and have checked into long-term disability insurance just in case I have to be off longer then the 3-4 weeks Dr. T mentioned. With all the preliminary testing my Superintendent advised me to file for FMLA now and then when I have surgery change to Medical leave and my short-term disability will kick in. I never realized all the work that was involved on my part. Just keeping all the appointments straight is enough to confuse the mind, thank god for �The Book�. But I want to be active in this process so I plot, I plan and I continue.
On January 21, 2004 I met with Dr. Mehta from Winter Haven for my evaluation with a physiatrist. He was very pleasant and made us both feel included in the process. He asked some general questions about my childhood, when I started gaining weight, what I thought caused it, what I have tried, my medical history. He then went on to talk to us about the changes and how they might affect us mentally and what to look for. He told me that based on my family history I should watch for lows after surgery, and if they become an issue to seek help. He said that he would recommend surgery based on my self-esteem issues and my family history. It went a lot better then I thought it would. I went there feeling a little scared, would I say something that might make him think I�m crazy. I guess that�s always a fear when you talk to a �shrink�. One more step out of the way! And by the way I can now find Winter Haven in my sleep�.lol
On January 28, 2004 I had to go to Bond Clinic for a cat scan. I will get the result on Tuesday, February 03, 2004. Today I also had my nutritional evaluation with Rhonda Avery. Rhonda was great!!! She was very knowledgeable but funny at the same time. She answered all our questions and even gave us some tips for buying certain things to help me along the way. She asked me several questions and said she would be sending her report to Dr. T. that night.