I have a surgery date!!

My surgeon looks very much like the cartoon doctor above.  She is a beautiful, tall blonde with bright blue eyes - she looks like she could be a model.  When she first joined the hospital (I work for the hospital and directly with physicians), I thought she was going to be a real prima donna.  I wondered how overweight people were going to look at this woman and think she has any empathy.  Basically I thought administration was on drugs to hire her.  Then I talked to her.  And then I felt bad because I judged her on her looks much like others think overweight people are lazy.  She is amazing!  While she has never been overweight, she has so much compassion and understanding.  She loves what she does and is committed to giving her best to her patients.  Yes, I have a crush on her - and I'm not afraid to admit it.  Unfortunately that crush makes me feel even more awkward about her seeing me naked during surgery.  Hopefully that won't affect our future relationship.  LOL.

I had my final insurance required appointment with my surgeon and my surgery date - as long as there are no insurance approval issues - fingers crossed)  is May 1st.  So Excited!  Nervous! Scared! Excited!

I have much more fear going into this surgery than I did with the band.  Partially because I'll have to stay overnight in the hospital (band was outpatient), which is going to suck no matter how good the staff is.  (I'm hoping since I work at the hospital, I'll get a little bit extra TLC).  It helped that my surgeon told me today that I would not come out of surgery with any tubes sticking out of me.  That was a fear of mine. Another big fear is that I can't lose the weight I want with the sleeve.  I mean once fooled - shame on you, twice fooled - shame on me!   I know that quote doesn't really apply to this situation, but it's all I can think of right now.  But, I know deep down that the band is going to have to come out eventually.  Even though I haven't had major medical issues with it, I have been having pain at my port site for 1 year and a half.

My surgeon (bless her heart) reiterated that just because I didn't do well on weight loss with the band does not mean that I will not do well with the sleeve.  She said she has being doing a lot of revisions with great results.  So fingers crossed that insurance approves and then my next journey will start May 1st!

How is drinking alcohol with the sleeve?

I really wish I was one of those people who could take or leave drinking, but I do enjoy my cocktail once in a while.  I know that with the gastric bypass drinking can effect you quickly, but I am curious to hear from those who have the sleeve.  Is drinking alcohol different for you after getting the sleeve?

Appreciate your input!

Back from cruise

I've wanted to write a long, detailed account of my cruise, but haven't found the time.  So here it is in bullet point form

• We drove to New Jersey night before the cruise and met another couple who was going with us at hotel.  We sat at hotel bar for 5 hours and talked about how much fun we were going to have. It's such a great feeling being on vacation when the real vacation hasn't even started.  

• We were by chance only 2 cars behind my brother and wife when we arrived at port.  Worked out perfectly!  It's awesome when things come together without even planning. 

• If you are a cruiser - especially if you are a Royal Caribbean loyalist - I want to let you know Quantum of the Seas does not hold a candle to Oasis or Allure.  I think part of the problem is that the Quantum is a new concept for Royal Caribbean and they just don't have it down yet.  In summary, it seems like Royal is trying to replace technology with service and it did not work.  However, food and most entertainment was great.  If you are thinking of cruising and want more detail, feel free to let me know. 

• For those of you who read my last post, I did not do wave runner and am kind of glad I didn't. My hubby said water was pretty rough and one woman who was a newbie turned back.  I enjoyed my time on the ship reading and drinking. 

• I did not gain any weight on the cruise!  I don't know how that happened because I drank and ate to my heart's content. 

• Of course it went by too fast!  I've looked forward to it for a year and now it's over.  :(  Usually when we get back from vacation we plan another so we have something to look forward to. However, my eldest is moving in the Fall to live on campus at Penn State at University Park so we are going to have to put a lot more money out for college.  (She's been living at home and going to the York, PA for the past 2 years.  The agreement was if she did well, she could move to the main campus.  I'm going to be so sad when she leaves.)  Then my youngest will start college in 2016 so not sure another cruise is in our near future.  

What IS in my near future, is my revision to sleeve surgery.  I have my last appointment with my surgeon on March 18th and then I wait for approval from the insurance company.  Last time for my band surgery it only took a few weeks to get approval.  I'm hoping the same happens this time.  My surgeon said she doesn't foresee any issues with getting approval, but of course you never know.  So, if all goes well, I'll have my surgery in April.  Eeek!!