First of all, I want to say thank you {again}  to everyone who has left comments here, sent me text messages, emails, or have come to me in person and have encouraged me!  It’s been overwhelming and uplifting and I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve read and re-read them all!  You guys rock!  🙂  Thank you thank you thank you for standing behind me on this!

Well today I had my first {of many} doctor appointment.  It was about two hours long and I met some of the nicest people there from the nurses to the dietician to the doctor.  I received a lot of valuable information today and some of it was overwhelming, but I keep reminding myself that this is a one-step at a time process.  It’s always nice to have someone say, you know what, I know you’re going to slip up, it’s ok.  We aren’t going to yell at you or condemn you, we are here to work with you and overcome these obstacles.  And, it’s not everyday you get a medical person’s personal email and says to you, please email or call anytime you have questions/concerns.  Wow!  I’m impressed already with this facility!

So here’s what’s going to happen over the next 6 months.  First, I have a new diet to follow which has basically cut out all carbs (breads, pasta, etc) and sugary foods.  I know what you’re thinking – then what’s left?  lol  Actually I have a two-page list of items that I can have, and basically this is a protein-based diet.  I have a lot of food choices, but the hardest part for me is going to be the sugar/sweets/snacks/sodas.  But I can do this, I know I can.  I beat the no-soda thing for 6 months last year…I can do it again…for good.  I have to drink at least 64 oz of water or other approved beverages, and yes my eyes are already floating just thinking about it…lol.  I also have three supplements that they want me to start taking immediately.  The one thing I can’t do is gain weight between now and October.  I will have to attend 6 weight loss classes (one of which was today, the next one is next month).  And then after that I will have my psych evaluation.  Once that’s all done, everything gets turned over to the insurance company for final approval.  Once the approval is received then it’s surgery time – probably late October or early November if all goes well.

Speaking of weight, I got my first weigh-in today as well along with my “mug shot”  lol.  Some of you may be wondering what I weigh.  I am personally choosing not to disclose that information, but it was definitely more than I thought I weighed. So that was a bit of an eye opener this morning.  But, I didn’t let that get me down.  It’s just a number and one I will hopefully never see again.  I’m choosing to focus on the positives on this journey.  So hopefully at my next weigh-in I will definitely be below “that number”.

Of course, the other thing they want me to do is start exercising again.  In order to do that, I have to make time for that.  I live a crazy life and I know that I have to make changes in my schedule.  And I have been working on that.  I have a hard time saying no to things but that has to stop as well.  I have decided that I am not going to cloud my calendar with 5,000 and 1 things to do.  I have to take some time and focus on me for a while – and that includes my health, my finances, and my spiritual walk.  On a positive note though – softball season is just around the corner and I need to get my rear to the gym anyway…lol.  So, anyone up to to going to the gym with me on a regular basis?  😉

Well that pretty much sums up my visit today.  I took the entire day off for a much needed break from work.  It’s been nice hanging out here at home and getting some personal stuff done.  I actually feel like I accomplished a lot today.  And what a great feeling it is!

I hope you have a blessed day and rest of the week!  I’ll be back soon!

🙂