The Road to December 27

As I sit in front of my PC today, Sunday, December 9th, I am nervous and anxious about the weeks ahead! I have made the decision to have Gastric Bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. My surgery date is December 27, 2007. This process leading up to surgery has been very lengthy and educational. The Cleveland Clinic has a huge Bariatric and Metabolic Institute (http://www.clevelandclinic.org/bariatricsurgery/) and many steps that need to occur before surgery. I started with a 20 page questionnaire that my Mom and Sister helped me complete. The questions were difficult and sometimes embarrassing, but I did it and waited for a phone call. I received the phone call and was told that I was a candidate for the surgery. I attended an educational workshop on October 1, 2007 with 20 other candidates. Attending the workshop was an eye opener for me. I was the youngest in the room and the healthiest. The others where in wheel chairs, on oxygen and had severe co-morbidities. I did NOT WANT to become them. I needed to regain control of my health and my life. My weight was controlling me, instead of me controlling my weight. My first appointment was with the Dietitian and Psychology on October 18 Wendy and Amy were great. They prepared me for what I can expect before and after surgery. I meet with them on a regular basis. My next adventure was getting an ultrasound of my liver and gallbladder, EKG, Chest Xray and massive amount of blood work. I also had to see my PCP who will follow my progress as well. After that I needed to see an IMPACT doctor, (not sure what IMPACT stands for), anyway he had to clear me medically. I was cleared for everything but needed to see Endocrinology because of a high Prolactin level. Normal levels are 16 and mine was 60!! My menstrual cycle had been screwed up for years because of my weight. After meeting with the Endocrinologist he believes that it will straighten out after surgery. I will be tested one month after surgery.