Gastric Bypass Journal: Entry #2

Howdy Hi JPiCans and who so ever shall read my blog... I've been meaning to post this for some time now - but I've been either A. Lazy B. A Lot Lazy and a Lil Bit Preoccupied C. Extremely Lazy and a Bit Procrastinative OR D. All of the Above...

At anyrate - since the last post I have had my very 1st consultation with my Surgeon! --- He's so handsome and sweet. I really like him - but the important thing is he likes me AND He has approved me for the surgery. He told me that I am a perfect candidate for the gastric bypass option.

We chatted about the distinctions between the ever-popular Lapband surgery and the gastric bypass. I was quite a bit nervous. There was even a time or two that I actually sweated LOL - But it was a good visit - The consultation was extremely informational and I've basically made up my mind as to the route I'll be taking. The gastric bypass.

Um... One thing that I'll announce is that the Surgeon told me that he would absolutely not perform the operation on me as a smoker. There are reasons for - but I won't go into those right now. I will simply say this: The consultation was on April 10, 2008 right? The last cigarette I smoked was on April 10, 2008 --- Impressive eh!

And those of you who know me and have read my rants about the ridiculous cigarette taxes in the States - know also that I am adament about supporting smoker's rights and most likely will continue to be.... Yes! I have actually quit smoking! It'll be 2 months June 10th.

For me though, smoking has always been more of a mental habit rather than a physical addiction to nicotine. It is quite clear to me what my priorities are... For me to qualify for the gastric bypass operation (at over 400 lbs - It's almost a necessity) I would have to give up smoking. No questions about it! My Surgeon was quite specific about this aspect of my gastric bypass journey. So... No more ciggy's for MsJ and I tell ya - It's not been too much of a bad habit to break actually.... I think I've surprised myself a bit though. It just dawned on me - I haven't had a cigarette in over a month... Amazing really - but then again - I said that the other day about having quit smoking weed -- That was a bit of a habit too LOL - Spending $300 a month on weed - Twas an EXPENSIVE habit... Speaking of which - Last month I saved close to $200! Ya know what it was right? Cigarette money

At anyrate - I'm rambling... Um - back to the topic at hand... I've quit smoking, but there are a few things I've to do still before the insurance will pay for the surgery. ((Speaking of money - the surgery is billed at $17,500)) An impressive sum no doubt! --- BUT my insurance will cover the procedure after I've completed a 6-month dietician plan sponsored by my Surgeon's office. I'm happy to say - I've completed my 1st 2 months. Last time I weighed in - I'd even lost 5 pounds! I've added in an exercise regimen as well this month... It's been a bit of a hectic month with family issues - so I've been a bit lax and a lot lazy about getting it done - But I have done much more these past few months than I have in the past 2 years - so It's a start...

It's a damn good start! And I'm feeling pretty damn good about this thing!

So.... That wraps up Gastric Bypass Journal Entry #2

Thanx YAWL for the continued support!

Jacquii.

btw - I posted some updated pics of my fat-cheek self in the Face of the Artiste thread - one of which is at the top of this post... Yes - I cut my hair... I'm gonna grow some dreadlocks - And I'm thinking these will be the last pics I take in a good while - we'll see...