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While en route to overnight stay near hospital, received phone call to inform me that surgery (scheduled tomorrow) was canceled.  Dr. was not going to be available and they were unable to give me a rescheduled date..............what the hay???
  ........luckily we were 1/3 way from home; able to turn around; no problems with room cancellation....3rd week on liquid diet; awaiting new date for surgery.

Still going good...looking forward to a slimmer me; goal weight (for me) before getting on surgical table is below 400#;  Weigh in today is 397#.  Surgery is in 5 days.

I had plans of eating  "last supper" (tacos, pizza or a banana split)......., but didn't.  Finally getting my thoughts together that this is about making significant changes for a better me.  I'm currently on day 5 of the liquid diet.  It's going well; on about day 3, I was really hungry.  Sugar free Popsicles, sugar free jello, Imagine Organic low sodium vegetable broth, Dannon's light & fit yogurt, and plenty of water with lemon, really really help me get this far.  Feeling real good and ready 

Yesterday completed blood work, EKG and chest x-ray; still  need to schedule esphogram.  Today I met with Dr. Vitello, reviewed surgery procedure, discussed risks/possible complication and outcome and signed consents.  This went well and he was very reassuring, but I was still a little nervous but was calming.  I then met with the nurse who went over the preadmission prep/procedure.  I receive a very informative nutritional packet regarding the pre and post op diet; suggested foods/meals shopping list and other supplements. I felt they gave me everything needed to assist in making the weight loss successful.   Lastly I saw the anesthesiologist.  okay now everything is set to go...surgery date 08/11/10.  I need to start the pre-op liquid/low carb diet on 07/25.  Naturally I am thinking about food now....my last food hooray...what will it be? 

Today I saw my Nutritionist, informed her of impending surgery date; my monthly goal was to lose 4#'s.  I really was  disappointed as I had a weight gain of 10#'s since last month.  I had been trying to eat better and not so much take out food.  I did drink some soda (diet and regular) during the month; I know for a fact it makes me gain, but 10#'s.   I have not been good at keeping a food journal.  This is a crucial part of my weight loss plan.  I received my instructions for pre-op diet. 

Received call from Hospital/Surgeon's office,  my surgery date is August 11, 2010.  My appointment with Dr. Vitello was changed to July 23, as he likes to see his patients a couple weeks prior to surgery.  I was informed about the pre-op tests still needed.   I am so excited. 

Yeahhh!!.....finally received my letter of approval.........So what's next?   As instructed, called Hospital/Surgeon's office and notified them of the approval.  Now I have to wait for someone to contact me regarding a date, I am so anxious about this.  I wanted to be sure I had another visit with the surgeon so I scheduled an appointment for July 9th.  While reviewing my approval letter, noted it was for admission for surgery and did not include the Dr's. visit.  I called the insurance rep and was informed I needed a separate referral for this.   This required me talking to my PCP's Nurse again (and I so much enjoy this, Not!). 

Still nothing......soooooo....I called the insurance company to check on the status of my pending surgery; guess what...they had nothing from the Doctor.  The last referral/information was from December, 2009.  Needless to say, I was not happy.  After I hung up the phone, prayed and composed myself, I called the PCP's office (again); speaking with the Nurse about the referral/submission and prescription/Dr.'s order for PT/Lymphedema therapy (this from 03/17/10).............she replied, "I thought I did that already".  

Still waiting for approval from insurance company..........Informed that surgeon sent letter to PCP indicating surgery;  PCP to submit to insurance.  I called PCP office, the Nurse informs me that she received the letter and will be sending the referral/submitting to the insurance.  Of course I thought this was done already as the tentative date is within a week..... 
She then informs me I am in need of additional (pre-op) tests.  So I am waiting again for  the Nurse to follow through....this is a pain because when I speak with her about anything, whether its a refill or form or information there is such a lack of communication.  I like her, but goodness...she is so frustrating to me. 

Received call from Surgeons' office with tentative surgery date, still awaiting insurance approval.