Surgery day is set and things are moving forward! Wednesday, June 11th is the big day... it's right around the corner ... I'm getting very excited!! We have some things we want to get accomplished before the big day and this past weekend we worked on several of those projects. We're still working on getting the backyard landscaped since the pool was installed last summer and we want to finish the kitchen remodel and paint the living room and dining room. I'm finishing some art projects for the kitchen and plan to make new curtains for the LR, DR and Kitchen ... we have 7 weeks!!

This coming weekend I'm taking a few days for some relaxation ... it's girl's weekend at Nags Head .... a cottage full of scrapbooking chicks ... fun, fun, fun ... all I know is it has a hot tub ... can't wait!!! Then back to the grind ... Relay For Life is two weeks before surgery, so in addition to the house projects, I'll be busy getting last minute things done for the Relay event.

I'm so looking forward to this new chapter of my life where so many doors will be opened ... we went to see the Virginia International Tattoo at Scope this weekend ... I kept thinking how nice it will be next year when the seats won't be as uncomfortable!! The projects will go a lot faster when I don't get tired so easily ... and oh yeah ... I can't wait to go shopping for some cute outfits!!!!!

Thank you all for the support you have shown ... God has surrounded me with friends and family that are truly wonderful ... I am so blessed. The Lord speaks to us in many ways and I feel He often speaks to me through those around me and the love they show. His strength is what makes it so easy to step forward in this journey ... I trust in His guidance as things move forward.

Stay tuned ........................

Pre-Op Preparations Continue ...

Well, things are moving forward. I've had several doctor appointments including the psychiatrist (I think I even passed the test!!! ... LOL) and I've met with the dietitian. Eddie has gone with me to every appointment with the exception of the psychiatrist, I didn't want him to expose my true craziness!! I've gained volumes of information so far and know I'll be learning more and more as this journey continues. We are looking forward to the next support group meeting where chefs from various local restaurants will help us with choices when ordering from menus post surgery. My labs will be done this week and I have a colonoscopy (yee ha!!) scheduled for the middle of May and I will get the surgery date the week of April 21st.

I'm very busy these days with a number of projects. In addition to my full time job as daycare provider, during nap time and when the kiddies are cooperative, I'm busy planning for our local Relay For Life Event to be held the end of May. I'm in charge of the activities for the children that attend the event and am working with local businesses and student and adult volunteers to provide fun activities for the children into the wee hours of the night. I also am planning a Church Wide Cookout at our church, Port Norfolk Baptist located here in Portsmouth, VA. In addition, Eddie and I have been doing some renovations to the house for the past year and are in the middle of remodeling the kitchen, getting some patio and lawn work done in the backyard in preparation for the opening of the pool and we're doing some painting and redecorating in other areas of the house ... FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

I can't wait until I'm able to do activities like this with ease and I'm sure I'll be able to complete the tasks much sooner as I loose the weight. I'm very excited about the future and look forward to getting the surgery date soon, hopefully it will be the middle of June ... more to come :-))

Scheduling ... Scheduling ... Scheduling

And I'm off ... the scheduling is in full mode. I have appointments with doctors, dietitians, for lab work ..... and more appointments to come. Eddie once again went with me to a support group meeting. They are not like anything I expected. This month a gal from Nordstrom's Department Store spoke and shared ideas of putting together outfits without having to buy complete wardrobes as you transition from heavy to healthy. There is a question/answer session where you have an opportunity to ask or share resolutions to issues you may have regarding your weight loss journey. A doctor is available and shares answers regarding medical questions you may have. I plan to attend these meetings monthly as I'm sure I'll have questions along the way and the information from the speakers has proved to be helpful.

I went to a “girl's night out” supper with my Sunday School Class Friday. They had asked me what type foods I would miss and pizza came to mind, so we chose Eastside Pizza. We had a good time and as I was eating my Stromboli, I came to realize that I just don't feel I'll miss these foods that much after all. I was asked what feelings I had regarding having the restrictions ... my response ... I'm so ready to be able to do things I have been physically restricted to doing for so long, that the thought of not having certain foods on the menu will be well worth the joys I'll receive from being able to play “trains” on the floor with my almost 3 year old grandson.

The support I have received from my husband, children and grandchildren, family and friends has been overwhelming. I feel privileged to work for such supportive and understanding families. In over 20 years of providing daycare in my home, I have never had to take as many days off as I have taken so far this year and we still have two weeks plus at least two days ahead. The journey would not be as easy without all the support I am receiving and for that I am extremely grateful!!

I'll post again as I have news as I move forward in my journey.

My PCP refered me to Tidewater Surgery Specalist and so far I've gone to a seminar, attended a support group meeting, had the initial consultation with Dr. Spencer and tomorrow I go to schedule all the pre-op "stuff". I only wish I'd gone this route much sooner !! I'm ready ... my husband, family and friends are very supportive ... and I am looking forward to all the things I'll be able to do that have been impossible and/or extremely uncomfortable. The simple things, like getting on the floor to play “trains” with my 3 year-old grandson. Being able to spend a day in Busch Gardens without being completly exhausted and feel like I have to "rest" for the next two days. Fitting in a booth at a restaurant with ease. Not having to use an expanding belt in an airplane seat ... the list goes on. Oh, yeah ... I can't wait to go shopping .... we're in such trouble !!!!!!!I'll post soon as I learn more dates and news as I move forward in my journey.