Lil Update
Hi folks,
I have been in lurker mode lately, but wanted to give
you an update. Last time I posted was with the news
that I finally had a date. Took me 4 years to get it,
but I did!!!
Well, that date is 9 days away. Monday, August 12 I go
in for a final pre-op appointment and testing. Tuesday
afternoon I go in to have an epidermal catheter put in,
Wednesday Morning (Aug 14) I go in for an Open RNY.
This has been a very long journey for me. It started
off researching the proceedure with my best friend. He
was able to have the surery before I could. He also
died 6 days out of the hospital from a blood clot, and
paramedic disdain for a fat man.
Even with the death of my best friend, I still believe
in this proceedure, and continued to persue it. I have
seen 4 different surgeons, I have gone through 3
different insurance companies. I finally got my
employer involved, and they helped me get insurance that
covers the surgery, no questions asked. This insurance
even has in their policy that they cover the tummy tuck.
The insurance I have now, is a Minnesota based company.
My employer’s corporate headquaters in in Minneapolis.
I had a choice of flying to Minnesota for the surgery,
and have everything done “In Network” instead I chose
to have the surery here in Portland, up at OHSU. By
having the surgery “Out of Network” My costs are
higher, but at least I will be home and surrounded by my
friends and family.
I thought that as I got closer to my surgery, I’d be
putting dents in the walls from bouncing off of them.
Instead I’m very calm about the upcoming proceedure. I
attribute most of that to all of your experiences that I
have read about on this list. I feel a little bit of
anxiety lurking below the surface, but I haven’t let
that out.
Right now, I’m feeling like I have SO MUCH TO DO!!! I
am trying to get everything in order at work, for the
people that will be filling in for me while I’m gone.
I’m trying to get a spare room set up for my mother.
She is coming up for a month to stay with me and help
out. I’m trying to think of what I will need, and get
everthing in order for when I get home. I’m trying to
get what ever paperwork I need filled out and ready to
go. I’m trying to contact everyone I feel needs to be
contacted. And I’m trying to figure out if there is
anything else I need to do.
I thought about one thing I’d really like to do before I
have my surgery. Well, not that food is my life, though
it has played a big part, but I thought of the one
restaurant I have always wanted to go to. It is a
Seafood/Japanese buffet. I knew after the proceedure, I
wouldn’t want to go here, I’d never get my money’s
worth. So I have planned my “Last Supper” I’ve
contacted my freinds to see who wants to go. This
Friday, 15 of us will shell out $25 each, and enjoy a
buffet that even includes lobster and crab.
I have received support from many people close to me,
and have received critism from others, including family
members. I have been told that I don’t need this
proceedure, I just need “will power”. If they knew what
I’ve been through to get this surgery, they’d know I
have will power. If they would take the time to read
the posts on this list, they’s know we all have will
power.
So, as the clock ticks down…I want to thank all of you
that have posted on this list. You have been all the
support I have ever needed. Soon I will be joining you
on the other side.
Ken in Portland
9 days and counting
Open RNY
OHSU, Portland OR
Dr. McConnell