Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Weight loss surgery

Yesterday was my first appointment with the surgeon who I've chosen to perform my weight loss surgery, Dr. Chaisson. He's very professional and has a great track record. His bedside manner is comforting and has never had a death due to the gastric bypass surgery - what a relief! He's also very handsome which is always a plus!! LOL
I have completed the information packet including labs, ekg, stress test, drs referral, diet history, weight history and other forms pertaining to medical issues, etc. I attended one of Dr. Chaisson's seminars that is required and have signed up for the weight loss surgery support group. Now what I have to do is see a nutritionist (August 28) and have the required physh evaluation (August 14). My ERD is scheduled for Monday, July 28 (scope my stomach) so everything is well under way. I should have the surgery sometime in September but that's just my opinion.
I was going to get the Lapband but am leaning towards the Gastric Bypass. One of my daughters is all for it but the other one is concerned. Both will support my decision because they know my health is starting to be affected by my weight. So the lights are all green for now!!!!

Thursday, July 17, 2008





This is my grandson, nm6 with his long hair that was cut recently. He's looking at me with the "is this a big enough smile?" look!

He has a toy that I was looking at and when I asked him how it works he said "watch and learn". He makes me laugh a lot!!!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

My Guy Friend

I had lunch with my friend - GL - today. Everytime we have lunch or talk I realize how much I miss him. I love talking with him, hearing about his family, work and just running ideas by him. He always has an opinion!!!
When we met he was working in the vault and I was a lowly driller and we didn't like each other very much, in fact, he even made me cry at one time! Over the years after he graduated and was promoted I ended up working for him which was the beginning of a great friendship! I always said he was a great manager, giving me enough rope to hang myself but actually stepping in to prevent my demise in the nick of time!
He has inspired me in many ways - to get my degrees, Black Belt training and the way he always thought I was so capable. HHMMM - I know he'll probably read this but I just wanted to let him know that his friendship is one of the blessings in my life.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Did I Just Fall Off the Turnip Truck?

What is it that I do that's makes other people think I'm a blooming idiot?!?!?!? I've been in safety for 11 years, have a BSBA and a MOAM plus a Six Sigma Green Belt certification and Black Belt training and still people doubt my decisions.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

What Was I Thinking????

OK, after looking at some York real estate I decided that I'm not as homesick as I thought I was. Sometimes we forget the reason we move in the first place. I love Tucson and it's been my home for over 11 years now.

My job title is Safety Manager but I'm getting very bored with most of my responsibilities. I'd like to retire and work part-time but that isn't for several years. EG33 says I'll never retire because I have to be doing something all the time - that's so true but I'd like to do things that I love...like??????? But I won't because I need to make a lot of money so I can continue to help my daughter and her children even though it's becoming quite a financial drain since I have no resources anymore.

CB34 is having hernia surgery in a couple of weeks so I'll take her to the hospital. EG33 is watching my grandson - my other daughter thinks I'm so mean to him but she thought I was mean to my granddaughter also. I don't really know why except that I get upset when they don't listen or break my things. My grandson cries alot - I guess because of the ADHD and Sensory thing but it's very nerve wracking - it seems nothing ever makes him happy. I love him so much but he's a difficult child and I worry about him very much.

I have spoiled my granddaughter very much but I don't mind. I like that I can buy her pretty clothes - she's such a pretty young lady! She's very smart too. I hope she gets through high school safely and without too much damage - it's so hard for young people today. I pray for her a lot. Right now she's visiting her grandfather in Connecticut but was with her Dad and Grandmother in Cleveland for a week. I don't understand why he is so nasty to her, always complaining about money or about her. She's a great kid and he should be very proud and spoil the crap out of her for the 1 week a year that he sees her. Men !?!?!

My other daughter moved back home with me. It's great to have her there and I enjoy her being around. We get along very good and she can stay with me forever!!! I love her and her sister so much - I really don't know what I would do without them.

Monday, July 7, 2008

July 4th Weekend

Three days off was great - coming back to work is not. I enjoyed my time off, spending most of it with family. We took nm6 to the circus on Saturday and we all had a great time! It's amazing how expensive it is just to get some cotton candy, I have to grit my teeth but we need to have fun while we're there so the $$$$ is not as important.
cb34, eg33 and nm6 went out to see the fireworks - AZ fireworks are substandard when compared to PA - I remember sitting on a blanket on the cool grass at the fairgrounds watching the beautiful fireworks - they were so cool! I miss PA sometimes, maybe even more than I care to admit. I really miss the green grass, the beautiful flowers, the yummy produce, the cool summer nights, West Manchester Mall, seeing my Aunt Cindy and cousins, running into people I know everywhere, going to the ocean in the summer, FALL and the beautiful colors, the Apple Harvest Festivals, making strawberry jelly, freezing delicious corn, going the the butcher shop, I guess I miss alot! Even the freezing cold snow and ice!!

Thursday, July 3, 2008

My Weight Issues

I've been battling my weight issues for over 20 years now and instead of losing it I just keep gaining. I quit smoking again about 5 years ago and have ballooned once again. Currently, I'm 100 pounds overweight and find that I felt better when I was thinner and smoked. It's hard to tie my shoes, put on socks, take a leisurly bath or just walk. I know my health is suffering, my back certainly is! I'm on Weight Watchers, again, but don't have much hope for long term success. My other option is weight loss surgery so I've been doing the research. It looks like gastric bypass is the best option. Lapband is frought with issues and my insurance doesn't cover vertical sleeve. My appointment with the surgeon is July 22 - I can't wait!!!

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

This is my first attempt at blogging and I must admit after reading my friends blog, I'm intrigued! I'll use this forum for journeling, family history and events.

I will post pictures of my daughters, cb34, eg33, ab14 and nm6 in the very near future.