Or...if you just want an update, you can see my latest entry here:

2000-

I had the surgery in 1991, and in the past year, have had weight gain. I had a body fat count done at the local health fair & it came out as 47.6%!! It also suggested I lose 40-60lbs. I'm looking into the newer options (LAP) that are available now. I'd like to do this one locally, instead of going down to Whittier, even though the care that I recieved was excellent there, it was a major trip down, especially post op.

When I was working for the Census in Feb. of 2000 I had what Ronette at Dr. Lusby's office called a "Gastric Incident", I had pain like I was having a heart attack, and after that, I felt like I could eat more without the 'too full' feeling, and things that I had to be really careful with (which would most likely come back up), I was able to eat.  I also noticed I started gaining weight.  It wasn't long before I went up a size in jeans.

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 July 15, 2000...I talked to my doctor (finally) about the possibility of having a revision done, she said that I would have to have a BMI of OVER 40 to even be considered, I was 39.9 on HER chart, so she started the paperwork. I got a referral in the mail about a week later to see a 'weight specialist' in Fresno (I was told by my dr. that I would need to go to a seminar FIRST, before the ins. would even THINK of sending me to ANY doctor)...I had contacted Dr. Felix's office and had planned on attending his seminar on the 13th, but didn't go when my drs. office told me that the insurance wanted me to see the 'specialist' FIRST!! *whew*...wish they would make up their minds! At least they are 'letting' me do something! I have been doing some research on my own, and I'm not too sure about the RNY surgery (I had a VBG)...even tho' I have had weight gain, I am afraid of the RNY...I've heard things like: you can go into a diabetic coma if you eat chocolate...you can have major vitamin def., and lots of other stuff...I don't want to regain the weight, but I don't want to risk all this 'scary stuff'! I've also read that I might not be able to do the LAP surgery because it would be a revision...still looking for more info on that. My appt. with the 'specialist' (who ISN'T a surgeon?!?) is July 21st...I'll post more later!
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JULY 21, 2000
Well, I had my appt. with the 'weight doctor'. I came away angry and disheartened...he isn't a WLS dr., I had to see him because my insurance said I had to. He told me that first off, he wanted to me to go see a lady at a private gym (at my expense) to have a 'work out schedual' made up to start exercising "but I have pain daily from a car accident years ago..." 'oh, with exercise chronic pain can be completely controlled!'...next, since their dietitian hasn't been hired yet, I will need to start Weight Watchers (at my expense), then, I will start on Meridia..."but I tried that and gained weight"...well, we won't start you on that till after your blood work comes back, and you will need to have a tread mill done to see if there is any reason why you can't exercise...See you in 3 weeks!!
I sat there, biting my tongue during the whole 15 mins he was in the room...I wanted to shout out "WOW, you are a genius!! I NEVER in a million years would have thought of trying DIET, EXERCISE or DIET PILLS!!! You will probably be rich!! You HAVE to win the Nobel prize with such enlightened thinking!!!!!!"
How dare he insult me that way...like I haven't tried everything under the sun in the 30+ years I've been fighting this fight...why did he think I'd had my first surgery? For fun? Coz I wanted to see what my tummy would look like with a scar? The only positive thing about the whole visit, was he told me he would refer me to Dr. Boone (a WLS surgeon) to see the 'status of my prior surgery', BUT he said he didn't think I was a candidate for a revision!!! As soon as I checked my mail I got depressed again, my insurance info came, and Dr. Boone isn't one of the drs. in my plan! I have an appt. with my PCP on the 25th tho, and I'm gonna ask her what the heck I'm supposed to do. Maybe she can write a letter to the insurance telling them that everything he suggested had been tried and had FAILED a dozen times over, and WLS is the only way to go...I KNOW it is...that's why I did it before...some people get cancer, they have a surgery to get rid of it, it comes back...does the insurance tell them that THIS time, they can't approve the surgery? NO!! I don't want to wait till ALL the weight comes back...I want to nip it in the bud! When I did Medifast for 6 months, and lost 88 lbs. I wish I could have had the surgery then, but NOOOOOOOOOOO, I had to regain 100lbs. before insurance would okay the first surgery! sheesh...sorry to rant, but I needed to vent! I'll write more later, when I know more!

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July 24, 2000...I talked to my dr. today & asked why I needed to see the 'weight doctor', and she was totally confused...she told me I should call the ins. to see what they said. I did, and they said (after 3 transfers to 'someone who could help me), that I HAD to see this doctor 'first'...even tho he is listed as a 'general phys.', I get the feeling that they wanted someone who will shoot me down! He came off to me as someone who wouldn't be 'on my side'! The only good thing I did find out was that Dr. Boone IS on my ins. plan...so maybe everthing will turn out ok. keep your fingers crossed!

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Jan. 19, 2001: Well...so much has happened in these months...and I am still where I was! I didn't get to go to the appt. with Dr. Higa in Fresno. My insurance didn't give me a referral & they wanted $200. for an office visit. This would have been a visit just to see the status of my prior surgery! I can't afford that kind of gamble...besides, I hadn't 'followed' the other doctors 'orders'...no gym, no Weight Watchers...THEN...in Oct. I had an accident at work!! I had a huge ladder fall on me...so I've been seeing doctors, therapists, taking tests, having MRIs, ENGs & all sorts of stuff done...plus, I've gained about 16 lbs! I am going to have to start all over again...but at least it will be easier about going to Fresno...my doctor is there, and workman's comp. is paying me to go...so I may as well try to kill two birds with one stone!
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June 26, 2001
What a waste of a year in the WSL department of my life! I am still at 'square one'...I went back to Dr. Matson, the 'diet doctor', he had given me some meds. back in March...mostly made me sick & worsened the headaches I still get from the accident. He told me in April that he would get a referral to Dr. Higa (since he is the only WLS dr. who does revisions to RNY). I never got the referral, and since I had been so busy with my kids' England mission trip it was until the other day I decided to call and ask why. They told me they had tried to contact me to get the info on WHEN I had my first surgery (that should have been in my records!), I told them, and they said, 'OK, that was the only thing holding things up, now you have to go on a waiting list, since Dr. Higa is a very busy man!'...BUT the thing is, after all this time I've been doing some research, and I've decided I DON'T want the RNY...I feel it would be counter-productive to me...I still throw up on a regular basis, and I've stretched my pouch out...so I know I won't do well with this type surgery. I've been looking into the DS over at Delano. I've contacted them by email, and they have even called me back and sent me info. So, when I went to see Dr. Matson a few days ago, I was 'armed', I gave him Dr. Hess' report, the info Dr. Ks office had sent, and a letter from me telling why I wanted the DS. He has now set up his own office JUST for handing out diet pills! He was less than helpful and downright 'snippy'...he said, 'I don't know why your PCP didn't just send you to Higa or who ever to begin with', I told them Ins. said they had to send me to YOU, and YOU have to refer me to a surgeon! Then he said, rather exasperated, 'Of course, they want someone to pass the buck to!', And took down doctor K's info, and SAID he would get me a referral! Now the problem is, when Dr. Ks office called into my insurance to get a verification, they told her I had to 'stay within the plan'...BUT there are NO doctors in my plan who do the Gastric Reduction with Duodenal Switch. I am completely 'medically necessary', so I should qualify for surgery...but I don't want the type they would have me get! ARGHHHHHHH!! I just put in a call to the insurance, and they said that if there isn't a doctor in my plan who does the type of surgery I 'need', then I can be referred out! Unfortunately, Aetna has it in their plan that they don't do 'Duodenal Switch'...it doesn't say if they do it in conjuction with Gastric Reduction...man, what a rollercoaster!! I called Dr. Matson to see if they have gotten my referral, and they have to call me back....the insurance gal said I need to go back to my PCP, and 'start over'...she also verified my addy and is going to send me the appeal papers to fill out, 'just in case'. One good thing, I found while reading my insurance papers, I meet the qualifications for revision to the letter! My surgery DID work, for quite a while...I've only started regaining in the past 18-20 mos.! Now, I'm just waiting to see what Dr. Matson says about the referral! Cross your fingers!....okay....update already!!
I just got off the phone with Dr. Matson's office, the gal there, Wanda, just said, in a very appologetic voice, 'they aren't going to refer outside the plan...', I told her that according to the plan, I fit the criteria for 'medically necessary', and I fit the criteria for a revision...PLUS the plan says that if there isn't a surgeon in my plan that does the type of surgery I NEED, then I can be referred out! I told her I need a doctor to tell them that I am medically necessary, and I NEED this type of surgery over the RNY! She said she will type up a letter and have Dr. Matson sign it!! I sure hope he does!! I want my only worry to be HOW I'll get the $2,000. program fee!!

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June 28, 2001
I called the Drs. office to see if Misty had written up my referral yet, she told me that Wanda was out for the next week. But, she said, she didn't see how my ins. would let me 'go out of plan' to see Dr. K. After explaining it all to her AGAIN, she said, 'ohhhhhhh, you don't want to have the RNY, you want something else?' I was sursprised that I wasn't all mad and exasperated with her! It was actually a good thing she didn't understand, because then she said, 'okay, if there isn't a doctor in your plan that does this type of WLS, then you can be referred out!'...Yayyyyyy! I will only do a little happy dance tho', cuz she is only writing up the referral, it can still be shot down by the Doctor or the insurance! But, I also told her about all the written info I left the doctor, plus my letter, and I told her why I felt the RNY wouldn't work for me and the GRDS would! She was very glad to understand, and said she would write it up with my info, a letter from the doctor, and my letter and send it all off together! She did mention that even if they okayed the referral, it would only be for a consult! I would have to start all over again to get surgery okayed! whew! After talking to her on the phone, I checked my mail to find the 'appeal' info from the Aetna gal I talked to yesterday! Boy, she did get it right in the mail! So, if I do get shot down for the referral, I can appeal it right away!
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Aug. 9, 2001
Well, it looks like there is NO WAY I can get the DS with Dr. K in Delano...my insurance won't let me go 'out of plan'. So now, I'm back to square one...BUT the good news is, I have a referral to Dr. Higa!! Yayyyyyy! Since I have Sante I DO NOT have to pay the $200.00 consultation fee!! (only my copay of $10.00!!!). But the bad news is, I have to go to the seminar first!! and the next available opening isn't till DECEMBER!! Can you believe it? The gal I talked to said it's because he does LAP, and apparantly it is in high demand! I told her that last year someone from his office told me I wouldn't be eligible for Lap, since I would be having a revision. She said, 'don't be so sure', she said that she couldn't make any promises, but it wasn't impossible to do a Lap revision! Even tho' the RNY is not my first choice, I realize that I can not wait...I am gaining weight steadily...and my symptoms (heel spurs, shortness of breath, fatigue, hormonal problems, asthma, GERD, hip, knee and foot pain, etc.) are getting worse! Now it is just a waiting game, till Dec., or, if I am lucky, sooner if something 'opens up'...I'll keep posting here, as I get more info!!
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Aug. 14, 2001
Well, when it rains, it pours!! Dr. Matson's office called, and they have a referral to Dr. Higa for me also! I found out that I might be able to get in to see him sooner too...but it will be a bit of a gamble. The 3rd Weds. of each month, they have the seminars, I'm down for Dec. 19th (!), but if I want to drive all the way to Fresno, sit outside the building for hours, and hope that someone doesn't show up...I MIGHT be able to get in!! The bad thing is, I'm not the first to think of this...the gal I talked to said their will be a VERY long line, and if only four don't show, even if their are 50 people in line, they will only let 4 extras in! It wouldn't be so bad, except the meeting is at night, when Tom can't come with me...plus it is on Weds., the same night as the kids' youth group Refuge. And, since tomorrow is the 3rd Weds., I would miss the big outdoor end-of-summer party!! I have no problem missing it, IF I knew I would get in!! I'm going to have to find someone to take the kids if I do head up to Fresno...and I really hate missing something so important to them. I'll just have to pray on it, and hope my decision is what God wants...that is the only way this surgery is gonna happen anyway!
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Aug. 25, 2001
I got the greatest call from a local peer, Evelyn, the other day! She is the sweetest! She gave me some great info about the seminar at Dr. Higa's. BUT! The weirdest thing happened today when I checked my mail! First, some back story...as I wrote in my last entry of Aug. 14th, I wasn't sure I wanted to risk missing my kids end of summer party at Church, and I did pray on it, and decided to NOT go to Fresno after all...I gave it to God, and knew that He would 'fix things' to the best advantage. Well, he sure didn't take long to let me know that He WAS in control!! I mentioned that I also had TWO referrals, one from my PC, and then one from Dr. Matson...well, today, in my mailbox, I got ANOTHER packet from Dr. Higa's office!! My daughter opened it in the car for me, and I noticed an orange flyer (according to Evelyn, they send out different color pages for each month), the Dec. one was green...My heart gave a hopeful jump, and for a split second a thought flashed through my mind, 'September!'...don't ask me why...logically I should have thought 'Jan.' or 'Feb'!! I asked my daughter to read what the papers said, but the cover letter was a Fax page and she couldn't make heads nor tails of it...so I had to wait till we stopped in front of her friends house....Well, orange equals SEPTEMBER!! Not only do I have an apt. for the September 24th seminar, but they put me down for two people (I can invite my friend), and it is at 2pm instead of in the evening (much better for me), AND I also have an appointment for my first consultation with Dr. Higa on Oct. 22nd!!! My insurance is covering the cost ($200), hence the fax info!!! I am so amazed, and somehow NOT amazed!! I knew that if this was meant to be, God would work it out! I am really excited...can't wait to see what happens next! I'll keep ya posted!!
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Sept. 10, 2001
Well, nothing new to add, except I am actually getting excited counting the days till my seminar date!! I know that many of you are counting down to a surgery date, and some have been battling with insurance, but for me, the fact that I was approved for a seminar and consult is a victory!! Hopefully my luck will hold, and surgery will be approved. I still have to contend with the fact that my husband's work will no longer carry Aetna, as of December 2001...so, unless I keep getting these great surprises, I may have to start all over again with whatever insurance we get for next year! I'm not worrying too much tho', I know that God will work everything out for the best!! So, 14 days till the first hurdle!!
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Sept. 12, 2001
I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to all those who have lost loved ones in the tragedy of yesterday's terrorist attack. May God Bless and comfort each and everyone of you.
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Sept. 28, 2001
I went to my seminar, so now have to wait for my appointment on Oct. 22nd. Dr. Ho was the speaker, and she was very nice and informative. I was very surprised by the number of people there, I sometimes feel like I am alone in this battle....I guess I'm not, and I seem to be in good company, chit-chatted with some nice gals...I did get a little bit of good news, when my husband's insurance changes over in Dec., it will still be with Sante, so it should still be the same coverage, only with a different carrier! Yay!!
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Oct. 12, 2001 (about 2:40 am)
Can't sleep, major heart burn!! Thought I'd check out the news here...
Just 10 days till my appointment...then it all really starts! Not much to write, 'cept I had a big confirmation on my weight gain last weekend...I've done Renaissance Faires for the past 22 years, and since I make costumes, I know how easy to see the extra pounds can be...there isn't much room to grow in a boned bodice! Well, I started to get ready on Sat. morning (after weeks of making costumes for my kids and their friends), only to find that my skirt would NOT fasten...and my corset couldn't close, and I needed to add a placket to the front of my bodice, since a four inch gap was showing!! I knew I had gained weight since last year, but didn't realize just how obvious it was till now! All I can say is HURRY Oct. 22nd!!!!!! I'm hoping to spend the New Year recuperating!! And starting over anew! Keep yer fingers crossed...Aetna is supposed to be notorious for denials!
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 Oct. 19, 2001 (about 2 am)
Only a couple more days till my consult with Dr. Higa! I'm extremely excited...after all this time it feels like I'm finally getting started. I keep meeting people who have had, or want the surgery!! It's really amazing how many people are getting it done, or are curious about it. I can't wait to be a walking advertisement! I hope everthing goes well, and Dr. Higa says I'd be a good candidate, and that the insurance gives me the ok to have it done. One thing I've not asked those who have already gone through this is, will I know when I leave the visit if the Dr. is going to says 'Yes'? I know that insurance can take months to give an answer, but will Dr. Higa tell me 'yes or no' right then and there? I'm so used to 'hurry up and wait'...it wouldn't surprise me if I have to wait to get his answer! Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers, Monday, Oct. 22nd at 9:30 am!! I'm sure praying for a green light!! Then we can start praying for Insurance approval!! TTFN!!
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Nov. 8, 2001
I have been computerless!! ACK!! I went to my appt. with Dr. Higa, he was a very nice man, quiet, and sincere. He said he thought he could help me, and that he would try LAP...I have to go to see a Dr. to find out just what my innards are doing...I'm not too thrilled about that! I go on the 13th of this month...I'll try to post again (my new computer will be here in about 4 weeks), if my kid's friend leaves this one here for a while! :)
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Nov. 20, 2001
Well, I go tomorrow to have the 'scope' dealie put down my throat to see what the condition of my prior gastric stapling is. I have to be in Clovis at 6:30 AM! It's been foggy every morning, so we'll have to leave here at about 5:30...I have to have an IV, and they will knock me out for it...but at least it will be one hoop I've jumped through! Wish me luck!
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Nov. 21, 2001
Well, I survived the foggy trip to Clovis! I have to say, the endo-thingy wasn't bad at all...they give ya some total amnesia drug, and it isn't hard to wake up out of it, like other knock out meds. My hand hurts, the nurse tried to put the IV in the back of my wrist, and couldn't get the vein...kept flicking it, got it bleeding, and had to start over on the back of my hand...so I have a very bruised right hand. My right side of my throat, right under my jaw line hurts too...like a bruise...luckily my throat doesn't feel as bad as I feared it would...so all in all, not too bad of an experience. Since I was groggy when I came to, I vaguely remember hearing the nurse tell me that the doc said my staple line was ok, but my pouch had stretched quite a bit, but the opening was the right size. I guess I will have to wait to talk to the doc when I'm awake! I'll post more as I know more. Oh, it's been a month since I saw Dr. Higa, at that time, his Ins. gal told me that it usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to hear from the insurance...so, hopefully I will get approval in the next couple of weeks! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! God Bless!
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Dec. 10, 2001
I saw Dr. Higa again today, as a follow up to my 'scope dealie...I had decided to call the other day to see if I had any news...and they said I needed to be seen. I was really surprised that they got me in so soon. Luckily there was NO FOG for the drive to Fresno!! (yay!!) I got there at exactly 10:30...but found out that I needed another referral, since the first one was for only one visit! I had to call my dr. to get one faxed over...there seemed to be a problem with it getting through...but Tory was great (Dr. Lusby's office), and they saw me fairly quickly, even with the delay. Dr. Higa is such a nice guy...I really get a good 'vibe' from him. He said the findings of my proceedure were 'interesting'...he said I had a very large pouch, but everything seemed okay...he said he would be able to 'carve out a new smaller pouch', remove the old ring and do the RNY...and that would 'fix things up for' me! He noticed that I had gained a couple of pounds, I told him I had been off my throid meds for almost a month, and had just started taking them again...he told me I should start preparing for surgery...making good food choices, taking vitamins and doing some exercise. Since I am still having problems with my injury, exercise is out of the question...So I need to figure how I can get some walking in! I can do the vitamin bit...and I've already bought some high protein/low carb powder...Now we just have to tackle the insurance!! I still have to go to the psych dr. on Dec. 20th...then it's just a waiting game!! I've purposely been avoiding counting days on the calendar...I just wanna kinda go with the flow...things will come together in their own time!

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Dec. 20, 2001
Well, some timing problems....first, I was supposed to have my appt. with the psychologist for the evalutation today. They want you to pay $225.00 up front...I had planned on having the money, but some stuff came up, and I was going to have to wait for our next payday or at least till after our refinance money came in. So, when I called the other day to reschedule, they set my appt. for Jan. 21st! I was really hoping for sooner, but they said they just didn't have any openings...this visit is all that is standing between me and possible approval! But what can ya do? The gal was very nice, and asked if I could write a check and they would hold it till my payday (the 27th)...but I don't have a checking account. It wasn't until later when I told my husband about it that I remembered that our credit card company sent us some of those 'holiday checks'...so I called back and left a message...and she called this morning!! So, I had an appt. at 1:00!! BUT!! (oh yeah) I hadn't bothered to fill out the paper work that they had sent...FIVE TESTS!!! No kidding!! They look like those kinds you get in school, with all the little circles and #2 pencils! And the questions...tricky double negatives..."I hardly ever loose any argument or disagreement I am in"...now, how do ya answer a question like that? I'm either gonna look like a trouble maker who is always in arguements, or like a simpering little mouse who lets people push them around! Anyway...I hadn't finished all the pages, when I realized I needed to leave the house to make it on time...I followed the map they had sent...BIG MISTAKE!! the route they sent added 30 minutes to my trip...making me late!! Soooooo, they rescheduled me for tomorrow at 10am!! sheesh! So, I still need to finish the questions...I'll post more tomorrow...hope I don't get marked down for not being punctual! :)

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Dec. 21, 2001
Just got back from the Dr., talked to a gal named Heidi, she was pleasant...nice couch...asked me about my childhood...'course I cried talking about my mom...wonder if that is good or bad when it comes to evaluating my mental state? I mean, if you cry, are you 'normal' (does grief have a statute of limitations?), or if you don't are you callous and thereby 'not normal'? Who knows? When she asked if I had any questions, I said no, I just figured that this was one more stepping stone to the surgery...I did tell her that I didn't feel any desperation this time, like I did the first time...then, I felt my life literally depended on it...now, it would be a step toward a more comfortable, healthy life. She seemed cool with that. She said she would evaluate my questionaires (I told her I loved some of those questions! True or False: I've been on the cover of many major magazines in the past few months...), she laughed...she said I should be getting a letter in the mail in about 2 weeks...she would send her recomendation to Dr. Higa. So, unless I'm so crazy that I don't even realize it, I should be on my way! Dr. Higa's office told me it takes from 4 to 6 weeks to hear back from the insurance. So, if we assume she will take 2 weeks to let him know, and if we assume she says I'm 'ok', then, if they send it all off to the insurance, it's possible I could hear something in TWO MONTHS!!! Ack!! oh well...I'm not going anywhere! :)
Hopefully they will approve without any trouble...then it's just a matter of getting a date. *sigh* Well, gotta get, have to go sign loan docs to get our refinance...gonna have Christmas a day or two late...or more accurately, gonna have a shopping spree the day after Christmas!! Yay!!!!!!!!! NO MORE CREDIT CARD DEBT!! That, in itself is a weight off my shoulders!! :)
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Jan. 4, 2002
Happy New Year!! Whew, we've been busy! Did the 'stay up all nite' thing with the kids at Party for Life...NEVER again!! We'll have our own party here next year. Started back to school. Have till Feb. 4th. Haven't heard from the Dr. or the Ins. so I have no idea where things are...still playing the waiting game. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year! God Bless!
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Jan. 17, 2002
Still haven't heard anything from the dr. or the ins.! I found out we will still be with Aetna till at least Feb. 18th...I think I will call the dr. tomorrow.

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Jan. 18, 2002
Well, I finally heard something! The dr. who did the pysch. eval. shot me down! She says I need six months of formal counselling so I can better understand my emotional relationship with food! Now, don't get me wrong...I DID have a problem with food 12 years ago...but now? I'm seeking a revision because my first surgery wasn't done correctly!! My pouch has stretched over the past ten years and I've gained some of the weight back! I DO NOT complusively over eat! ANYONE who knows me will tell you that I hardly eat anything! People are always amazed at how little I do eat...Now, here is the part that really gets me mad...after I have this six months of counselling, I have to go back to HER for another evaluation...for another $240.!!!! I think what bothers me the most is the fact that we didn't even talk about my lifestyle and eating habits NOW, she asked me about how I was BEFORE...and let me tell you, I WAS a mess back then! I was desperate! Now, the extra weight is merely an inconvenience! I think what bothers me most though, is the fact that the questions on the 4 or 5 pages of tests all had a very 'anti-Christian' tone to them...I guess because I rely on God for everthing I must be a very needy person!! Oh well...I've put this whole experience in HIS hands...so He will make it work out the way it is supposed to! This Dr. can only do to me what my Father in Heaven ALLOWS her to do!! Blessings will come from this!
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Jan. 25, 2002
I found out that I can seek counsel from my church! WHEW!! That means I won't have to spend a buncha money and time going back and forth to Fresno!! Now, I just gotta save up the money for the next dr. visit...I sure do hope that something good comes of this...like maybe I WILL find that I had some deep dark emotional problems that can be addressed!! Naww.....I am worried that I won't pass tho', since I really believe that I'm 'cool' with food...if I have to eat these words, I will do so gladly! As long as I can get this thing fixed! I've been having really bad reflux lately! Dr. Higa said the surgery would take care of it...hope so!!
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July 14, 2002
Yes, it has been awhile!! It's been over six months since I saw the Pysch dr. Since our insurance just changed, I feel like I am starting over again. Next week, after I go to court for my workman's comp, I'll start the ball rolling again! I almost don't feel like I want to mess with it any more...but I know my health depends on it. We have a new PA at our doctor's office...I really like her, and she said I should 'take care of myself' when I ran down the battle I've been through with this. Maybe she will help.
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July 17, 2002
Well, I called the Dr. yesterday, to see what I should do next. Since we changed insuranaces, I have to fax them a copy of my ins. card, and call the Physch. dr. to see if I have to pay, etc. to be seen again. One thing that did bother me was, when the gal at Dr. Higa's office was reading my file, she read, 'on hold, unless surgery medically necessary, then the patient must have councelling also'...now, I KNOW it is medically necessary...so, why wasn't I allowed to have the surgery, THEN go to councelling!? That makes more sense anyway...most people face changes and deal with stress AFTER the surgery!! Oh well...all in God's time!
Oh, I'm finally done with my workman's comp claim...we settled today! I surprised at the amount...God is good!
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July 22, 2002
I got a call this morning from the Psych. Dr.s office. They are setting me up with another dr., a different one than the one I saw last. The gal who set the appt. said, 'she is very nice'. I hope that translates as "she will approve you"!! Another waiting game, but I can deal with it!! At least by the time I have to pay again, the money from my settlement will be here!
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Aug. 3, 2002
Well, it's 19 days till my 2nd Psych. Eval. Please, everyone pray that I will be sane enough to pass this one!

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Aug. 17, 2002
Going to the Eval. in 5 days...keep me in your prayers!
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Aug. 22, 2002
Well I had my consult today, and the gal was great! She said she was even alittle confused by why the other gal had put me on hold! She said she would be sending my doctor a letter stating that she recommends I move forward with the surgery!! Huzzah!! Now, the battle is really just beginning! I gotta go up against the insurance! I'm gonna call and make my new appt. with Dr. Higa now!!
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Aug. 29, 2002
Well, I was awakened this morning by a phone call from the dr. who did my psych. eval., she said that after looking over the notes that the first gal did, she saw that I was supposed to 'enter into a professional relationship with a therapist' before I would be okayed for surgery!! I told her that when I called to find out exactly what they wanted me to do, they said I could see anyone I wished...I called back and asked if I could go to someone at my church, or join a group at my church, and they told me (after about 3-4 phone calls), YES, I could join one of the women's groups at church. I did, so now, I am waiting to see if they are actually going to ok me for the surgery or make me jump through more hoops! I really liked the gal I talked to this time, and she told me she was going to recommend I proceed with the surgery...now, I'm kinda ticked that she didn't read my file BEFORE I went in!! Just from our meeting she said I was ok to go ahead...but now, after she read what the other gal wrote, she is second guessing? Here I thought I was done 'waiting', and was all prepared to do the real waiting....for insurance approval!! This thing can't go to the insurance until Dr. Higa sends it, and he won't send it without the okay from this therapy group!! This is enough to send a person to therapy!!
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Sept. 3, 2002
Well, I guess 'no news is good news'. I haven't gotten a call back from the Dr. about my evaluation yet. So, hopefully that means that she is going to 'okay' me like she said she would. I was really hoping to find a letter in my mail box today telling me that, but with the holiday and all, I guess that was asking a bit much!
*WHEW* I am tired! My oldest daughter (17) has been having a field day moving her little sister into her older brother's vacant room! Since Jeremy (18) is leaving on the 22nd for 6 months, we decided to move his stuff out into the partially finished apartment in the former garage! He's been wanting to 'move out there' since we bought this house 5 years ago!! I was hoping, by the time he was ready for it, we'd have had the funds and time to finish it for him. It would be nice if we could do that while he's gone on this mission trip!
Oh, another reason I'm so tired is, when the 'moving' from room to room, I got my foot squashed by said middle child! She was going to show me just how old her former twin bed mattress was, by turning the box springs over and checking the 'made by' label, she misjudged where my left foot was at, and dropped a virtual antique box springs on it!! I thought at first it was broken, but today I realize it is only very bruised! To top it all off, that is the foot with the really bad bone spur on it! I've been having alot of problems with it, and have been getting pain up the outside of the ankle (I'm not walking right, 'favoring' it, so that now it's hurting in a different way!)...THEN, to add insult to injury, I banged the heck outta my right knee here at the computer desk!! We have one of the old 'grammar school' desks that they had back in the '60s, weighs at least a ton or two...and won't move an inch for a fat lady's knee!! :) So, now my littlest daughter (14) is calling me 'gimpy woman'...and (playfully) daring me to chase her! She got me laughing so hard earlier that my sides ached! (don't know why she freaked when I turned towards her with a butcher knife in my hand!? Hey, all I was doing was fixing some dinner for her sister...is it my fault I can give a killer 'evil eye'?? heheh!)...she fell all over herself...I didn't have to move an inch to 'catch her'!! teehee! I knew watching all those scary movies at a child would come in handy some day! heh!
Well, I better check out the message board...and then hit the sack...nite all...more news when I get it!
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Sept. 7, 2002
I got the letter from Gina Keller, from Roubicek and Shaw...and she DID give me the green light!! HUZZAH!! She sent the word on to Dr. Higa's office, so I am going to call them on Monday! I don't know if I have to see him again, or if they can just go ahead and submit all my stuff to the insurance. I'll let ya all know when I know something!

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Sept. 12, 2002
**ARRRRGH!!!***
No, that isn't my interpretation of a pirate, it is the sound I just made when I found out I WAS approved for surgery back in Dec.!! But when Heidi at Roubecek and Shaw shot me down on my eval, Dr. Higa put the stop on things! Now, that I got a 'green light', they tried to resubmit the info, only to find that my insurance has changed (back in June), and they hadn't gotten my latest info!! So, I just faxed my insurance card to Christine at Valley Surgical, and she is faxing it to Blue Shield/Sante! We were told that all our coverages would be the same when the county switched over from Aetna...so I SHOULD be approved! OMIGOSH, I am shaking!
What really gets to me is, all along I thought it was the insurance that was insisting on the psyche eval, but they had approved me on my first visit!!! I had the go ahead and then the 'hold' was put on my file!! ARGH...see, that is what I'm feeling!! All I can figure is, God had me wait for a reason...now I just hope that He figures I've waited long enough! I'll post more when I know more!
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Sept. 19, 2002
Well, I haven't heard anything from the insurance yet...I think I'll call tomorrow. My oldest child, only son Jeremy is leaving on Sat. for a 5-6 month mission school/outreach. I've sorta been playing 'ostrich', avoiding the truth that my baby is leaving home...he just did a 9 week stint as temporary staff at the 'base' he will be doing his school at (Las Vegas)...I missed him like crazy! Now, after 4 months in Vegas, he will go on to Africa!! ACK!! I don't even like to think about it. I just do the same thing I've done for the last 20 years being married to a cop...don't even think about all the 'what ifs'...just turn 'em off!! My husband and I knew from the start that we only had our kids 'on loan'...they belonged to God before they were concieved!! Jeremy 'felt God' when he was only 3 years old! He's been planning on going into the mission field for about 3 years now. We plan on going to Vegas next month to visit him, and I'm hoping that he can come home for Christmas. Anyway, that's been keeping me pretty busy these last few days...but I sure wish they would call!! More when I know more!!
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Sept. 20, 2002
Well, I got a call from Christine at Dr. Higa's office today!! She set me up for a follow up appt. with him Oct. 18th. Since I haven't seen him since Dec. '01, she said I need to see if I've 'gained or lost any weight'...I asked her if I'd been approved, and she said they hadn't heard back from the insurance yet. I'm gonna start using some of the Medifast I bought, and try to take off a couple of pounds before the 18th. I think I weigh the same as I did, but I don't want to take any chances! I've heard Dr. Higa won't do surgery if you've gained! I think it's kinda silly though, since I came to see him for a revision 'cuz I was gaining weight! And I know I've gained more after I got hurt at work from being so inactive!! Oh well! We'll see how things go in Oct.!! My son is worried that I will have the surgery while he is gone to Africa, but I told him that with as long as it takes just to get an appt. for a weight check, and the way the insurance takes it's own sweet time...he will probably JUST be getting home when I go in!! (He gets back in Feb.), Plus, my daughter might be having a surgery sometime soon too...and I want to be able to take care of her! Well, I'm glad I heard something...it's so much easier when I have something to put on the calendar! :)
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Sept. 27, 2002
***I GOT APPROVED!!!***
I just checked my answering machine, and found a message from Leanne at Dr. Higa's...Blue Shield of California has given me approval! She wants me to call to set up a surgery date!! I was supposed to go back and see Dr. Higa on Oct. 18th just for a follow up 'just in case' I was approved, so I don't know if I will still be keeping that appt. or not. I have to wait till Monday to call her back! *sheesh* it's gonna be a LONGGGGG weekend!! :)
I know that I haven't gotten to know any of you personally, and have only had emails from a few, but I know that so many of you pray for EVERYONE who is going through this journey, and for that I want to say THANK YOU!! God Bless you all!!!!
I actually feel kinda sick to my stomach...I almost fainted when I heard the voice on the machine say 'approval'...my daughter heard it from the other room and I was just standing there with my hands on my mouth, and she smiled so sweetly and said, 'you got approved?'...and gave me a wonderful hug! She is also waiting for approval for a surgery, not WLS, thank God she didn't inherit MY genes...but for another surgery that can be considered 'cosmetic'...I really hoped that she would get word first, so I could plan MY stuff around HER...I know that she will have an easier time with recovery and stuff, and I want to be sure I am up to taking her and caring for her afterward...I also want HER strong enough to help me out! Oh, God is GOOD!! I know that it will all work out for the best no matter how it goes!
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Sept. 30, 2002
Dr. Higa's phone is BUSY!! Ack!! I'm gonna keep calling till I get a date to report! :)
I still haven't heard anything from Blue Shield! Dr. Higa's office is on the ball!! They called me!! Too cool! ARGH!! I finally got through...they don't get into the office till 9!!! I've been sitting here freezing since just after 8!! Oh well, I got to update my insurance info, and I called my regular doctor to get in to have my allery shot and nip this bronchitis in the bud! Now I gotta wait 20 minutes...(humming Jeopardy theme)...okay...9:21 and phone tag has begun!! I'll post more when I know more!
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Sept. 30, 2002 (3:15pm)
I GOT A DATE!!! Feb. 25, 2003!!! I knew Dr. Higa was in popular demand, and I knew it would be at least December...but wow, FEBRUARY??!! Well, I've been waiting this long, I can wait a little longer! I was worried that I would clash with my daugther's surgery (not WLS and set for Oct. 25th), or that it would be hard on my son who will be out of the country from Dec. till Feb...now it will work out great!! We will get to go to Vegas for his graduation, and have a family vacation, then all come home together. I'll be sorry to miss his birthday (the 28th), since I'll be only 3 days post-op, but he's gonna be 19, so will understand. *Sigh* seems almost surreal...my whole way of looking at things is 'off'...now I can click on those ads for protein powders and drinks...cuz I'm gonna need them!! Not, IF, but WHEN I have my surgery!! God is GOOD!!
Oh, FYI, my surgery will be at Clovis Community Hospital, and I need an Angel! :)
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Oct. 6, 2002
Whew...we just finished the 25th Annual Renaissance of Kings Cultural Arts Faire! This is the first faire in a while that I didn't hurt myself too badly with all the lifting...thanx to the shots I got in my 'trigger points' at the pain clinic! They hurt like heck getting, but I can really feel the difference! My PT doc could feel it too...my neck isn't as tight and painful as it has been. I was VERY uncomfortable with the heat though! ACK...I'd gained weight since last year too, so my costume was uncomfortable...but I didn't wear the corset today and did better. I kept thinking that NEXT year...I want to be all optimistic, but I keep holding back, I will be 8 months post op by our next faire, so I KNOW I will be smaller, but I get scared thinking I'll gain again! I have pix of me in costume at all different weights! But I know that even though I've gained since my first surgery, technically the surgery was still a 'success' since I've lost within the 'average' of 40%! I just want to do better with this one...especially with the quality of foods I tolerate. I'm tired of being overweight and under nourished!! Well, I gotta get, almost midnite and I'm tired!
Oh, I got the letter in the mail with my surgery date and first post op visit already scheduled! Seems like a far way off! But I know from reading the message board, it will seem to sneak up on me!********************************************************************************** Oct. 13, 2002 (12:39 am)
My house seems so empty! DH is asleep, and all 3 kids are gone! Jeremy is, of course in Las Vegas, but now even the girls are out of the house...Gingi went to camp out at the coast with friends, and Jessica went with her Explorer Post to Medieval Times in LA. She won't be home till about 4 am, and Gingi won't be back till the evening. Jeremy is coming home for Thanksgiving.
The girls and I had a blast at Festival Con Dios last nite! Jessica got to go up on stage with Audio Adrenaline...she is still flyin' over that! My bone spur in my left heel is still killin' me from bouncing around to bands from 3:30 till 10:30!! I kept thinkin', "next year....". I've been doing that alot lately! At the Ren Faire, I kept thinking, "next year I'll have to make a new costume...I'll be 8 months post op", and since next summer will be our 20th Wedding Anniversary, we are planning on taking a mini-cruise...I keep thinking, "I'll be 5 months post-op", it seems like I am already basing my life on the magical date of Feb 25, 2003!! My birthday is on Monday...I'll be 45! Sheesh...doesn't seem possible! When did I grow up? Guess I never will! :)
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Oct. 14, 2002 (12:49 am)
I tried to add a post earlier, and it didn't go through...so, once again, let me say...Happy Birthday to ME!
Also, I've tried to get some pix on the web to share. Go here:
My Photo Album
to see them!
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Oct. 16, 2002 (1:44am)

I got my webpage going, but notice the above link to my Photo Album doesn't seem to work...I'll try to fix it tomorrow, or at least try to move all the pix to my site.

UPDATE: Got it working!! :)

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May 20, 2003
Boy, I hadn't realized just how long it had been since I'd been here! ack!
I'm doing well, the weight loss has slowed to the rate they told it would for a revision. I am down to 201.5 from 239.5! I signed up at Curves, but still haven't gotten into a regular habit of going. I get so excited because every time I do go, I drop weight the next day! But my daughter had the second of her two/three planned surgeries, so we haven't gone to work out. She will have the doctor's okay next week, so I hope to make it a regular weekly thing. I'm going to take my measurements again tomorrow, and will post them then. Hope everyone is well! Till later!

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July 26, 2003
Wow...I've been busy! I thought I'd been here 'just a few days ago'...how funny that it's been months! I'm down to 184lbs. 55.5lbs lost! I took my measurements the other day, and can't find where I wrote them! ack! I know that I'd lost more in my bust, waist and hips...gotta find that paper. I also had my hubby take a pic of me with his digital camera, I'll try to get that up next. I have my next follow up visit with Dr. Higa on Monday...I'll be back to post what he has to say about my progress.

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August 29, 2003
Time flies!! I went to the airport today to meet my nephew who just got back from Afghanistan! He got to meet his 6 week old baby daughter for the first time, and I called the local news and they came and covered the story!
In terms of me and my surgery, I had a major milestone happen today! I'm now, at least in the eyes of the clothing department of Walmart a "Lady" instead of a "Woman"!! I've gone from a very tight "Just my Size" Women's 22 to a snug but comfortable "Ladies 14"!! Woo hoo!! My weight is still dropping ever so slowly (as Dr. Higa said it would), but I still see changes. After Jeremy moves to the coast to start his mission work (next Monday), Gingi will have her car back, so I can plan on going back to Curves. Of course, come Sept. 15th, Gingi will start her Massage Therapy school in Visalia and will have to drive MY car (her Ford Festiva won't last the trip 5 days a week!)...but once she's started classes, Jessica and I can start a regular schedual of homeschool and workouts!
Well, I just wanted to update this, been busy with kids, life and Ren Faire costumes! I'm having to make myself a whole new outfit, plus both girls have changed so much this past year they need new bodices too! busy busy!
I'm off to look up plastic surgery...I've got alot of skin hanging off my thighs, arms and chest (oh wait, those WERE my breasts!)...Dr. Higa said he'd like to see me down another 30 pounds or so...that could happen with a few snips of Dr. Zuniga's scalpel!! hehe! Until next time...

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Sept. 8, 2003

Just checking in! I've been so remiss in updating my profile and visiting that I'm making a point of stopping by more often. I've been looking into plastic surgery!! I'd had a Tummy Tuck a year after my first surgery (something like 11 years ago!), so I don't have the 'apron' I did back then. Unfortunately, the regained weight settled in my upper tummy area, thighs and every where else! I need my arms, thighs, and breast done now...and will be calling my PCP about getting a referral. Since my daughter had reconstructive breast surgery this year, I know Dr. Zuniga will be my choice as surgeon. Hope all is well with everyone out there...I'll be back soon!

March 9, 2004
Wow! I thought I'd checked in here for my ONE YEAR anniversary, guess I forgot! Feb 25th was the day, it's amazing to think a whole year has gone by. I'm still holding steady in the weight department, but I keep hearing people exclaim at how 'skinny' I'm getting! I haven't measured in a while...guess I should, just to see if there are changes there. I'm scheduled for my neck surgery on March 31st. I'll be in a soft collar for 2 months, and it will take from 3 to 6 months for the bone (that they will take from my hip) to fuse completely. I figure once I'm able to exercise, I'll drop my more weight.
I went to Dr. Sian in Fresno today to see about PS. He doesn't do the thigh or lower body lift surgery. So he's not even going to submit. He doesn't want to mess things up in case I find a Dr. who can and will try for approval. He was very nice. I'm going to look into seeing Dr. Mariotti up north. Hopefully I can get my insurance to cover even though he is out of our area, since NO ONE does the surgery within our plan.
It's been a very busy year so far, trying to get a lot done before the surgery...but I guess my PS is on hold till after I'm healed up from the neck surgery...sigh!

June 21, 2004
I keep forgetting to come on here and update! Sorry! I had my cervical disc surgery on March 31st. Had to wear the soft collar for 2 months, no driving...ack! I'm feeling better, although I still have some burning, numbness on the left side. I went in today to have the 3 month X-rays done, and will see my surgeon on Friday. Hopefully the bone is fusing as it should be. I'm hoping I can start lifting things, and working out soon. I'd like to lose a few more pounds, and I know that is only gonna happen with exercise. I have so much saggy skin, that adding some muscle is the only thing that is gonna make it look better. Our insurance changes on July 1st, so hopefully I can start the rounds for PS again!

My son is leaving for North Korea in a few days. He and a group will be taking some wind powered equiptment to an orphanage to help build a hospital. He is very excited about this...and it scares me to death! He will be gone a month.

July 16, 2004
I went to my doctor for my neck surgery check up today. I've been 'released', the fusion is taking! Yay!
But that is not my most exciting news! I was in a MOVIE!! Me, my daughter and her boyfriend we just a few of the lucky fans to be asked to be Extras in Universal's production of "Serenity" based on Joss Whedon's tv show Firefly. It will open on April 22, 2005. Never in a million years would I have dreamed that I could/would be able to do something like this! A year and a half ago I weighed 239lbs, and was in such pain from my neck and the weight (my feet hurt so bad I rented a wheel chair at Disneyland). But now, here I am in a shocking blue wig, acting as a 'shopper' in a scene in a major motion picture! If anyone is interested, here is a little website I put up with my story and pictures!
http://saxon1014.tripod.com/
I feel like the caterpillar coming out of the cocoon...I'm nearly done with my metamorphosis, I just need to finish things up with the PS and I'll be the person I would have/should have been all along. I'm so very happy!
My son will be coming home from Korea/China next week. I miss him so much.
My husband is now the Chief Deputy Coroner of Kings County and th Head of the Hostage Negotiation Team. He's been really busy.
I'd love to do more "Extra" work, it was fun cuz it was part of a show I love, but I'm sure it would be fun doing any movie!
Gotta go...just wanted to check in!

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August 9, 2004
I just realized that I haven't added a new pic of myself in a LONG time! I'm down to 150 lbs. now...guess I better get on that! I also found a shot I took right before surgery, when I was at my highest pre-revision weight of 239.5lbs. I don't know if I have any from when I had my first VBG way back when. I got up to 267lbs. But that reckoning, I've lost 117lbs. from my highest weight! Took me 14 years...from one surgery to revision...but I did it! That's why I tell everyone to NEVER give up! I'm down 89.5lbs. from this surgery. And couldn't be happier!
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Oct. 24, 2004
Well, I got turned down for my PS with Dr. Mariotti, and I think they shot down Gingi's stuff too! I got a letter from the doctor about mine, but all I got was a bill from them about Gingi's, so I have to call tomorrow. I just got back from a 2 week cross country trip with my inlaws, and we are in the process of moving, plus my grandma died, and my other grandpa isn't doing well...it's been a very stressful month so far! (also turned 47 last week, in the middle of all that stuff!). Hopefully things will get 'normal' soon. The weirdest thing for me is that I'm still losing weight!! I would NEVER have believed that I could get down this small...I thought I was done last year, and here I am still losing. We ate out everyday on the trip, and I was trying all kinds of new foods and really eating too much (feeling stuffed and not in a good way sometimes), but still, I lost about 2 pounds! I still need to get into a routine at the gym, but don't see that happening till we move closer to it. I need to strengthen my neck, shoulders and arms since my neck surgery anyway.
I took some pictures at the Ren. Faire, and I'll be posting them on my other site as soon as I get them uploaded...I need to update the tripod site anyway.
Hope everyone is doing well, and for those just starting out, keep fighting, dreams DO come true!!
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August 30, 2005
Wow, I did it again. Let so much time go by without updating! Shame on me!
Let me see, what's new? I got to see "Serenity", the movie that Gingi and I got to be Extras in! It comes to theaters Sept. 30th. I'm going to try to go down to LA on the 6th to see an "invitation only" viewing that Universal is giving the fans. Then on the 22nd they are having the Hollywood Premiere...hopefully we'll have lot's of Browncoats on hand for lot's of shindig fun!
On the health front, I've been having some 'female' problems and possibly kidney stones. I go in for a mini-surgery on Sept. 9th to see what is going on. Hopefully it will all clear up soon.
I'm still working at the Palace. I've been on Swing Shift and it is the hardest shift...luckily they just switched to 'fixed' schedules, and I got Day Shift, I start that Sept 19th. Yay! I'll be out of work a week after my surgery, then taking off the weekend of the 25th. So, this should be an easier month work-wise for me.
The kids are all doing well, Jessi passed the Math segment of her High School exam, now she just needs to take the English part. When she first took the test, she took both parts at once, and missed the math by 30points and the English by only 3!! So, she should have no problem passing the English when she takes it by itself next time. She did that with the math and passed last time.
Gingi got hired on at the Palace as a Bingo caller, but with the delays getting the new casino opened, they've yet to put her on the schedule. She and Orie are a couple now, and he joined the Air Force, leaving here Jan. 2nd. She wants to keep busy and save lots of money while he's gone. Jeremy has finished his 2 year commitment to YWAM and just got hired at Radio Shack in Grover Beach. He might start working at a church in Morro Bay as a Youth Pastor. In January he wants to start taking classes at Cuesta College. Tom is working 6 days a week, Coroner for 5 of those, working River Patrol on Saturdays. In November he will get his weekends back!
Whew!! Lot's going on. We have the Ren Faire coming up in Oct. the same weekend that the movie opens to the public. I have to drag as many Rennies to the movie as I can!
I'm doing good with my weight and eating. Staying about 144. Going down to 142 and up as high as 146...love it!!
Hope everyone is well, and can live their dreams...I'm having a blast with mine!!
Oh, about plastic surgery for me? I still want my breasts done, and maybe, IF I end up having to have a hysterectomy, I'm going to see if I can get my breasts done at the same time. I might also get my eyes lasered at that time. IF I'm out for the 6 to 8 weeks, I may as well do it all then!

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November 7, 2005
Well, things sure went crazy after my last update! I had the mini surgery on Sept. 9th, but had problems with the belly button incision staying closed! I was out of work till the 26th!! I got to go to the Serenity Premiere on the 22nd, still swollen from surgery, and hurting with my horrific kidney stones! But is was AWESOME! We got to first line the red carpet, then WALK it!! We were also invited to the after party with the stars, after watching the movie with them in the same theater! Dreams of all kinds can come true once you believe!!
I went back to work on Sept. 26th for only one day, then had my kidney stones 'blasted' on the 27th. I can not believe how utterly painful that was! I was out of work till Oct. 10th!! So, basically, I was out of work for a full month, but had no idea it was going to work that way, so I didn't plan on getting my eyes lasered. :(
I'm still having some female problems, and still feel the little bits of kidney stones passing. *they said it can take up to 8 weeks for them all to pass!* Ugh!! I'm still not sure if I'm going to have to have a hysterectomy or not...if I do, I'm checking into having my breasts done. I have a mammogram tomorrow.
I'm working day shift at work, just had my one year anniversary. Gingi finally started calling at BINGO, she's doing great. She and Orie got engaged at Disneyland on Sept. 23rd.
Jeremy starts school in Jan., we got him a motorcycle to make it easier to commute (he usually walks everywhere at the coast). Jessi took the last part of her HS test, waiting for results, we're sure she passed.
Tom is still working 6 days a week! :(
One of the gals a work just had RnY gastric bypass...I'm so happy and excited for her. She went to my doctor and basically had the surgery based on me! I sure hope everything turns out as good for her as it has for me! I dropped another couple of pounds...don't know why! I weighed 141.5lbs today. Pretty good considering I've been staying bloated from hormonal/female stuff.
I hope everyone is well and living their dreams!