Begining a New Life

I have deleted my older posts in an attempt to start afresh for those who read my blog.  I kind of got out of the habit of writing here and decided to start over.  I am a 37 year old woman who is married and has 4 biological children and 4 step children.  I have one step grandchild.  We share our home with 10 of God's furry, feathery creatures.  I bake and decorate cakes, cupcakes, and candy. To say my life never gets boring...well, that would be an understatement.  Unfortunately, due to medical problems, for the past 3 years it has been a constant struggle for me to keep up with my life.  Three years ago I found out that I have multiple herniations in my back.  This past year, the number of those was up to 7.  I also have hypothyroidism, depression, and aura migraines.  I live in pain 95% of the time.  Since my back has become so bad, I have gained 80 lbs.  The weight gain adds extra pressure on my back thus causing more pain.  I have decided to have bariatric surgery because of this.  The hope is that between weight loss and attending the pain clinic, my pain will become bearable and less of a hinderance on my life.  Last September, after several years of research, I made the decision to get banded.  This started the long process that has led up until now.  My insurance required six months of diet counseling with my doctor.  I had to see her once a month for 6 consecutive months.  If I had missed even one month, the 6 months would have started all over.  I completed my 6 months in March.  During the 6 months, I had a sleep study done to determine if I had sleep apnea.  According to those results, I do not.  Four months into my 6, I mailed in the presurgery packet to my bariatric center.  After they received my packet, I was scheduled a date to come in to meet the dietician, psychologist, and to view videos on the surgery.  I also chose my surgeon at this visit.  A few weeks later, I went back to meet him and he gave me a list of all the other presurgery testing I would have to get completed.  I have since had an intravenous doppler test, a pulmonary function test, an EKG, and a heart echo.  I had to be cleared by a pulmonologist and cardiologist for surgery.  At this time, all of those tests are complete and this Wednesday, I will be returning to my physician to go over the test results and finish the final paperwork to FAX to my surgeon.  Then the waiting will begin.  I can guarantee that my phone will never be far from my side after I know the paperwork has been FAX'd.  The next phonecall I should receive from them will be the one telling me when my surgery date is.  The day I have been waiting for and was beginning to feel like would never get here.  After the surgery date is set, I will have two more steps to complete.  I have to attend a workshop led by my dietician and psychologist and I have to get one more set of bloodwork done.  I had someone ask me the other day if I was scared and I would be lying if I said that I wasn't a little.  I'm scared of being put to sleep.  I'm worried about how long it will take to heal...we all know mommas can't be down long.   I am more anxious than anything.  Anxious to start the new life that I have prepared myself for.  Anxious to be healthier not only for myself, but also for my family.  I am anxious for the pain in my back to decrease so I can complete more of everyday activities.  The journey has been long but the end is in sight.  I could not be more thankful for the friends and family who have supported me along the way and who I know will be cheering me on in the future as I become a bandster and BEGIN A NEW LIFE!!!!!!