Re: Finally! Durham Days

[Guest guest]

Debbie and Daughter's Durham Days

**This is very long. Post-ops feel free to delete, but I remember as a

pre-op how I LOVED these stories. Sorry, I am a writer, I don't know how to

do " short and succinct. lol**

We arrived in Durham around dinner time on 8/7 and went straight to the

Hawthorne Suites. We were delighted to see that there was shopping all

around. The complimentary " Manager's Reception " was still going on so we had

a few drinks and hors doeurves (the bartender told us that on Wed nights

there is a barbecue) before heading for the Chinese Buffet (Chris' choice)

which was right across the main road from the hotel. After dinner Tom went

to the grocery next door for yogurt, Gatorade, juice and soup, plus some

items for he and Steph. Then we all got settled in the hotel. You can't

beat the Hawthorne for space-- 2 separate bedrooms with baths, living room

and kitchen in the middle (with dining tang table). Lots of space, lots of

closets. Steph liked the sliding door to a small patio (she sunned there).

All this for $65 a night!

The next AM after the yummy complimentary full breakfast, (eggs, potatoes,

meat, french toast, cereals, oatmeal, rolls, muffins, bagels, fruit, yogurt,

toast, juice, coffee, etc.) we set off to explore the area. Found lots of

shopping off exit 270 from 40-east. Then we headed for the 1:00 clinic which

was a real treat. Met our fellow Illinoisan Tricia and her fun friend ,

who sat right behind us. Tricia is a beauty and a real sweet person. I am

still praying that her insurance company pays for her operation, but isn't it

great that her hubby said he wanted her to have the MGB at whatever the cost?

The AM clinic had gone over quite a bit, so Dr R was still in private visits,

so we got to watch the lovely video of the surgery (I confess I kept my eyes

averted for most of it. Yes, I want to know what is going on in with my

body, but no thanks, I don't need to SEE it! LOL) I was occupied filling

out the second copy of the online form, which took forever. It has been said

before, but be sure and make a second copy so you can have it to turn in at

clinic!!!

As we went around introducing ourselves, Dr R seemed to know/pretty much

recognize everyone's name (how does he keep us all straight?), and was

genuinely happy to put names and faces together.

Dr R was nothing like I expected, (don't ask me why, I just pictured him

differently, I guess! LOL-- Now that has posted his picture, the

mystery is gone I guess.) Anyway, he was animated and always happy when

someone would mention a past patient or someone else he knew. He answered

everyone's questions and did his little MGB drawings on the blackboard. And

yes, he does replay the surgery tape, pointing out key points, etc.

There was a lady there who had had the surgery in June and was a little

unhappy that she had " only " lost 30-some pounds. He did the math on the

board, showing that her weight was right on target. We caught up with her

afterward and she spoke of how happy she is with her new self after MGB. Her

daughter was at clinic scoping out Dr R and the procedure.

Also met Dawn and Max from Wichita, but really didn't get to visit with them

there because she was among the first to go for the private meeting with the

good doc. (More on Dawn later.) We went right after her, 3rd in order.

(He takes all people in order of their surgeries--those on Wed went first,

then Thurs, Fri, etc. The rest he takes in order of the distance they

traveled to get there, the farthest away first. Pretty good system, I

thought.) During our private time, Dr R answered all my questions about

and me, and Tom, who is a worry wart, was put much more at ease.

We headed straight for the Cattleman's, which is actually pretty close to

clinic. Got there at 4:45, but dinner wasn't until 6, so we headed up and

down the street trying to find a bookstore so would have reading

material for the hospital-wait the next AM. No luck. Steph, our 13-yr-old,

was complaining about how starved she was (hadn't eaten since breakfast), and

was obsessed with getting this book, (and I could tell she was also

getting a bit pensive about her surgery the next day), so we sat in the lot

deciding what to do. When we asked what she really wanted to do, she

said she'd like to get Mexican for her " last supper " and just hang out with

the family. Tom went in the restaurant to ask that they cancel us and let

the group know (it doesn't sound like they did the last part, though). I

was disappointed not to go to dinner with the group, and even considered

staying myself and begging a ride back to the hotel, but didn't want to leave

that night. It sure would have been nice to meet all the local

post-ops, though, who so kindly came to meet us!

For those who stay at the Hawthorne, if you like mexican, you absolutely MUST

go to the restaurant in the adjoining strip mall. It's next to the Hallmark

store and I think it's called " El Dorado. " If that's not right, you still

can't miss it--it's the only mexican place there. LOL Anyway, it's not much

to look at but has the most wonderful, authentic mexican cuisine, right down

to the killer margaritas.

The next AM we reported at our assigned time (8AM). As is customary, those

who go later don't generally get a " set time " for surgery. We checked Chris

in at admitting, which was as a fairly quick and easy process. Went up to

the 5th floor same day surgery area and after got her nifty plastic

bracelet, we were directed to the waiting room where we were to spend A LONG

time before being called back. We didn't mind too much, though, because we

got to meet Dave and Ruth from CT (but was the first to go, so she

was not there.) Never did get to meet her, either. D & R were very friendly

and nice. It seems that they are related to SEVERAL past MGBers! Ruth spoke

of wanting the surgery herself, but she looked pretty good to me. (Think

muscular, shapely legs.) I was hoping to find Dave after surgery, but he

must have been tucked down a distant corridor because I never did locate him.

Also met Michele and her Mom Joyce, who is still fighting the insurance

battle, and found out they live only a few minutes from us! Michele has

since started posting to our list. What a sweet and friendly young woman!

And beautiful, too. We spent the AM chatting and waiting. I was glad that

was able to sleep a bit, as she had had a restless night. I wondered

where everyone else was, as I knew that there were supposed to be 9 going

that day, and I didn't see Dawn anywhere. Blair was second, so I knew where

she was (lol). She and Val were the latex sensitive duo, so they went into

the newly latex-cleared operating room before everyone else. I had seen

Susie from NJ earlier, (had met her at clinic--she is not on the onelist),

and she was in a gown. Turned out she was third.

Dave was 4th, so he was the first to leave our little group. Shortly

thereafter, Michele left and then we were put in a room (this first room is

not " your room, " but merely the place where the nurses prep you and you sign

your life away. lol) I have to go on record here and say that we did not

meet ONE person at the hospital who was not wonderfully caring and truly

kind. was prepped by a lovely woman who treated her as if she were her

own daughter. Chris' transformation was complete with the lovely gown,

girdle-stockings, and footies. Then she filled out the long letter/form that

Dr R requires, where you again get to write little mini-essays on the

paragraphs you read. (He believes in education and wants to KNOW that you

know exactly what you are getting into and what to expect.) Hey, as a

teacher I appreciate that. Knowledge is indeed power!

The nurse asked a lot of questions, including what meds she'd taken,

etc. Right about then the door opened and in popped Beth from Florida, who

was having surgery the next day. What a breath of funshine! (Yes, I mean

funshine!) She is the sweetest and cutest thing! Very upbeat and animated,

and downright adorable. After she left we all said the same thing--she looks

almost exactly like and 's voice teacher, who is an opera

singer. Found out from Beth that Dawn was a couple of rooms down, so I went

to visit her. Turns out she was put in a room early that AM, even though her

surgery was a LONG way off!

I just loved visiting with Dawn and her wonderful husband, Max. She is a

gorgeous woman--blonde and beautiful--but better than that, a real

sweetheart. It's amazing how quickly you form a " sisterhood " with your

littermates! (I consider Chris' mates mine, as well :0).

Michele was 5th and then was 6th. Poor Dawn, who had been in a room

the longest, was 7th, but that meant we could visit longer. Even got to meet

Beth's hubby, Wayne--a real nice guy and a great support to Beth, (hey

ladies, he does housework and runs errands :0)

We went with down the elevator to the 3rd floor but had to say good-bye

as they whisked her to the OR area. (She told us later that the

anesthesiologist met with her as she was in the holding area.) Tom was in

tears as she left--it was very hard for him to watch his baby being wheeled

away. Not me, I was smiling ear to ear--I was SO happy for her! My dear

hubby had asked the nurse if and I could share a room, as I was

planning on spending the night, anyway, and they were happy to set that up,

so Tom and I were able to go to the room and drop everything off.

came through her 30 min operation like a champ! We were waiting in our

room when she returned from recovery around 7PM, or so. She was pretty

groggy and in pain so the nurse told her to push the pain pump as often as

she needed to--that she couldn't overdose as it meted out the appropriate

dose, and only at 8 min or longer intervals, as called for by the patient.

During the course of the night she went through the whole pump and they gave

her a new one sometime in the night, which she only used a couple times.

She had the coolest male nurse, Jeff, who hung out in our room watching

" Survivor " with us and visiting. was sort of in and out, but really

thought he was a great guy. Steph and I raided the vending area downstairs

and I was able to get an orange, yogurt (someone suggested that was good to

have pre-op), and peanut butter crackers. I was trying to eat semi-lightly

the night before my surgery.

I kicked Tom and Steph out around 10PM so I could get my Hibiclens shower

and get " tucked in " for the night. She didn't walk that night, though

she did use the bathroom. The overnight nurse was wonderful about helping

her get the leg-expanders (lol) off and helping her to the potty. felt

a little nauseous, though, so walking wasn't good.

That was a very funny night, and one I'm so glad and I shared. For

some reason she got VERY chatty and talked my head off until around 2AM! I

was trying to get comfy on the crazy recliner, which would fold up without

notice. I tend to find things funny, anyway, and we got to laughing so hard

that we were afraid she's pop a staple. From her viewpoint, I looked very

funny as I'd spread out my sheet, plop in the recliner, and try and push it

back, only to have the head go WAY back so my feet were in the air. Or, it

would just pop me back up to sitting. It was shiny leather so the sheet kept

coming off. I tossed and turned and didn't sleep much. was so sweet,

she kept telling me how concerned she was that I wouldn't get a good night's

sleep. She was being my mommy-- how sweet is that? Oftentimes I would just

lay/sit there looking over at my little girl, thinking back over her life and

imagining how wonderful it will be when she is able to feel good about

herself. I thought about how brave she was and wished I could climb up on

her bed and hold her.

To be continued...........

Regards,

Debbie in IL

MGB 8/10 Cigna approved as " in network "

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/23/2000 1:27:29 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

DebLaMan@... writes:

<< To be continued...........

Regards,

Debbie in IL

MGB 8/10 Cigna approved as " in network " >>

Your story was great!! It brought tears to my eyes, even as old as I am it

made me wish my Mom could be with me whenever I get to have it done. I miss

her everyday ;(;(;(. is a very lucky young woman to have you as a Mom

and it sounds as if your a lucky woman to have a daughter that you have such

a close relationship with.

I will wait with anticipation for your next installment of the MGB saga!!!!

Cathy Morrow in Lenoir, NC

BMI 42

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

Loved the story. Congratulations on a fine daughter and you are to be

commended for being a great Mommy. Please fill us in when you can I am

waiting on the edge of my seat (and that is pretty dangerous with this big

caboose)

With Love,

Lara M. Akin (BMI 61)

Getting my weight down

to do the dance with Dr. Rutledge.

423/417/413

Waist 51/45

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/23/00 10:58:17 AM Pacific Daylight Time,

dinah@... writes:

<< What a sweet moving story! Thanks for sharing!

Dinah

>>

Ya'velcum! Part 2 will be coming--when I have another 3 hrs free. lol The

kiddos start school tomorrow.

Regards,

Debbie in IL

MGB 8/10 Cigna approved as " in network "

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/23/00 11:48:47 AM Pacific Daylight Time,

CMo6331945@... writes:

<< Your story was great!! It brought tears to my eyes, even as old as I am it

made me wish my Mom could be with me whenever I get to have it done. I miss

her everyday ;(;(;(. is a very lucky young woman to have you as a Mom

and it sounds as if your a lucky woman to have a daughter that you have such

a close relationship with.

>>

Thanks, Cathy,

I just can't wait for you to get your turn with the good doc!!

Regards,

Debbie in IL

MGB 8/10 Cigna approved as " in network "

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/23/00 12:39:22 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

judith98101@... writes:

<< Jeeze Deb! Even though I know you're writing this , it feels like a

King cliffhanger. Maybe you two should get together!

>>

Funny you should mention him--my dad (also a writer) lives not too far from

him in Maine.

Regards,

Debbie in IL

MGB 8/10 Cigna approved as " in network "

[Guest guest]

What a sweet moving story! Thanks for sharing!

Dinah

> Debbie and Daughter's Durham Days

>

> **This is very long. Post-ops feel free to delete, but I remember

as a

> pre-op how I LOVED these stories. Sorry, I am a writer, I don't

know how to

> do " short and succinct. lol**

>

> We arrived in Durham around dinner time on 8/7 and went straight to

the

> Hawthorne Suites. We were delighted to see that there was shopping

all

> around. The complimentary " Manager's Reception " was still going on

so we had

> a few drinks and hors doeurves (the bartender told us that on Wed

nights

> there is a barbecue) before heading for the Chinese Buffet (Chris'

choice)

> which was right across the main road from the hotel. After dinner

Tom went

> to the grocery next door for yogurt, Gatorade, juice and soup, plus

some

> items for he and Steph. Then we all got settled in the hotel. You

can't

> beat the Hawthorne for space-- 2 separate bedrooms with baths,

living room

> and kitchen in the middle (with dining tang table). Lots of space,

lots of

> closets. Steph liked the sliding door to a small patio (she sunned

there).

> All this for $65 a night!

>

> The next AM after the yummy complimentary full breakfast, (eggs,

potatoes,

> meat, french toast, cereals, oatmeal, rolls, muffins, bagels,

fruit, yogurt,

> toast, juice, coffee, etc.) we set off to explore the area. Found

lots of

> shopping off exit 270 from 40-east. Then we headed for the 1:00

clinic which

> was a real treat. Met our fellow Illinoisan Tricia and her fun

friend ,

> who sat right behind us. Tricia is a beauty and a real sweet

person. I am

> still praying that her insurance company pays for her operation,

but isn't it

> great that her hubby said he wanted her to have the MGB at whatever

the cost?

>

> The AM clinic had gone over quite a bit, so Dr R was still in

private visits,

> so we got to watch the lovely video of the surgery (I confess I

kept my eyes

> averted for most of it. Yes, I want to know what is going on in

with my

> body, but no thanks, I don't need to SEE it! LOL) I was occupied

filling

> out the second copy of the online form, which took forever. It has

been said

> before, but be sure and make a second copy so you can have it to

turn in at

> clinic!!!

> As we went around introducing ourselves, Dr R seemed to know/pretty

much

> recognize everyone's name (how does he keep us all straight?), and

was

> genuinely happy to put names and faces together.

>

> Dr R was nothing like I expected, (don't ask me why, I just

pictured him

> differently, I guess! LOL-- Now that has posted his picture,

the

> mystery is gone I guess.) Anyway, he was animated and always happy

when

> someone would mention a past patient or someone else he knew. He

answered

> everyone's questions and did his little MGB drawings on the

blackboard. And

> yes, he does replay the surgery tape, pointing out key points, etc.

>

> There was a lady there who had had the surgery in June and was a

little

> unhappy that she had " only " lost 30-some pounds. He did the math

on the

> board, showing that her weight was right on target. We caught up

with her

> afterward and she spoke of how happy she is with her new self after

MGB. Her

> daughter was at clinic scoping out Dr R and the procedure.

>

> Also met Dawn and Max from Wichita, but really didn't get to visit

with them

> there because she was among the first to go for the private meeting

with the

> good doc. (More on Dawn later.) We went right after her, 3rd in

order.

> (He takes all people in order of their surgeries--those on Wed went

first,

> then Thurs, Fri, etc. The rest he takes in order of the distance

they

> traveled to get there, the farthest away first. Pretty good

system, I

> thought.) During our private time, Dr R answered all my questions

about

> and me, and Tom, who is a worry wart, was put much more at

ease.

>

> We headed straight for the Cattleman's, which is actually pretty

close to

> clinic. Got there at 4:45, but dinner wasn't until 6, so we headed

up and

> down the street trying to find a bookstore so would have

reading

> material for the hospital-wait the next AM. No luck. Steph, our

13-yr-old,

> was complaining about how starved she was (hadn't eaten since

breakfast), and

> was obsessed with getting this book, (and I could tell she

was also

> getting a bit pensive about her surgery the next day), so we sat in

the lot

> deciding what to do. When we asked what she really wanted to

do, she

> said she'd like to get Mexican for her " last supper " and just hang

out with

> the family. Tom went in the restaurant to ask that they cancel us

and let

> the group know (it doesn't sound like they did the last part,

though). I

> was disappointed not to go to dinner with the group, and even

considered

> staying myself and begging a ride back to the hotel, but didn't

want to leave

> that night. It sure would have been nice to meet all the

local

> post-ops, though, who so kindly came to meet us!

>

> For those who stay at the Hawthorne, if you like mexican, you

absolutely MUST

> go to the restaurant in the adjoining strip mall. It's next to the

Hallmark

> store and I think it's called " El Dorado. " If that's not right,

you still

> can't miss it--it's the only mexican place there. LOL Anyway,

it's not much

> to look at but has the most wonderful, authentic mexican cuisine,

right down

> to the killer margaritas.

>

> The next AM we reported at our assigned time (8AM). As is

customary, those

> who go later don't generally get a " set time " for surgery. We

checked Chris

> in at admitting, which was as a fairly quick and easy process.

Went up to

> the 5th floor same day surgery area and after got her nifty

plastic

> bracelet, we were directed to the waiting room where we were to

spend A LONG

> time before being called back. We didn't mind too much, though,

because we

> got to meet Dave and Ruth from CT (but was the first to go,

so she

> was not there.) Never did get to meet her, either. D & R were very

friendly

> and nice. It seems that they are related to SEVERAL past MGBers!

Ruth spoke

> of wanting the surgery herself, but she looked pretty good to me.

(Think

> muscular, shapely legs.) I was hoping to find Dave after surgery,

but he

> must have been tucked down a distant corridor because I never did

locate him.

>

> Also met Michele and her Mom Joyce, who is still fighting the

insurance

> battle, and found out they live only a few minutes from us!

Michele has

> since started posting to our list. What a sweet and friendly young

woman!

> And beautiful, too. We spent the AM chatting and waiting. I was

glad that

> was able to sleep a bit, as she had had a restless night. I

wondered

> where everyone else was, as I knew that there were supposed to be 9

going

> that day, and I didn't see Dawn anywhere. Blair was second, so I

knew where

> she was (lol). She and Val were the latex sensitive duo, so they

went into

> the newly latex-cleared operating room before everyone else. I had

seen

> Susie from NJ earlier, (had met her at clinic--she is not on the

onelist),

> and she was in a gown. Turned out she was third.

>

> Dave was 4th, so he was the first to leave our little group.

Shortly

> thereafter, Michele left and then we were put in a room (this first

room is

> not " your room, " but merely the place where the nurses prep you and

you sign

> your life away. lol) I have to go on record here and say that we

did not

> meet ONE person at the hospital who was not wonderfully caring and

truly

> kind. was prepped by a lovely woman who treated her as if

she were her

> own daughter. Chris' transformation was complete with the lovely

gown,

> girdle-stockings, and footies. Then she filled out the long

letter/form that

> Dr R requires, where you again get to write little mini-essays on

the

> paragraphs you read. (He believes in education and wants to KNOW

that you

> know exactly what you are getting into and what to expect.) Hey,

as a

> teacher I appreciate that. Knowledge is indeed power!

>

> The nurse asked a lot of questions, including what meds she'd

taken,

> etc. Right about then the door opened and in popped Beth from

Florida, who

> was having surgery the next day. What a breath of funshine! (Yes,

I mean

> funshine!) She is the sweetest and cutest thing! Very upbeat and

animated,

> and downright adorable. After she left we all said the same thing--

she looks

> almost exactly like and 's voice teacher, who is an

opera

> singer. Found out from Beth that Dawn was a couple of rooms down,

so I went

> to visit her. Turns out she was put in a room early that AM, even

though her

> surgery was a LONG way off!

>

> I just loved visiting with Dawn and her wonderful husband, Max.

She is a

> gorgeous woman--blonde and beautiful--but better than that, a real

> sweetheart. It's amazing how quickly you form a " sisterhood " with

your

> littermates! (I consider Chris' mates mine, as well :0).

>

> Michele was 5th and then was 6th. Poor Dawn, who had been in

a room

> the longest, was 7th, but that meant we could visit longer. Even

got to meet

> Beth's hubby, Wayne--a real nice guy and a great support to Beth,

(hey

> ladies, he does housework and runs errands :0)

>

> We went with down the elevator to the 3rd floor but had to

say good-bye

> as they whisked her to the OR area. (She told us later that the

> anesthesiologist met with her as she was in the holding area.) Tom

was in

> tears as she left--it was very hard for him to watch his baby being

wheeled

> away. Not me, I was smiling ear to ear--I was SO happy for her!

My dear

> hubby had asked the nurse if and I could share a room, as I

was

> planning on spending the night, anyway, and they were happy to set

that up,

> so Tom and I were able to go to the room and drop everything off.

>

> came through her 30 min operation like a champ! We were

waiting in our

> room when she returned from recovery around 7PM, or so. She was

pretty

> groggy and in pain so the nurse told her to push the pain pump as

often as

> she needed to--that she couldn't overdose as it meted out the

appropriate

> dose, and only at 8 min or longer intervals, as called for by the

patient.

> During the course of the night she went through the whole pump and

they gave

> her a new one sometime in the night, which she only used a couple

times.

>

> She had the coolest male nurse, Jeff, who hung out in our room

watching

> " Survivor " with us and visiting. was sort of in and out, but

really

> thought he was a great guy. Steph and I raided the vending area

downstairs

> and I was able to get an orange, yogurt (someone suggested that was

good to

> have pre-op), and peanut butter crackers. I was trying to eat semi-

lightly

> the night before my surgery.

>

> I kicked Tom and Steph out around 10PM so I could get my Hibiclens

shower

> and get " tucked in " for the night. She didn't walk that

night, though

> she did use the bathroom. The overnight nurse was wonderful about

helping

> her get the leg-expanders (lol) off and helping her to the potty.

felt

> a little nauseous, though, so walking wasn't good.

>

> That was a very funny night, and one I'm so glad and I

shared. For

> some reason she got VERY chatty and talked my head off until around

2AM! I

> was trying to get comfy on the crazy recliner, which would fold up

without

> notice. I tend to find things funny, anyway, and we got to

laughing so hard

> that we were afraid she's pop a staple. From her viewpoint, I

looked very

> funny as I'd spread out my sheet, plop in the recliner, and try and

push it

> back, only to have the head go WAY back so my feet were in the

air. Or, it

> would just pop me back up to sitting. It was shiny leather so the

sheet kept

> coming off. I tossed and turned and didn't sleep much. was

so sweet,

> she kept telling me how concerned she was that I wouldn't get a

good night's

> sleep. She was being my mommy-- how sweet is that? Oftentimes I

would just

> lay/sit there looking over at my little girl, thinking back over

her life and

> imagining how wonderful it will be when she is able to feel good

about

> herself. I thought about how brave she was and wished I could

climb up on

> her bed and hold her.

>

> To be continued...........

>

> Regards,

> Debbie in IL

> MGB 8/10 Cigna approved as " in network "

[Guest guest]

Jeeze Deb! Even though I know you're writing this , it feels like a

King cliffhanger. Maybe you two should get together!

Judith in Seattle

Re: Finally! Durham Days

> Debbie and Daughter's Durham Days

>

> **This is very long. Post-ops feel free to delete, but I remember as a

> pre-op how I LOVED these stories. Sorry, I am a writer, I don't know how

to

> do " short and succinct. lol**

>

> We arrived in Durham around dinner time on 8/7 and went straight to the

> Hawthorne Suites. We were delighted to see that there was shopping all

> around. The complimentary " Manager's Reception " was still going on so we

had

> a few drinks and hors doeurves (the bartender told us that on Wed nights

> there is a barbecue) before heading for the Chinese Buffet (Chris' choice)

> which was right across the main road from the hotel. After dinner Tom

went

> to the grocery next door for yogurt, Gatorade, juice and soup, plus some

> items for he and Steph. Then we all got settled in the hotel. You can't

> beat the Hawthorne for space-- 2 separate bedrooms with baths, living room

> and kitchen in the middle (with dining tang table). Lots of space, lots

of

> closets. Steph liked the sliding door to a small patio (she sunned

there).

> All this for $65 a night!

>

> The next AM after the yummy complimentary full breakfast, (eggs, potatoes,

> meat, french toast, cereals, oatmeal, rolls, muffins, bagels, fruit,

yogurt,

> toast, juice, coffee, etc.) we set off to explore the area. Found lots

of

> shopping off exit 270 from 40-east. Then we headed for the 1:00 clinic

which

> was a real treat. Met our fellow Illinoisan Tricia and her fun friend

,

> who sat right behind us. Tricia is a beauty and a real sweet person. I

am

> still praying that her insurance company pays for her operation, but isn't

it

> great that her hubby said he wanted her to have the MGB at whatever the

cost?

>

> The AM clinic had gone over quite a bit, so Dr R was still in private

visits,

> so we got to watch the lovely video of the surgery (I confess I kept my

eyes

> averted for most of it. Yes, I want to know what is going on in with my

> body, but no thanks, I don't need to SEE it! LOL) I was occupied filling

> out the second copy of the online form, which took forever. It has been

said

> before, but be sure and make a second copy so you can have it to turn in

at

> clinic!!!

> As we went around introducing ourselves, Dr R seemed to know/pretty much

> recognize everyone's name (how does he keep us all straight?), and was

> genuinely happy to put names and faces together.

>

> Dr R was nothing like I expected, (don't ask me why, I just pictured him

> differently, I guess! LOL-- Now that has posted his picture, the

> mystery is gone I guess.) Anyway, he was animated and always happy when

> someone would mention a past patient or someone else he knew. He answered

> everyone's questions and did his little MGB drawings on the blackboard.

And

> yes, he does replay the surgery tape, pointing out key points, etc.

>

> There was a lady there who had had the surgery in June and was a little

> unhappy that she had " only " lost 30-some pounds. He did the math on the

> board, showing that her weight was right on target. We caught up with her

> afterward and she spoke of how happy she is with her new self after MGB.

Her

> daughter was at clinic scoping out Dr R and the procedure.

>

> Also met Dawn and Max from Wichita, but really didn't get to visit with

them

> there because she was among the first to go for the private meeting with

the

> good doc. (More on Dawn later.) We went right after her, 3rd in order.

> (He takes all people in order of their surgeries--those on Wed went first,

> then Thurs, Fri, etc. The rest he takes in order of the distance they

> traveled to get there, the farthest away first. Pretty good system, I

> thought.) During our private time, Dr R answered all my questions about

> and me, and Tom, who is a worry wart, was put much more at ease.

>

> We headed straight for the Cattleman's, which is actually pretty close to

> clinic. Got there at 4:45, but dinner wasn't until 6, so we headed up and

> down the street trying to find a bookstore so would have reading

> material for the hospital-wait the next AM. No luck. Steph, our

13-yr-old,

> was complaining about how starved she was (hadn't eaten since breakfast),

and

> was obsessed with getting this book, (and I could tell she was also

> getting a bit pensive about her surgery the next day), so we sat in the

lot

> deciding what to do. When we asked what she really wanted to do,

she

> said she'd like to get Mexican for her " last supper " and just hang out

with

> the family. Tom went in the restaurant to ask that they cancel us and let

> the group know (it doesn't sound like they did the last part, though). I

> was disappointed not to go to dinner with the group, and even considered

> staying myself and begging a ride back to the hotel, but didn't want to

leave

> that night. It sure would have been nice to meet all the local

> post-ops, though, who so kindly came to meet us!

>

> For those who stay at the Hawthorne, if you like mexican, you absolutely

MUST

> go to the restaurant in the adjoining strip mall. It's next to the

Hallmark

> store and I think it's called " El Dorado. " If that's not right, you still

> can't miss it--it's the only mexican place there. LOL Anyway, it's not

much

> to look at but has the most wonderful, authentic mexican cuisine, right

down

> to the killer margaritas.

>

> The next AM we reported at our assigned time (8AM). As is customary,

those

> who go later don't generally get a " set time " for surgery. We checked

Chris

> in at admitting, which was as a fairly quick and easy process. Went up to

> the 5th floor same day surgery area and after got her nifty plastic

> bracelet, we were directed to the waiting room where we were to spend A

LONG

> time before being called back. We didn't mind too much, though, because

we

> got to meet Dave and Ruth from CT (but was the first to go, so she

> was not there.) Never did get to meet her, either. D & R were very

friendly

> and nice. It seems that they are related to SEVERAL past MGBers! Ruth

spoke

> of wanting the surgery herself, but she looked pretty good to me. (Think

> muscular, shapely legs.) I was hoping to find Dave after surgery, but he

> must have been tucked down a distant corridor because I never did locate

him.

>

> Also met Michele and her Mom Joyce, who is still fighting the insurance

> battle, and found out they live only a few minutes from us! Michele has

> since started posting to our list. What a sweet and friendly young woman!

> And beautiful, too. We spent the AM chatting and waiting. I was glad

that

> was able to sleep a bit, as she had had a restless night. I

wondered

> where everyone else was, as I knew that there were supposed to be 9 going

> that day, and I didn't see Dawn anywhere. Blair was second, so I knew

where

> she was (lol). She and Val were the latex sensitive duo, so they went

into

> the newly latex-cleared operating room before everyone else. I had seen

> Susie from NJ earlier, (had met her at clinic--she is not on the onelist),

> and she was in a gown. Turned out she was third.

>

> Dave was 4th, so he was the first to leave our little group. Shortly

> thereafter, Michele left and then we were put in a room (this first room

is

> not " your room, " but merely the place where the nurses prep you and you

sign

> your life away. lol) I have to go on record here and say that we did not

> meet ONE person at the hospital who was not wonderfully caring and truly

> kind. was prepped by a lovely woman who treated her as if she were

her

> own daughter. Chris' transformation was complete with the lovely gown,

> girdle-stockings, and footies. Then she filled out the long letter/form

that

> Dr R requires, where you again get to write little mini-essays on the

> paragraphs you read. (He believes in education and wants to KNOW that you

> know exactly what you are getting into and what to expect.) Hey, as a

> teacher I appreciate that. Knowledge is indeed power!

>

> The nurse asked a lot of questions, including what meds she'd taken,

> etc. Right about then the door opened and in popped Beth from Florida,

who

> was having surgery the next day. What a breath of funshine! (Yes, I mean

> funshine!) She is the sweetest and cutest thing! Very upbeat and

animated,

> and downright adorable. After she left we all said the same thing--she

looks

> almost exactly like and 's voice teacher, who is an opera

> singer. Found out from Beth that Dawn was a couple of rooms down, so I

went

> to visit her. Turns out she was put in a room early that AM, even though

her

> surgery was a LONG way off!

>

> I just loved visiting with Dawn and her wonderful husband, Max. She is a

> gorgeous woman--blonde and beautiful--but better than that, a real

> sweetheart. It's amazing how quickly you form a " sisterhood " with your

> littermates! (I consider Chris' mates mine, as well :0).

>

> Michele was 5th and then was 6th. Poor Dawn, who had been in a room

> the longest, was 7th, but that meant we could visit longer. Even got to

meet

> Beth's hubby, Wayne--a real nice guy and a great support to Beth, (hey

> ladies, he does housework and runs errands :0)

>

> We went with down the elevator to the 3rd floor but had to say

good-bye

> as they whisked her to the OR area. (She told us later that the

> anesthesiologist met with her as she was in the holding area.) Tom was in

> tears as she left--it was very hard for him to watch his baby being

wheeled

> away. Not me, I was smiling ear to ear--I was SO happy for her! My dear

> hubby had asked the nurse if and I could share a room, as I was

> planning on spending the night, anyway, and they were happy to set that

up,

> so Tom and I were able to go to the room and drop everything off.

>

> came through her 30 min operation like a champ! We were waiting in

our

> room when she returned from recovery around 7PM, or so. She was pretty

> groggy and in pain so the nurse told her to push the pain pump as often as

> she needed to--that she couldn't overdose as it meted out the appropriate

> dose, and only at 8 min or longer intervals, as called for by the patient.

> During the course of the night she went through the whole pump and they

gave

> her a new one sometime in the night, which she only used a couple times.

>

> She had the coolest male nurse, Jeff, who hung out in our room watching

> " Survivor " with us and visiting. was sort of in and out, but really

> thought he was a great guy. Steph and I raided the vending area

downstairs

> and I was able to get an orange, yogurt (someone suggested that was good

to

> have pre-op), and peanut butter crackers. I was trying to eat

semi-lightly

> the night before my surgery.

>

> I kicked Tom and Steph out around 10PM so I could get my Hibiclens shower

> and get " tucked in " for the night. She didn't walk that night,

though

> she did use the bathroom. The overnight nurse was wonderful about helping

> her get the leg-expanders (lol) off and helping her to the potty. Chris

felt

> a little nauseous, though, so walking wasn't good.

>

> That was a very funny night, and one I'm so glad and I shared. For

> some reason she got VERY chatty and talked my head off until around 2AM!

I

> was trying to get comfy on the crazy recliner, which would fold up without

> notice. I tend to find things funny, anyway, and we got to laughing so

hard

> that we were afraid she's pop a staple. From her viewpoint, I looked very

> funny as I'd spread out my sheet, plop in the recliner, and try and push

it

> back, only to have the head go WAY back so my feet were in the air. Or,

it

> would just pop me back up to sitting. It was shiny leather so the sheet

kept

> coming off. I tossed and turned and didn't sleep much. was so

sweet,

> she kept telling me how concerned she was that I wouldn't get a good

night's

> sleep. She was being my mommy-- how sweet is that? Oftentimes I would

just

> lay/sit there looking over at my little girl, thinking back over her life

and

> imagining how wonderful it will be when she is able to feel good about

> herself. I thought about how brave she was and wished I could climb up on

> her bed and hold her.

>

> To be continued...........

>

> Regards,

> Debbie in IL

> MGB 8/10 Cigna approved as " in network "

>

>

>

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