We Stand With You

 I know when the world gets too heavy because those are the days that Gordon asks for a hug. 

All of you know that we've been on an extensive journey with Gordon for many years. Lots of twists and turns on this mental health road map. He's been doing very well, by the way. Through all of that, Gordon isn't really a hugger or physical touch person (unless you count a good back-scratch!). So when Gordon asks for a hug, I know that the world has gotten really heavy and he just needs some reassurance. 

Yesterday, Gordon asked for a hug. The shooting at Club Q in Colorado should shake most of us to our core at the simple disregard for humankind in general. It should absolutely shake you to know that this type of hatred and ugliness exists. This evil person's actions are not because his mother is a Mormon or because his grandfather is pictured in a MAGA hat. Please don't let those "details" become a distraction to the core issue. 

For those in the LGBTQ+ universe, it becomes terrifying. It's a very real reminder that there are people who hate you just because you exist. There are people who would prefer you dead than exist in their world. You've done nothing but be true and honest about who you are, who you love, and how you identify in life.  For that, you've become a target for their hatred. 

For those struggling in the aftermath of the latest hate crime targeted at you, I see you. We, the advocates and allies, see you. We feel your pain. We sense your fear. You are safe with us. Your cries are heard, your frustrations are validated, and your fear is valid.  This type of hatred and ugliness do not cancel you. For the allies, it makes you MORE visible. 

If you need a hug today, ask for one. There is someone in your life holding space for you. There are people in your life that love you, validate you and are so thankful that you are here and that you are true to who you are. 

Bariatric 4

 After waiting patiently, I finally emailed my PA yesterday that  I had not yet heard from the scheduler. Well, apparently the email was seen because the scheduler called this morning before 10:00 am and oh boy am I scheduled! 

Upcoming appointments include: 

Upper GI

EGD

1st Nutrition Clinic

Blood Work

1st Psych 

All of these are happening between now and January 19th and almost all of them are occurring on different days, almost all in Omaha. I'm keeping my fingers now that the weather holds out for all of those dates. The really good news is that the only one I need someone to come with me is for the EGD. 

After my 2nd nutrition clinic, I get to schedule my cardiac release appointment. Then I'll finally get to meet the surgeon. 

Stay tuned for updates! 

Bariatric - 3

 FINALLY I was able to have my consultation with UNMC on 11/4/22. It seems like it took forever to even get this far. 

I met with the PA and had a really great conversation about what the surgery will entail and all of the things that I need to do to get prepared for the surgery. I was disappointed when she said to not expect surgery for 9 months. Through processing my feelings about it, I was able to remember that this is a life-time journey and not a race to the finish line. I would rather take my time getting to the surgery date if that means that I have a better chance of being successful. Additionally, I have been contemplating this surgery for at least 3 years. Another 9 months is nothing, right? 

She was able to describe both the bypass and the sleeve surgeries and the risks involved with both. It is possible that I won't qualify for the sleeve depending on the outcome of upper GI test because of the acid reflux that I have. IF that becomes an issue, we'd have to look more closely at the bypass. We'll cross that bridge if we have to. I'm not 100% against the bypass but I am more interested in the sleeve. Maybe I need to do a blog post about the difference? 

Anyway...the list of things I must accomplish prior to surgery...1) upper GI, possible endoscope 2) cardiac clearance due to heart disease in the family 3) 3 dietician appointments 4) psychology appt(s) 5) quit smoking 6) give up soda and carbonated beverages 6) letter of support from my psychiatrist 7) bone density scan (I have osteopenia). 

I'm sure that there will be another million things along the way but it's all for good. At least I have a list now to begin on. 

Bariatric - 2

 Our insurance company has a program that you must go through if you are contemplating bariatric surgery. I had that appt with my coach on 9/20/22. For some reason (maybe a BILLION life things) I didn't actually write about that. 

The appointment happened while I was at the hospital for Wyn's birth. Tai and Jake were making laps around the nurse's station while I had a phone meeting with the nurse coach. We went over my medical history and we went through the reasons I want to have the surgery. 

I love the awareness that those appointments bring. Each time I go through the history of my weight journey, I'm reminded of how it all felt. The excitement in initially dropping pounds and the frustration when I stall out or hit a huge life hiccup. It reminds me of the changes I need to make in my soul for the surgery to be successful. It reminds me why I want to complete this journey.