Planning, planning, planning.

   A very important part of this process is the planning. Material, financial, emotional, educational, scheduling. It all plays a part in how successful I can be in making thru the procedure and successful recovery. The folks at the Bariatric Center at Heartland provide a book of information full of guidelines, suggestions, necessary steps to follow for every step of the process. Gathering the correct foods for the presurgery diet, getting organized with post surgery supplies, all the steps you need to take to make it all happen as far as the surgery and dieting pre and post op are concerned. What they can't provide are the necessary steps one needs to take to prepare for the financial responsibilities, the loss of income during the time of pre-op to post-op steps and what it will take to make sure everything is covered. Also, and I hate this part, a contingency plan in place in case things go wrong and recovery is much longer or there are other complications that set in from the surgery or even my death in a worse case scenario. I really hope I don't have to use that part of the planning but there are always risk in anything we do. All of these things have to be taken into consideration. What will happen if I can't return to work for 2 or 3 months? What will happen if I have severe complications resulting in further surgeries? What will happen to my family and my wife if I should not survive? These weigh heavy in my mind and on my heart.
    While I don't have a 3 or 4 month supply of money stashed back to cover a long and drawn out process, I do have material items that can be sold to bring in money in case I need it. I will make a list of these items and what their value is to make it easier for Melody in case she needs to put items up for sale. I will also make arrangements with a few other people to help her with this process so she is not overburdened with it and dealing with problems that may be troubling her involving me.
   I have planned ahead for legal decisions that may need to be made by providing advanced directives and instructions for any possible scenario that may arise. I would hope those would not be needed.
   So many things that will need to be done to make sure this entire procedure is successful and without unnecessary burden on my wife and family. These are some of the anxieties of anticipation that come with trying to pre-plan for the upcoming event. I feel anxious at times about them and am I doing enough to make sure everything is covered.
   Getting ready for the big diet before the surgery is another anxiety. Not so much the need to obtain the necessary food items and material needs but also from the standpoint of how difficult is it going to be during that two week period not being able to eat solid food or drink carbonated or caffeinated beverages. I am a grumpy bear in the morning before my coffee and drinking decaf coffee is similiar to dring non-alchoholic beer, what's the purpose?
   Emmotional and mental preparation is the in the early stages of developement. I am using meditation and relaxation techniques to prepare my mind and body for the changes that are soon to take place. It will be rough and I know it but I feel very strong about making it happen successfully. While the trepidation and fear is there, so is the excitement and joy of thinking about what a change it will make to my life and my body. It is a roller coaster of emotions and I am in for a heck of a ride.