Remember me? Well, I'm back and have big news.

Hi everyone.  Sorry I've been gone for a while.  I've been having some health issues; shoulder, knees, back, breathing, etc.,  but most significantly with my writing hand an carpal tunnel syndrome.  I've been able to keep it together during the work days but after that my hand goes into the brace which doesn't allow for much typing. I'm trying to re-learn lefty typing but it's going slow. 

The other issue I've been dealing with is the weight.  For years now I've been avoiding a particular option.  I've been determined to try other things first, however, after years of trying diets (not all fads, some real ones too) and exercise I am barely holding my own and not losing anything.  I've got too much extra poundage and other health conditions, primarily the diabetes, has pushed me to this decision and it's not one I take lightly.  Surgery is definitely NOT the easy way out.  This is a major life changing event and it will be a long and difficult road.  As the body gets older it becomes more difficult to recover from  any procedure.  With my underlying conditions, it's even more difficult.  So, it's now or never (never meaning I'll probably be gone in a few years).  I also feel I'm setting a bad example for the kids. This is just me and my feelings, not a judgement on other overweight people who work with children. 

I have decided to go with the Lap Band Surgery.  This is the least invasive of the procedures and has the least amount of complications as well as being reversible if need be.  As I said, it's a major life changing event; not just the reduced amount and type of food I eat but also financially.   In order to get this covered I will need to switch to my employer's most expensive health insurance plan; that will cost an additional $75/month.  Plus there is a $500 deductible and they cover 90% which leaves me with 10% out of pocket just for the surgery.  Add in followup appointments with the specialist for fills and unfills on the band and Primary Care doctor check-ins, new clothes as needed, etc.  I'm looking at year one costs of approximately $5,175.  That doesn't include interest on the credit card I'll need to charge this to.  Since I am currently only about $60 ahead of my bills every month this is going to be tricky.

My time to have this done is early August (after the Library's Summer Reading Program but before Fall programming begins). 

I've begun taking step to come up with some creative financing.  You'll notice my blog has an Amazon.com link now.  I am part of their Affiliates program.  If you begin your Amazon.com search from my blog it will take you directly to the Amazon website.  You will not notice any difference.  It's the same website you have always used in the past.  Also, I don't have any tracking info so I have no idea who is buying the item.  The difference for me is that, for the referral, I will get 4% if the sale.  4 cents on the dollar is a lot, neither is 40 cents for every $10 but, hopefully it will add up in the long run.  I also have several links on the sides of my blog that relate to what I'm blogging about.  These are links to other sites with related info (I don't get to choose them) and I get a few cents for each click.

I'm working out some other creative financing ideas now and keep you all up to date on how things are going.  Also, as I get closer to the main surgery dates, I will begin to Vlog (video blog) about the experience both before and after the surgery.

Well, my wrist is really hurting now so I'm going to leave it here.  Please post comments or questions I'll get back to you ASAP.  I also plan, later in the week, to update my lists of 2010 movies, books and facts.  I have a lot of additions.

Until then faithful readers, [insert quippy farewell line here].

Michael