barbannn

The pain meds are soooo constipating for me, and the bad thing is that I will have the crampy urge to go, but just cannot. Probably more than you wanted to know... I am glad you are feeling well enough to be up and emailing. Good news. How is your hunger - when you swallow do you feel that "tight" feeling like when you take to big of a bite? Have you weighed yet? I know I would have, oh, a dozen times! Can't wait to talk to you soon!

Bea called and said that they had reviewed my EKG, and it was good to go. I asked if they felt that there was any need for additional tests, and they said no. So I guess that is good. Glad to hear you are keeping something down. How's your energy - are you still feeling puny? I would think with so little in your system, it would be hard to not just be exhausted. The drain does sound icky - do you have it for a week? Not looking forward to that. Is it in all the incisions or just the "big" one? How do you think the scarring will be. I have a zillion scars, but none on my tummy... well not for another week or so .

Matt, I am so glad Theresa is doing well. Not sure I should talk to her for a day or two or until the "worst is over." Do I really want to know? (Of course I do.) Just a smidge of a worrier. I kinda freaked (see the worrying?) when they said my EKG was abnormal, but guess it is not that uncommon. Everyone in Austin is a little abnormal is some way, right? Keep posting, love to know how she is doing. I feel she is just walking a bit ahead of me on this journey!

Just hoping today went well for you. Thinking of you and hoping you are resting and healing!

Theresa,

Saw Anna today. Hope you are doing well, sleeping, breathing and healing! I have to talk to Bea tomorrow, my EKG was abnormal, so I am not sure where that leaves me..... I will post as I find out more.

My day is Tues, 12/29. Start the pre-op tomorrow. IF you want me to come by tomorrow, let me know. Really. I will be there to hold your hand if you want. I am so proud of you! I know I would not want visitors, cause I will be sooo nervous and just would not want to deal with anyone, but everyone is different. I will be up there getting my bloodwork & EKG done tomorrow. I am inspired by you - you will be great! I will be thinking of you as I am lost in the Big D! Don't forget to put that patch on, friend. I believe God has given us the greatest opportunity to live a fuller life by having the choice to have this procedure. We just have to be the ones with the courage to seize that possibility. Sleep well, and tell that hubbie to do WHATEVER you say. (You could milk the nursing for a while!)

Theresa,

Isn't tomorrow the big day! I am thinking about you tonight. I know you have done so well on your pre-op and will be thinking about you tomorrow. I have my bloodwork done tomorrow. You are one of my inspirations - you are gonna do great! Breathe and I cannot wait to hear about being on the "sleeved side." Prayers and hugs headed your way!

Theresa,

I am just getting so nervous. I have fever-blisters, upset tummy. I know it is the "right" decision for me, but I am still scared. I am just hoping I keep it together. I don't want to chicken-out, but I swear I will want to bolt when I arrive at the surgery center. I know I will have a big, ole panic attack. I have not had to take Xanax in years, but I am seriously gonna ask Dr. Nick if he can give me a couple for the night before and morning of. The office does seem so busy. Sometimes I feel a little lost in the shuffle. Hang in there girl, you are almost there and in my prayers at night!

I was looking at the "Forest Park" Bariatric Monthy Schedule in the grey folder. Did you get one of those? To me, it looks like there is a "Pre-Op Education" class on Monday of Week 3. Do you know what I am talking about? I talked with "Bea" today, but she said the classes were ONLY at night? I am confused? That class looks like it is from 9:30 - 10:30 to me. Did you go to a class before the "pre-op" diet? I am getting super nervous too! I found out Christmas will be here and I am trying to figure out how I can host and not eat.... stressin' about that and the surgery just scares the beans out of me.....

Theresa,

I was watching Biggest Loser and there was a quote from Jillian (who scares me only slightly less than having 1/2 of my stomach removed) which I am gonna hold onto until my surgery and I thought I would share it with you, too. She was telling one of the contestants as they were embarking for the home part of the show to "Feel the fear, move through it, and do it anyway....." That may not be exact, but it was something like that. And I thought, for me, even though I am scared SILLY, I will be regretful if I am still at this place 5 years from now. And, while there is a lot of trepidation about doing the "wrong solution," at least I am not doing the "same ole solution" that I know does not work - like yo-yo dieting.....[/font][/color]

It TOTALLY freaks me out too. So, I am glad to hear it does someone else too. How many of the shakes are you having with the one meal? I am hoping to schedule some of the "pre-test" stuff the wek of 12/22-24, since I am off. If you are feeling up to it, I would love to see you and hear about the first few weeks. I am proud of you and know you are gonna be great. Day 2 - inch by inch you will whip those two weeks!

Think you are probably about to begin your diet for the big day. I have been eating like it is the "last supper," and I don't begin the diet until 12/15 - gained like 5 lbs. since my consult.... I am thinking of you and cannot wait to hear about your journey!

So excited for you - and jealous your insurance covered it! It should. I know you are on your way to "being think in 2010!" Think this should be yours, mine and Anna's motto. I cannot even tell you HOW many years losing weight has been on the dreaded New Year's Resolution list - and this year I actually believe it may happen. Keep me posted.

Anna,

Just thinking about you today. You are band-free by now I suppose and one step closer to the next phase of your journey. I am praying for you to have a good night of sleep and healing. I know you will do great. Hugs and well wishes sent your way!

Theresa, have you began the "pre-op" diet for Dr. Nick yet?

Yep. I feel really good about him. Thanks for sharing your story. I am still nervous - cannot imagine how nervous I would be if I were going to Mexico. WHat was I thinking? I'm at the Forest Park facility. Wow. It is getting official, friend. The diet begins on 12/15. I am a little unsure about the rules - is it liquid only or liquid and one meal, but not to exceed 1200 calories. I have to read that again..... What protien powders do you like?

LOOK AT YOU LINDA! You look tremendous! So inspired! Congrats! I am scheduled for 12/29 - received the paperwork today - makes it quite official! Love the pic!

I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU! DId you decide to go with the sleeve for sure! I cannot wait to hear all about it. I will probably be up the week of the 14th to do the pre-op stuff. You are the trailblazer! I did not want to "jump in" before the holiday. Thought I would rest and take it easy better after, but doesn't give me quite as long before back to work.... How long are you taking off?

Anna, I am a self-pay too. That is why I am on a Tues., wish it could be on the Monday. I am off until the 6th and trying to decide if I should take an additional week. I so hope you are on the 29th too. I am excited, but scared and it sure would be nice to have you there! I am saying a prayer for you to be healthy and strong tomorrow. I know you are in good hand with Dr. Nick. Let us know how it goes!!

Theresa,

It went really well. My hubbie joined me and he feels better about the whole shindig. I am scheduled for 12/29 - that is just right around the corner! I am really excited, but scared too! I know you understand. The more I talk with Dr. Nicholson the more confidence I have in selecting him as my surgeon. Please let me know where you are in your journey....

Hope this gets to you Anna. I did meet with Dr. Nicholson last Thursday and I am set. I am scheduled for 12/29. I am excited and scared stupid! I hope the excited stays stronger for the next month. How are things with you - are you de-banned yet?

Anna, tomorrow is my pre-eval w/ Dr. Nick. I am hoping to do surgery on 12/29. I know you are planning do have your procedure done over the break as well. Have you nailed down a date yet?

I have my preeval with Dr. Nicholsson next Thurs. I am hoping to be "sleeved" on 12/29. Sherry says private pays are sleeved on Tuesdays, It is starting to seem pretty "official." My hubbie is even going with me to the appt. next week. So glad to know you guys are here!

Linda,

You are such an inspiration. Really! Did you get your supplemental insurance through Nicholson Clinic or is is something you found out about on your own? I think that is so smart. I want to do that as well. Thanks for the scoop.

Linda,

Thanks so much for taking time to respond. IT IS SO nice to have someone to talk to who has "been there." The rest of my immediate family doesn't have weight issues - hubbie, kids are all in great shape. My mom, etc... all have weight issues. I am excited about Dr. NIcholson's clinic on Wed. I will let you know how it goes. I am a teacher and hope to do the procedure on 12/28 so I can enjoy the holidays, and have a week to recoup before returning to work. What do you think? Is that enough time to rest before work? Also, I am a bit nervous about a really restrictive diet at the holidays, but I didn't want to wait until summer. I am not morbidly obese, I weigh 195, but I am only 5'2..., I would love to weigh 140ish. I have 55 lbs or so, but I would love to be able to enjoy the summer and wear shorts or maybe even a bathing suit and not be mortified!