lifeisjustbeginning2011

Yes - when I went to my pre-op appt with the surgeon earlier this week, they scheduled a post op check with the surgeon and also my first fill (in August sometime). Just remember - it is your body - if you don't want a fill, you don't have to get one The company I picked covers fills for the first year - however frequent or infrequent they are needed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiHrSsJm82U My inspirational song for today!! Feeling Good by Nina Simone Birds flyin' high you know how I feel Sun in the sky you know how I feel Breeze driftin' on by you know how I feel Its a new dawn, its a new day, its a new life for me yeah, its a new dawn its a new day its a new life for me ooooooooh AND I'M FEELING GOOD Fish in the sea, you know how I feel River runnin' free you know how I feel Blossom on the tree you know how I feel Its a new dawn, its a new day, its a new life for me And I'm feelin good Dragonfly out in the sun you know what i mean dont you know Butterflies all havin' fun you know what I mean Sleepin' peace when day is done that's what I mean And this old world is a new world and a bold world for me Stars when you shine you know how I feel Scent of the crime you know how I feel Your freedom is mine, and I know how I feel Its a new dawn, its a new day, its a new life for me (Free styling) OH I'M FEELING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOD

Ask the doc about anti-nausea medications ahead of time. Mine prescribed both an oral pill and a suppository.

Holy cow. Can I just tell you guys how much water I'm drinking to stay hydrated? Temps are 114ish and yikes....thought I was going to pass out at the vet's office this morning. Keep on chugging....keep on chugging.....

Nothing like the boy in the bunch to stir stuff up! LOL

<pre-op high five!> You got that right. I'll be with ya in spirit on Friday! At last count, there were NINE of us that are having our surgery on July 1st.

Best wishes to you! I'm on Friday

At my pre-op appointment today, one of the ladies in the waiting room was telling me about the gas pains traveling up to the shoulders and she said that she stood close to a wall and kind of pushed back gently a few times with her arms, then walked around a lot and it gave her some relief.

check out the thread, "samples samples samples" - there's a list of places you can call/email for small sample sizes to try out products. Some are free, some ask you to pay shipping, but well worth it. Amy

That's my rant for the evening. It's been a rough couple of weeks, but good things are coming my way. I didn't know if I should share it, but after I just wrote it, I thought it might help someone, somewhere, even if no one comments on it. I know you read it, I know some of those things happened to you. Here's to the July Bandsters - Support. Friendship. Fun! :PAmy

To all of those who have negatively influenced me to have this surgery (my rant). This is for you, high school bully, who I remember screaming, "Boom Baba! Boom Baba!" when I stood atop the high dive at the pool. This is for you, person in the airline seat next to me, who glared at my belly when he saw I was the person sitting next to him. This is for you, carnival attendant, who told me I was too big for the ride and made me and my friend get off. This is for you, ex-boyfriend, who broke up with me when he discovered that he could not make me skinny. This is for you, friend, who distanced herself from me when I said I didn't want to eat out so much. This is for you, insurance, who denied me. This is for you, grade school friend, for saying, "I like not being the only fat one here." This is for you, Mom, for saying, "But you have such a pretty face..." This is for you, skinny sister, who asked me why I couldn't control my eating. This is for you, friend of a friend, who said, "You can ride shotgun. You need more room." This is for you, neighbor, for asking me when I was expecting. This is for you, medical assistant, for yelling out the exam room door, "I need the bigger blood pressure cuff!" This is for you, doctor's office, for having a super small gown that barely covered half of me. This is for you, employers, for judging me because of my weight. I know you did. To all of you, you'll never read this, but in some twisted way, I thank you for your belittling comments, because without those, I'm not sure if I would be having surgery. Each comment was like a dagger in my heart. Sometimes I laughed your comments off, but I always thought about them later. Your comments made me angry enough to WANT to love myself, to WANT to change my life and to WANT to be a better person. I don't want to be skinny. I never will be. But I WILL be healthy, and I WILL find Amy, and I WILL LOVE her. Sincerely, Amy

You wouldn't be human if you weren't going through these emotions!! The last month has been a whirlwind for me - from dropping the Lap Band bomb on my mom and dad, to having surgery set and backing out a week prior because of a money hungry surgeon. I've cried when I knew I was taking bites of my favorite foods that I know aren't healthy for me and that I won't eat again. I've been proud of myself for my decision, then the same day, hung my head in shame when I looked at my life and what I've done to myself. I'm no psychologist, but I know from reading all of the posts online that this stuff is all part of the experience. Amy

Had a great pre-op appointment today. Met with the surgeon, nutritionist and also had a short seminar with four other people about pre and post op care. I should hear from the surgical center tomorrow with a time and some more information. I talked to a few people in the waiting room. One lady got dehydrated following surgery and ended up in the ER (it is super hot right now, 114 today and 115 degrees yesterday). There was another lady sitting next to me that was burping every 15 seconds (literally!). I felt so bad for her. She looked miserable. I'm guessing that she was there to have some fluid removed...but yikes! One good thing that I hadn't thought of was getting prescriptions early. I figured that I would get them when I was leaving the surgery center, but to my surprise, they were all ready for me today. One less thing to worry about - I can have them ready at home ahead of time! Woohoo! Meds are: Liquid Lortab for pain, Phenergan suppositories for nausea (yikes), Zofran for nausea, Keflex (antibiotic). See if your doc will write your scripts ahead of time!

Kim, I think the "failure is not an option" really became true when I really started to think about this surgery months ago. When I realized that I'd be self-pay, I really had to think about it. $12,500 is a lot of money. The money for the surgery came from my "new car" fund. But you know what? I can't drive a new car if I'm dead. I guess my new car will be a crappy one. Amy

Don't feel discouraged at all - everyone has a different body. Weight can change from day to day (my doc said that women can change several pounds in a DAY based on where they are in their menstrual cycles). Also, I was eating A LOT before my pre-op diet started (gained two pounds in the week before surgery). I've learned from this forum that we are all so different. Some do great on the pre-op shakes, some hate them and some don't have to drink them at all. LOL. Amy

Just remembered LAVENDER!! I love the essential oil in my bathtub, and that might be nice to have around. I'll just put a drop onto a cotton ball and pop it into a Ziplock bag. Won't be able to wear perfume or scented lotion...but that might help with any anxiety that the "hospital smell" might cause.

Wow. The emotions are really intense this morning. Woke up early with a lot of anxiety. I'm not sure that there is a minute that goes by when I'm not thinking about the surgery on Friday. I feel like I could just start crying at the drop of a hat. Anyone else getting super emotional? Deep breath....I can do this!!

I met with PCP today. Actually she's a NP, but I think of her as my doc. I called and made the appointment when I knew the surgery was on. Since my testing was all done at the center, this was the first time I saw her since we discussed the possibility of weight loss surgery months ago. I wanted to make sure that she was on board with my choice, and that she would support me, medically speaking. I know the center will take care of my weight loss related issues, but I feel more comfortable meeting with her monthly because I have other medical issues that need monitoring. She's an awesome sounding board and I feel much better going into surgery knowing that she's "got my back." Whew. Another step towards the big day on Friday. Amy

Yep, I'm just wearing home what I go in. I figure once I get there, I'll have to strip down anyway. I see your surgery is the 29th - best wishes to you!!

First, here is my attire: super loose fitting jammie bottoms, oversized t-shirt, flip flops Here's whats in my bag for same day surgery! -Driver's license, insurance card -Phone list (for the "Yes, she's alive" phone calls after surgery) -Biotene mouth spray (designed to help dry mouth and also freshen breath) - in the toothpaste aisle at Walmart -Chloroseptic throat spray (intubation discomfort) -My favorite blankie (call me Linus, but I want it next to my face when I recover) -CPAP machine (I'm told to bring it in case it is needed, but rarely is) Did I forgot anything for surgery day? Add below!

Here is some stuff I have ready for surgery day and the days immediately after (didn't include food or drink): Medical Stuff: Pill crusher Gas X Strips or chewables Ice packs Heating Pad Lip balm Throat spray (post intubation discomfort) Fiber chewables I also bought an oral spray called Biotene at Walmart that helps with dry mouth and is also a breath freshener - in the toothpaste aisle Hope it helps Amy

Did some serious damage at the store today!!! The only thing I forgot to buy was a pill crusher. Drat! Is there a way to upload pictures on here? Anyone know? I see that there is a place to put a link to a picture...but hmmm.....

I just got back from the store - had to buy the chewable fiber too! I got the generic fruit flavored ones that they're not too bad. I guess when you only drink liquid....you only get rid of liquid. LOL. If you would have asked me last year if today I would be drinking chocolate flavored soy Protein drinks, I would have laughed so hard!!

Ok. Nobody freak out that I've lost this much since Friday, I think this scale is W R O N G. I'll compare it with the doc office on Tuesday, but this can't be right! Ugh. Dear Scale, I hate you already. Sincerely, Me.

Maybe it is good that I live alone!! LOL. I don't have to worry about anyone cooking food around me! My diet is supposed to be all shakes, but I did buy a package of the low fat/low sodium ham. I allow myself 1 piece (they're super thin, lunchmeat style) twice a day as a snack. I just have to have something besides these damn chocolate soy shakes. I'll probably cut those out 24 hours before surgery. Amy