Newfoundlove

Here I go. My surgery is at 11:15 am today I'm a little nervous but mostly anxious for it to be all done! I am 51 years old (stretching for 52). My doctor had me on a 2-3 week low carb diet and I did really well on that and lost 16 pounds. My liver better look fantastic! My surgery is out patient at the Puget Sound Surgery Center in Edmonds, WA. My surgeon is Dr. Billing. I love him! I did the insurance nutrition and fitness dance for six months and insurance is paying 100% and I know how fortunate I am because of that. I have loved following the posts in this group and you all have been so supportive and a source of inspiration for me! Keep up the great work everyone and I'll be sure to post updates here.

I was having the same issues. My surgery date is tomorrow. About three weeks ago I asked my surgeon to prescribe me something to sleep because of the anxiety. He prescribed Ambien and what a tremendous help it was. I slept like a baby. I still woke up occasionally with anxiety, but at least it wasn't 3 or 4 in the morning, more like 6 am so at least had more sleep! Tell your doctor about your anxiety and don't be afraid to ask for help, medical or otherwise.

My surgery is next week. My surgeon is Dr. Billing. I researched a lot of doctors and actually interviewed several surgeons before I chose Dr. Billing. He is also associated with the nutritionist that I've been seeing for several years now and her recommendation was this center. I have been very happy so far with my communications with Dr. Billing. He is always attentive and answers my questions thoroughly. He looks you direct in the eyes when he talks to you. I talked with several of his post-op patients and they all raved about him. I'm very confident in my choice.

My doctor has us on a high protein, low carb diet. I don't have to drink protein shakes, just high protein foods and keeping carbs to 40 grams per day. They gave me a two week menu to follow and it's actually pretty decent and easy to follow.

Hello everyone. I've been lurking on the forum for a while. I started my journey seven months ago, selecting my surgeon, going through the mandatory six-month nutrition and fitness program, and have received approval by insurance for my surgery. My surgery date is May 3 with Dr. Billing in Edmonds, WA. I have been waking up at night with the jitters surrounding the surgery itself. I feel I am ready for everything that can happen post-op, but the surgery itself is scaring the daylights out of me. Or maybe I should say the surgery preparation. I am petrified of needles. Just getting my blood work done has been difficult for me. I scare the daylights out of the lab techs, making them use the smallest needle they have, giving me a place to lay down while they draw the blood, doing my deep breathing exercises, etc. I even told one tech that she had just one chance to get the needle in. I scared her enough she had to go get her supervisor. Please understand I was not rude about it and I kind of joke about it, but it's a real thing for me. So, of course I am thinking about the IV they will be inserting and the blood work and possibly other needles involved while I am in a waking state. I know I am a wimp about this, but I have been known hyperventilate I get so nervous about needles. Anyone else out there have this issue and how are/did you deal with it?