mwrarr

Congrats!!! how are you feeling???

Today has been rough, physically. But I'm here. And ready to get on with my new life.

Thank you for that. I'm much better today, but I know once we get in the car for the drive to the hospital, I'll be a wreck again. Lol I know it's worth it.

Another TODAY!!!! thinking about you!

TODAY!!!!! make sure to come back & tell us how you made out!

You'll be fine! come back & fill us in!

I am not happy about the catheter, but I get it. I've made peace with the process. I am ready.

Seriously?! That is just wrong. I'm so sorry they're making you wait so long.

Indeed! this is definitely some sort of sister/brotherhood. When do you find out about your testing results??

Hang in there! 35# is a lot to lose for 6 weeks, no less TWO! Your body is probably just playing catch up. Definitely keep on the fiber & push the water. Also, sleep is so important in shedding "cushion" weight, so along with that water, get at least 7-8 hrs.

I liken this process to awaiting the birth of a child. For me, it's been a LONG wait & almost didn't think it would happen -- 15 months & a denial & 2 appeals. I've noticed myself getting that same panicky "I need more time" feeling, paired with the "Omigosh, I can't wait!"...nearly simultaneously. I agree, it's probably a mental preparation thing. There's really very few people who can relate to this surgery, and most of you for me are online! I'm only #50-60-ish for my surgeon at all. (I'm gonna ask him what # I am for real...Lol) I'm so glad to have the support here. So very glad.

You'll get there!!!

Congrats! You look great!! I see a huge difference in your belly & face. Keep up the good work!!

If Tim had 175# to lose, 60% of that would be to lose 105#. As for me, I started out with 212# to lose (5'7" @ 347 Start Wt) but at surgery start I am down to having 160# to lose. My 60% is 96#, or 199. My goal weight is 135. (Based on range of 129-155) I've been witness to enough conversations here to know that it's possible (& likely, as long as the diet is held) to hit goal. So, I intend to.

Thank you so much, all of you, for taking the time to respond. I appreciate it very much. I'm doing better today... 2 days to go. I still have to pick up a couple of items for my overnight bag (gas x strips, camera batteries, etc), but I'm basically ready. Still VERY nervous, but ready. :}

Very glad to see that you made it back in one piece!

Ha!!

Have you contacted your doctor? It sounds like you could have a structure or something. I would focus on the water, for sure. And if you can get water down, try the watery protein RTD drinks. Isopure, I think? It's like Gatorade consistency (basically water) but has protein. One of the sleevers in my local support group said a few weeks ago that he switched to a straw (after consulting the NUT) bc sipping was actually harder to get fluids down & that he had a much easier time with water ever since. Definitely get the protein in however you can. If it's via cheese, then so be it. Just keep an eye on calories.

My surgeon told me that they schedule the OR for 3 hrs, but that it's generally only 1-2, depending on internal anatomy & any repairs, along w/other various personal case variances.

Omigosh! I'd be going crazy... fingers crossed for you!!! I'm as ready as I'll ever be, I guess. Last night had a pretty big argument with the mister & told him to not bother coming to the hospital... we'll see how that plays out. I won't even see him again until I get out of work tomorrow bc he'll be at work when I get home today & I'll be asleep by the time he gets home. Life here is pretty much normal. No one seems to care. I'm nervous as all get out.

Welcome, Shira! you sound like you've got a wealth of information! Congrats on your surgery!

I've had 15 months of waiting to help me handle it lol otherwise I'd probably be kinda crazy right now. I watched videos of the actual surgery on YouTube, & that helped a lot, truthfully. I also keep a blog, & that's been good for mental vomiting. Haha you'll do fine!

So, I'm 5 days away... & suddenly I have no desire to talk at all. I'm finding myself increasingly withdrawn & I can't stop being this way. In my head, I'm overwhelmed with check lists of things I should do, letters I should write, words I should say... but I am terrified almost. It's bizarre. I've waited so long for this. I'm not having doubts, bc I definitely feel like I need this tool. I'm just...idk...contemplative, I guess. ?? A lot about the actual surgery freaks me out: anesthesia, Foley Cath, subconsciously hearing OR sounds, the possibility of waking up with a mistake RNY instead, not waking up... The recovery doesn't worry me as much as being out of work/income. I've hobbled on a dislocated pelvis & subsequent healing back. I've borne two children with pregnancies that destroyed my body & almost killed me each time. I'm sure a little abdominal surgery/recovery is nothing I can't handle. But these head games...