ready2smile

Did they tell you what they were requiring? It may just be something your surgeon needs to take care of. Don't let them slack, keep on them. I had to or would never have gotten the surgery. If it's something you need to do, you are more in control. Don;t lose hope. Some back-ground: In May I was denied by BS NV as well the 1st tiem around-no "approved co-morbidities" and my BMI was not high enough. I then got a sleep apnea test, it was an approved co-morb, but they said I was not "bad enough" to need a cpap machine. I kept jumping through hoops, and unfortunately gained weight from stress and frustration, plus not paying attention to my eating habits. November my BMI was enough (had to be 40 or higher) to qualify for any of the 3 surgeries offered. I stressed about it and could not be at ease unti lthey put me on the table in the OR and put the gas mask on my face. It was a very long process to me and I would do it again and again. I am only 3 days post-op, still sore, still new at this and have been challenged with food more than once, BUT-I WILL be around for my kids graduations, weddings and grandbabies! That was not a guarentee before the surgery. Best of luck to you-if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Surgery was a little after 11:00am on 1/10/13, left the hospital around 6:00pm on 1/11/13 (amost stayed longer due to my slow/irregular heartbeat). I have done quite a bit of walking, yesterday am I went to costco with my hubby, then last night we went to Target (that trip was too long and I was exhausted). I've been giving myself the levonox shots 2x's a day, taking my own meds crushed, putting the actigal in my broth or Jello, and am about to replace my scolpolomine patch in case I need my pain meds today (which I have not yet taken). I've had sugarfree jello, (about 2-3 small bites at a time) and chicken broth, (about 3oz during a 1 hour sitting); I can't really gauge my Water intake because sometimes I drink out of the 1oz cups, and others my water bottle. This am I put some decaf coffee in my chocolate Protein drink, still sipping on the 1st 4oz of it. I'll work on the water measuring today, and makig sure I conntinue to walk enough. Most of my pain is the gas, it's exacerbated by the soreness of the incisions and drain site. However I can happily report-the gas that's been gurgling insode my tummy for two days is finally coming out, (yay for tooting). I have to say the hardest part of this is getting comfy while sleeping (adjusting positions can be a bear) and seeing others eating. I'm not hungry, it's just things I see someone eating may look good and I know I can't have it or I might catch a whiff of something yummy and I know I can't have it, you get the drift. This is just me, don't set any expectations on yourself that are unfair, we're all different Highest weight: 271 Lowest weight: 190 Pre-op weight: 233 my scale not dressed Pre-op weight: 236 hospital scale with clothes on Post-op weight: 239 my scale Today: 235 my scale

Hi all-thought I would just create a quick hospital list for those in our group who have not yet had surgery. I didn't want to overpack so I didn't bring it if I knew the hospital had it. I wore a pair of loose waisted yoga pants with a tank top and hoodie, socks and slip off moccasins. I wore the same items home, just changed my chonies and socks, lol. Things I brought and used: drivers license and insurance/hospital medical card-for admissions chapstick-this is a must, and be cautious about the flavor cell phone and charger, earphones to listen to music robe and slippers-needed for walking the halls socks-I only used 1pair chonies-couldn't imagine going camando while there so I put them on as soon as the catheter came out brush and hair ties 2 magazines I hadn't already read my soft pillow eye mask and earplugs-these were helpful if my roomate had company and I needed rest, or if I was trying to sleep in the daytime. Things I used that the hospital provided: hospital gown slipper socks (until I could change into my own fuzzy ones) tooth brush and toothpaste comb soap/lotion/washcloth (no shampoo and conditioner because I was home before it was allowed) tissues extra pillows and blanket- for propping myself up in bed and extra warmth TV Before I was released: I had to show I could get up and walk around tinkle withouth the catheter be off the pain pump have a regular heartbeat (for me) take in 15 1oz cups full of water (I also drank broth and had a few bites of jello) Hope this helps!

mommywife-you're welcome, and you will do wonderfully.

Thank you Fiusha, getting better bit by bit. I'm sure you will do great as well, just prepare yourself for the future as best you can.

*Another updated list for January Dates (there are a few more added-did I miss anyone?) MrsPolk - Jan 02 Nikempster - Jan 3, Federal Way, WA Thynnlynn - Jan 4, Ypsilanti, MI Preacherswife26 - Jan 7 Frogjlr - Jan 7, St Vincent, Camel, IN Truebind - Jan 7 Jmaromano. - Jane - Jan 7 MollyB38 - Jan 8 Teka2011 - Jan 9 BrattyAsh - Jan 9 BigMike - Jan 9, San Antonio, TX Ducky07 - Jan 9 Ready2Smile - Jan 10 Ksierra319 - Jan 10 Lucky13 – Jan 10 Feelin-Lika-Cow - Jan 14 Kloveburd - Jan 14 Trailblazer57 - Jan 14, Greenville, PA TLP1212 - Jan 14 Mommywifeandfat - Jan 14 tzbandtobypass - Jan 14 lovealways - Jan 15, Long Island, NY mrs.mda - Jan 15 mapannell – Jan 16 Libra_Lisa - Jan 18 Catgyrl68 - Jan 18 blackcherrie25 - Jan 19 Wdwfreak - Jan 21 Jayla_Mom_of2 - Jan 21 Cookie - Jan 21 Dotie316 - Jan 21 - Germany Copmom - Jan 22 Vbgirl264 - Jan 22 Fiusha - Jan 22 Sissy - Jan 22n nikarjc - Jan 22 Workingmotherofthree - Jan 23 Nienie - Jan 24 Dizzywzi - Jan 24 A Rose - Jan 25 Jessica9190 - Jan 26 Aimee - Jan 28 PianoMom1 - Jan 29, St Vincent Carmel, Indianapolis IN MrsPitts11367 - Jan 30 tika - Jan 31

Thanks Gen-you are always great with support! I'm trying to figure this out, listen to my body, (there's a lot of gurgling going on in there right now, lol) but especially to make sure I drink at least 15 of those little cups they gave me in the hospital, in addition to my liquid meds and some broth and jello. I do have to say I HATE the plem, ugh-it hurts coughing it up (because of the incisions) and earlier today I felt like I was almost going to drown in it because I couldn't breath while coughing it up-it was gagging me. That was super scary. What stage are you in and how are you doing?

Thank you lovealways-I know you will do great, just listen to your body. I'm sure we all heard some of this before, but just as a reminder-the hospital staff is there to help you, they are positive and understand what a life changing choice you've made and will be very helpful and supportive. Don't be affraid to share any fears or ask them for advice/questions. Immediately after the surgery, don't make sudden turns and twists, let people help you and don't put expectations on yourself that aren't fair. I was almost affraid to be released because I was being so well taken care of and wasn't faced with making any "real" choices, but I knew it was safer for me to leave the hospital and heal at home. I guess having this surgery felt almost like a detachment from my old self-a separation from me and food the way I knew it. You start changing your way of eating during pre-op, beginning with the liquid diet, then you go to the hospital and leave behind your old life to start a new one. Once you get the new tool you needed (or gift as I call it) you have people there to see that you're physically taken care of to ensure it's working, you know how to use it, and you're recovering sufficiently. Once released you're excited for your future and to go home with your loved ones-then you get there and see things like the fridge, the pantry, something you can't have any longer lying on the counter top, and you want to turn tail and hide from these stupid objects that really should hold no power over you. Luckily, that feeling doesn't last long-you'll realize, "I GOT THIS"! Yes, I still wish I could eat what others are having, possibly just because everything sounds so good (the smells are actually irritating), but I'm happy that I can't and that I have to be so careful right now. I'm still on wobbly post-op legs but each day gets easier and better (I even walked through Costco today)!

I'm home now, so happy to be here! My nurse said I was a model patient, but SHE was amazing-I really loved all the staff at the hospital. I slept most of the 1st day away, walked a lot today, belched some, and did my best to drink drink drink. I did have to be monitored extra closely because my heart beat was very low after surgery. The pain was not as bad as I thought, perhaps because I used my pump with liberty until later in the am. At this point, it feels like hearburn (not sure what this is, gonna walk around the house and see if it helps). Surgeon did take a liver biopsy but decided not to search for the hiatal hernia once inside (it was not obvious to locate and he didn't want to stress my organs, also, gerd/acid reflux symptoms are usually controlled by the creation of the new pouch). There's more I'd like to share, but I need to walk then rest. If you have specific questions, feel free to message me on my profile.

Did it!!!!!!

Sorry for the delayed update, keep falling asleep in the middle.

Thank you Vicki! In the car on my way, hubby's driving and I'm distracting myself. need to change the radio though-country is NOT what I should be listening to preop, way too emotional, lol.

Thanks. He said 1-2 days, kind of depends on the hernia and all that. Hoping for just 1, I can never rest with all the beeping and lights. I'm prepared for the walking but sleep in between will be appreciated.

Wow, it's finally here...the day I've been waiting for so long, that will help me to become a better, more healthy, happier me! Not too nervous yet, just excited and ready-we'll see how it changes when I get to the hospital, lol. Praying that everyone post op is recovering well, my surgery buddy is at peace, and that everything goes smoothly for us today under the care of our competent surgical teams' hands.

OMYGeee...The day has finally come!!!! Heading to the hospital in an hour, my surgery is at 9:30am. After that, make room for me on the losers bench cause I've got a hot date with a thinner, healthier me! I'm prepared, (I think) and excited, nervous, ready for it, but it does feel surreal.

Thanks for sharing our thread Fiusha! We also have the January 2013 post-op forum for everyone to join to get helpful tips and furthering their journeys.

From what I'm hearing it depends on the surgeon. Seems that most of those with long liquid diets don't have to because they're already "liquidy" to put it politely. I only had two days of liquids so I had to do it in order to ensure I was "cleaned out" for surgery. It sucks let me tell you, although there is not much I wouldn't do to have this surgery. The drink is gross and running to the bathroom all day is no picnic in the park either. Just keeping my eye on the prize...

Wish you were too! But ultimately there was a bigger plan and I believe your date will end up being the perfect thing for you. I know it stinks waiting longer. Sending a prayer for your speedy recovery and that your kids don't get the flu also.

Thanks Jessica-I appreciate the prayer!

BTW- one4ozzie Gen, lovin the new pic, you look great!