emeraldeyesgirl

I hear ya. I'm not doing optifast , but I'm doing meal replacements too. I get 1 real meal a day, I'm only on day 3, surgery is march 5th. I think our drs just want to torment us LOL. I too am hungry all the time. My blood sugar tanks and thank God for raisins. Getting off sugar is like getting off crack. I just don't want to be a hungry , mean @#&% ! My husband has a good sense of humor. I'm actually looking forward to the surgery, at least I won't be hungry!

Hi Sarahbeth;-) I'm having my surgery here in Seattle at Virginia Mason hospital. My Dr. Is Dr. Chang. And I tell you that the only way that I can be at ease with all of this is because of the hospitals credentials and reputation along with my Drs. I picked up my two week pre op diet... Ugh, good thing it's only for 2weeks! My poor husband LOL! Luckily I can have all the salad and carrots I want along with sugar free hello, yum! Oh well, sigh, it's for a good reason. Seems we tend to have " fatty livers" and the docs have an easier time in there if our livers aren't in the way. I'm thinking the next two weeks will actually be the hardest of all. keep me posted

Hello! March 5th is my date, bright and early in the morning. This Thursday I start my pre op diet to help shrink liver. Pretty standard for WLS. Of course I am nervous, but I have found that if I "embrace" what I am doing.... and do what I can to research and prepare myself, it lessons my fear and helps me feel empowered. I know that I don't have a choice to not have the surgery if I want to live an extended life . One with out health problems. Feeling good about your surgeon and the hospital makes a big difference . I am fortunate to have an excellent surgeon and at a "center off excellence" hospital I am having my house cleaned the day before I go in, fresh sheets on the bed for when I come home. I am stocking up on my waters, Soups that will be mixed with Protein , and sugar free pop cyles.. that's for the first two weeks. I am also looking for ways to "pamper" myself through the hospital "experience" . I feel like I might as well make the best if it! I bought a new night gown and bathrobe to take to the hospital. I'm bringing my own pillow and a fuzzy throw for the bed. And of course my own toiletries , cell phone and charger. I"m bringing a sound machine that has nature sounds. I like the white noise to lull myself to sleep. If you have someone to rub your feet or back, lotion would be helpful too. I am very blessed to have an awesome and supportive husband Your doing something positive and wonderful for yourself by having this surgery, your taking care of yourself!! I'd love to hear about any other tips and suggestions that any one of you would have

according to the American Bariatric Association, the mortality rate is 0.13% I have done lots of research along with information from my own hospital, that puts the mortality rate at 1/4 to 1/2 %. Apparently gal bladder surgery is higher. Like what some of you have written above, it depends on where you go, and the skill of your surgeon . There are organizations that accredit hospitals. you want to go to a hospital that is recognized as a "center of excellence " and also any other certifications. My general opinion is that there is more risk if you don't have the surgery.

Hi! My surgery is scheduled for March 5th here in Seattle at Virginia Mason with Dr. Chang. I'm a little nervous , but the hospital has a great reputation . I start my pre op diet next Thursday the 19th. That will most likely be a bit of a struggle, but I want to give myself the best head start that I can. I'm exercising as much as I can. Having a great support system is important as well. My husband is awesome. Don't be surprised if you have emotions coming up before surgery, I have good luck to all of you! Peace