I'm actually 10 days away! I'm going through every emotion/feeling possible. One day I question everything and wonder if I'm doing the right thing and the next day I can't wait for it to be here so I can start my new life. I assume my feelings are normal.

I've been on the pre-op diet for a couple days now. First day was hell. I thought I would end up binging but I only messed up once. Second day, I was amazed how much easier it was. Today so far so good.

I haven't flown on an airplane since I was a kid. I'm SO scared about that. In fact, I dont know which I'm more scared about, flying or the surgery. I weigh 309 lbs :huh0: as of today. My weight is evenly proportioned. So I don't really have any target area's. I'm just fat all over. I'm wondering about the airplane seats and if I will have any problems in that regard. Will I fit in the seat ok? Will I need a seat belt extension? How embarrassing is it to ask for one?

I'm just trying to think of EVERYTHING! Probably overloading my brain. I dont want to start off on my trip and realize I should have done this or that. I wanna be prepared and make the whole process as easy as possible.

Thanks for any input. Good luck to everyone!

I needed a seat belt extension almost every time I flew once I was over 250 lbs. You can ask when you get on the plane and pass by the flight attendant, or when they pass down the aisle. They are very discreet and will "slip" it to you quitely. Don't worry about that. Just be glad that the home flight will be the LAST time you will ever need one! That made me so happy!

The seats that are hard-sided (bulkhead seats) are very uncomfortable. If you can affort to upgrade to first class, you will be most comfortable of course, but that is not possible for most of us financially. Often a last-minute upgrade is a lot cheaper than buying first class to start off though. I've paid as little as $70.00 for an upgrade. It helps if you are a frequent flyer on that airline.

I am going to have my sleeve on 11/30/09 and have to go on the liquid diet for 2 weeks. I don't know how I am going to do liquid for 2 weeks straight.

I am going to have my sleeve on 11/30/09 and have to go on the liquid diet for 2 weeks. I don't know how I am going to do liquid for 2 weeks straight.

It's VERY important to follow your surgeon's plan. If you don't think you can even before starting this process, maybe you are not ready for this right now, and need to do some reading about what happens to people who have complications.

The preop diet is meant to shrink your liver so the surgeon can work safely in that area...if it is in the way there is a higher chance it will be "nicked" and you can hemorrhage. At best this can be managed with blood transfusions (do you really want that?). At worst, hemorrhage can cause death.

How badly do you want to lost weight? What sacrifices are you willing to make for a BRIEF period of time, in order to reach your goal?

Gingin- So excited for you!!! You'll do great! Just had my sleeve last week, and it's really neat how fast things change. Good luck!

-Ruby

Thanks so much! I'm off to my regular family dr today for an ear infection. I'm thinking I will ask her for some anti-anxiety meds for the plane trip while I'm there. That is the scariest part for me!

Cajun. I appreciate the realism. I needed that dose of reality. I think I will be fine with the liquid diet.

I hope your range of emotions are normal, because that means I'm normal too. I will be sleeved in exactly 1 month. Some days I am so happy and excited I catch myself smiling just thinking about it. Other days I think "what am I doing? do I really have to do this to lose weight?". I don't think it's possible to feel 100% sure, but I know that it will change my life for the better. Ok, now I'm getting excited again...

Good luck to you! How exciting it will be for all of us to fit comfortably in a plane seat!

Today has been a great day! I mean, mentally. Where as yesterday I was in tears most of the day and I bit my husbands head off for eating fast food in front of me while i'm stuck on this pre-op diet. Today i've been happy. Mostly excited and ready for the day to get here. It's coming fast. The 19th is the big day!

My dr gave me some xanax for the plane ride. Never had it before so she gave me an extra to sample before i'm actually on the plane and stuck with a feeling I might not enjoy. I feel a lot better knowing I'll have something to help relax me as I'm board the plane.

I really appreciate all the comforting and encouranging words from everyone and wish you all the best on your journeys as well. :thumbup:

gingin33: I am happy you are going forward. You will be fine. You are on an amazing journey. I feel so great loosing this weight. You have done your research and are informed, and ready. Go with the positive spirit, and my prayers for your healthy recovery to a new great life! You will not be sorry.

Gingin33, I know how excited you must be, I go back and forth but mostly have my head around this surgery and am excited also! About the plane ride, I used to dread flying and had to get my head in a good place and know that I HAD to fly to get to where I was going, its just a means to hurry up that process and especially to get you to the surgeon who is going to change your life.. That xanax will definitely help you. Take your ipod with your favorite songs and zone out!