A couple of days ago I posted how scared I was/am to have this surgery. I had a couple of replies that I should do this for myself. I really wasn't clear on my fear and yes I am doing this for myself as I want to be healthy for the remainder of my life. Hasn't anyone else had a fear this was the right thing to do. In addition, I have had 6 major surgeries so that alone has given me some fear.

My fear is due to previous hiatal hernia surgery (30+ yearas ago) which increases my risks for leakage and a prior blood clot in my leg which also places me at a higher risk for another one.

I saw the vascular surgeon today and was cleared by him for the surgery. Now tomorrow for my pre-op testing including an upper GI. Have had an upper GI previously and not looking forward to that.

I was concerned about the pre surgery diet. My doctor wants either Slim Fast (which I have done in the past) or Carnation Instant Breakfast shakes. Can't stand Slim Fast but the Carnation is good except cannot find sugar free vanilla and I am not a big chocolate fan. I have 5 shakes a day plus one meal of grilled meat and 2 cups of veggies. So far hasn't been difficult.

If all goes well tomorrow the countdown begins for the next 12 days.

Hi Ginny:

My surgery is also scheduled for Nov. 15. I too have been very scared until I had a one on one talk with my surgeon today. He answered a lot of questions and put me at ease. My doctor recommends Atkins shakes and they taste wonderful - especially the vanilla. I started my pre-surgery liquid diet today. It's gonna be tough but my doctor emphasized the surgery will be safer for me (and him) if I shrink my liver and my stomach - so I have to be strong and don't cheat. Good luck to you, please keep in touch.

Cindy

A couple of days ago I posted how scared I was/am to have this surgery. I had a couple of replies that I should do this for myself. I really wasn't clear on my fear and yes I am doing this for myself as I want to be healthy for the remainder of my life. Hasn't anyone else had a fear this was the right thing to do. In addition, I have had 6 major surgeries so that alone has given me some fear.

My fear is due to previous hiatal hernia surgery (30+ yearas ago) which increases my risks for leakage and a prior blood clot in my leg which also places me at a higher risk for another one.

I saw the vascular surgeon today and was cleared by him for the surgery. Now tomorrow for my pre-op testing including an upper GI. Have had an upper GI previously and not looking forward to that.

I was concerned about the pre surgery diet. My doctor wants either Slim Fast (which I have done in the past) or Carnation Instant Breakfast shakes. Can't stand Slim Fast but the Carnation is good except cannot find sugar free vanilla and I am not a big chocolate fan. I have 5 shakes a day plus one meal of grilled meat and 2 cups of veggies. So far hasn't been difficult.

If all goes well tomorrow the countdown begins for the next 12 days.

Hi Ginny:

My surgery is also scheduled for Nov. 15. I too have been very scared until I had a one on one talk with my surgeon today. He answered a lot of questions and put me at ease. My doctor recommends Atkins shakes and they taste wonderful - especially the vanilla. I started my pre-surgery liquid diet today. It's gonna be tough but my doctor emphasized the surgery will be safer for me (and him) if I shrink my liver and my stomach - so I have to be strong and don't cheat. Good luck to you, please keep in touch.

Cindy

Hi Cindy,

Thanks for your reply. Thanks for the Atkins advice. I will call tomorrow and check with my doc about changing.

I would love to keep in touch since we will be having surgery on the same day. My doctor also advised about needing my liver smaller for safety sake.

Ginny

I think everyone has a fear of the unknown. Having to wait as long as I have there have been times that I think what am I doing! And then I see the progress of so many and say yes that is why I am going to do this. I have no advice as to how to over come this. I think everyone has to deal with this scary unknown in their own way. Hope this has helped.

Lily