I am starting this so all of us who are beginning 2013 in a big way can share stories, advice and experiences.

My surgery date is 1/21/13 and this has been a year long journey for me. I began last December with a physical and my Dr. and I decided it was time. I had to go through 6 months of weigh-ins and visits with the nutritionist before I was even allowed to see the surgeon. I finally met him in July and then was given a whole new list of tests and appointments that needed to be done. My insurance finally approved me earlier this month, but only for surgery after January 1, so January 21st it is.

I am so excited to start this journey and thank you all in advance for sharing your experiences here!

Taking two weeks off. I sit on my butt all day' date=' but I'm a social worker so stress is high. I wanted the relaxation![/quote']

I took a month! My surgeon asked for it! All the stress is prob not good, plus I'm always in the go as an intake worker.. All paid though!

Ash' date=' I had 6 pieces of plain shrimp today, I felt so fatigued! High Protein I hear still shrinks the liver[/quote']

How much weight have you lost so far??

I also took four weeks and, like Teka2011, am fortunately being paid. My surgeon said 2-3, my primary care doctor said 4 and said she'd sign off on whatever the surgeon didn't approve. I was out 2 1/2 weeks with my gallbladder surgery and was *exhausted* when I went back, so I figured 3 weeks, minimum. My job is not terribly physically active, but families can be demanding and there is a fair amount of bending and reaching...plus the ongoing possibility of being kicked by a toddler who doesn't want his ears touched!

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

MollyB38 - Jan 8

Teka2011 - Jan 9

Jmaromano. - Jane - Jan 9

BrattyAsh - Jan 9

BigMike - Jan 9, San Antonio, TX

Ducky07 - Jan 9

Ready2Smile - Jan 10

Jessica9190 - Jan 10

Feelin-Lika-Cow - Jan 14

Kloveburd - Jan 14

Trailblazer57 - Jan 14, Greenville, PA

TLP1212 - Jan 14

Mommywifeandfat - Jan 14

Lovealways - Jan 15, Long Island, NY

Libra_Lisa - Jan 18

Wdwfreak - Jan 21

Jayla_Mom_of2 - Jan 21

Cookie - Jan 21

Copmom - Jan 22

Vbgirl264 - Jan 22

Fiusha - Jan 22

Sissy - Jan 22

Dizzywzi - Jan 24

MrsPritts11367 - Jan 30

I also took four weeks and, like Teka2011, am fortunately being paid. My surgeon said 2-3, my primary care doctor said 4 and said she'd sign off on whatever the surgeon didn't approve. I was out 2 1/2 weeks with my gallbladder surgery and was *exhausted* when I went back, so I figured 3 weeks, minimum. My job is not terribly physically active, but families can be demanding and there is a fair amount of bending and reaching...plus the ongoing possibility of being kicked by a toddler who doesn't want his ears touched!

I have a desk job; my surgeon said expect 6 weeks. Seems pretty realistic when I recall what my husband went through with his surgery. Ideally, work would like me to return in 3, but it's up to me. I'll probably come back at 1/2 time the 1st week I return so I can ease back in. I'm very thankful that I have sick leave and vacation time, (and if needed SDI) so I don't lose out on pay.

My surgery is Monday, I have been getting prepared (mentally, and shopping for post op supplies). I am getting nervous not so much about having surgery (1st time for me) but about recovery. I am a wimp when it comes to pain. I know that the pain will subside, just been worried about it. This has been a yearlong process, a longtime goal, and I am so excited to start a healthier lifestyle. I am on day 8 of my liquid diet, i am so happy that my stomach and my mind seemed to be adjusting.

My surgery is Monday' date=' I have been getting prepared (mentally, and shopping for post op supplies). I am getting nervous not so much about having surgery (1st time for me) but about recovery. I am a wimp when it comes to pain. I know that the pain will subside, just been worried about it. This has been a yearlong process, a longtime goal, and I am so excited to start a healthier lifestyle. I am on day 8 of my liquid diet, i am so happy that my stomach and my mind seemed to be adjusting.[/quote']

How is the liquid diet going? I am also more afraid of recovery pain. I think it has a lot to do with just naturally fearing the unknown. I pray you have a veryvspeedy recovery!

The only pain is the 6 sites on your belly. And because they had to go through muscle, those will be sore. I never felt anything on the inside. You wouldn't know your stomach doesn't feel any different. That being said, you obviously need to drink sips of liquids and follow the drinking guidelines. You will be ok.

DOS 12/17/12

The only pain is the 6 sites on your belly. And because they had to go through muscle, those will be sore. I never felt anything on the inside. You wouldn't know your stomach doesn't feel any different. That being said, you obviously need to drink sips of liquids and follow the drinking guidelines. You will be ok.

DOS 12/17/12

That's good to know nothing feels different on the inside. I'm always afraid I'm going to literally FEEL the physical re-routing of my intestines and the smaller stomach. Lol. Maybe I watch too many movies.

Omg so nervous I was originally scheduled for 1-9-12 and they had a cancellation so now it is Monday . I have to be at the hospital @ 6:30am. Everyone say a prayer for me and wish me luck.

Any suggestions on any items I should stock up on before I come home from the hospital

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

MollyB38 - Jan 8

Teka2011 - Jan 9

Jmaromano. - Jane - Jan 9

BrattyAsh - Jan 9

BigMike - Jan 9, San Antonio, TX

Ducky07 - Jan 9

Ready2Smile - Jan 10

Jessica9190 - Jan 10

Feelin-Lika-Cow - Jan 14

Kloveburd - Jan 14

Trailblazer57 - Jan 14, Greenville, PA

TLP1212 - Jan 14

Mommywifeandfat - Jan 14

Lovealways - Jan 15, Long Island, NY

Libra_Lisa - Jan 18

Wdwfreak - Jan 21

Jayla_Mom_of2 - Jan 21

Cookie - Jan 21

Copmom - Jan 22

Vbgirl264 - Jan 22

Fiusha - Jan 22

Sissy - Jan 22

Dizzywzi - Jan 24

MrsPitts11367 - Jan 30

January Dates

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

Jessica9190 - Jan 10

Feelin-Lika-Cow - Jan 14

Kloveburd - Jan 14

Trailblazer57 - Jan 14, Greenville, PA

TLP1212 - Jan 14

Mommywifeandfat - Jan 14

Lovealways - Jan 15, Long Island, NY

Libra_Lisa - Jan 18

Wdwfreak - Jan 21

Jayla_Mom_of2 - Jan 21

Cookie - Jan 21

Copmom - Jan 22

Vbgirl264 - Jan 22

Fiusha - Jan 22

Sissy - Jan 22

Workingmotherofthree - Jan 23

Dizzywzi - Jan 24

MrsPitts11367 - Jan 30

Gen :-) 12/15/12

Omg so nervous I was originally scheduled for 1-9-12 and they had a cancellation so now it is Monday . I have to be at the hospital @ 6:30am. Everyone say a prayer for me and wish me luck.

Any suggestions on any items I should stock up on before I come home from the hospital

sugar free (SF) Popsicles or fudgesicles, SF Jello, SF pudding, chicken - beef - vegetable broth (which ever you prefer), Vitamins (liquid or chewable Calcium + D and multivitamin), non-Carbonated, non calorie drinks, decaf (Gatorade G2, Powerade zero, Vitamin Water zero, unsweetened tea, coffee, skim milk - soy - lactose free (which ever you need), Protein powders or shakes, light - low sugar or carb controlled yogurt, cream of Soups (to be strained of vegetables or chicken), crystal light, SF Kool Aid

Might need milk of magnesia. I recommend for calcium + D, Wellesse. It is a liquid. You can get it at Walmart and many other stores. It comes in orange flavored, SF, tastes a little like orange sherbet.

Good luck all of January Surgeries :-)

I liked the unjury chocolate Splendor and the unflavored. Warning: there is a taste with the unflavored however I loved it in the cream of soups. I didn't try it in jello. But once you are off liquid diet, you will probably find more uses for it in other foods :-)

Www.unjury.com

Gen :-) 12/15/12

January Dates

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

Jessica9190 - Jan 10

Feelin-Lika-Cow - Jan 14

Kloveburd - Jan 14

Trailblazer57 - Jan 14, Greenville, PA

TLP1212 - Jan 14

Mommywifeandfat - Jan 14

Lovealways - Jan 15, Long Island, NY

Libra_Lisa - Jan 18

Wdwfreak - Jan 21

Jayla_Mom_of2 - Jan 21

Cookie - Jan 21

Copmom - Jan 22

Vbgirl264 - Jan 22

Fiusha - Jan 22

Sissy - Jan 22

Dizzywzi - Jan 24

MrsPritts11367 - Jan 30

Gen :-) 12/15/12

My name is MrsPitts not pritts. LOL> I tried to change it but couldn't .. I am so excited for my sugery. trying some of the unjury Protein stuff now to determine what i like so I can order it to have on hand. Good Luck everyone!!!

My name is MrsPitts not pritts. LOL> I tried to change it but couldn't .. I am so excited for my sugery. trying some of the unjury Protein stuff now to determine what i like so I can order it to have on hand. Good Luck everyone!!!

LMAO, so sorry ::

Gen :-) 12/15/12