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!

I am alive, awake and doing well. I have been virtually pain free, only issue that will resolve is abdominal cavity gas. Hope everyone is well, and Good luck surgery buds.

I am alive' date=' awake and doing well. I have been virtually pain free, only issue that will resolve is abdominal cavity gas. Hope everyone is well, and Good luck surgery buds.[/quote']

Congrats :-) Glad to hear from you already. I thought other than getting out of the hospital bed on the left side (due to that left incision where a lot of the work was performed thru) the gas was the most uncomfortable. Because of that, when I arrived home I didn't have to take pain med :-)

Gen :-) 12/15/12

Home from surgery. Doing good. Sore as Hell. I walked over 2 miles while there. Surgery was only 45mins. Good luck everyone. Remember to walk and do your breathing. Yawll will do great.

Congrats! That was a quick surgery. Thank you for the tips, I'm on deck for tomorrow at 9:30am. Don't forget to join the January 2013 post-op forum. :0)

I am alive, awake and doing well. I have been virtually pain free, only issue that will resolve is abdominal cavity gas. Hope everyone is well, and Good luck surgery buds.

Sweet! Congrats on your surgery, any tips?

Don't forget to join the January 2013 post-op forum. :0)

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

Congrats! That was a quick surgery. Thank you for the tips' date=' I'm on deck for tomorrow at 9:30am.)[/quote']

Good luck and God be with you tomorrow.

Good luck and God be with you tomorrow.

Thanks Jessica-I appreciate the prayer!

Sweet! Congrats on your surgery' date=' any tips?

Don't forget to join the January 2013 post-op forum. :0)[/quote']

Try to lose as much weight as possible pre-op. It makes for an easier surgery, as the Dr has room to work without fear of injuring your liver. Also my Dr ordered a pre-op dose of Emend 40mg. So I have absolutely no nausea. Drinking clear liquids slowly, you will be amazed at how small of a sip you have to take. Time to completely retrain your mind instead of an elephant you wake with the stomach of a cat. Ha Ha

BTW- one4ozzie Gen' date=' lovin the new pic, you look great![/quote']

Thank you ::, lol. Good luck with your surgery tomorrow. I hope you'll breeze right through it :-) I pray for no complications and speedy recoveries for all of you having surgery tomorrow. Good luck. Thoughts are with you all.

Gen :-) 12/15/12

With my surgery, I didn't have nausea either due to dr prescribing the meds for it :-) It was very nice.

Gen :-) 12/15/12

I am praying for everyone tomorrow. I wish I was going to be with you but instead I'm lying in bed with the stinking flu. Now I just hope my kids do not get it.

I'm praying you all do well and have a quick recovery.

How bad was/is the pain?!!

Sometimes pretty bad. I can handle pain, but sometimes is just like WOW. You can do it.

Im on day 4 of my diet so far I've heard people talk about a bowl prep I dont think I have to do one. Is everyone doing one?

Congrats to all of you on d other side. N best of wishes to all of us who are on our way. Woohoo

Im on day 4 of my diet so far I've heard people talk about a bowl prep I dont think I have to do one. Is everyone doing one?

I just have to be NPO midnight before my operation. No bowel prep or liquid diet..