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!

Today I feel absolutely great! Thanks for your prayers!

I will give those of you who doesn't have to do a bowel prep sine advice!! DO IT ANYWAY!! I didn't have one and even though I was on a pre op liquid diet I should have did one even though my doctor didn't require one. TMI I came home from surgery sore weak etc. Just to have 2 days later having to go potty but couldn't because of impacted bowels as the pain meds causes constipation and it was miserable!!!

That's Very selfish of your husband to say that to you..I'm sorry I know you love him and I'm sure your both disappointed but its not fair to you to postpone your surgery because of his has been postponed...besides it might be for the best..he can take care of you and help you with your recovery and then you'll be able to help him...I think you should have it..my opinion

I just had surgery on Jan 2nd, and my husband had it a couple years ago. I know the discouragement that he may feel being that he wants it bad, but it can't be a competition between the two of you. If you are going to be successful long term you need to support each other. Just going through it- it would be impossible to operate my household if my husband and I had surgery on or around the same day! Someone needs to be there to pick up extra slack while you recover and vise versa. Good luck!

We have a big group getting surgery this upcoming week! How's everyone feeling?

Funny you should ask....It's 1200 & I'm wide awake thinking OMG its really here. No more work days in between, Monday 8:00 it's on... It will be fine I know, it has just been such a long time coming & now BOOM, it's here! Lets do it already! Hope y'all are getting sum Zzz's : )

Funny you should ask....It's 1200 & I'm wide awake thinking OMG its really here. No more work days in between' date=' Monday 8:00 it's on... It will be fine I know, it has just been such a long time coming & now BOOM, it's here! Lets do it already! Hope y'all are getting sum Zzz's : )[/quote']

I know exactly what you mean!

I'm home now, so happy to be here! My nurse said I was a model patient, but SHE was amazing-I really loved all the staff at the hospital. I slept most of the 1st day away, walked a lot today, belched some, and did my best to drink drink drink. I did have to be monitored extra closely because my heart beat was very low after surgery. The pain was not as bad as I thought, perhaps because I used my pump with liberty until later in the am. At this point, it feels like hearburn (not sure what this is, gonna walk around the house and see if it helps). Surgeon did take a liver biopsy but decided not to search for the hiatal hernia once inside (it was not obvious to locate and he didn't want to stress my organs, also, gerd/acid reflux symptoms are usually controlled by the creation of the new pouch).

There's more I'd like to share, but I need to walk then rest. If you have specific questions, feel free to message me on my profile.

Very happy you are doing so well. Can't wait to join you. Great job ready2smile!!!

Funny you should ask....It's 1200 & I'm wide awake thinking OMG its really here. No more work days in between' date=' Monday 8:00 it's on... It will be fine I know, it has just been such a long time coming & now BOOM, it's here! Lets do it already! Hope y'all are getting sum Zzz's : )[/quote']

I'm feeling the same way too. Surgery is Monday at noon. Really, I have to wait a half a day just to have the surgery.

I have a 3 year old daughter and plying with her and being here for her kids is part of why I'm doing this. But as time gets closer I'm starting to think about how her life will change if something happens to me on the table. And how much she will miss me and be sad. Any other parents???

I'm home now' date=' so happy to be here! My nurse said I was a model patient, but SHE was amazing-I really loved all the staff at the hospital. I slept most of the 1st day away, walked a lot today, belched some, and did my best to drink drink drink. I did have to be monitored extra closely because my heart beat was very low after surgery. The pain was not as bad as I thought, perhaps because I used my pump with liberty until later in the am. At this point, it feels like hearburn (not sure what this is, gonna walk around the house and see if it helps). Surgeon did take a liver biopsy but decided not to search for the hiatal hernia once inside (it was not obvious to locate and he didn't want to stress my organs, also, gerd/acid reflux symptoms are usually controlled by the creation of the new pouch).

There's more I'd like to share, but I need to walk then rest. If you have specific questions, feel free to message me on my profile.[/quote']

Sounds like you are doing a fabulous job recovering! I hope I am as successful as you and keep your motivation and positive attitude! Very happy to hear you are off to the start of a NEW you!!

I'm home now' date=' so happy to be here! My nurse said I was a model patient, but SHE was amazing-I really loved all the staff at the hospital. I slept most of the 1st day away, walked a lot today, belched some, and did my best to drink drink drink. I did have to be monitored extra closely because my heart beat was very low after surgery. The pain was not as bad as I thought, perhaps because I used my pump with liberty until later in the am. At this point, it feels like hearburn (not sure what this is, gonna walk around the house and see if it helps). Surgeon did take a liver biopsy but decided not to search for the hiatal hernia once inside (it was not obvious to locate and he didn't want to stress my organs, also, gerd/acid reflux symptoms are usually controlled by the creation of the new pouch).

There's more I'd like to share, but I need to walk then rest. If you have specific questions, feel free to message me on my profile.[/quote']

I had low BP upon waking all the time in the hospital. I did have a hiatal hernia. As for my Gerd/acid reflux, I have been lucky enough that the liquid pre diet I haven't had to use it.

Congrats on your homecoming and #1 task is to remain hydrated :-)

Gen :-) 12/15/12

I'm feeling the same way too. Surgery is Monday at noon. Really' date=' I have to wait a half a day just to have the surgery.

I have a 3 year old daughter and plying with her and being here for her kids is part of why I'm doing this. But as time gets closer I'm starting to think about how her life will change if something happens to me on the table. And how much she will miss me and be sad. Any other parents???[/quote']

You'll be fine and will leave that table for a hospital bed as you are recovering from your surgery. I'm a mom too. My daughter is 16. I had a husband for 22 years but he chose to walk out on us for a ho (sorry for thAt word but she is better known as a stronger version of it, lol).

You are right you are doing this for your new life, a longer life with your daughter, her children and hopefully great grandchildren :-) That is why all of us do this, longevity :-)

Your in my thoughts and prayers :-) have a great weekend w your daughter this weekend and, I know it is going to be very hard, try not focusing on surgery. Focus on your daughter.

Gen :-) 12/15/12

You'll be fine and will leave that table for a hospital bed as you are recovering from your surgery. I'm a mom too. My daughter is 16. I had a husband for 22 years but he chose to walk out on us for a ho (sorry for thAt word but she is better known as a stronger version of it' date=' lol).

You are right you are doing this for your new life, a longer life with your daughter, her children and hopefully great grandchildren :-) That is why all of us do this, longevity :-)

Your in my thoughts and prayers :-) have a great weekend w your daughter this weekend and, I know it is going to be very hard, try not focusing on surgery. Focus on your daughter.

Gen :-) 12/15/12[/quote']

Thank you for this. I'm holding her tight every chance I get. Aw man, I can't wait till she stops saying mommys sick or daddy and I will play on the floor and u play on the bed mommy. I just want to be "normal".

Hope my date is in January! !! Need to feel better

keep in touch

My date is Jan. 31....

My kids are 14 & 20 so I feel ur pain! Just think positive thoughts & stay busy!! Not sure how to do private messages on here but I wish I did! Have a good, busy day!