I have never been so ready for a journey to begin. I really feel as if this has been the tool that I have been fighting against for so many years.

I've been overweight most of my life except a few years in High School when I starved myself on eating only Kit Kats and Diet Soda for lunch. Then the years of marriage, raising a family, always putting myself last and now retired, with aches, pains, "morbidly obese" as I am now labeled! How did this all happen. I ate when I was happy, sad, celebrating, recouperating, mourning.....I would diet, lose 10 lbs and celebrate! Then put 20 on. I looked at a form I had to fill out for one of my doctors and noticed that I've gained consistently 10 lbs. every 10 years. Amazing how my elastic pants were always the most comfortable and now my closet has 5 different sizes!!! Well, that's about to change!!!! I feel as if the first time in my life "I'm taking charge and having a surgery that I am choosing to use as a tool to help me get healthy. I'm doing it for ME! I haven't told anyone other than my husband and children because I don't want to hear the negative comments. My husband is nervous but who isn't when a surgery is involved.

I'm really excited. I start my liquid died on the 29th of October. Pre-op is scheduled for 11/6. It's an all day event with meeting the surgeon, the metabolic specialist, having a photo taken and the afternoon is a 3 hr. nutrition class.

Anyone else having the RNY in November?

Yeah for you! My husband was really nervous as well. I am amazed at how supportive he is. He says to me it has been an hour since we ate, what can I get you to drink? He asks how did dinner set with you, and did you have a good pouch day?

Get ready for your life to change, and it is very exciting!

Surgery date 9/4/2013 HW 269 RYN 238, this week 203

Hi Donna,

My doctor is recommending that I be a certain weight prior to surgery. Did your doc recommend the same thing too?

Regarding my husband, he's not saying to much. I think he is really nervous about the whole idea. But as I menitoned earlier I decided on my own this time! I didn't ask permission, or advise, or anything. I just proceeded with my doctor appointments, bloodwork, EKG etc. Then I told him last week that I'll probably be having surgery the middle of Nov. He was suprised to say the least. Then when I got the date I texted him that it was on 11/11. We are going to a wedding and will be out of State for a week and have to come back earlier then expected because of my pre-op day. They wouldn't do it any other day otherwise my surgery would be re-scheduled until end of December!!! I didn't want that, so I told him we HAVE to be back. He said "OK". So, it's going good.

Are you getting around? or feeling very tired?

I am not tired at all - the problem I have - husband is ready for bed early like we have for years and I have more energy. So I have been keeping the house a little cleaner, reading more and need to incorporate exercise in my daily routine - other than walking.

In the beginning I was tired - but I went back to work after two weeks off. In my 51 days, I have had two breakdowns and asked my husband why did I do this to myself - both bouts were centered around bowel issues.

So 95% of the time or more, I am good, I am a slow learner and did not realize that things I took for granted have sugar like BBQ sauce and ketchup. The most important things - listen to your doctor and the nuturionist, allow other people to take care of you - I could not wipe my backside and had to ask for help - take the pain medication and sleep when you are not walking. Make sure you pack chapstick and lotion - my skin has become dry with the surgery.

I feel like I have learned more about me during the last 51 days than I ever have before - part of it is due to the RNYTALK website and learning from the many wonderful motivators that have joined this group.

I've been reading alot on the site too. I'd love to talk to you. I'll see how I can message you. I'm going to look at your profile.

How are u doing, my choice? Hope u are feeling ok after your surgery. Welcome to the loser's bench!