Tomorrow I start my one-day pre-op liquid diet. I have scheduled myself to work that day (I work 12-hour shifts as a nurse) so hopefully I won't notice it too much. I had Breakfast food for dinner tonight because money is tight, but I really haven't felt a need for a "last meal." I have had plenty of delicious food in my lifetime, actually more than my share, and I have no regrets about "missing" anything.

I had my pre-op appointment with the surgeon today. It went very well, and I wasn't nervous at all, just excited. My anxiety level was pretty high last weekend, but I have settled in to being 95% excited and only 5% nervous. I know this is the right thing for me to do at the right time and I'm ready. I also have tremendous confidence in my surgeon. He has been a surgeon for 26 years, teaches surgeons from around the world, and his office has earned a Bariatric Center of Excellence designation which few facilities in this country have. I have also spoken to at least 10 people who he has done surgery on; they all have nothing but glowing things to say about him. We discussed my gallbladder which is full of stones, and he said he may or may not remove it on Friday, depending on what he sees when he gets in there; he will ultimately make the decision based on what is safest for me, and I have full confidence in him. The last thing he said to me before he walked out of the room was, "Let's get you healthy." Then they sent me downstairs for blood work and an EKG.

He gave me my prescriptions I will need post-op (Hydrocodone for pain, Compazine for nausea, and Emeprazole for stomach acid to help my stomach heal), and he also gave me a card I can show at restaurants that will allow me to order off the kid's or senior's menu since I won't be able to eat a "normal" size portion of food anymore. I go in at 6:30 on Friday and my surgery is scheduled for 8:30am. He said when I wake up I will be on oxygen, IV fluids, and have a urinary catheter in place; also I will be on a PCA pump (that's the kind where there is a constant drip of pain meds and you can push the button to get some extra medicine if you need it). I was thankful he said that very rarely is an external drain required. They will have me walk as soon as I am good and awake. I will do lots of walking as it will speed healing and prevent complications. They will also have me start sipping small amounts of liquids as soon as I'm awake.

The next morning the PCA pump goes away and they switch me to oral pain meds. When I can get out of bed by myself the urinary catheter comes out, and when I'm drinking OK my IV comes out and then I can shower. As long as I'm drinking well, my pain is under control, and I have no nausea, I will be discharged from the hospital after lunch.

I will be on Clear Liquids for a week, then full liquids for 2 more weeks (including strained Soups like potato, thinned cream of wheat, applesauce, yogurt, etc.), then pureed foods,(refried Beans, ground meats, pureed veggies, etc.) for another 2 weeks before moving on to "regular" foods. No carbs (bread, pancakes, tortillas, Pasta, etc.) for 6 months as they get "gummy" in your stomach and can cause a blockage.

I'll pack my little suitcase when I get home from work tomorrow; lip balm, Gas-X strips, my own pillow and satin pillowcase, lotion, deodorant, mouthwash, body wipes (not allowed to use deodorant before surgery--ick!) and facial cleansing wipes to help me feel fresh, cellphone and tablet with chargers. I'll bring my own socks and slippers, ear plugs and sleep mask to help me sleep, and a heating pad for pain. Seems like a lot of stuff for just an overnight stay, but I like to be comfortable.

My fiance will be with me constantly, and though he still thinks I don't "need" the surgery he has been wonderfully supportive. He will be a big factor in my healing process, as will be my darling little Yorkie, Lyla. I feel as ready as I can possibly be, and excited to start my new life!

I was told we would not be hungry after surgery cause they cut out the portion that has the hormone that makes you hungry. Is it true hunger or is it mental hunger? I have surgery on Tuesday and want to know what I'm in for.

I was told we would not be hungry after surgery cause they cut out the portion that has the hormone that makes you hungry. Is it true hunger or is it mental hunger? I have surgery on Tuesday and want to know what I'm in for.

I can only tell you my own experience, although I know many others have related a similar experience.

I had head hunger the first few days after surgery, but by day 4 post-op I was starting to feel some REAL hunger. That empty, growling, gnawing feeling that demands attention! I wasnt expecting it because I thought the same thing you did, that I wouldn't get hungry, or at least not for a long time.

I get hungry every few hours because I'm still on full liquids. I'm hoping I will stay full longer when I'm eating solid food, I'm told by others that I will.

I was disappointed about the hunger at first, but I've learned to appreciate it. It's difficult to eat when you're not hungry, it's hard to explain why, but you will understand when you reach the other side. If not for the hunger i wouldn't eat at all. I'm still learning about the strange signals my sleeve is sending me. I can still feel everything, every swallow as it goes all the way down and into my sleeve. Instead of my left abdomen, I feel my little stomach way up now just under my diaphragm, still getting used to that. I burp a lot which is common. And after I eat, "full" feels differently. I feel a tightness just under my diaphragm.... Not the same full sensation as a full stomach before.

The nice part is, just a few tablespoons of Soup is enough to make me feel full for a few hours.

I can only tell you my own experience, although I know many others have related a similar experience.

I had head hunger the first few days after surgery, but by day 4 post-op I was starting to feel some REAL hunger. That empty, growling, gnawing feeling that demands attention! I wasnt expecting it because I thought the same thing you did, that I wouldn't get hungry, or at least not for a long time.

I get hungry every few hours because I'm still on full liquids. I'm hoping I will stay full longer when I'm eating solid food, I'm told by others that I will.

I was disappointed about the hunger at first, but I've learned to appreciate it. It's difficult to eat when you're not hungry, it's hard to explain why, but you will understand when you reach the other side. If not for the hunger i wouldn't eat at all. I'm still learning about the strange signals my sleeve is sending me. I can still feel everything, every swallow as it goes all the way down and into my sleeve. Instead of my left abdomen, I feel my little stomach way up now just under my diaphragm, still getting used to that. I burp a lot which is common. And after I eat, "full" feels differently. I feel a tightness just under my diaphragm.... Not the same full sensation as a full stomach before.

The nice part is, just a few tablespoons of soup is enough to make me feel full for a few hours.

Thanks. I feel like that was truly honest. I guess now I know what to be looking for in the future.

Do not be fooled. You will still feel hunger. I am not sure if it is real hunger or head hunger. I eat more than my husband and we were both sleeved. He has greater willpower than I do. I have learned that if I keep busy and do not sit around bored and snacking; I keep all bread, pasta, chips, etc. out of my house; I do not go to the grocery store with eating something first; I don't go shopping without eating first; that I manage quite well.