Looking for folks to connect with from the northern suburbs, etc. I'm in Champlin but if we have enough folks maybe a rotation of locations to accommodate the variety of locations would be the way to go. I love a little coffee shop (can't drink it but love the aroma). Any thoughts?

10 lbs in 1 week - way to go! I had my pre-op physical at 4 days in and had lost 6 lbs. Guess they know what they're doing with prescribing this pre-op diet stuff, huh? I am still shocked at how the switch flipped at Day 3. Everyone said it would get better then - and exactly right. The headache and hunger and shakes went away. What I wasn't prepared for is what started on about Day 3. The obsession about food. The craving for "one more time" with a certain food. Sounds silly but it was consuming my thoughts. I find myself driving by a restaurant and having to say to myself, sometimes literally aloud, "I don't need you." Ahhh....hence the decision for surgery.

I'm in Carver and moving to New Hope in June

Three days before surgery. I am a bundle of nerves. More so about work and getting everything handed off before I leave.

I need to get my bag packed for the hospital. I have the basics but wondering if there are any 'special items' that anyone can recommend I pack. I have a two night stay planned. My husband can always pick up anything I may have missed.

Breathe. Exhale.

I would pack a heating pad, unless you are sure the hospital has them on hand. That's the one thing I really missed having. I had shoulder pain, which they said was common when anesthesia has been used. For some reason, I have read a lot of people have had gas pains in their shoulder. I had a drain, so until that came out, my left shoulder really ached.

Otherwise, I just took two very loose fitting outfits...the one I came in wearing and one for the next two days. You'll most likely be wearing your gown for most of your surgery day, so you don't need anything more than an extra outfit...if even that.

So happy for you. Good luck and can't wait to see you next week on the 15th.

Thanks, MB! Great suggest.

Chapstick. I would have been so sad without Chapstick. I brought a lot of things I never used. Keep it simple. I am so excited for you!

I bought myself a soft, long, robe with a zipper up the front and warm socks. I always get cold in the hospital and I wanted to be covered when I walked around.

I didn't bring a lot. But I definitely recommend bringing a robe and Chapstick!

Had my surgery Nov 10th, yesterday. I'm doing awesome, minimal pain, have been up on my own the first night, drinking water and no nausea!

Had my surgery Nov 10th, yesterday. I'm doing awesome, minimal pain, have been up on my own the first night, drinking water and no nausea!

Congrats! Welcome to the losers bench!

Friendly reminder for those who want/need it!

North Memorial's Bariatric Surgery Support group is happening next Tuesday!

November 18th, from 5:30-6:30pm in the A7 Conference room on floor 7. If you need directions or more information, feel free to send me a message and I'll get you there!

There will be some Thanksgiving recipe ideas, some delicious (and good for us!) treats, and our guest Nicolle Alleva, Certified Personal Trainer! Bring your questions, thoughts, struggles, suggestions, whatever you want!

For you fresh to the loser's bench - I too, was sleeved right before Christmas - if you'd like to knowledge/idea share on how to get through the holidays, I'm here for you! Feel free to reach out!

Great Thank you Molly for the reminder!!!! I too have made it through a couple holidays and am here for anyone as well... Now I thought we were having a potential meet up tomorrow on the 15th, I cant remember where and when...anyone, please respond. I cant wait to see how Linda and Darcie (anyone else who has had thier surgery since our last meeting) are doing!

Nov 15 at Perkins on university Ave in fridley at 10 am looking forward to seeing everyone I am doing great since surgery except I am always hungry no problems getting in my protein or water

Hey Molly! I plan to attend the support group next Tuesday. Maybe I'll see you there.

Hello - so awesome that you were just posting an update about the support group. I was just online searching when the next one is here at my hospital. I have not been to one yet (10 days post op) but really wanting to do this RIGHT and make it successful. I'm still on puree foods (til 11/25) when I have my 2 week check up. Since surgery day I have lost 10 pounds and feel really good.

Hoping the transition to soft foods goes well and that I stay in control. As I go through this journey I am finding more and more that I have quite the relationship with food. Use it for companionship, entertainment, coping with stress, to celebrate things. Working on that now....figuring out replacements, etc.