Hi out there in WLS land. I'm so looking forward to becoming a new resident. I hope your all nice neighbors, although I do understand that there is always one @$)(:&@@. My surgery date is July 30th. I'm 54 years old and a RN. So that just makes me to smart for my own good.

I have to say though that reading all your post has made me feel a lot better.

So here is my question. What do I need to pack for my trip to WLS land? And what do I need to expect after becoming a new neighbor. I would assume Cookies at the door won't be happening!

Honestly, I'm scared but determined. So many years wasted. I am 5'9 and weigh 256lbs. I have Type I I DM, HTN, Restless leg syndrome, scarcoid granuloma, and take a butt load of meds. Can anyone out there tell me about some of their illnesses that have been cured or are doing much better since gastric bypass. Kim

Kim, I had my surgery 7 weeks ago yesterday. I am type 2 diabetic was taking 64 units of humalog 75/25 everyday plus metformin. Since surgery I have been on a sliding scale with straight humalog plus the oral med. yesterday marked one week where I took NO insulin my numbers have stayed roughly between 115 and 135 requiring no shot on my part. I also suffered from terrible edema, my once muscular legs had morphed into swollen tree trunks and I could barely see the difference between my feet, toes, and ankles . By the end of my fourth week post op the edema was completely gone. I was also on a boat load of other medications about 9 daily. To date I am taking my omeprazole, metformin, lisinopril, and nadolol, and one or two of them may get dc'd in the near future. I am 48 years old and was 280 day of surgery. This morning I'm 220. Good luck to you it is in fact a great decision for most people but it is not easy mentally at all.

Thanks for the advice. I hope getting to wear normal clothes and being able to do the things I haven't been able to do in forever helps with the mental part.

i read that you should pack loose comfortable fitting clothes for your trip home, a small firm pillow for between your body and seat belt for on the trip home, hand sanitizer, lip balm, hairbrush, a couple changes of underclothes (just in case ) and socks and/or slippers for walking around after your surgery. I think the hospital will probably provide you with toothpaste and toothbrush, soap and shampoo -- or you can bring your own. Bring chargers for your electronics. books, computer, phone, and movies. I am sure there are other things and I am sure there are lists already on here somewhere.

Best of luck to you!

I started this process to be able to be approved for insurance back in March. My last appt with my surgeon will be in August and then they can send in to my insurance for approval. I am hoping for a late August surgery. My weight started at 282. This morning I weighed and my weight is 256 and my height is 5' 9". I cannot wait toget the surgery I beleive I am mentally ready. I have been walking about 5 miles a day and drink two protein shakes and try to choose a good meal for supper and no snacks, staying away from as many carbs as possible. So our height and weight are exactly the same. They have not given me a goal weight and I was wondering if they have given you one yet since our height is exactly the same.