Hi all,

Finally the light bulb went off a few months ago and I just decided, "this is it." My insurance would not cover me so I took money out of my 401k, putting a serious dent in it; however, I'd rather enjoy my life now rather than later (or never, I could always die young!). I went to an informational seminar, listened to the options and made an appointment for a consult with Dr. Snyder (Denver, CO). He was great, talked to me about my options, asked me "why now?," which was good to know he cared about that, and wasn't just after another paying patient - he is concerned that you are actually ready to make this huge change in your life. After meeting with the doc, I met with a case manager that outlined all the steps I need to take to make this happen. After making the final decision to do this and after my initial appointment with Dr. Snyder on April 23rd, my surgery date is quickly coming up Monday, July 21.

I honestly can't wait - I've been very big for a very long time and I'm ready to start living my life - hiking, riding a bike, fitting in an airplane seat, wearing pretty underwear, etc. I'm not sure what my 'official' high weight was, but I would guess I was right around 390-400 pounds a couple years ago; my current weight is 373. I've dodged some serious bullets - for instance, I don't have diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or hypertension - but I know at age 46 I'm a ticking time bomb, and have started having joint pains; and carrying groceries up the stairs to my 2nd floor apartment has become a major chore.

I have a boyfriend of four years that has overall been supportive and caring, and he's behind me 1,000% on this. He's been a little 'too' supportive, I have to say. He says I'm a gem, but I'm still not sure how we ended up together - he has two BS degrees in exercise physiology and molecular biology, and is fanatical about weight training; me? not so much, lol. I have made some strides in the gym thanks to him, but with the surgery coming up he's driving me crazy about preparation, in the gym and outside the gym. He wants me in the gym 6 days a week 1-2 hours at a time and to go 90% liquid diet now, adding arginine, glutamine and citrulline to my Protein shakes to enhance healing. I'm a little stressed about that, to be honest. Right now my stomach is the same big hole and he wants me to pour nothing but liquids in there - it'll be a lot different after my RNY bypass, my stomach will be considerably smaller and I won't be hungry (which I'm looking forward to, honestly). Anyway, has anyone else had a partner/significant other that is overly pushy?

Other than dealing with his 'support' I feel really great about this decision and am very calm about it all - of course, I may fall apart the morning of surgery, lol. I'll be in the hospital 3-5 days - what did you guys wish you had taken in with you? Fan? Robe? Book? Anything I won't need at all? How did everyone spend their time, other than walking every couple of hours? I'm hoping to be on the low end of the pain scale, but I'm also having a umbilical hernia repair done, so that might complicate things a little.

Anyway, I've been getting a lot of great information reading the various forums, and really appreciate how supportive everyone is. I'll post my before pic when I do that next week, and will try to keep up with monthly after pics - I have a lot to lose (about 200 pounds), so it should be a pretty drastic change for me.

Good luck to everyone out there who is thinking about doing this, and a big thanks to all of you who are so involved in supporting the newbies like myself.

Melissa

Stacyann..

Don't worry about the catheter. I don't think they do it when you are awake, if they do it at all. No undue stress is needed. REST your mind :-)

Hello all. 7/21 Surgery date also (RNY). Day 8 of the pre-op diet. Down 6.9 lbs so far. First couple of days were not well, but managed. The salads and vegatable trays helped a bunch....at least I was convinced I was eating solid food. The GNC total lean Protein shakes are a blessing also. Best wishes to everyone and I've enjoyed lurking on some of the other posts and find this site to be very informative. It's great to be able to see how people have dealt with and managed their changes and I hope I can learn and apply some of the experiences shared here.

Hey Prrite...

I am on my 7th day of the liquids. I am allowed a very little bit of "greens".

I have been having a little broccoli and arugula. About every other day, just a bit.

Just think...this time next week - it will be over and we will have been given a DO-OVER!

Best of luck to you!

That's the best thought ever!!! We get a do over in 6 days! Whohoooo .. Day 1 if this diet was a challenge.

Good luck! I don't have a date yet, but hoping it is in the next few weeks. My doc has not said anything about a cleansing diet. What is that all about?

It's to shrink your liver. I only have to do a weeks worth since I lost 30 pounds and my blood work was good .. I guess? That's what the doc said anyway. He was willing to do it without me even doing one but since I had a week before surgery he said to do it anyway.

How long is the pre-op diet for? I see my surgeon, nutritionist and get blood work tomorrow. Insure I'll find out tomorrow but I was wondering how long do most stay on the diet for.

It depends on the doctor. My doctor said 2 weeks. But I have seen some on here from two days up to two weeks.

Just depends on the doctor.

I just had my pre-op today, bloodwork, etc. , and I only need to do Clear liquids for two days. Other than the celebratory office lunch and happy hour in a couple days I'll be on Protein shakes.

I'm hoping my surgery won't be put off, though, my ekg came back funky on the p-wave, which is an electrical thing, no blockages or anything like that. I'll find out in the morning if the anesthesiologist will okay me or send me to a cardiologist. Keep your fingers crossed!

Hey Mel....

Fingers are crossed for you. You are SOOOOO lucky that you have to be on the diet ONLY two days. That's GREAT! I am on my 9th day...UGH!

But another day closer to surgery.

Woohoo! Got the go-ahead with no special cardiology release needed - the afternoon of 7/21 I'll be a post-op bypass patient and will be a big 'ol loser, can't wait!

Good luck to you all - we'll all be losers together!

So I am having an allergic reaction to something in the protein shakes .. I was covered in hives this morning.

Stacyann - you should call your doctor and nutritionist.

Day 10 of the liquid diet, or better yet, 4 more days to go. I've dropped another 3 pounds in two days, for a total of 9.5. I've also noticed I'm not craving as much and my calorie intake is puny. 3 Protein shakes, salads, raw veggies - almost 800 a day. I will say the taco bell fiesta salad, hold the meat, is the bomb. (420 calories tho!). Keep on keepin' on - we are almost there.

Prrite...

Did your doctor tell you that you had a certain amount he wanted you to loose? I was told 15 lbs and I too am on my 10 day and lost 10 lbs...

I have my final all weigh-in on Friday, I doubt I will meet the full 15 lbs :-(.

Maybe 12?.

I have been having my 3 Protein shakes a day, some cooked broccoli or asparagus and broths. Still wish I could loose the full 15.

Good luck!