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

@Dawn....

I wasn't given any amount to lose. However, the NUT said that one "typically" could lose between 8 and 40 pounds. I'm not sweating it. I'm actually tickled to see this come off now....it's just that much less I have to lose later! Don't stress to much over it....115 hours - (8 am 7/21), we'll have different issues to deal with. Just remember,as a master of cliche's....Rome wasn't built in a day, and time heals all wounds. Stay positive - you got this!

Prrite..

THANKS for that!

I like how you think....you have it down to the HOURS!!

I am just trying to get through it all...one day at a time!!

.....YAY US....!

What time is everyone's surgery? Mine is at 10am on 7/21!!

My pre op liquid only diet I'd 10 days

StacyAnn...

I have to call Friday for the time.

I am so anxious/excited.

..................................sigh.....!!!

Oh thank goodness I have a time! Praying your time is early!

Mine is schedluled for 11am but was told to be hospital at 8am. They said my surgeon is known to be early.

Well GOOD LUCK and here is to speedy recoveries for ALL OF US!!!

Ok y'all.. Do you worry you won't lose weight after surgery and it's all for nothing? Going through a range of emotions tonight...

No...but thanks Stacy....I will NOW....LOL.

Sorrrrrry!!!!!!

T-72 HRS:42 minutes. Day 12 of the liquid diet. -11.5 lbs so far. Last day @ work. Anxious, yet, not in a hurry. Gonna try and do some serious walking this weekend to kill time and poundage. Mite even push mow the yard for fun. Anyone wanna help?

How is day 1 post op???

How is day 1 post op???

. Honestlly. Ive had zero issues. Ive drank and walked. Pain not as i expected. Going home tomorrow. Lookn forward to my recliner!

How'd the surgery go? I hope well