Went to pre-op this morning - Took a lot of mystery out of what I'll be facing...

[GeekyChicLa 15]

So learned a lot at my pre-op class this morning.

One: I wish I would've thought to bring a snack! 5 1/2 hours of talking about food - my stomach was growling 3 hours in.

I was prepared for a two-week liquid diet, instead, we're on a high Protein, no starch diet. Turns out I can still eat. (YAY) Until the day before surgery, then that will be clear liquid only.

Love the bariatric team at my hospital: informative and very supportive. They all gave us their email addresses and encouraged us to contact with any questions we may have. There is a support group that meets a couple of times a month. And we get a 3-month membership to the hospital's gym. Sweet.

They'll be using Steri Strips instead of staples and no drain tube nor catheter. They are also providing us with a free bariatric abdominal support belt. Hospital stay is expected to be overnight. Oh - and they do not allow ANYTHING to pass the lips until the day after surgery. No ice chips, no sips of anything. Nada. Nothing. At all. Until the next day. So that means if I go in at 6:30 - I won't be able to have anything to drink until the next day after the doctor makes his rounds. Good Lord, I don't know what I'm going to do. I drink Water or tea or SOMETHING constantly at work. I stay thirsty. This is certainly going to be a true test for me.

Other than that - the pre-op isn't going to be near as difficult as I had anticipated, so I'm hoping and praying the rest will follow suit.

[Christinamo7 4,041]

usually when they want nothing by mouth they will still allow you a glycerin swab for swishing around your mouth. make sure you ask for them.

[GeekyChicLa 15]

Oh yea, she did mention something about a swab! I'd forgotten that. Doesn't sound like it would help much, but I guess anything at that point will be a relief! LOL

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,443]

Hey, hey, there, do you know that in some quarters, a day without Water is like a Tom Sawyer without a bucket of whitewash? Yes, it's gibberish.

"I don't know what I'm going to do" -- You know exactly what you're going to do: Talk to your hospital roommate, read a magazine or book, sing your favorite songs, walk the corridors... One day out of a lifetime.

[GeekyChicLa 15]

Yes, I was being more rhetorical than anything. Of course I realize it's just one small thing in the grand scheme of things. I've pushed through way worse circumstances than this.