Hello loves,

I am so excited surgery is in 2 days and I want to know what should I expect the day of? What is the proccess like from arriving to discharge? I can barely sleep because I am so excited and ready to start my NEW LIFE!

I was required to attend a hospital class before surgery that explained the whole process from beginning to end. Basically you go to the preop area, get changed into a gown, get an IV, hooked up to monitors, have your vitals taken, and then get rolled into surgery. You may or may not get a little sedation before you roll, or you may get it in the OR. At any rate, you go to sleep with meds through the IV, get intubated, and maintained on gas anesthesia. You wake up afterward in recovery and once you are awake and stable, you will go to your room. There you will continue to wake up a bit more, get some pain med through the IV if you need it, and then start walking! You will be given liquids to drink. (I brought my own protein drink and broth, as I don't do sugar, gluten, artificial colors or sweeteners.) I did not eat the jello or protein goo they brought. Turns out the hospital did actually have gluten free broth, so that was great.

I stayed one night and was home the next day. If you use a CPAP, bring your own machine, mask, and power cord, regardless of what they say about using their own machines. My tummy was so sore it was pretty hard to get out of bed and walk at first. They brought me a little firm pillow to brace my tummy with, and that helped 1000%. It was my best friend for about 2 weeks, whenever I rolled over, got out of bed, or stood up. (They actually give these pillow to cardiac surgical patients who use theme to brace against their chests when coughing or moving. The hospital volunteers sew them.) You should ask for one or take something similar - small and firm. Doesn't have to be any bigger than a travel size pillow, but needs to be a lot firmer - like if you took the travel pillow and stuffed into a pillow case half the size.

Best wishes! Yes, it will hurt at first, but focus on getting out of bed and walking! I was the first surgery of the morning, so I was the first patient on the floor walking that afternoon. The nurses were very encouraging and proud of me for taking the initiative to get moving. Sip and walk, sip and walk! Keep us posted on your progress.

Go to bed you have made the best decision of you life! Trust me I am not a doctor and i stayed at a holiday in express last night

Enjoy the journey and ask away

Giant congratulations