I have my consultation this Friday, April 1st. The day after, I will begin my 2 week pre-op fast. I'll also have to quit smoking. I just started on Spring break from college last Thursday. Since I'm getting the surgery, I decided to take this next quarter off to allow myself to adjust & heal. I was going to get a temp job until I get surgery, but decided I should just focus on the two week fast & my quitting smoking, since that will be stressful on my body.

I'm only 6 days into my "time off" and I'm going NUTS! I still have about a month left until I'll be fully healed and off of this one month fast I have to go through.

I miss taking the train downtown to classes.. I miss doing projects (I'm in school for Advertising & Design)... I miss the social interaction. How will I be able to handle a month of this!? Arrrgggg!!!

My friends are all out going to clubs, bars...and juggling work & school.. etc.

I suppose I should plan some projects to work on...painting my room, etc. I was actually thinking of taking a photography class at night, since I wouldn't normally have time with all of my other classes.

Do you think I would feel good enough to attend a photography class after surgery?

I had my surgery on a Thursday and was back at work on Monday. I think you will feel fine. Have fun:)

You betcha! Actually, it's hard to say, everyone has a different recovry, but as long as you don't mind missing a few classes during recovery, you should be fine and I think it's a great idea! Post your firm Date on the April bandsters thread and I'll add you in when it's "for sure". You need to be busy, of course, you can post here...and that's great, but a room project, a class, a new hobby, SOMEthing is in order. The routine change should help with the quitting smoking, too. Good Job!

One more question, you say a 2 week fast, that means liquid diet, right? Just wondering.

Greetings from another Chicago bandster! You might want to check the "need encouragement" thread here that Jenna started; she had to quit smoking too.

How about giving yourself a vacation in the city? Check all museums and landmarks that tourists always manage to see but a lot of us residents miss. Painting a room is a good idea, just 'cause it's something physical, and it's hard to eat when your hands are covered with paint.

The liquid fast sucks, but personally I would love to have time off from work and school with nothing to do but amuse myself (and keep myself from going nuts while passing Mrs. Fields and Garrett Popcorn). You can still go downtown -- maybe meet friends at least once a week, even if you're just going to be sipping something. Think of this as a chrysalis period: You're going dormant for just a short while, and will emerge with new wings when it's over.

Good luck!

Chicago Bandsters Unite! lol...

How do you like Dr. Horgan? I am getting my surgery from him, but haven't had the chance to meet him yet.. I will on Friday though. MIBC is def. cheaper than some of the other places I've looked at in the city... up to half the cost!

I did get a chance to hit up the art museum Saturday... but since I'm in art school we have to take trips there all the time, lol. I've always wanted to see the Chicago historical society though, so I guess now I'll have ample time to check that out =)

Have you attended any support groups through MIBC? If so, what have you thought of them?

Funny about the Art Institute! Now you can head off to the Museum of Contemporary Art...

I haven't attended any of the MIBC support groups; I'm not a group kinda gal. Anyway, I'm not sure I'd be eligible to attend, since Dr. Horgan and company do my fills but did not perform the surgery. He's a decent guy -- a little arrogant, maybe, but that's not unusual in a surgeon! I think he genuinely wants the best for his patients, and I respect his competence. My surgeon, Dr. Rumbaut, served as Dr. Horgan's proctor when H was first studying the band. Rumbaut highly recommended that I contact H for my aftercare. I haven't been disappointed.

PS: The Chicago Historical Society is interesting. Be prepared to walk a long way to find parking, though!

Just so you know, I am taking a horseback riding class for my PE class, and I'm only two weeks out!

I think Zoe's suggestion about taking a vacation in city is a great idea! I also like your idea of painting your room. I need to paint my bedroom when I get home from this semester... I love to paint!

Good luck, and we are here for you!

I had surgery on Wed and was back to work on Monday. (a bit uncomfy but no pain and it was a desk job).

I think a photography class is a GREAT idea! Or maybe a class that you can sit and draw?

I too had to quit cigarettes. (actually, I am still trying to kick them fully as I "slip" now and again, but I keep trying and will never give up!)

Sure you will be missing out on some social functions for a bit, but soon you will be out and having fun and with a thinner new you!!!

Good luck!