Woohoo - my big day is 12/26/14!!!

[cindy1976]

So, I'm officially freaking out and couldn't wait to share the big news! My surgeons office called today and told me I'm scheduled for surgery this Friday (12/26)!!!

This is amazing news but now I'm totally freaking out. I was totally prepared and scheduled for surgery last year and then found out I was pregnant and had to cancel. So this year I've been working hard to get surgery scheduled sometime this year. I had just about given up and accepted that it just wasn't going to happen when bam! great news! So, now I'm a mix of joyous excitement and nausea inducing anxiety.

The usual "please God don't let me die in surgery" thoughts that accompany any surgery no matter how minor, are now combined with "am I making a huge mistake? do I really know what I'm getting into? have I done enough research? can I really commit to this? what if I mess up? what if I think I can do it but really it's too hard and I can't? what if I get dementia and can't care for myself appropriately? what if I die in a car wreck on the way to the hospital? what if I don't lose any weight and then I'm a two-time failure (I'm a revision from lap band). what if I lose weight, look and feel great and then gain all the weight back? what if I get depressed because I can't eat crappy food anymore? what if all these other people who are successful have more conviction or willpower than me?" etc.

I've spent the past two years researching and planning and reading and preparing and I know in my heart that I'm ready and I'm sure my anxiety is nothing new to those who have already had surgery. And I know that I will be fine tomorrow, once I've had a chance to sleep on this wonderful news. I know that my anxiety and worry is just my inner negative thinking and the control freak in me not wanting to RELAX. But, I'll put those thoughts away and will be just fine soon enough. In the meantime I'm going to enjoy a wonderful Christmas with my beautiful family and do what I can to prepare myself mentally and physically for a successful surgery and my wonderful renewed life!!! It's so exciting to think that I'll start this new phase of my life in the new year!

If anyone has any advice, suggestions, tips, tricks, etc. that you can share with me as I prepare for surgery I would sure appreciate them! Especially things I should take to the hospital / leave at home, foods/drinks I should stock in the kitchen for when I get home, etc.

Thanks!
Cindy

[newyorkbitch]

Cindy do some searches here - there have been many posts that answer these questions.

Don't pick up your baby for at least 6 weeks after surgery.

[cindy1976]

Thank you! I know I've seen some suggestions as I've read posts over time so I'll search for those again, just never know if a recent patient has any other good advice.

Great advice on not picking up the baby! Fortunately, my husband is a very hands on dad (especially with his baby girl) and we've got a 12 year old son who loves to carry his baby sister around so I'll have lots of help there!

[OnMyWay2Thin]

Wow, when things move, they really move quickly! Everything you're feeling is normal. I actually canceled twice, thank goodness Dr. Greenbaum gave me a third chance. Life gets so much better as we lose size. The good feelings and confidence we develop more than makes up for the things we no longer eat. I munch on beef jerky, sweet and hot, and get my satisfaction there. It's loaded with protein.

My surgery was 5 1/2 months ago and I'm about 10-15 pounds away from my doctor's goal or about 30 from mine. I was also a lapband to DS revision, I was an open surgery. It's a little overwhelming at first but the vets on this board are amazing and give great advice. If you're unsure if something, ask, they've lived with the DS and know it best. Hang in there and realize the beginning is just a means to an end, it does get easier!

Good luck Friday,
Kelly

[cindy1976]

Thank you Kelly! I really appreciate the supportive words. It helps to know that others have have been in my shoes. Sounds like you are doing really well on the weight loss, hopefully I'll have similar results!

Unfortunately, right after I posted this the surgeons office called back to say I failed my cardiac stress test so we may need to cancel/reschedule surgery. Just one more twist on the crazy roller coaster ride for me. So now I'll be spending Christmas Eve at the cardiologist trying to pass another stress test so I can keep my surgery date. Wish me luck!

[Simba]

wow Monday to Friday that is some fast schedule, that is better than having to wait, and wait, and wait some more. Ok so Christmas Eve at the cardiologist, then maybe keep your date, hoping things go great for you, what a Christmas gift that would be

[Leonie]

Wow, keep us posted. I hope they won't have to postpone and that all will be well.

Please post pics of your baby. I must admit that I am terribly broody. (at the ripe age of 49)

[ms2mrsmyers]

Wow what a roller coaster ride! Good luck to you.

[cindy1976]

Thank you all for your encouragement and support! I passed my stress test and got cardiac clearance, had a wonderful Christmas and tomorrow is the big day! It still seems to good to be true. Can't wait to join the club!

And I will absolutely post pictures of my beautiful lady bug when I get home. We have three sons and she is our first girl so pictures of her are quite plentiful!

Can't wait to share the great news that my surgery was smooth and un eventful. Wish me luck!

[OnMyWay2Thin]

Good luck tomorrow, Cindy!!

Kelly

[cindy1976]

Thanks Kelly!

[historytracker]

Good luck on your surgery and I wish you have no post op complications.

[Simba]

today is the day, please post when you can. praying for a speedy and uneventful recovery

[west4thavenue]

Godspeed every step of the way! Please post ASAP so we know how you are doing!

[OnMyWay2Thin]

Sending prayers that surgery went smoothly and you are doing well!

Kelly

[Simba]

I know surgery was just today, but has anyone heard anything?

[cindy1976]

Hi all, thanks for all of the concern. Sorry for not posting sooner. I made it out of surgery without incident. Still in the feelibg like I got hit by a semi phase but getting better. I checked out of the hospital and am heading home right now (3.5 hour drive). Ill post more later, just wanted to give a quick update. Thanks again for the prayers, concern and well wishes!

[OnMyWay2Thin]

Glad everything went well. Wow, they are releasing you quickly, things must have gone perfectly!

Get some rest,
Kelly

[Leonie]

Rest well and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

Remember our mantra; Sip, rest and walk.

Keep a cup of liquid in your hand at all times and make sure you drink 64oz every single day.
It is your main job in life to look after yourself right now. Take it super easy.
Walk to the kitchen or the post box every couple of hours to keep the circulation going.

Ask any questions you have. We are here for you.