PRE- SURGERY JITTERS

So the surgeon who is performing the endoscopy repair to my stoma called on Friday to discuss the procedure. He clarified that my pouch is actually of good size, with only a small amount of stretching but still well within normal "pouch" size. So he will not be doing anything to the pouch. He will be closing the stoma opening from 31 to 10 - the size it was supposed to be right after gastric bypass - there is no way of knowing for certain if my stoma has always been too large, or if it has dilated these past 4 years. But he said he suspects that it was too large to begin with because (1) I've had serious malabsorption issues from the get-go; and (2) the pouch would be enlarged as well if it was a result of eating huge amounts of food too quickly. I admit to some grazing, and you all know my problems with M&M's - but I do not binge anymore. My worry is that this "repair" will not be enough to get me back on track in losing what I've gained, and then maintaining. I was 157 this a.m. Six months ago I was 145, and had maintained that weight for two years. It just keeps creeping up and up. I will have to do the same diet as gastric bypass - two weeks of nothing but liquids (protein shakes, SF jello, broth, that's about it) - I just can't imagine being able to do it if I don't feel that same sense of restriction and total loss of hunger. So, the Guinea Pig is posting some concerns that mostly have to do with my feelings of failure. I want to do right by this - so that I can do right by you. If this works and fixes the issues, it might be a good shot for some of you as well. I'll keep you posted. Love you guys, and WHERE'S JOY??? Maureen P.S. My surgery is April 16.

Maureen, I don't think I've got the nerve to do it again!! But, I will sure be praying for you. I will be there for you anyway I can. You're a strong person and I know you can do this. Love ya, Judy

I am SO proud of you. You had a problem, took the bull by the horn so to speak and having yourself taken care of. I still have a problem wrapping my mind around you feeling like a failure. NONE of this was your fault. Did YOU make your stoma bigger than it was supposed to be??!! With the smaller stoma, you probably will feel a sense of restriction and loss of hunger. As I told you before, you did everything you were supposed to do. You followed the rules, kept your weight down and did what you were told. You are going to be just fine....our strong brave Maureen. Keep on keeping on..... Love, Joanie

You know you're going to be fine. You're a tough cookie and you've got us behind you every step of the way. The good news is that this is an endoscopic procedure so you won't have any serious down time other than the restricted diet. Big hugs and lots of love, Connie

Who has been the leader of this pack? Reenie that is who............You will do very well. You know what you need to do and you will do it. As others have said, I wish I had the nerve to do it again...not sure what I would do. My prayers are with you.

You are are rock around here!! You will be just fine & just maybe after this is done, you won't be able to eat that sugar stuff anymore. Ya no how it was in the beginning, hopefully it will go back & you won't be able to tolerate those M&M's anymore. Good Luck Ladybug Marilyn