Surgery on Monday

Well I guess procrastination may as well be my middle name! After a year of trying to get my insurance (Tricare) to approve my surgery I was finally scheduled for gastric bypass on Monday march 26. After all this waiting and fighting w/the insurace I didnt think that I'd be this nervous about having this done, but sitting here with less than 2 days to go its really starting to hit me. Prayers for strength and courage would be appreciated :) As well as any advice or last minute helpful suggestions would be great, I dont know if theres anything special I should bring with me to the hospital or just the regular overnite kind of things? Well thanks in advance for any responses. God Bless Elisa

Congratulations and good luck! I just had my surgery on Tuesday, and I feel pretty good considering. As for the hospital, make sure you have your insurance card and photo ID plus anything else they need for check in. I wore to the hospital a losse outfit which I could also wore home since you will change into a gown and be that way until you are discharged. The basics you would take for a quick overnight are good and they might have some things there too. I also brought my ipod, puzzle books and something to read but never really did those so it's up to you. I did bring a pillow from home in a colored case for comfort and to put over my belly in the car ride home. Other than that you will be fine unless you have something special you like to do or want to bring. They just don't recommend anything valuable or any jewelry since you won't be able to wear it anyway. Mostly you will be doped up and sleepy or just taking care of yourself, so it will go by quickly. Good luck and post here to let us know how it goes!!! Sherry

Hey Elisa Congratulations! What a great way to start the week! ;) I loved having one of my own pillows from home with me in the hospital. I wore the hospital gown during my stay, but wore my own socks and a loose-fitting pair of supportive shoes (birkenstocks). My hair is a little long, so I brought a scrunchie to keep it up and out of my face. Toothbrush, hairbrush, deodorant, very loose fitting clothes to wear home. I asked the nurse for some baby wipes to help me feel a little cleaner after some of the initial bowel movements since I wasn't able to shower right away. I brought a book and some magazines, but didn't read any. I watched a lot of tv and visited with family and friends. Some people on the floor brought puzzles. Good luck and please keep us posted on your progress. You will do just fine! Nicole

I am having RNY Monday woohoo! If you have sleep apnea don't forget your cpap machine, any prescriptions that you take on a regular basis also, and yes, bring that favorite pillow too! Good Luck on your surgery and my prayers are with you for a speedy and successful recovery! Kathy V

Elisa- I felt like you too a day or 2 before the surgery. I got scared especially when my husband finally admitted to me that he was worried too. We talked about "why" I was having the surgery and I reminded him and myself that I needed this operation so I could save my life. I was 105 lbs overweight- on highblood pressure meds, diabetic, and had high cholesterol, foot problems, and basically felt like crap most of the time. We went to church the day before-we talked about what my wishes were if something happened and I told all of my family and especially my children how much I loved them. I know this sounds kind of dramatic and it was because this is a dangerous operation but despite all of that I knew that this was my answer that I had prayed about. I did not want to have a heart attack in my early 50's like my dad did and die in his early 60's. I want more out of life! So I went to the hospital- had the operation and have done very well! Please remember "why" you are at the surgery door and if it seems like the solution for you-go for it! There are plenty of folks on this site who have felt the way you are now and we are on the other side and doing well. God Bless you and I wish you the best of luck! PS- I had Tricare Prime. Valarie