HI RENEE, I AM DUE TO HAVE SURGERY NEXT TUESDAY MORING 24TH. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO OFFER HERE MINE IS ALSO GONNA BE OPEN. ANY COMMENTS YOU HAVE WOULD BE HELPFUL.GETTING A BIT NERVOUS HERE. PATRICIA MOORE

Dee, I too am having surgery on the 30th at 9 a.m. The days have been going by very quickly but i am anxious to get to the other side. I will be praying for all of us that day bright and early!! God bless and best of luck to a good recovery with little or no Pain lol!! (its a nice thought tho isnt it?) Take Care and talk to you on the losing side.. In my thoughts and prayers, sandy

Thanks everyone, I got home on Monday AM (16th). No complications, no vomiting. Everything went fine. (Open RNY). Still can believe I had the fortitude to go through with this. Hang in there Pre-ops; so far the week before surgery was worse than the week after. 5 days & post-op and down 14 lbs. No pain killers except TYLENOL since the hospital. You CAN do it. Luv, Renee

I wish you much luck on the 30th. I'm having mine the 23rd. Before long the waiting will be but a memory. Good luck!!!

Bonna, My surgery was 6/3/02. Initially after the surgery, I said "what have I done???" I was in pain and very, very weak. Today, I will say I'd do it over in a heartbeat. I don't know your age but I had a hysterectomy when I was 35 y.o. and recovered quickly. I had the same expectations with this surgery and had to keep reminding myself that I am 50 y.o. and recouperation will take longer for me. Also, remember that each patient is different and we all use many different doctors with different protocols such as post-op diets, supplements, etc. so try not to compare. I, for example still have a hard time eating chicken due to its density but most patients seem to have no problem with chicken. I still can only eat very small meals yet some of my friends can eat a lot more. Some doctors have their patients drinking protein supplements before the surgery and for 2-3 weeks post-surgery. Try to relax and look forward to your new body. There are a lot of things that are recommended to bring to the hospital: a portable fan (you can buy battery operated ones if the hospital won't let you brinh an electrical fan) A fan is wonderful because the morphine which is usually given for pain causes profuse sweating and a fan is a godsend!! Also, some scented body wipes to wipe your face with. If a friend or family member can stay with you, that can be helpful. My hospital stay was terrible---I was brought regular jello instead of sugar-free, apple juice, a no-no, etc, The nurses were too busy to help me bathe myself or even give me a basin. Thank God that my daughter (who happens to be a nurse and knew when an IV infiltrated and needed to be restarted)who acted as my advocate. She knew that fans were kept on the floor and made them go check for availability when told "we don't have anymore." Sure enough, they gave me one. Ah, heaven! My daughter also gave me a head to toe sponge bath that I badly needed, changed my sheets and put a fresh gown on me. I don't mean to paint a bleak picture and tthis is only my experience. Still, all in all, I'd do it again!!! Nancy S.