Does it seem "real" yet?

I know some of you are scheduled early in the month, so it probably seems very real to you by now... but I'm on the 14th, so to me it still feels "out there" and just not quite real yet.... I had my pre-op teaching class today, where they go over how to do the 2-week liquid diet, etc (I start mine on Oct 31) and that sort of made it sink in a little (will probably sink in a little more on Halloween night when I'm trying to melt my kid's candy over the jackolantern in the hopes that will make it count as a "liquid") Ok, kidding... but I totally understand you guys who have mentioned how your emotions are going all over the place. I'm not freakign to the point where I'm in danger of running out into traffic in my skivvies...(trust me, that would not be a positive experience for anyone involved) ...but I am really all over the place emotionally... between being convinced I won't make it through the surgery, to not even being worried, to wondering if I need to get a will made out, to thinking I'm over-reacting, to wondering if I'm really doing the right thing (even tho I believe I am) to wondering when the men in little white coats are going to show up and wrestle me into a straightjacket... Yes, I'm exaggerating... the biggest thing is that it still just doesn't seem real to me... and I'm a little scared, but not too scared but... (there I go again) ... geeesch! ...if I'm already like this, what am I going to do when it does finally hit me? I just hope it happens on a light traffic day... Marilyn

Marilyn, I know how you feel. Mine is still a whole month away, so most days it does not seem real yet, other days I go back and forth with my emotions. Although, anytime you have surgery it is a good idea to at least have an advanced directive done up. There are programs for your computer so you can do your own, or you can just write down your wishes (in the event you needed life support) and have it notorized. I had one done when I had my tubes tied. I take a copy with me anytime I got in for surgery. It is never a bad idea to have one. Something could happen any day, not just with the surgery. Try to keep a level head and stay calm. You will make it through with flying colors. Shawn M.

Marilyn, I am having my surgery on 11/13, and I feel the same way as you!!!! One minute I am worried and the next minute I'm in LaLa land! I think it really hit me with that nutrition class. I am petrified of the pre-op diet. Am I alone in this???? How do people handle TWO weeks of Atkins shakes alone?? Am I gonna be able to handle this? I am constantly battling these things within my head...yes, you'll be able to handle it; no, this is going to actually kill you....... I think it will completely hit us when we've actually had it done.

M - You are sooo not alone. I feel the same way. My husband is not supportive of the surgery... which has made this decision even harder. He thinks that I am weak because I cant simply diet. I know that I will need this group for support in the next 3 weeks and probably even more after the surgery!

I'm soooo sorry to hear about your husband's lack of support! This whole thing is hard enough, I can't imagine how much harder it must be for you. Please do keep coming back for support! We understand why you "can't simply diet". Grrrrrrrr.... (to him!) (((hugs to you))) Marilyn

I have to add something that makes this all so more surreal to me right now. As I read everyone's posts and see what type of pre-op measures everyone has to take I can't believe I only have a two day liquid diet pre-surgery. I see some of you have two weeks, etc....all I can say is WOW and I feel blessed that mine is only two days. Of course these days my stomach is in knots so I'm not getting in as much as I would like just trying to get everything ready. I think it will hit me the weekend before as I have so much going on to really sit and think about it! Michelle

It sometimes surprises me at just how different each program is... I've seen where others don't have to do ANYTHING pro-op except drink a bottle of poop-juice (can't remember what it's called) the night before. It was explained to us (for our program) that we need to do the 2 weeks of liquids in order to 1) shrink the liver but also, 2) there's a psychological element to prepare us for "goodbye food" and 3) help the body not be in shock when suddenly deprived of food after surgery. But obviously people are successful no matter their Surgeon's program, there must not be a "gold standard" pre-op ritual, or you would think every surgeon would adopt it... Anyway... the closer we get, the more "real" it will become... you ARE lucky to only have 2 days of liquid.. I'm NOT looking forward to those two weeks. I just thought of something.. maybe the 2 weeks is to "torture" us so by the time our surgery date rolls around, we'll agree to anything just to make it stop!!!

Marilyn, You have hit the nail on the head !!! As I'm bringing up the rear on the 29th it feels like it won't ever happens sometimes !! Then I tell myself that's just next month. But I've got to say that I love your humour with all this Huggs & Blessings, Lori

Hi lori, my date is also the 29th---here in michigan---I'm haveing the gas/sleeve what type are you having?? Marie

Hi Marie, WooHoo another one on the 29th.... I don't feel so alone now I'm having the open RNY. It's the one I picked but, it made me feel so much better when my surgeon agreed with me. Lets keep in touch with how were doing Huggs & Blessings, Lori