Christa - I totally understand the nervousness. Mostly right now I'm overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation ... but that little feeling of nervousness is sitting there in the back of my mind too and I'm sure as my date gets closer it will creep closer to the front of the line. But this is a HUGE step we're taking, so being nervous seems normal, I think. Your experience of seeing post-op patients while they're recovering in ICU is a unique opportunity, I think. Because you've seen what the complications look like, you may be able to catch anything that happens to you a bit sooner because you've seen it in others firsthand. Your knowledge and experience is invaluable for your own surgery. Will you be having surgery in the same hospital where you work? Will you be taken care of by your fellow co-workers (special treatment :D)? We're all nervous. Its normal. But we're all in this together and we'll do great! Pam

John: Thanks for the advice. I also use FitDay and love it. I actually just use the online version - because I regularly access he site from different computers (work and home), the online version is perfect for me. I'm debating on upgrading my scale. The one I have is already digital, but I'd like one that reads my body fat percentage. I think this would be helpful when the pounds aren't coming off, but I'm building muscle/losing fat so I can keep track of the progress I'm making. Guess I need to price out the different type of scale and see if it's worth it. Another tool I plan to purchase is a program for my PDA called "On-Time Rx" - it's an alarm program that will remind me to take my meds or do other things. Such as when to stop drinking water 45 minutes before meals and when to take supplements throughout the day, etc. Isn't technology grand?! Pam

Hi Terri- I am on the Nov. surgery board also. I am looking forward to keeping in touch with my fellow surgery mates. Anytime we can share information, answer questions for each other and maybe calm some fears along the way- or at least give honest answers on what we went through, it may help someone. I am scheduled for the first on November. I don't have my time yet, but I do have a Whole LIST of instructions, and it is overwhelming. BUT, everything was explained in detail, the dietition will have a personalized date/timeline of when to progress from clear to full liqd's, when to add the vitamins or other meds, etc. I am not sleeping much, I think I have too much on my mind, all the wondering. Lots of others went before us, and more will continue down the road after us as well. Lets just keep the encouragement going, and 'pay it forward' as they say. I hope to hear from you soon, and as always be safe and healthy. sue

I really like Body Fortress. I get it from Wal-Mart for $12.97 for a 2 lb can, 30 servings, each with 23 g of protein. I use 1 scoop to i cup of FF milk, which makes it 35g. I love the vanilla, the chocolate has also been recommended to me. We have the same surgery date, good luck! Marissa

Hey Lynn Congratualtions to you!! And Happy Birthday! Too bad you're not having surgery at Barix Clinics...we could have kept each other company! Anne