Hi December Friends

I am new to this board, I was supposed to have my surgery on Halloween, but had to reschedule due to a severe drug allergy rash that covered my body. The rash seems under control now, and I am hoping it doesnt come back. I am so afraid of getting sick again and having to cancel. It was very disappointing waiting so long for the date and then having to change it. I am optimistic and just wanted to say Hi to all the Decembers. I am having the surgery on 12/4, my real birthday is 12/5, so I plan a long birthday from here on in. Is anyone dieting before hand, I am having a hard time. My husband thinks I should be dieting, but I still want to eat while I can. Is that wrong? I was so revved up before 10/31, but now I am waiting again, and I am having a hard time denying myself. Anyone else having this problem? Thanks Jeri

Hi Jeri! Welcome to the December board! Sorry your original date got delayed, but we're happy to have you here with us! I'm scheduled for 12/6, right after you. And yes, I am definitely struggling with the food right now too. I did great losing the 5% (insurance prerequisite) and as soon as I met the requirements and got my approval I have had a real struggle with the 'last supper' syndrome. "It's the last time I'll have ______, so it's ok." I have finally gotten myself back on track and am back down to the 5%. I keep reminding myself that I am not doing myself any favors by reinforcing my bad habits before going into surgery. But, I know that this is such a short period of time (can you believe how quickly our surgeries are approaching) and I am not going to beat myself up about it... I'll just do my best, knowing that I will have my new stomach and my wonderful support system to help me after the surgery. Take care- Sue

Hi Jeri, I wanted to welcome you to the board. I have also rescheduled my surgery. But I'll pray for you and that you stay well until your surgery. I'm dieting. I drink two protein shakes a day and have one "regular meal". Good luck! Joanne

Hi Jeri, Hope you are still feeling well. I share your fear of getting sick before surgery! Everybody I work with seems to have a bad headcold and I'm taking Airborn every day to try to stay healthy. I've been sort of dieting for the last few months...I have a protien bar for breakfast at 3 a.m., a cup of Kashi Go Lean at 9 a.m. and for my lunch I have 3 oz. tuna and a yogurt. Then when I get home from work in the afternoon I pretty much eat anything I want and try to avoid sweets. I've lost 15 pounds this year doing that which isn't much but it is at least something. Being a vbg patient, I'm used to the small, frequent meal thing but will probably have a tough time like everybody else getting used to those 1 oz. portions post-op. The week before surgery I plan to go on protien shakes to shrink my liver and my surgeon requires two days of clear liquid before surgery. That is going to be the extent of my hard dieting pre-op. The only things I've felt I needed to say goodbye to are sweets, but I've been trying to do that all year so it doesn't seem so final right now. Molly

Hi! I am having my surgery on Dec. 11th. I am in Lawrenceburg but having surgery in Nashville. I noticed you are in Hermitage, who is your surgeon? I was planning on having laproscopic rny but found out on the 1st that I have to have open due to a previous surgery so I know about disappointments with the surgery. I also understand about dieting as I too am wanting to enjoy my favorite "bad" foods before the surgery. I am going to do a full liquid diet for the last few days before surgery to drop a few pounds but my surgeon only requires me to do two days of pre-op liquids.