Little Bit Terrified

I see Dr. Birch this morning at 11am to discuss the results of my scope and surgery.

Add nerves from this appointment, to PMS, and Halloween treat regrets.  I'm terrified, emotional and weepy.  Nice hey?

I'm scared it will be difficult, or he'll have some hard questions and I'd be lucky if I have ONE brain cell working today after Halloween madness and PMS. 

I'm even having that terrified "eek I want to have surgery - no i don't" dance back and forth in my head.   I know I don't have a magic wand and I'll never lose the weight I need to, to live the life I want to live...If I don't take a chance on myself and this tool (VSG) that can help me.  I'm scared of surgery, I'm scared not to have surgery.  I want to be healthy!  GAhhhh!!! 

Tough emotional day for me.  THanks for letting me vent!

xo
Dreena

(will report back later)...

Dreena, I soooo get where you are coming from.  I've been having that surgery dance too...and I'm no where near as close to it as you are.  You are very positive and you know you have put a lot into this process already.  Go through the "hoops" :) and just relax.  There is a huge support group here for you. 

Let us know how the appt goes....

Hey Dreena,
Good luck at your appointment today. I know exactly how you feel. Just try to take it one day at a time... I think the whole process at that clinic actually gives you time to get ready physically, mentally, psychologically. Just deal with today, and by the time it really rolls around you will feel more excited/ ready for it. I was really nervous a few weeks before. But they take care of you, and your body changes so quickly, and it is amazing how the body can heal.
~mtrai

HI!!

I'm back from the clinic.

I was down a couple of pounds (despite my pms! hah!).

I'm approved for surgery and I've signed the papers for laparoscopic vertical gastrectomy (sleeve).  Wow. 

So i have registered for two (mandatory) classes (preparing for surgery and maintaining the change?)   and have appts booked for February with my nurse and NUT.

Surgery could be around February some time.  Happy birthday to me!

I'm so happy and so scared I could cry.
I have actually already...in the kitchen with my husband!  LOL!

I ran into Dawn and Alex at the clinic, it was nice seeing Dawn again (since highschool) she look fab.  Didn't see her when I left, but I'll see you all on MOnday at the EBSG meeting (with my hubby and some hoops to take for a spin!).

My scope was fine, lining of stomach looked good, all was well.  No issues.  Slight inflammation where there 'may' be the occasional reflux? But he did not indicate any treatment or concern about the findings.

I do not have to do a liquid diet pre-op.   Anyone else NOT have to do one with Dr. Birch?   Do I just have a gorgeous liver?  Is this just his normal routine? 

Looking forward to a new leg of my journey. 

xo
Dreena

Awesome New Dreena.
I actually got to meet Dawn and Alex last Monday when I was at the clinic. It's alway nice to put a face to the names.
I also didn't have to do a pre-op liquid diet, hense the 5 days notice before my surgery. I too had a mix of emotions when it came to getting approved. I didn't know whether to laugh, cry or jump up and down.
Cheers to 2011 and all the wonderful things it will hold.

Kee.

Uh oh.  So why all of a sudden is my mother asking questions about:

safety of surgeon
safety of surgery
track record of surgeon

Anyone else have someone be supportive beforehand and laid back, then all of a sudden kind of 'stirring the pot' a bit?

I know she means well, but where were these questions MONTHS ago?

I don't know if I have answers for her except that yes many people have had this exact surgery, with this exact doctor and that I'm confident in the programs and care that the RAH and Weight Wise are providing their patients.

sigh. 

d

Got to love family.  When I told my GP that Dr Birch was doing my surgery she told me he was one of the best.
My understanding is he has a very good track record but then they aren't going to tell you otherwise.
I am going for surgery in two weeks and am now starting to freak.  I also didn't have to do the liquid diet.  Dr Birch gave me the impression he doesn't beleive in it.  My nut said sometimes it has to do with body shape as well.  Guess we for once have the right body shape lol.
I thin****il it is all over we are going to keep question ourselves and feeling unsure.
Good luck and I hope you get your date soon,  they phone at the end of each month.

Congrates.. Im sure you will be an roller coaster of emotions .. It's fairly normal.. It's nice to see you have a supportive hubby.. that is half the battle.. As for your family they just maybe are curious??? I would give them Dr Birch's name and look on line.. He is an amazing surgeon.. He was the first Dr in Alberta to use the Robotic Arm for surgery.. At the RAH. He was brought here from Ontario and has lots of information on line. When you go to the clinic or are aound there.. They have a book by the elevator that has an article about him..


Im looking forward to meeting you Monday and learning about the hoops.. I was told about them with weights in them?? are they the same ones.. Be glad you don't have to do the LD .. :-)   I found that its a hit and miss..
 
Some say its a blessing when  you have surgery to do it prior some say its a pain.. I know for me personallty Im glad i did but am more glad I dont have to do it any more.. From  March to Aug.. was a very long time..

Glad u got the approval again..


Karen

Hi Karen,

Thanks for the information about Dr. Birch, wow, I didn't realize he was such an accomplished surgeon.  This is really exciting! 

As for the hoops, they are 'weighted' simply because of the materials that my husband uses to build them.  Toy store hoops are about 3-6oz  and the hoop that I currently use is 2.5lbs.  It is really quite amazing, you don't even realize that you are moving something so heavy across your body!  (but it sure helps pump the cardio and tone and strengthen.  I'm so much stronger and more flexible now that I hoop.  Anyways...all that aside I will answer any questions and can't wait to have fun with you all and meet you!

I'm glad I got approved too.  So very happy.

Dreena

when are your 2 pre opp clases
mine are nov 18th i think and dec 17 .. somewhere around there.

i just went and got my family doctor to fill out my medical form :) .... my scope is on the 12th.

how come u had to do ur scope first?

So glad everything went well..

IM SOOO JEALOUS OF YOU.... i have to have a 3 week liquid diet.. UGHGHGHUGHGU

sarah