Tips on before surgery & coming home

Hi. I have a date of April 30th for my gastric bypass with doctor Aranow. Starting to get really excited and nervous at the same time. Does anyone have some good tips on things that may help before surgery other than losing weight and exercising? I did get one tip for after surgery to wear a cotton t-shirt and than put the binder over the t-shirt. Thanks, Lisa

Hi Lisa: From looking at your profile page I would say that you stay close to a nutritionist to give you counsel on getting in all your protein with your special needs being a vegetarian. And coming from an emotional perspective... start talking to your body... letting it know what is about to happen. I talked to my body and promised that I would comply with all that was going to be asked of me post-op. I also thanked my body for hanging in there until I could find a solution to my weight issues. You have a fierce ally with Dr. A. This I have heard from his patients. Good luck with your journey. And know we are here for you. You will not be walking through the hospital doors alone. You will be taking the CT board right along with you! Towanda

Towanda, Thank you so much for the excellent advice. I really like the idea of talking to my body and preparing it. This really made me feel better and I will use your suggestions. I am happy to hear Dr. A is good which gives me more confidence in the surgery. I am taking a healing relaxation tape into surgery so I will have that playing in my headphones to relax me. Thank you for responding. Lisa

I love Towanda's advice about engaging in a dialogue with your body. This is one of the most exciting--and frightening--times of your journey. Try to stay calm and no matter how many questions you have, strive to get them answered. The more fully informed you are, the better your peace of mind. Dr. Aranow is my surgeon as well and I cannot speak more highly of him; I truly consider him the best in the business in Connecticut, perhaps the entire northeast. He not only is an extraordinary surgeon, he truly does have your best interest at heart. But know this is YOUR journey--your success, your life, your rewards. Surround yourself with caring, supportive people. Know that you are about to undergo major abdominal surgery and you will need to heal and rest and recover. Best of luck, Lisa, we're all here for you. M.

I loved Towanda's advice also. I will try and stay calm. : ) It always makes me feel better hearing how people really speak highly of Dr. Aranow. This was my first post and really did not know if anyone would respond. Well I was so happy to get both your and Towanda's support. It made me smile and feel so much better knowing people care and have been thru it. I have 2 more weeks to go and I am getting very excited. I just went to the class the nurses put on and I thought that was excellent. I can't wait to get my life back and be healthy and active. Take care. Lisa