Surgery in one week...

Today is my last day of solid food. Tomorrow I start the 7 day liquid diet. This whole experience has been rather surreal up until now. Every time I think about the surgery my stomach flips. Butterflies. I have my pre-op appointment at New Britain General on Friday. My husband and I are going to Outback for dinner tonight for prime rib and I am not looking forward to it. That NEVER happens. I am nervous about the surgery itself but I do remember that once that stuff goes in (anesthia, sp?), you wake up in what seems like minutes. I am more nervous about post op care. I don't want to mess this up. I want to follow the doc's orders to a T. I want to WANT to exercise. I want to be physically beautiful again. I want to be healthy and energetic again. I am keeping my eyes on the prize. I just needed to ramble a bit.... I will be fine. I know I am making the right decision. I had a breast reduction when I was 17. It is the same mentality. It was the right thing for me to do even though it hurt. How relieved I was after it was all done. To this day, if I had to do it again I would. Thank you wonderful folks for listening to me ramble. I will keep everyone posted!!! Sue

Hi Sue, Everything you're feeling is totally normal...Just flow with it. Try to walk a lot and get a lot of calorie free fluids in during your liquid stage. You'll do great post op. If you have it in your mind that you're going to follow it to a TEE, then you're going to do great! It's baby steps and that's why they have you start out in stages...one step at a time. If you're in doubt, just email me or post and we'll be more than willing to help out the best we can! Good luck if I don't get to wish you well for next week. Paula

Thanks so much Paula. I gotta say, I enjoy your posts and I think you really know your stuff. I am greatful for that. I'm glad you are here. I know I sound like I am gushing to you, but honestly, you cyber *****slapped me (said with the upmost respect) one time about my eating constantly and you really put the situation into perspective for me. I can't thank you enough for that. You rock, lady.

Sue, Just wanted to wish you the very best of luck on the liquid diet. I also will be praying for you on your surgery date (5/1/07). Much good luck and God Bless you. If you need to talk email me and I will get back to you. Kathi

Big ole' MUAH goin' out to Kathi sue

Sue, You will be fine. You can get through this. The rewards from using this new tool you will be getting are so many and well worth the time and effort used in getting to this point. Stay focused on your goals and take each day at a time and stay the path while following your doctors postop plan. You will succeed. All the best on your journey. Sher

Sher, Thanks so much for the vote of confidence. I am just about to drink my first Impact Advanced Recovery (vanilla) now. It is day 1 of the liquid diet. One drink at a time, right? My boss is a psychiatrist and he has a good quote for the occasion- "It is only when you take your eyes off the prize do you see the obstacles". Thanks so much for you well wishes. I will keep you posted. sue

Sue, you sound ready and motivated. You will be fine. We're here for you. Hugs, Maureen

Thank you for your kind words, especially during this hard time with losing Sophie. I really do appreciate it. Hugs, Sue