Received surgery date - now what

I was finally approved by Cigna and now have a date for RNY bypass on May 21. I have pre-op appointments with surgeon, hospital, and endoscopy for next week. I know there are a bunch of things I need to get done before the surgery and want to get organized. Does anyone have suggesions around this? What kinds of things did you do around the house/family/work? Thanks, Brian

Congrats, Brian, what great news for you! I would treat this like any other major abdominal surgery; plan to take a good 2-3 weeks to recouperate and rest, easing into a more normal routine. Talk to your surgeon and his/her staff about what you should stock up on at home - plenty of high quality protein powder for shakes, or the ready-made stuff, SF jello (I'm on a jello kick today!), SF popsicles, your vitamins and supplements. As for your family, make sure they understand you need their support and that this new territority is going to feel a bit strange for everyone at first. Just be sure to check in with your surgeon who will best guide you on all things pre- and post-surgery. Stay in touch, we're here for you! Who is your surgeon? Best, M.

Thank you. My surgeon is Denise Barajas. My family have been involved from the beginning. My wife went to the pre-op session with me last week. My children are 6 and 12 years old so their understanding varies and I don't want to scare them at all. Thanks again, Brian

Like you, I involved my family from the get-go; my kids were very scared but their fears were put to rest when I took them both--and my husband--to a support group meeting at Middlesex Hospital. At the time, my daughter was 16, my son was 9. They listened to everything everyon shared, and when we got home that evening, they both expressed that they felt much better about my impending surgery. You might want to take your family to a meeting sponsored by your surgeon or her hospital. If you remain calm and confident about a wonderful, positive outcome, they will feel better. Best of luck, Brian! Please let us know how everything goes - I'm not familiar with your surgeon, what hospital will you be at? M.

Thanks again, I'll be at st Raphaels in New Haven. Brian

Hi Brian, Woohoo, we have the same surgery date just different hospitals, doctors and procedures. I'm having lap band. Have you got someone to mow the lawn for you? Nothing makes my husband crazier than watching the grass grow when there is not a thing he can do about it. Let people help you! You will feel better and they will feel good too. Everybody needs a little help sometimes - like bariatric surgery. LOL. Best of luck. You'll be up and around in no time. When you look back from a year down the road this will be a speck of sand compared to the health rewards you will receive. Here's another Eleanor Roosevelt quote: Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. Make yourself happy by reaching your goal. Bev