59 Hours to Surgery, but who's counting

Liquids only and counting the hours. It is really amazing how quickly the last two weeks have flown by. I am Happy, Excited, Enthusiastic, Nervous, Anxious, Reflective, Eagerly anticiapating, energized and wound up like a top. I have made my list checked it a dozen times for packing for the hospital. I will be a minimalist - Lip Balm, Toothbrush Toothpaste, Brush, Pillow Underwear (and yes those lovely pads for when Aunt Flo decides to reappear this month) and Slippers. I'll wear home what I wear to get there. LOL I've stocked the shelves with fat free broths, SF Jello, Protein Powder. I've stocked the refrigerator with Protein shakes - Let's see what I still like post surgery. Still need to get some SF Popsicles - I guess I am not fully done with the shopping. I love to shop. I've got my Chewable Centrum, my Calcium Citrate and B-12 Sublingual. Plenty of Water and Tea. Now all I ask it the next hours go by as quickly as the last few weeks. Does anyone have any last minute words of wisdom, or suggestions for anything that will make my transition to the losers bench as easy as possible. I am all ears.... actually all eyes. Thank you all for your kind thoughts and words of encouragement. They have meant the world to me. May God Bless each and everyone of us, Lise

Congratulations and best wishes to you. How long have you been on the liquid diet? Did you cheat at all? I have surgery 2/10 and this is my 3rd day on liquid. I dont know if I am going to make it or not. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless, Joanne

Joanne: YOU CAN DO IT! Hang in there girl, it's worth the effort in the long run. Be well... Towanda

Hi Lise, I am SOOOOO happy for you. I can't wait to be in your shoes...I have 8 weeks before I can even have my pre-op with the new surgeon. Good luck and I'm sure you'll do FABULOUS. I'll keep my eyes open for your feedback and update when you join the loosing side. Good luck and may God be with you. Laurie

Sounds like you are prepared and ready to go. The time is going to fly by and you'll be on the losers bench so soon. Best advice that I can give you is of course to walk, walk, walk as much as you can in the hospital. It really does help you feel better. Best wishes to you, Maggie

Hi Lise; It seems to me that you are really as prepared as you can be. I think that you'll find that the time remaining flies by and you'll be on the "other side" before you know it. For me the last few days were gone in a flash. I also noticed that I became strangely calm the last day or two before surgery. I think that by then I had run all of my demons through their paces and let God and my very talented surgeon take over. After weeks of nervousness, I was totally at peace by the time I entered the hospital. I hope that it works this way for you and you go into this relaxed and confident. I send you my best wishes for trouble- free surgery and speedy recovery into the Losing Zone. Take care and be well. Mike

Lise: You'll do great. This is the beginning of a whole new life. You've got the best doctor, in my opinion, and a lot of post-op support. May God bless you as you start this exciting new chapter in your life. I'll see you at the support group, Next meeting is Tuesday 2/22 Good luck and all the very best, Bob 15 months p/o, -145lbs

Oh my god! Are you me? I swear I think I am going to be the same way when the time comes. Hee Hee Many thoughts and prayers with you for your surgery. Keep us posted! xoxo, Phyllis

Lise: One more thing I would add to your list of what to bring to the hospital is a back scratcher. But not to scratch your back with, but as an extended arm! It helped me greatly to be able to reach things on the bedside table. You sound like you are well prepared for your return home. You will be in the very best of hands with Dr. Ehrlich. He will take good care of you. And know that we at OH and FCB will be there for you when you return home and eventually come to a support group meeting. "Be there or be square!" 2005 should prove to be a wonderful and changing year for you! See you around the campfires! Towanda Strong WAS / AM / GOAL 237 / 164.5 / 137 ---- BMI: 32.2 ---- (-72.5 lbs.) ---- LAP RNY 7/6/04

The best advice I got about what to get for when I got home from the hospital is a PAIR of TONGS and a box of Baby Wet Wipes (I got Stop and Shop brand-cheap) These tongs came in SO HANDY when I couldn't reach to wipe myself! I would wrap the wet wipe around the tongs (don't get the kind with the sharp edges!) and would be able to wipe myself without hurting myself! I only needed them for a week or so, but was SO HAPPY I had them! I recommend them to everyone! Best wishes and don't forget to keep us posted! Ann t