HELLO I'M NEW AND SURGERY SCHEDULED 19 NOV 04...

Just did preop 19 Oct. I'm 58 years old and thought why not. I'm tired of the fat. I want to tuck my blouses in!!! But I am so nervous. I know its not going to be a walk in the park. I'm getting open Y at Bariatrix Center PA, Dr. Marymor. I have been really reading and getting alot of answers to my questions from this site. Also, gave me some ideas on questions I asked the other day which in turn gave me some good info. I've had 4 C-Sections, Gallbladder/appendenctomy, Fractured right ankle surgery. Gallbladder/appendectomy was open and a nightmare of pain;in the 80s they didn't have laproscopic. I think this will probably like the gallbladder one. Anybody can give me an idea of pain; sort of like getting hit by a truck???!!! I just want to be prepared. Especially since the ride is 2 hours away and we only stay in hospital from fri and out monday. Also, anyone from near Milton DE who has had the surgery. Or someone nearby I can talk to who has had the surgery. I'm taking all kinds of notes. I weigh 260 lbs and am 5'5". My joints are killing me and so are my feet and back. I've been fighting this battle for years and it finally caught up with me about 12 years ago and since then I gained 100 lbs. ITs awful. I quit smoking 6 years ago and also am postmenapausal so I have no metabolism whatsoever. I have gotten some emails from people and its really helped me alot. Would love to hear from anyone who can relate. Thanks for listening and email me anytime.

Hi Nancy Welcome to the boards. And congrats! Can't say I can help you, as I had lap RNY 7 weeks ago. No pain to speak of (ok minor initial pain..but VERY minor). I too have had several surguries and this was no worse than any other that I've had. I'm 5'5" and was 240 at the time of surgery. I have not taken any BP meds since leaving the hospital. I have both RA & OA and have had fewer joint aches since the 1st 20 lbs came off! I love Milton - what a sweet little town. I actually used to have a trailer just down the road in Sweet Briar (on Red Mill Pond). Not close enough to be coffee buddies, but only an email away! Best of luck in your journey, Valerie

Welcome Nancy. Just a quick question please. Did you hear about Bariatrix Ctr first or were you reccommended by another? When I was looking into WLS, my Primary Doc referred me to CHRIAS, which is in Christiana, near the hospital. I live north Wilmington and was within 15 miles of the hospital, all the many Dr's, the Nutritionist, PMRI. Once I met with the Dr's and went to my 1st support meeting I made my decision and have not regretted it one minute. Support is soooooo important to me. I think my success is due to the support of my family, friends, my new friends on Obesityhelp and of course Dr Irgau & Dr Wynn & Brett who did the surgery Laproscoplically. I had an umbilical hernia 4 yrs ago, which hurt terribly. This surgery was a piece of cake in comparison of that. Meds in the hospital, but none needed after I got home. BP, cholesterol, sleep apnea are normal and no meds needed now. I have had a few bumps along the way, but with help from my support group and Dr's, I've breezed through them. My health & quality of life has turned around 99%. I exercise regularily and feel so energized. I no longer feel 80 ish. I was 55 in May and have lost 126 lbs since January 29th, my highest weight was 356 lbs. Still have a ways to go. I went from a 5X to size 16W slacks. Please try to keep a positive attitude and stay focused on your goal to become healthy and you'll be successful too. Good luck & God Bless. Keep us posted on your journey. I hope to give back the support I was given, so if you have any questions or concerns please ask a friend, and I'll answer. Elissa

Hi Nancy and welcome! Linda

Nancy, Welcome and congratulations on starting your journey. About the pain, I had a C-Section a couple of years back, and to be honest, the RNY Lap was a little harder! BUT, I also had hernia surgery at the same time, and it is my understanding that it was the real source of my discomfort, rather than the bypass. With the C-Section, I really didn't have any real pain ... I think I only took one or two pain pills afterwards. With the RNY/hernia repair, they put a pump on me and I used it. It was not unmanageable though. However, my ride home from the hospital was really hard on me (about an hour I believe). But I didn't get released from the hospital until real late so I had already had a long day. I hit the pain pump right before they disconnected it and I did use my pain meds when I got home that first night. I think there was a couple of other times that I took another dose. Was real glad to have it that first night. Make sure you have a pillow available in your vehicle for your trip home. I also used a recliner at home for the first week or so. Pre-op I slept on my left side, and that was next to impossible for me for a while after surgery. So for me the recliner really helped. Sure hope all goes swift and smooth as you approach your surgery date. In the interim, keep reading the profiles, researching the surgery and record your progress to help you in the months to come. You have found a wonderful place to hang out. This message board is simply full of wonderfully, helpful and supportive people. Hugs, Tammy

Thanks for the support. I needed that. Keep in touch. It helps. I love this site it has helped me alot. I have had hundreds of different emotions. I worry about the diet. I eat so much and love so much and I know its wrong but I do it anyway. I have to practice sipping and breathing these next weeks and some other things. Its really starting to make me nervous now but after reading all the replies here I feel so much better. thanks again

Welcome, Nancy Dianne