Monday's the Big Day

Monday is the day my surgery is scheduled. I am soooooo very excited. I can hardly wait to start my new, healthier life. Please send lots of prayers my way to ensure that all goes well!!!!! Though I've never posted here before, I read the posts regularly and am truly inspired by all of you. Thanks!!!!

Prayer are coming your way. Many of us know the feeling of starting a new way of life. You will do great. Welcome to the boards and keep us posted on your progress. Ellen

Thanks so much - I really appreciate it.

Welcome, Cathy! So happy for your big day on Monday. Best wishes on this journey and get ready to enjoy the ride. Please post and let us know how you are doing. Dianne

Thank you - it's nice to be able to share with others who are experiencing the same things - many times my skinny friends just don't understand.

HELLO CATHY,HOW YA DOING SWEETIE.I PRAY YOU HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SURGERY AND A SPEEDY RECOVERY.ARE YOU HAVING IT DONE AT CHRISTINANA HOSPITAL?YOU NEED ANYTHING JUST GIVE A YELL OK.SENDING YOU BIG ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))).((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))).((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))).((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))).((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))).((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))).((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))).((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))).((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))).((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))).((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) TAKE CARE SWEETIE YOUR FRIEND BONNIE

Everyone is so kind - thanks very much!! I can hardly wait - I so want to be on the road to my skinnier, HEALTHIER self. I won't know how to act to be able to walk without pain. My cardiologist is already loving it because I've lost 27 lbs. to date in prep for the surgery and my blood pressure has already fallen. I am having the surgery Christiana - Dr. Irgau is the surgeon. My son is having trouble with all of this, but I know he's just scared. Just keep the prayers coming, and I'll be posting as time goes on!!! Thanks again everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HELLO CATHY DO YOU NEED ANYONE UP THERE WITH YOU AND DO YOU HAVE A ANGEL OR DO YOU WANT ONE OR WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ONE?YOUR FRIEND BONNIE

Hi Bonnie, My son and his girlfriend will be with me. I don't have an angel, and would love to have one. I'm really ready to go - wi**** were tomorrow!! That's weird huh, not too many people I know who actually look forward to surgery. I do have a question. Two days before the surgery I have to be on clear liquids, and two days after when I return home - what types of clear liquids do I need to be on then and do I need to add protein powder to them - or do you even worry about the protein those first couple days? I just don't want to screw up - I want to follow orders by the book!!!! I hope I can tolerate the skinny monkey shakes afterward because that's what I was hoping to have for breakfast every day. I love those things!!!!! When you took a bag to hospital, did you have to pack a gown? My Mom tells me I shouldn't because they want you to wear the hospital gowns, but I'm not too keen on walking around the floor with my hieny hanging out! Know what I mean!! I'd love to hear from anyone and everyone on their experiences. Thanks & have a great day!!!! ya'll Cathy

Don't bother packing anything but a chapstick. If they don't give you one, ask for a 2nd gown to use as a robe. You will be hooked up to a bunch of tubes and a heart monitor so you will have to have a gown with snaps on the shoulders. Even if you do flash the nurses, just remember that I flashed the entire floor before you! LOL so they've seen it before! Just remember to walk as much as you can, even when you don't feel like it. The first 24 hours you will have the magic button. Use it. You are allowed to pu**** every hour. Don't fret about having the drain tube removed. If you can find out when they are going to do it, just take some pain killer about 30 minutes before to relax you. It doesn't hurt, just feels REALLY wierd. Also do your breathing exercises every waking hour. Have bandaids (good ones) on hand at home. I had a box of cheapies and they irritated the skin on my belly. Also make sure you have some alcohol on hand at home for your 1st shower. The yellow stuff they paint your belly with for surgery is like concrete and soap does not remove it. Your first shower will feel like heaven! As for the clear liquids, I lived on chicken broth, fruit20, and water the 1st few days. Don't worry about the protein the first week, that will come later. Just worry about getting rid of that gas. I didn't meet my protein goals until about 2 weeks post-op. Oh and make sure you wear elastic waist pants or a MuMu to the hospital. They will be more comfortable for you to go home in. Also wear slide in shoes that you don't have to wear socks with. You don't feel like bending & tying something or putting on socks before you go home. I took baby wipes with my to clean up with before I got dressed to go home. That was a nice feeling. When you have to change your dressings, take the old dressing off in the shower, the water helps get the tape off. That's all I can think of. Good luck! Dee