More questions???

I am having my surgery in Ocala yet I live in Tallahassee, are there any support groups here? And for those who have lost the weight, I know that we may or may not have extra skin, but what about our breast, mine already droops (TMI) will they get progressively worse or will some of the skin shrink with keeping the saggage to a minimum. Is there anything in particular I should pack for the hospital stay? Oh and it says that I will have a tube in my nose, will I be able to get up an walk around? Is there a site where I get the schedule for eating and drinking or does the doc. give me that? Thank you and God Bless Debbie aka bubbleebrunette

Debbie, There are 2 support groups in Tallahassee.  We have a Yahoo online support group, [email protected]  We are open to all regardless of surgeon or surgery type.  Most members have had RNY gastric bypass but some have had DS and more lapbanders are joining now that we have a local surgeon doing Lap Band.  I am one of the moderators for this group. To join our group all you have to do is go to Yahoo and register if you're not already a member of Yahoo.  If you're already a Yahoo member, just add our group to your group list.  In addition to the online support we meet twice a month.  We meet at a local restaurant, usually on Tues, Wed. or Thurs. of the 2nd week of the month (6:30-8:00 pm).  The restaurant location & week night vary each month in order to make it more convient for all members.  We also meet on Saturday morning, 10:30 am - noon, usually on the 3rd Saturday of each month, at a members home.  After you join online, you'll receive the automatic meeting reminders informing you of meeting times & locations.  Although we have online support it is usually a fairly quiet group so you won't be bombarded with tons of e-mail messages.  You can even sign up for "digest" so your messages come in "batches" instead of individual messages.  Also, your support system, family and friends, are welcome to come to meetings.  We often have spouses & others at our dinner meetings. The Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Bariatric Center sponsors a group that meets once a month, usually the first Thursday 6:00-8:00 pm, at the TMH Diabeties & Bariatric Center on Capital Circle near Centerville Rd.  (across from Famous Dave's BBQ).  You're welcome to attend their meetings even if you didn't have your WLS at TMH.  A dietician & nurse lead these meetings and they try to have guest speakers about every other month.  Many of us that are members of wls_tallahassee also attend the Bariatric Center meetings. I hope I'll see you at a meeting soon! Vickie J

Debbie, Oops - I forgot to answer your other questions.  Here are MY suggestions but as always, check with your surgeon. Is there anything in particular I should pack for the hospital stay? ~~~  You won't need much - a robe & slippers for walking the halls, toiletries (toothbrush & paste, hairbrush, etc) and my favorite - Chapstick!!  Because you aren't in the hospital long you probably won't take a shower but maybe a "birdbath".  The hospital gives you soap etc. but you can bring your own if you'd like.  I took something to read but I wasn't really alert enough to do much reading.  Wear something soft & loose to hospital, you can wear the same outfit home.  Don't forget slip on shoes b/c it is hard to bend over to get into & tie shoes.  Also, since you're have surgery out of town, bring lots of pillows for the ride home, especially a small one that you use under your seatbelt.  A light blanket may make the ride more comfortable, too.  Oh - it also is a good idea to bring something you can seal, like a large butter or Cool Whip carton, in case you get queasy / sick on the ride home. Oh and it says that I will have a tube in my nose, will I be able to get up an walk around? ~~~  If I had a tube in my nose, it must have been during surgery & was removed before I woke up.  Some surgeons do put in a G-tube.  This a tube in your abdomen that allows you to put protein directly into your stomach.  It is usually removed after a few weeks.  My surgeon doesn't do this but I'm not sure what Dr. Overcash does.  Is there a site where I get the schedule for eating and drinking or does the doc. give me that ~~~  Your surgeon will give you eating instructions.  My advice is to follow your surgeon's recomendations to the letter!  The more compliant you are with his guidelines, the better you'll do.  Every surgeon does things a little bit differently but since you chose YOUR surgeon for his expertise follow his plan.  Anything you read or hear from others, including me, is based on our expeience but we're not doctors so keep that in mind.  Your surgon should be your primary source of information. Good luck with your surgery!  I'm saving you a seat on the loser's bench!!  You'll be there before you know it so hang on, it is a wild ride but sooooo worth it!!! Vickie J

My back scratcher was the most useful thing I took to the hospital.  (Oh and I am talking about one of those wooden things with the monkey paw thingy on the end  -- not my DH!) Red

Hi Debbie,

After losing 161 lbs, my breasts are like grapefruits in socks (also TMI). So I am getting a lift and augmentation on 7 Sep. Not sure if it happens to everyone, though.

Still, I'd rather have sagging breast tissue than 161 lbs back!

Kristen

OK have a stupid question but I don't  know what TMI is!!

it means too much information....finally something I can answer!!

Thank you for the Tallahassee support group information. Do you work for Dr. Seiloff or are you his patient?  He did my sons emergency appendectomy and he was awesome, very nice man.

Hi Debbie... I had Dr. Overcash and yes, you'll have a tube in your nose, and yes, you not only will be able to get up but they will make you get up or Dr. O has a fit.   I got up in the chair all day and walked around the floor every 2 hours. I brought very little to the hospital with me.. just my birkenstocks to walk in and toiletries.   Definitely bring the chapstick stuff.   It was easier to just wear the hospital gowns to walk in (they're very large so cover you completely).  I had a pillow for the trip home for my stomach (coughing, etc) and a sun dress so I didn't have any elastic on my incision. You meet with the dietitician before surgery and they give you "food" for the first day to take with you. Yes also on the breasts but I've changed my bra style and size with good success (I was very small breasted to start with and never had to use underwires or support wear).  I'm now wearing a very supportive Bali cotton and everything looks fine in clothes. Good luck.. you're on your way...

Well I am happy to know that they must make sure I am up every couple of hours to walk, I think I will be going under with that in mind, walk, walk, walk... I am goin gto get my bag ready for the stay and so I thank everyone for all the great information which help me prepare.