Hi Everyone...15 days to go!

Hi everyone. My surgery date is Jan 25. I have heard that if you go on a liquid diet a couple of weeks before the surgery this will shrink your liver and decrease the possibility of having to have an open operation. I really would prefer lap. surgery (who wouldn't). So I have 2 days until I start my protein shake diet to prepare for the surgery. My doctor wants me below 300 as well so I have to lose 18 lbs in 2 weeks. Is this possible? Probably not. But I'm gonna try. I am very worried about almost every aspect of this surgery. Im nervous about the pain. I'm nervous about the recovery and infections and complications. And I'm extremely nervous about changing my eating habits after the surgery. I'm 26 years old and I was also told that because I am young, my skin should not be as saggy as an older person's would be. However, I'm sure I will need a tummy tuck as well. I'm nervous about that too. I drive a school bus and I spend all my time driving day dreaming about the surgery. This is not good. Anyone out there who has had the surgery..can you help me out? Tell me how bad it really is and what I can expect? Many questions. And I feel the doctor can't really answer since he's never had the surgery. I want to know about the feelings. -glad there is a group out here to talk to

Hi, Andrea, Welcome! For me, the pain was controlled very easily by medication. After about four days, I didn't need the meds anymore. I was also nervous about infections and complications. That's normal. There is a risk with any surgery. Knowing that you have a great surgeon, and from what I've read, you do, should help alleviate your fears (a little). I've also heard the "saggy" skin thing, and I beleive it from my own experience of losing and gaining weight for almost twenty years. Yay that you are taking this step while you are young! One good way to get various perspectives is to check out the Profiles on AMOS. Hey, we're neighbors! Do you drive for Cherokee County schools? I teach K at Woodstock. Hugs, Becky

Hi Becky! Yes, I drive for Little River Elementary and Woodstock Middle and High School. What is AMOS? Oh and what is this convention that is happening on Saturday? Is it for people who have already had the surgery? Andrea

Well, it's a small world! AMOS is short for Association for Morbid Obesity Support. This is one of it's resources. Here's a link about the convention: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/state-forums/GA/postdetail/21398.html?vc=0 I'm going to the convention and the "after" party at Bahama Breeze. The convention is for everyone. Pre-ops are welcome. I think you actually get a "gift" if you're pre-op...not sure about it. It should be a blast! I hope you can make it! Becky

Andrea, I am a pretty fresh pre-op (1/3/05), and here is how things have been for me. Protein shake - since you are trying to lose weight before surgery, go for it - it is the best chance you have in the short amount of time - as far as shrinking the liver, my doc didn't have a problem & I ate horribly through 1/1/05. I am also 26 & have heard the same things about your belly doing some shrinking - HOWEVER - it couldn't hurt to get some good lotion with Elastin & Vitamin E - Elastin is what makes your body able to adjust to the weight loss. I plan to wait at least 1 1/2 years until I decide on the tummy tuck. As far as the layout of pre-op and surgery, here is how mine went: 12/30/04 - Pre-op 10:30 - arrived at doctor and waited...and waited...and waited... 11:15 - went back and was weighed, BP was checked, talked with Dr. 12:00 - ate lunch with mom (ha ha) 1:30 - went to hospital for lab work (drew blood, urine specimen, etc.) - one note - the check a thing called "blood gasses" - they will draw a small amount of blood from your wrist, about where your pulse is - uncomfortable, but not horrible unless they hit a nerve. 1/3/05 - Day of Surgery 6:00am - arrive at hospital & go back to wash my belly and get hooked up to the IV 7:00am - receive the "I don't care what you do" medicine 7:30am - head off to la-la-land...and operating room 11:15am - remember being awake in room (1 1/2 hour surgery, 1 hour in recovery) 1:15pm - was helped out of bed for first walk That day was mainly medicine, sleep, walk, medicine, sleep, walk.. Next day: Not much activity until around 10am... 10:00am - wheeled off to check for leaks (you drink a few sips of this nasty stuff that tastes like dirty dish water & they watch where it goes on this cool screen) 11:00am - received ice chips - best stuff EVER!!! 3:00pm - got rid of the stinkin' catheter!! 5:30pm - received clear liquid tray (it is coffee, Crystal Light, broth, jell-o, and a popsicle) Discharge day: 8:00am - received clear liquid tray 9:00am - removed drain and explained discharge paperwork 10:00am - left for home! Days 4-Now Protein drink, vitamins, walking, water, and any clear liquids I can think of. I have to change the dressing on the wound where my drain was once daily (can't get it wet, so bathing is interesting). I won't lie...I AM BORED SILLY!! Don't be suprised if you have some risidule pain in your left shoulder (from gas they used during surgery) and in lower ribs on left side (near drain) - those are totally normal. This is a very long response, but it sounded like you wanted a step-by-step layout of what to expect. I hope that it helps!

Thanks Amanda. I just can't get enough info. I watched the surgery live on the internet and was intrigued (by the internal part only...the external cutting made me squirm). I've cut my calories in half which i guess is a good thing. And I've upped my protein and my Vitamin C. Going to my appt. with my Dietician tomorrow, i hope she's not too upset that I've actually gained 25lbs in the past 4 months.Congrats on your great recovery.