You will be fine.  There was a few ladys here that went to Dr. Lapschies and they did just fine.  Congrats on your up and coming surgery!

Aloha,
Asia

They are precious! I hope mom and babies are doing fine! Sorry I didn't have time to put in the meanings... I just started dumping names from my head. Most had translations on the website I gave you. But, looks like you found some names of your own!
Congratulations! Mahalo for sharing!

Aloha AJ-
Congratulations on making one of the biggest and best decisions in your life to being a healthier and happier you. What surgery are you having?

The questions you're asking should also be answered by your doctor. Just ask him and I am sure he will ease your mind. They should provide you with a list of things for you to bring, tell you how long you should expect to be in the hospital (everyone is different), and what you can expect. I always believe that knowing what to expect relieves anxiety to a large degree.

Read and study about your procedure and recovery. Learn everything there is to know about it and most of all be confident! Read profiles.... they help, too! It will be exciting!!! I also agree that getting your mom involved with your pre-op consultations with your doctor will help ease her fears as well. I am sure she is just being a caring mother and is, of course, worried about you. Knowledge is one of the greatest cures of fear. Learn together!

No regrets here, by the way!
Malama pono!

Aloha AJ!   I grew up in Hawaii and will always consider it my home.  But I do have some suggestions for you.   As for your mom,  you should take her to meet your surgeon and let her ask him questions.  Alot of people remember stories of "stomach stapling" from years ago.  Todays surgeries are much different.  They know so much more than they used to.  And the patients know more than they used to.  Also, you should go to support group meetings regularly.  They are awesome.  They can really be informative and inspiring.  It would be  a really good idea to take mom with you.   Part of her negative feelings may be due to the fact that she was not let into the process of your decision at the beginning and found out at the end.  She may feel slighted and left out of something so important to you.  Which then will make a person rebel.  I know, I did that to my sister.  I was afraid to tell her that she would be against it.  So I waited.  I know now that I should have included her, she would have learned alot like me and could have been my biggest supporter.  Since I told her, she has done alot of research on line and has been supportive, but she is watching me closely.  Your mom will probably come around if you try to include her more.  Make her feel like she matters.  
Sorry, I get carried away sometimes.  Good luck!   Congratulations on your surgery!  You will be glad you did it.  Its the best.  I am already off diabetes meds and 2 blood pressure meds!   Take care and you can PM me anytime if you like.   Your friend,  Eldy

 Hi Barb,

Sorry, I've been off line for a few days and just saw your email and post.  I had difficulty with my first fill also.  It should ease up in a few days.  Continue to sip your liquids and maybe stick to a liquid diet for the next day or so.  Of course, if no relief, you'll need to check in with Dr. F.  

I remember not being able to drink much of anything for a few days after my first fill... and I was burping and had a gassy bloated feeling all day and into the next.  It eases up quickly as soon as the swelling goes down.  My subsequent fills have been super easy with no problems afterward. Good luck and holler if you need anything.