Countdown and checklist time

Did anyone else get the "wow, this is really happening" feeling a couple weeks before surgerey? LOL I met with Dr Glas**** yesterday. Also did my preamission stuff with the hospital, checked out the hotel where Mom and I will stay, etc.... Liquid diet and some med changes start Tues (2/21), and surgery is Tues March 7 (sounding closer all the time). I'm a list person -- have my list of "what to take" all made -- still add a few things from time to time -- but for the most part, it is complete. Definitely no cold feet here -- every appointment, test, etc.... has just convinced me that I'm doing the right thing, at the right place, and for the right reasons. Thanks for all the words of wisdom you all offer!

Yep ~~ it's a normal feeling. Just get ready to hang on for the ride of your life. This is a life changing surgery, not just for you, but also for your family. Prepare yourself for a lot of changes and be positive. There will be times when you're wondering "what did I do" but believe me this will be the best thing you've ever done for yourself. Try and relax and keep a positive attitude. Try and start walking as soon as the nurses will let you because it really helps. It will be slow going at first, but it gets better. Also as soon as they let, start an exercise program. It will make all the difference in the world ~~ and stick with it!! It's the best thing you can do for yourself. March 7 is my son's birthday and it will be your new "birthday" also!! Best of luck to you. I'm almost 2 years out, have bottomed out and am now settling at just about the weight I want to be. Started in a 24/26 and wear mostly 10's now. We've all taken the ride and now it's your turn. We'll be praying good thoughts for you. Janie 272/135/145 4/14/2004 LAP RNY

I am dying to get where you are in the process! I am a list person as well. I am still waiting for cardiology clearance but that is my last hurdle. I decided yesterday to stop taking my protonix to be ready for the H.pylori test. They told me I would have to be off it two weeks to take the test. I figured I could have my cardiac clearance and/or insurance approval by next Friday so then I would just have one more week (instead of 3) before I could take the H. Pylori test. Now I hope my stomach cooperates so I can follow through with the plan. Usually by the time I am off Protonix 2 days I start getting terrible reflux and heartburn. I will just have to watch what I eat. I have also been collecting the ingredients and supplies I will need for post-op eating. Part of my "positive thinking" plan. Will be counting down the days with you! Congratulations for getting this far in the process! Jan

Wow, Cheryl, It's really going to happen. Like Janie said this will be the ride of your life. I like that analogy because it's so appropriate. It's like a rollercoaster ride. When you're preparing & during the first few weeks, it's likethe beginning of the ride; it's slow going & a bit hard & then, WHEEE!!! You're on your way. The weight starts coming off & people start noticing. You're feeling better, not just physically but emotionally. You start to like yourself again. You realize that your cothes are all too big. Some of those things you squirrled away because they were so nice but too small are now fitting. Yes, you will run into those small hills that you need to go up again, maybe a plateau, or a food problem, but you'll soon pass them & will be on your way again. I am just over 2 years out & have gone thorough many of those little hills. I may be at the end of the ride; I hope not. I still want & need to lose a bit more & now it is SO hard to do it. I made a goal for me to lose just one pound a month this year. I am a pound & a half behind! I keep gaining & losing the same 2 lbs but at least I haven't gained like I have read many do. I guess in that way I am lucky. Maybe my body is trying to tell me I am where it is supposed to be. If so, I'll learn to be happy with it. Who would have thought 2 1/2 years ago that I would not be happy being a size 12? My goal actually was to fit into a size 16! So, tighten your seat belt, follow all the instructions the ride operator gives you (obviously Dr G & Angie) , and enjoy the ride. We'll be here watching your fun & cheering you on. Looking forward to meeting you & your Mom at the support group meeting the night before your adventure. Dixie