Tomorrow's the 1st day of the rest of my life!!!!!!

Well tomorrow is it! Lap rny for me!  Any words of wisdom for me?  I'm excited but not nervous about the surgery.  I am such a wimp when it comes to pain or being sick.  I have read alot about everyone's experiences but do you guys have more for me?  I so want to have more energy and feel better and not be out of breath all the time.  I want to be able to do even the small things and be able to breath and not feel like I am going to pass out any minute.  I can't even imagine feeling normal or good again.  Is it possible to have energy again? I can't even imagine it!  It has been so long and I am so tired of feeling the way I feel.  Thanks to all of you for helping not just me but any newbie out there.  It is really a blessing to hear all the success stories along with the good and bad related to this surgery.  Hugs to all..... Donna

Donna,

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow as you do just as your title suggests.....start a new life!   I looked at my surgery as starting over.  I got a 'do-over' and how many times in life do we get that opportunity?    I completely wiped my  'eating slate' clean and started over from scratch.  Since I had to begin with clear liquids and progress from there because of surgery, I decided it was the perfect time to learn how to eat correctly from the bottom up.   I really listened and took to heart what I was taught by Dr. Tom and the dieticians.  I picked their brains and learned everything I could about eating right not only right after surgery but for a lifetime. 

I'm certainly not saying I've been perfect.....far from it.  I'm an emotional eater.  I've fallen many times....but I haven't given up.  That's key.  DON'T EVER GIVE UP!  

In the hospital....make sure you walk as much as possible.  The  more you walk, the better you feel.  I didn't believe it when Dr. Tom told me that....but he was right.  (Though I don't like to tell him that!).   Once you're home....just work on getting in  your water and protein.  It'll be a full time job for a while and might seem overwhelming....but it's important.  I wasn't getting in nearly enough water and started showing signs of dehydration.  I can't tell you how miserable I felt.  As soon as I started getting in the water again....I perked up considerably.

Take lots of pictures of yourself!  I took a front and side picture of myself every month for 18 months so I could go back and see how I was doing.  It is amazing the difference month to month.  I also took measurments.   And I have the outfit I wore to my consultation.  It's those things that are tangible proof of how far I've come and keeps me grounded.

Chris,
Thank you so much for your support and thoughts.  My biggest fear is failing.  I am hoping that will be the thing that makes me succeed.  I do not like myself the way I am, I don't want to stay this way, and I am just hoping and praying everyday that God give me what I need to be a success story.  I know we are all human and there will probably be times that I slip and fall but I certainly want to get back up and try even harder.  And really the surgery I am not worried about because I have every confidence in Dr. Tom.  I know he is going to take very good care of me.  Thanks again, it means alot to get encouragement from people who don't know you but totally understand.  Hugs.... Donna

I never took any pics like in my underwear, now I wish I had, you may want to do that, also take gas x strips and maybe a pair of very loose pants with you for the ride home, you will probably be swelled from the stuff they give you when you have surgery, also take a pillow to hold on your lap for the ride home, have your vitamins and protein, sf jello, etc, at home for you when you get home. 
 and remember to  walk walk walk!!! it wo't be easy the first little bit, but it will get easier, and you will start feeling a whole lot better soon!!!! 
                                                                 hugs Lisa

Best of luck to you!
You won't have any regrets.

Feel free to pm me if you need anything!
Leslie

Congrats sweetie and you are in great hands.
The one thing i forgot to do was measurements,take picture walk and sip.
Yes it is possible to have energy again i amaze myself sometimes just what i can do now.,hang in there is is a journey but a wonderful one and your whole life will get better cause you will feel better.
Good luck

Donna...big wishes of luck...you are in good hands..thats for sure! Like Chris said...sip, walk , pics and definitely meaasure. I cannot see the changes (mental thing I guess) but to see those numbers on inches go down just baffles me! We are here for ya!

Gas-x strips and chapstick were the best stuff while recovering for me.  Those and the fuzzy slippers I had (they had a hard sole, so they were good for walking the hospital floors). 

I'll say a prayer for you tonight and tomorrow!  Let us know when you are home!

Good luck tomorrow and congrat on you journey to begin.

Good luck Donna.. I can't wait to hear from you and will be praying for you.. Drop me a line when you get a chance and let me know what I have in store next week. You are gonna do awesome, I just know it!
Best wishes!