Just got my surgery date!

HI everyone! I'm new to this site as well. I recently got my approval from United Healthcare (1st time I might add ) and my surgery is scheduled for Oct. 18th..now I am scared to death!! Before it seemed like it wasn't really serious..now all the sudden it is really gonna happen. I'm having the Lapro bypass and I would LOVE to hear from some of you who went thru it. My doctor is Dr. Gellar. I think I"m most worried about the pain afterwards and the recovery time..the eating style doesn't bother me at all. Any advice would be appreciated.

Woo Hoo for you!!! Dr. Gellar's partner Dr. Shina did my surgery in dec. 2004. My only regret is not having the surgery sooner!! I had the same (lapro bypass) as you are having. Yes- you will have some pain. (It is major surgery) But the sooner you get moving the better you will feel. Honestly it was about 5 weeks out before I felt like myself. Others were good to go at 2 to 3 weeks out. It depends on your and your willingness. Some more helpful info... take your favorite pillow to the hospital with you. Comfort is key when you very sore. The nurses are GREAT at Suburban Hospital. Do what the Dr and nurses tell you to do!! The sooner you get to moving/walking the better you will feel. Take a long handled back brush. That will be very helpful to you in the shower. Bending is not going to very comfortable. Also a long handled smooth wooden spoon. You will be able to wrap your toilet paper around the spoon. Believe me you will not be bending too well at first. Bring some nice refreshing lotion. It will make you feel good. Comfy clothes!! Know that you will have fluid retention when you leave the hospital. You most likely will weigh more when you leave then you did before surgery so don't freak out. Prepare yourself to like sugarfree jello for a while. Then you can tra**** all later!! I did!! It is a process! But well worth it!! Please ask me ANYTHING you want to about the surgery! Blessings Tonya

Hi Martha, I live in Elizabethtown and wanted to welcome you to the Kentucky board! I also have United Healthcare for insurance and Dr. Geller for a surgeon. I had the lap-band procedure and I'm probably not the best person to give you advice on the bypass. Let me know if there are any questions that I can help you with about UHC or Dr. Geller. Also, I know Springfield isn't too far from E-Town and there are a couple of really good support groups here if you would like information. My best! Charles

Thanks for the info guys..Sure send me the info on the support groups. How did you all like Suburban Hospital??