So I was in Balitimore today and met with Dr. Schweitzer and then went to Bayview to do the pre-op with anestesia.  I really was not nervous until after meeting with the surgeon.  He does not want me returning to Richmond until after my 1 week post op visit and I guess that kind of freaked me out.  I have a whole new respect for those who go to Mexico for surgery because I am so trying to figure out what I am going to need for recovery in a hotel.  I had really wanted to come home where I would have my stuff right here but that is not going to happen.  Oh well.  I have a question about the hospital though....do they have internet?  Will I have access to email while in the hospital.  I think hubby is going to stay with me and it sure would make life easier.  Also any suggestions on items I should pack in my surgery tub would be appreciated.

I see dr nguyen in the same office. why cant you go home? i mean i know its far but i lived in pocomoke and made my trips back and forth and now i live in delmar md. its still a ride and i know youre a bit farther but you can go home and dont have to stay in a motel. it would cost far more to stay there then to go home and come back in a week. just have your hubby bring lots of pillows and comforters to place around you to obsorbe the shocking ride home. good luck hope this helps.

The doctor wants us to stay closer in case of problems for the first week.  Yes cost wise it would be cheaper to go home but I think we are going to stay in  a hotel in White Marsh.  After meeting with the doctor I would never be able to convince hubby to take me home.  I am gathering the things I think I will need and placing them in a plastic bin.  From what I can tell there is a lot of shopping in White Marsh so anything I don't have hubby can go get.  Thanks.

WHile it's a pia not to be able to return home - sounds like it's all to make sure you're in the best shape possible.  As I often repeat to myself - I didn't undergo major surgery, let them rearrange my guts not to follow their rules.  It helps keep me on the straight and narrow

While I didn't use it while at Bayview, the hospital had wireless through out.  Hubby shouldn't have any issues accessing his email

Best of luck on your journey

Thanks Russel,
You are very correct which is why we are setting up home in White Marsh.  Thanks for the info on the wireless.  I don't know if I will use it or not but I am happy it is there.  I am so ready to have this part of the journey over with.  All of a sudden I am a bundle of nerves which from everything I have seen is pretty normal.  Fortunately I have a great deal of faith in my surgeon.  I appreciate the support.  Now I just have to survive getting work ready for my being gone.  

Why are you staying in White Marsh? I'm not sure  if its because of price or type of accomodations.
There are several hotels downtown that offer a discounted rate for some hospitals, and that maybe closer to Bayview, than White Marsh.
I know that there is are several suite types near the Litlle Italy/Inner Harbor East area.
Since you will be there a week, that might work better for you.

PS I work in the hotel business in downtown Baltimore ;}

Just a thought! 

We have stayed in the Inner Harbor each time we have been up for various appointments and I have enjoyed it. Parking is a hassle though.   This time I am choosing suburbia because it is a bit more within my comfort zone and considerably less expensive for a 2 room suite.  We actually changed our mind and are staying in Hunt Valley.  We had stopped there on our last trip which took us from VA to PA then to Balitmore (Mother in law was sick in PA) and it seemed like  a very nice area.  Hunt Valley mall seemed to have just about anything we could possibly want or need.  I am sure future visits we will return to the Inner Harbor area because I do love it there.  Thanks so much for the response.

You're not that far away Teresa!! WOOT WOOT!!!

Hey, something to consider - you might want to ask the hotel if they have a recliner they could put in the room. I know for me, and many others, getting in and out of bed was just rough those first few days/weeks. i know many people have had NO issues but some of us have been much more comfortable in a recliner.  Just a thought....  if no recliner, TONS of pillows to prop you up and to tuck into your side if you're able to lay down.

Angiebaby how are you doing?  Thanks for the info.  I will call and see if they have a recliner available. I am dreading the in and out of bed thing because part of my surgery is to remove the VBLOC and that part is a larger incision on the left side totally not related to the vsg.   We did ask for extra pillows.  I am really starting to get the freaked out feeling which I find so humorous since I worked so hard to get to thsi spot.  I am running around shopping and cleaning like it won't all still be here when I get back.  LOL.  Two of our children are housesitting so there is absolutely no need to clean for them.  I have tubs of stuff I am packing for the hotel.  We will see how much of it I actually use.  

LOL i know what you mean!  As I was getting prepped and then wheeled into the OR I was like "really, I'm really here?  Is this what I've worked so hard for?  Am I sure about this??" LOL  next thing I remember they were trying to wake me up in recovery and it was too late to turn back. HAHAHA 

I'm doing well, thanks for asking.  I am at another friggin stall tho.  I'm about 10 weeks out I think?  I eat and drink way too well. :)  down about 35 lbs right now and would love to lose another 50, so maybe being a 'lightweight' is one of the reasons I seem to be a bit of a slow loser, or maybe I'm not and just feel like it.... At any rate, I would do this again in a heart beat.  My blood sugar is already much improved and my BP is down too. Can't wait to see what my labs are next month.