Surgery Rapidly Approaching!

Hi - I've never posted before, but have been "lurking" for quite a while and am so impressed with the level of support I've observed. My surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, 8/2 at GBMC with Dr. David vonRueden. I've done my research, but have to confess, I'm scared to death! Not enough to not have it done, though! My feelings are all over the place - I'm anticipating the joy of putting on jeans, actually being able to play with the loves of my life, my niece Kaity and my nephew Brian, and just being healthy and comfortable for the first time in my life! I CAN'T WAIT! On the other hand, and I'm sure this is normal, I'm afraid I'm going to die from complications - even though I know I'm more likely to die from the co-morbidities. Again, I know what I'm feeling is normal, and I'm lucky, I have a great built-in support group in the form of my family. I'm just driving myself crazy. Also, I need some opinions on the best tasting protein products, and where to buy them. Does GNC sell them? Thanks for your help! Teresa

Hi Teresa - Congrats on your surgery date. I've also been a bit of a lurker here, just posting every now and again. Honestly, if you weren't scared, you'd be stupid. Given this is such a major live chaning event - better to be scared than the alternative. I'm newly post op (7/18) and all has been going wonderfully. I actually went back to work for a few hours today. Of course it's a desk job and plenty of people yelled at me, but I couldn'****ch anymore daytime TV. It was either clean the house, or drive in to the office (about 10 minutes away). Not being one for cleaning - figured the office was the safer bet. I've been using the Atkins & SlimFast low carb shakes - you can get them anywhere (Sams Club is least expensive). Also check out www.unjury.com. They have samples that you can buy and their stuff is pretty good too - they have lots of recipes. I also found WorldWide protein shakes at The Vitamin Shoppe in Banana Cream (YUM). But, don't stock up on any one brand before surgery - you may not like it afterwards. Another good source would be www.vitalady.com. The GNC's in my area are VERY limited in what they have available. Best wishes for a wonderfully easy surgery. Lynn

Hi Teresa, I agree with the other post....you would be crazy NOT to be scared.... and I am going to call you completely normal in that almost everyone has a post a few weeks prior to surgery that looks and sounds remarkably similar to yours...check out my profile for my melt-down.... While some may not agree with me...for me, pre-op was SO much harder than post-op....the unknown, the worry, the dread.... Protein drinks I actually drink and enjoy...Injury - vanilla and chocholate....mixed with milk...after WLS, I became HIGHLY lactose intolerant....now I drink lactaid free milk....can't tell the difference.... also I enjoy Fuzzy Naval flavored Nectar brand protein...it mixes with water....the very berry was disgusting....lots of folks enjoy the roadside lemonaide, but I am not a lemonaid kinda girl... I drink a protein drink EVERY single day, on my way to work....starts my day off with roughly 25 grams of protein, very little fat and calories. Best wishes to you....a few weeks after surgery, you will be cleaning out your closet and running to this site to share that you have gotten into a size that you thought was gone forever... Personally, WLS was one of the best things I could have done for myself....I am roughly 15 months out, down 120 pounds, went from a 22/24 to a size 8 on the bottom, 10 on top....and am now scheduled for a tummy tuck on Sept 19th, with a breast lift approx 4 months later...so once again, I am scared, worried, etc...I just keep reminding myself that it was the same way with WLS...I will get through it... anyway, take a deep breath...the waiting is a b*#^@.... best wishes, RAE

Hey, you are on your way to a wonderful life altering experience! I am 5 months out and 102 down- 326 now 224. My panties have fallen off my butt while running up my stairs. Please listen to your doctor and follow the rules. It is important to pay attention to your protein intake from now on. Warm thoughts your way...Connie

Teresa, Congrats on the beginning of a lifelong journey. And, it can never be overstated, protein, hydration and exercise. Basically, follow your surgeon/nutritionist rules and you can't go wrong. The other rule I follow is to attend as many post-op sessions as I can. I learn something new everytime and it keeps me grounded. I think I read somewhere that people have more success when they attend post op meetings... I guess it makes sense. To get your health back is an awesome feeling. While looking great is an added bonus, the real goal is relearning better habits and changing your lifestyle. I had a relatively easy time and at almost 21 mos out with plastics done... I still measure and "follow the rules". I've also learned that one bad meal or day isn't disaster and you just start again on the next meal. Something I never did when I dieted. Best Wishes on your journey! Lisa

Thank you all for the support! I'll keep you "posted!" Say some prayers for me! Teresa