I wanted to introduce myself

Hi everyone! i just joined OH the other day and am getting to know the site. I am 26yrs old and weigh 342lbs. i just got my surgery date on friday.. it's april 16th! it is so soon! sooner than i expected but i am ready. i am so nervous though. i am having it done at st. alexius hospital in st.louis and would love to find someone nearby that is having it done soon also. anyone with any tips for me before my surgery? i start my liquid diet on friday so this week i am going to all my fav resterants. it's not un healthy is it? thank you to everyone *****sponds! Carissa

Hi Carissa, Welcome to the board. I have a friend who had the surgery done at St. Alexius they also did her husband. She said, they are excellent Dr.s there so you're in good hands. It's pretty normal to be nervous at this stage in the game. Only thing I can suggest is to bring a pillow for the ride home. Eating out at favorite restaraunts pretty normal before your surgery also. I had the surgery last Jan. and can eat pretty normal now..granted the portions are smaller. Don't feel like you'll never be able to eat again...you will just smaller amounts Good luck on your journey and keep us posted!! Hugs, Anna

thank you anna. i just realized we are from the same town! how long have you been post-op? you look wonderful!

Hi Carissa, Thank you. I had my surgery Jan. 20, 2006 so I am 15 months post op. I have lost 105lbs. I'd like to lose 10-15 more..but I'm ok if I don't. I'm happy where I am now I actually live in Shiloh. Maybe we could meet up sometime if you'd like. Hugs, Anna

Carissa: welcome to the Missouri Board hope you become a regular here. I know you are getting excited not too long until your surgery date. It will be here before you know it. It is pretty normal for most people to have the last meal syndrome but you will be able to eat again one day it will just be tiny servings instead of super sized lol But you wont be hungry for more than that or if you are and try to eat too much you will get sick so it is a learning process that if we had had some way of learning that when we first started eating in the first place we wouldnt be like we are now. Wishing you the best. Jan

Carissa, I am having my operation at St.Alexius on 4/9. I am on my clear liquid diet. sherry

Sherry.. do you already have an angel? if not i would love to be yours! good luck! it's coming up soon! are you nervous?

Hello Carissa.....Welcome to the board!!!! ....I am about to finish up with all my stuff to get my surgery date soon.....I sure hope I get mine as fast as you did !!!!!! I hope you keep dropping in and posting on the board and letting us know how things are going with you......We will all be praying for you!!!!! I wish you the best.....God Bless You......Hugs.....Tammy H.

Hi Carissa welcome to the board! Wow, April 16th!!!! You will be on the losers bench before you know it. Hope you come back often. Take care, Susan

Hello Carissa, Welcome to the MO board. We'll all be praying for you on the 16th. You are going to be so glad you had this surgery. It's a wonderful tool for a healthier life. Hugs and love, Lana