Questions

Thank you Ellen!  How have you been?  So.......how much have you lost?  We will have to get together again.  Thank you for all your help this whole journey!  Take care!

I've been okay.  I've lost somewhere around 210 pounds so far, 135 since surgery.   I am currently stuck at  215, but hopefully this too shall pass.  Take care and we'll talk soon. Ellen

1.  How long does the surgery take?  My surgery lasted about 2 hours 2.  Does anyone go back with you to prepare for surgery, or do they wait in the waiting room?  My husband was allowed back with me.. then they let my family come back before they took me to the OR.  Then after I was wheeled out, they went to the waiting room.  3.  How long were you in the hospital?  Monday through Wednesday afternoon. 4.  For the Laproscopic, do they use the surgical glue or staples?  Neither..  My sugeon used steri strips.  They came off in about a week and I did not have the pulling from stitches or staples.  5.  How bad was the pain?  I have had 2 C-Sections, so the pain was quite minimal in my opinion.  I was more sore than anything.  I did not even have the urge to use my pain pump.  I think the pain was quite easily overcome.   6.  What do I need to take to the hospital?  I took my laptop, a few DVDs, my makeup and hair stuff, my own gown and robe becuase I hate hospital issues, Crocs for walking, a couple of books, my cell phone and my pillows. 

Oh yeah.. I took my face wash and tooth paste and such too..  I am not a light packer for sure.  :)  Be sure to wear COMFY stretchy clothes when you go home.  They will help you out alot.  AND.. I could not wear a bra for a few days.. you may want to forgo that.

  No Bra?????  Woo Hoo!!!!  That sounds good!  hahahahaa  Thanks for the help. 

RE:  Shaving... a lady shaved my lower belly area just above pubic area... not that I'm a bear down there, but guess they just want that belly area just right.  LOL

Ok.  Thanks I wasn't trying to be funny, I didn't know if they had to mess with "that" part of the body.  I hate that.  I don't even get my yearly checkups.  It is just the most terrible thing in the world.  Thank you so much for your help! 

You should get an oval shaped pillow at PCMH.  If you don't have one once you get a room, ask for it.  It helps getting up out of the bed and even as you raise your bed to sit up.

Ok  Thanks! 

1)   Mine took about 2 hours

2)  My husband was in and out depending on what we were doing - that helped alot

3)  Two nights

4)  Surgical tape that fell off on it's own.  The scars are very light, actually - I'm quite impressed with them.

5)  No pain - very, very minor - I only needed pain meds twice.  Period.

6)  Shampoo, deodorant, LOTION, something clean to wear home.  I brought jammies and it made me feel far more human than in the gown. Lots of people bring a robe to do their laps with - if you have a comfy one, bring that.  I also brought books and magazines to pass the time since there's never anything on television.  And EARPLUGS in case the nurses station is right outside your door!  :)