Next Thursday is the BIG day!!!

I am having surgery on Thursday at Franklin Regional with Dr Moran. I am soooo very excited but also nervous at the same time. If anyone has any suggestions for a newbie, I would love to hear them!!!!! Mel

I know you are excited!  I had my surgery 12/19/07 and I was really, really scared.  Everything went fine for me and I experienced very little pain (mostly gas pain).  My advise would be to get up and moved as soon as allowed after surgery.  I walked the halls day and night, which helped with the gas and also with the soreness.  Good luck and God bless. Sandy

Congrads---- advice from  a old timer--- take a pillow with you to the hospital ,  take a few different flavors chap sticks,  no slip house shoes ,  dont worry yourself , allow the doctor and nurses to care for you , they will :)  It is a very exciting time right now for you Take lots of pictures now and a couple every week,,, start a scrapbook of your journey , you will reallly enjoy looking back,  save your largest pair of pants , they become a great party favorite :)  Buy a copy of " Weightloss Surgery for Dummies " I personally had very little discomfort or pain. Listen to the doctor do what you are taught to do and you will be a loser like the rest of us. Good Luck

Mel, Hun you will be fine. I just had mine one week ago at Durham Regional, And Im now able to sleep on my sides and belly also...lol... funny huh. Just put all your faith in GOD he will carry you thruogh this. Just have you some chapsitck, and a pillow from home for your self. Have a cold wash cloth beside you at all time with all the pain meds they make you hott. I have already lost 22 lbs since 1-9-08 too kool i know..lol.... So good luck hun, Please tell us when you are out hun!!  May God Bless you and Your family!! ~CAT~

Congrats on your upcoming surgery.  I am 6 months out today and feel fantastic.  My strength through all of this has been faith, prayer and my outstanding friends here at OH.  :)  Are you currently doing a liquid diet?  Do you have specific concerns?  Just take a deep breath and relax.  :) 

First of all I want to wish you lots of luck and a speedy recovery.  Hmmm....suggestions......Take a housecoat to cover your tush while walking, and easy to slip on slippers.  Mouth wash, toothpaste, and toothbrush.  My mouth was so terribly dry, it felt so nasty.  And chapstick.  Deodorant, I forgot mine...hahaha (someone brought me some though, I wasn't stankin).  My pillow from home helped alot.  I put it under my side and was able to turn a little to get off of my back.  I took books and never read them.  DON'T take big swallows of water, it hurts.  Once you start walking, you will feel better.  You will do great, you are about to make a very big change in your life, and it will be so worth it.  I have had no complications, it is not as bad as I thought it would be. 

Hi Mel!

I just wanted to take a moment to welcome you to the NC Board. I hope that you will find this as supportive and informational a resource as I have. Please be sure to share your experiences, concerns, questions and observations; it's what helps us all.

I'm glad you PM'd me and I look forward to getting to know you better as you travel this road to a healthier you.

Barb

Congrats Mel!   I was just like you, really excited, but super nervous on the day of surgery!  :)  Everyone's suggestions are good.  Take a pillow (it especially helps to hold against your belly on the drive home.  It will help to cusion you from any bumps.)  Chapstick of some kind is a must.  Although a lot of people say they didn't read at all, I did.  I read a lot.  But reading is my way of relaxing, and it worked for me.  I also took a deck of cards and played a few games with visitors. Wow, it was only 3 months ago, but seems like a lifetime ago...so many changes have happened since then! Good luck, we'll all be here when you're back home again!

Hi Mel - I'm preop too. Just wanted to say hey!! Good luck. Mare

Hello Mel...You have got some great advice from everyone here on the NC Forum.  This is the best place ever.  I honestly couldn't have done so well if it hadn't been for this wonderful OH Family.  Welcome to the NC Forum and we are excited to hear more about your success as time goes by.   I do have one more suggestion.  Wear something very comfy to the hospital so you can wear it home.  Something with an elastic or expanding waist band so you will not be uncomfortable.  You will be a little sore and quite possibly swollen.  DON"T FREAK if you gain some pounds before coming home.  It is Fluids and Gas and they will be gone before too long.  Also this will make you swollen too.  So the comfy pants and shirt was a priority to me.   Good Luck again with everything.  You will a loser before too long.   Connie