Surgery on May 4th!

Hey there everybody!

Haven't posted here in a long time. :(

I recognize some of you from your pictures - I've been to a few of the Raleigh support group meetings held at the Golden Corral in north Raleigh. Maybe some of you remember me - I'm the 20 (now 21) year old paramedic that goes to NCSU with the dashing good looks (hah, I wish!).

Just wanted to let you all know that I'm scheduled for surgery on the morning of May 4th - I go for my final pre-op visit this Friday (the 24th) and for an anesthesia consult the next Friday (the 1st of May). I'm having a laproscopic roux-en-y bypass, and my surgeon is Dr. Miles in Wilmington, in case you're curious.

I've been religiously following all my pre-op instructions in regards to diet and whatnot. Since my first appointment (August of last year), I've lost almost 60 lbs! Crazy! I'm trying to do everything I can to make it as easy as possible for my surgeon, especially trying to shrink my liver.

Normally, when it comes to medical stuff, I'm the last person anyone would expect to get freaked out... but when faced with my own (potential) mortality, I find that I'm completely freaking out. :( I've just been thinking about what happens if I die as a result of this... I even went as far as to start cleaning up my house just in case, so my family wouldn't have to deal with all of that...

I'm assuming some degree of this is normal? I know that I'm doing everything that I can to ensure I have the lowest risk of morbidity and mortality, especially given the fact I'm so young and (other than the morbid obesity) I really don't have any other major comorbidities. Despite this, I'm just... scared. :(

Any advice you awesome people care to offer? Experiences to share? Pearls of wisdom for what to do post-op? I'd appreciate anything you can tell me.

Thanks :)

-Evan

((((((((((((((((((EVAN)))))))))))))))))))))))
Big Hugs to you and congratualtions on posting on OH you know those of us who have met you in person love ya and are here to help you through this.
I totally understand your fear and I can totally relate to cleaning your house up before surgery.
You have made a good choice for a healthier life and the best part is you are still a young man.My advice to you post op is to stock up on broth and cream soups and SF jello and pudding.
Follow your NUT advice after surgery.
You may want to check out www.sparkpeople.com  and learn about recording your intake.
At first I thought that was a crazy idea since after surgery I was only able to take in maybe 3oz at a time.
I use SP everyday and have found it very helpful.
Now that you found us keep posting everyone here is very helpful and can give you good advice.
Once again glad to see you.
                                                    Annie

Completely normal. There are lots of reasons that people get freaked out - certainly thinking about ones own mortalitiy is a huge one. Switching into super cleaning mode is just one way of taking control over your situation. I know it feels like so much of the medical stuff is in the hands of others. Take a deep breath. You're taking al the necessary steps to ensure a safe and healthy surgery and recovery.

Now - go finish cleaning that house. I never had the energy to do it as a pre-op. Once I got it clean right before surgery it's been much easier to maintain since then. (With the exception of 2 teenagers and 2 dogs). Now I'm never home - my energy level is through the roof.

Relax and enjoys this - you've worked toward this goal for a very long time.

 

- Iris

(((((((Evan))))))),

Congratulations!!! I know that you've been working towards this for a long time. Ben was just musing about you and wondering how you are doing. He rarely comes on the boards, so I'll be sure to let him know of your good news.

I want to congratulate you on your significant pre-op weight loss. Honestly, it's a very good gauge of your longer range potential. I expect that we are going to have to get out the baseball bats and golf clubs so that you, Ben, Dalton, Stan, .... and the rest of the guys can keep the throngs of women at bay... Especially considering that you are surrounded by a bevy of beauties all the time.

Seriously though, I think that your concern about your own mortality is perfectly normal. I went to point of writing letters to my children and husband 'just in case'... As you know, your statistical odds of coming through this surgery well are overwhelmingly good. You are likely to live longer and better than you could have imagined. Sooooo, go clean your house so that it will be tidy when you come home and you won't have to deal with it then, because you will be coming home and starting the journey of a lifetime.

I hope that you'll come back to some of the support group meetings. We'd love to see less of you. I'll bet that Stan, Dalton and Ben have some clothes that they can pass down to you too!

 

Warmly,

Thanks everybody! I'm so glad that there's such an awesome and supportive group that's just right up the beltline :) You all are such an inspiration to me - I remember the first time I came to a meeting, I just couldn't believe how successful some of you had been. It renewed my faith in my decision to undergo the journey that is bariatric surgery. :)

I'm glad to hear that I'm not abnormal for thinking about the "what ifs" and cleaning house and whatnot. I think I've come to the conclusion that I can only do so much - I'm doing everything I can to ensure my success, but ultimately, it's out of my hands... so there's no need to dwell on it! :)

I'll definitely be coming to the meetings more - I had gotten tied up with school and whatnot these past few meetings, unfortunately.

Hope to see all of you there, and thanks again for the support!!

-Evan

P.S.: Annie: I still have that keychain you gave me on my keys :)

Hi Evan you brought a big smile to my face tonight when I read you still have the key chain.Dont ever forget where you  are wanting to go in your life and with your health.
BTW if you need me to be your surgery angel I will be happy to do it.
PM me and I can send you all my numbers ect...
                                                        Annie

Evan
Your thoughts and feelings are totally normal Best of luck to you on your big day!!!

Darcie

Evan, Dude! I'm so sure you remember me-the crazy lady we shared secrets together! I'm so glad this is happening for you.  Get ready for the ride of your life!

YES!!! How could I forget?!!?

are you gonna be at the next support group meeting?

I plan to be there. Hope you will too.