What is pre-op appt all about? DHMC patient..going to Elliot.

You know..for some reason I did not even ask what the pre-op appt is all about. Mine is on Thursday...surgery is March 29th. What do they do? I know it will be the first day of my 2 week pre-op diet...soooooo not looking forward to that but if it gets me closer I am happy to do it. Is it just checking vitals and weight or what? I already had an EKG the same day I met with Dr Gould. Oh..and did everyone else PIG OUT the week before the pre-op diet. I am trying really hard not to but that "last meal" mentality is getting to me. I have lost way over the required 10lbs but I just don't want the scale going up at all and I am stressin myself out! Wen

hi Wendy, while i have not had my pre-op yet for the gastric bypass, i have had them for many other surgeries. During those pre-op appointments, the hospital takes more blood (darn vampires!), you meet with the anesthesiologist for them to determine which medications they will use. They explain to you what the procedure will be for administering the anesthesia as well as the pain meds aftewards. They also usually do all of your pre-admission paperwork so that the day of surgery you don't have to be worrying about where your insurance cards, etc are. I am awaiting my surgery date. I met with Dr Gould last week. I have not gotten to the point where i have pigged out yet, but know that a few friends are planning to take me out to dinner prior to my starting my 2 week liquid diet; so there is always that chance that i may indulge in dessert! Best wishes for a successful surgery! Tammy

Hello Wendy, During your pre-op appointment, Dr Gould will explain the surgery to you once again. He will answer any questions you may have at this time as well. Don't worry too much about not ever being able to eat again and the "last meal mentality". I'm 18 months post-op and am able to eat mostly anything I want. I have a rule, if it's a "forbidden food" I have 3 bites, then I'm done. It works for me, anyways. I have lost 207 lbs to date, and would like to lose another 140 lbs or so. Good luck to you.... K PS I had my surgery at DHMC in Lebanon.

Hello Wendy, Im so happy you are at this point. I know you have been waiting. Well when I went to my pre-op it was so simple. You fill out all your paper work, they draw blood, go over all your history, living will, etc. I didnt see Dr. Gould or anyone from anasth. They will give you a card to bring the day of surgery that has your blood code on it..just in case they need to give you blood. For me that was when it really started to sink in it was going to happen. As far as getting ready for the diet...after the first 3 days it gets so much easier. Just keep the big picture in mind. I never had the "pig out " desire. Just stay focused...you"ll do fine. I go see Dr. Gould tomorrow for my 1month post-op visit. So far so good. There are many days I ask myself did he do anything at all in there...lol. I was only in the hospital 2 days and have felt great. I joined Planet Fitness. Down 30lbs since surgery morning. Good luck and keep us posted. Carolyn

Thanks everyone! Carolyn..I am such a dork. I hit TGI Fridays for a Jack Daniels Steak, potato and a good glass of cabernet last night. heehee. Today is the first day of my pre-op diet and I already have a headache. Any good advice for getting thru this? I just bought what was on the list (cream of wheat, pudding, yogurt and soup) blech. I think if I can get past the first hunger stage then I will be ok. I am having the Lap Band by the way..which means my food restricitions will be different than RNY's. We can tolerate a lot more food but we have "stuck" issues where food that gets stuck in the small opening the band creates is quickly eliminated from your diet..even though our tummies would be able to handle it. Mostly doughy things like bread's and dry things like some meats. I believe I will be one of the first if not THE first to have it at Elliot. There is another surgeon coming in that has performed many of these to help Dr Gould. I am told that my room will be full of curious people..oh well..as long as I am unconscious..what do I care? LOL!