I have a date!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got my surgery date today! July 19. It's a lovely date, don't ya think?

OMG IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!! You have waited so long for this... Congrats on all the hard work and dedication you have put into this... I go to orientation June 22 with Dr. Drinkwater... I procrastinated alot since march but Im having such bad sciatica back pain that its just a reminder of what I NEED to do. Congrats again!!!

Thanks Angela. I can't wait! It has been a long time, but it really was worth all the time and effort. I'm not just saying this because he's my surgeon, but I don't think you will regret your decision to go with Dr. D. I have seen many people go through surgery while I was in his program and they have had such great success. The program is so thorough and once you finish, you will have no doubt that you are ready. Good luck with everything.

Daniela, Congrats on your date! It is a lovely day, the day after my birthday! Best wishes to you! Carrie

Thanks Carrie. Congratulations to you also. I see you have a date too. Good luck with everything and happy birthday (a month early). Mine's in July too. What a great birthday present.

YIPPEE - YAHOO !!! ZIPPEDY DOO DA !!! Patience is a virtue, and you have passed the test ! Your day is coming ! I am SO happy for you !!! BIG hugs, Kym

OMGOSH!!!!! I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!! CONGRATS how exciting!! july 19th is a beautiful day! ((((HUGS)))) Chris

Hi Daniela!! WOOHOO! I am so happy for you! No problems with the insurance company? That is awesome news. Sweetie, I totally understand how excited you are. It is a feeling that is so hard to describe. Knowing your new life is right around the corner; that you are on your way to a thinner, healthier and happier person, is just indescribable. Truly. As silly as this sounds, I sometimes wish I could have that feeling again. Yes, I am at goal as a post-op, but that feeling of being a pre-op and having your date; it is such a sense of promise and good things to come. I was elated during that time, as I am sure you are as well. With a good bit of nerves and anxiety mixed in, I'm sure! LOL I am so happy for you. Let me know if you ever need anything or if you have questions along the way. I am here for you! Hugs, Denise

Hi Denise, Congratulations on reaching goal! That in itself is such a great accomplishment. I'm so preoccupied with looking forward to next summer already and wondering how different it will be. Did you go through that? Time seems to be going so slow since I'm pretty much done will all the major stuff. It still doesn't feel real to me. The nerves and anxiety haven't really started in yet, but I'm sure they will as my day gets closer. I just got back from visiting my family in NY and I kept telling them that this was the last time they would see me like this. It was such a great feeling. Now I just have to get my head out of the clouds and start getting ready for my new life! Thanks for being there. It really means a lot to me. ~Daniela

Hi Daniela! I definitely know what you mean about looking forward to next summer. I absolutely went through the same thing. I remember going to the beach with my friend and my daughter every weekend and putting on my bathing suit, and thinking, "Wonder what kind of suit I will wear next year?" I remember the feeling of being so disgusted with how big I was and feeling so ready and anxious to be on the losing side. Surgery was all I thought about. I woke, ate and slept the surgery. It pre-occupied my thoughts all day long; I could think of NOTHING else. I know it seems like your day will never get here, but believe me...it will be here before you know it! This is a perfect time to do the following: 1) Take your measurements! I can not stress this enough. Here is a tip for when you do your measurements to ensure exact measurements. When you do your waist, measure 2 inches from your belly button and mark a spot. Then measure around using the spot as a guide. For your thigh, measure 5 inches from the top of your knee, mark a spot and measure around. Every part that you get a measurement, find an exact spot that you will use every time. Another one is on your calf: I go five inches down from the bottom of my knee, mark a spot and then measure. Then every time I do my measurements, I know I just need to measure the 5 inches down, and it will give me an exact measurement of the same area... If you don't mark a spot to use as your starting guide, you will be off on future measurements as it will be impossible to remember exactly where you should measure. It will be impossible to accurately measure your success. I hope this makes sense..I just re-read thhis and it sounds a bit crazy so I hope you know what I mean! LOL Log your pre-op measurements in a book or a journal and then measure every month. You will be AMAZED I promise you! I measure the following: waist, hips, chest, upper arm, thigh, calf, bum (LOL) and wrist (odd, I know). 2) Take TONS of pre-op pictures!!! You will kick yourself if you don't. Get as many as you can, in a variety of positions (front, side, back, etc). 3) Make sure you get pictures of yourself the day of surgery! Dr. Drinkwater will be happy to take a picture with you. I have one of me and him the day of my surgery and I treasure it. It is fun to compare it to the pic of he and I at the gala in February. Don't be nervous to ask him to get in a picture with you. He is used to it! LOL 4) The day of surgery you will most likely start second guessing yourself and second thoughts will pop in your mind left and right. Ignore them. You did the research in sound mind and made the decision to have surgery. Have faith in your decision and in Dr. Drinkwater. He is the best and you will be taken care of in every way possible. When you check in and get in your johnny, take the nurses up on their offer for medication to relax you. They will let you have as much as you need to remain calm. I had quite a bit because I was scared to death. I really thought I was going to bail. Honestly, I was that petrified. Know that these feelings are normal; it is scary knowing that you will be having major surgery. Take the medication to keep the nerves at bay. 5) Make sure you have everything you will need for when you return from the hospital. Sugar-free jello, popsicles, your protein drink of choice and a water bottle that preferably has measurement marks on it to monitor your fluid intake. Do you have someone who will post here on the boards to let people know how you are doing? If not, and you want, I would love to post an update for you. Just let me know! I would be more than happy to do this. Feel free to e-mail with any questions or if you just feel like talking! I am here for you, girl! WOOHOOOO! I am so happy for you! Hugs, Denise