Here I go.........

Thanks Cheryl, How's it going with you? Let me know! Debbie

Hey, Hey, Hey Debbie (and Amber) Sorry about the novel below...... Im very happy for you both. I am two weeks post op with Dr. Ben-Meir. He is such a wonderful doctor. You are in the most capable of hands. Its easy for me to say don't be nervous but I was too. Everything turned out completely fine and really I can't say enough things about how wonderful and kind Dr. Ben-Meir is. I completely get your worries and concerns. I too have two small kids and the idea of leaving them and not being able to care for them is a really ligitamate concern. But just remember. The complication rate for this surgery at St. V is BELOW the national average. It's not even 1%. And keep your eye focused on the QUALITY of life you are going to be able to lead after your surgery and recovery. I can't believe how much better I feel already and Im only 2 weeks post op. You'll be suprised at just how good you will feel. In fact I will share this with the two of you first. I just went to my PCP (Primary Care Physician, for the visit post op to them). Well, he cut my BP med's to half and Im down 30 pounds already!!! IM not posting that yet b/c I want to wait until I see Ben-Meir on the 21st for his total. Girls, it feels so good on this side already. My husband, sister and the girls in the Dr.'s office said to me just this week...."I can see it in your face and stomach that you are losing." (of course my husband says, "I can tell in your butt your losing weight" Nice, Huh?) Someone on this site told me to be sure to "enjoy every single compliment" and I am. The energy is just unbelievable. Wait and see. As far as advise, I agree with everything Michelle said. You will really only need a bath robe and a change of clothes to go home in. The gowns in the hospital are huge and fit really nice. Also bring undies. I don't know about anyone else but I couldn't wear my bra for a couple of days b/c of where the drain hole is. Chapstick is a MUST!!! I got the Blistex - complete moisture. It has a moisture thing in it vs it just feeling like reg. old chapstick on your lips (my preference). Your lips will be incredibly dry and they give you these little swabs that have the tiniest bit of water on them to help keep your mouth wet. Take a couple of magazines or a book to read. You have TV. You should get up quite a bit to walk. Believe me this helps with the gas they fill your stomach up with to do the surgery. The other advise that I have is to be sure that you have a great support group while you are at the hospital. (Here comes the pity party.....) I didn't have anyone that came up to the hospital to visit me which means I didn't have anyone to help get me out of bed, get me water, keep me company or anything. I got so depressed b/c I saw all these other patients who's friends, family, etc where there that I ended up closing my door and left it that way the entire time that I was in the hospital. So really that is crucial!! Im sure it will help to lift your spirits. When you get home the first couple of nights you will probably be more comfortable in a recliner. I used a cushioned chair for my legs and slept sitting up on the couch. that was actually more comfortable for me than the recliner. Be sure you have someone there that will be able to help with making your lunch and such. Also, don't take a shower alone in the house. Be sure someone is there. I got really dizzy the first couple of time b/c of the ho****er. I found Moo-Moo's to be so comfortable (not the most attractive article of clothing but hey it was comfy) and the binder is really itchy. Go now and get some Vitamin E oil. This works awesome on your incisions. It keeps your skin from drying out and helps the scars heal better with out leaving gross scars. It also helps with the itching that you will have as they heal. Try not to use the over the counter hand lotions b/c they contain alchol and actually dry your skin out. That's not what you want. The hospital was really good with giving me the exact amount of gause that was needed for the 10 days you need to keep the drain hole covered and they gave me enough of the film covering to keep it from getting wet. Other than that the only other thing I wish I had was a more comprehensive list of foods you are able to puree. Im very nervous about things like pasta and such. You two are going to be so happy once you are over on this side. Like I said, I am only two weeks out and I feel just awesome. Of course this 65+ degree weather makes it that much easier. I want to do so much today but have to take it slow so as not to hurt my self. Im very happy and excited for you two. If you have any other questions about the surgery or what to expect, I will be more than happy to answer them. Its such a wonderful gift and it is so worth it. Im glad that I have made this most important life changing decision. It was the best option for me as I hope you will be able to say the same on the other side. Keep in touch and email me if you have any quesitons or concerns!! Hugs and kisses to you both Kym

Thanks Kym, I PM'd you............

Congrats on your surgery date. My advice to you: be sure to bring your lunch to your PAT. I didn't and boy was I hungry. Laminate your before picture, mine is in shreds. Also, be sure to let any visitors know that they will have to pay to park. My daughter came down to see me and she didn't have any money. Fortunately, one of my visitors paid for her parking. It has been 2 years and 190 lbs. Good luck and I hope things go as well for you as they did for me. If you would like a visitor, I would be happy to stop down and visit you. Email me and I will send you my phone #. Linda 367/179/??

Hi Linda, Thanks for the advice on lunch, I will definately take something along. You are doing fantastic, I hope I am that fortunate. I would like to have visitors, I do not have that many people in this area that would be able to visit me. I will PM you for your number. Thanks, Debbie

Hello there! I can not belive it still! I am so excited for you both! I have class at CSU three evenings a week and live just 15 min or so from the hospital....so just let me know if you guys need anything...I can be there in a jiffy or I can just send well wishes from afar...whatever you guys need!! Just give me a pm if you want my cell phone number! Debbie any word on how Tina is doing...i think she should be at a month pretty soon...the time is going by fast for her also! i will pm her if you have not heard just wondering Colleen

Hi Colleen, That is great I will pm you for your cell number. I haven't heard from Tina in a long while. I checked her Blog a few days ago and the last update was around the 22nd. Debbie