:angst: I got my date! A...

I got my date! April 27th at St. Vincent with Dr. Ben-Meir. Is it normal to be so worried one minute, excited the next? It is so weird all the emotions I am feeling! I want this better life, but have never been anything but fat, and am scared too! What did you do waiting for the date? I am having a lap done (RNY). How long till I can go back to work? My PAT is April 14, this week! I am having trouble sleeping now, from nerves! Thanks! Pam

Pam, Congratualations on your date. While waiting on your date, I would get your home in order, get in all of your groceries, and get in all of your last meals. It will be here before you know it. Call me if you need anything, or just want to talk. My phone number is on my website. Go to imnotfatanymore.com. Love, Sandy Pierce Cincinnati, Ohio

Thanks so much for the good advice. I did buy some sugar free jello pudding mixes at the grocery today, and have some protein drinks. Do you have any protein drink that tastes good that you would recommend? I know some on here have mentioned Atkins. It was so good to get a response. Sometimes I feel kind of alone...some people think I am crazy for doing this. One of our best friends is a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic and he said this is the BEST thing I can do to improve my health and he is behind me 100%. His aunt had the surgery in Spain (where they have national health), and it is an accepted practice in dealing with obesity. He said she is so happy, and much healthier. I am trying to ignore the negative!

Pam, That's great news!!! I did the same thing you're doing. I was approved in November but my surgery wasn't until the middle of Feb. '04, so I had almost 4 months to worry, be excited, worry, be excited...you get the picture. During the waiting period I ATE!! I enjoyed all the things I knew I wouldn't feel like eating after surgery. And, believe it or not, I really don't miss those things. I had a Lap RNY and went back to work after 3 weeks. I could have gone back in 2, but why pu**** I did feel good enough after 2 weeks to go back to work. However, I spend most of my day sitting and that helped. You'll be just fine and do great! Julie Lap RNY 02-13-04 -42 lbs.

Thanks for the reply! I am having the eating problem right now. Tonight I ate potato salad ~ crazy, only ate it because I am thinking I may not have it ever again! I know after the surgery my relationship with food will change!! There is alcoholism in my family, and I have never been a drinker but I know that my alcoholism is "foodism". I will doing other things for comfort and will try to focus more on me. I want acrylic nails, maybe even get my hair color from the salon rather than the bottle! It is the one thing about nurses...we tend to focus on everybody but ourselves. Thanks!

Way to go Pam! Please keep us informed of your progress. You'll be in our thoughts. Hugs Lori

Congratulations on getting a date for surgery. It just so happens that the 27th is my birthday so while I celebrate (don't ask how many years), I'll be celebrating your new life!

Happy Birthday to you for the 27th! I do feel so like I am about to start a new life. I have been fat for so long...I can not even comprehend it yet. It WILL be my new birthday too! Thanks for the reply!

My surgery is on the 14th with Dr. Ben Meir, so as you are being poked and prodded at your PAT, think of me across the street! I must say you will get a lot of information from the nurse and nutritionist that will make you feel better. I just wish the information had been provided earlier. The 27th will be here before you know it..Good luck

You will probably get this after the surgery, good luck and God Bless! I will send up a prayer for you and be thinking of you during the PAT's! Let me know how you do! Be honest about the pain okay? I am a planner and I like to prepare. I will be looking forward to getting the info from the nurses too! I feel so unprepared right now! Thanks!