Surgery scheduled & I'm reeeeaaaalllllllllllllly nervous!

Hello all! I haven't posted here in awhile, guess I've been too afraid to jinx anything. I had to go self-pay due to an exclusion in my insurance. That was not an easy task or a fun story so no point going into it..........but the good news is........ I am scheduled for open RNY on July 8th at Grandview hospital in Dayton with Dr. Clarey! (I'm also having my gall bladder removed at the same time.) Holy crap that is this Friday!!! Even though I haven't posted I still try to read the boards. Everyone is sooooo supportive and helpful. To be honest I guess I'd gotten a little discouraged reading about everyone's success and that I just couldn't seem to make mine happen. But if there is a will there is a way,right?!?! Now I am going through fits of crying, questioning if I made the right decision. I even had someone tell me I wasn't "big" enough to have it done! Ha..........if they only knew how well I hid it! I haven't told a lot of people just close friends and family. Most are very supportive and happy for me. Now I feel like I have a million things to do before Friday. So here is where I am asking for help. What last minutes things to I need to do, or rememeber or ask someone? What do I need for the hospital? What about driving.........how soon after will I be able to drive? Good thing for me I have the summer off from teaching and will have time to heal. But I also have a part time retail job, I wonder how long I will need before I can go back to work??? Any and all advice, helpful hints or words of wisdom would be be greatly appreciated. Oh and I also read about people having angels.........what is that?? Well here goes...........and I look forward to hearing from everyone! Kelly

Kelly, I am so happy for you that you are going to be able to make this happen. I pray that God and many many of his angels watch over you. I didnt have an angel on the board per se, but I had a whole flock of them fly my way when I needed them. I am sure you will have the very same thing happen. My surgery was on a Friday as well ( May 6, 2005) and it worked out great. I had all week to keep busy and prepare and then the surgery and recovery over the weekend. The hospital is less busy on the weekends and you will get better care. My only little piece of advice to you is be prepared to be a little blue for the first 2 weeks. For me it went into a full blown scary depression, but I asked for help with it. Even with all the counseling and dietary advice, nothing prepares you for the real thing. I was so upset thinking the way it was at first was the way it would be forever. And I was so wrong. I Love this new way of life and the weight is dropping off of me. Of course I am eating just as my surgeon reccommended, and doing my water aerobics. But the tool has made my life so much better. For example I didnt do any yard work the past two summers. I just came in for a little break and I have been down in my flower beds weeding .. 6 weeks ago if I would of gotten down I would of had to have a crane lift me back up, with my bad knees. I am totally blown away at the new ( normal) things I can do every day. And Kelly this is only after 6 short weeks. Imagine where you will be this time next year. I pray that you stay nice and relaxed this week and know we are here for you. Ask any last minute questions you may have, lean on us for support and we will all be your angels. Lots of Love and Hugs Laura

Thanks so much Laura for the encouraging words. I look forward to everyone's help and encouragement here on the boards. I'm hoping the hospital will be nice and restful on the weekend. How long were you in the hospital? I'm thinking Monday will be when they send me home but Sunday would be nice too. I am kinda nervous about all the emotions I'll go through when I get home. But at the same time I am looking forward to doing many things I can not do now! Well at least do them with more ease and less pain! Thank you again, Kelly

What do I need for the hospital??? Take things that are going to make you feel safe, and comfy. I took way too much. I took books, magazines, puzzles, CD's. My own jammies and robes. But everything stayed in the bag. I wore their big ugly gowns so I didnt get my pretty things stained. I was kinda loopy on the morphine so concentrating on reading was a waste of time. And it seems time just passes quickly with watching TV and resting. I did take my own Fred Flinstone Pillow from home ( he has been with me since I was a Baby), Pictures of my kids and grandson and my own slippers. My feet were so hot for some reason and I liked slipping them on and off easier than those grippy things they give you there. Just pack light and wear comfy clothes to come home from the hospital in. Laura

One more thing.. Make sure you have all of your food items you need ahead of time. Dont count on even an intelligent person to bring you back the right thing from the store. I got lots of fat free pudding, but they forgot to check the sugar contents. If you have a little dorm size fridge haul it to your room. Keep your cold drinks, jello pudding etc in there. Have your room arranged for your convienence and stock up on reading materials. I think I better be getting back out and finishing my weeding. Hugs, Laura

Thanks for the tip about wearing comfy clothes to come home from the hospital. I hadn't thought about that one yet! I can't imagine I'll bring things to do there, I'll sure I'll be resting when I'm not up walking. Thank you, Kelly

From one Champaign County resident to another, Good Luck Kelly!

Thank you Joe!!! I'm pretty nervous! Nice to see someone from the same county! Kelly

Good luck with your surgery on Friday! I had mine in Middletown in November and it was the best thing I every did for myself. I am in Franklin so if you need anything, let me know! Jill OPEN RNY 11/30/2004 250/191/130

Thanks so much Jill I appreciate any and all encouragement! Wow 2 days away! I can't believe it's here! Kelly