trying to get ready and nervous

My surgery is 7/6/05. I'm trying to get things ready for the surgery. I have no idea what I should be doing. I bought a pair of slip on slippers for the hospital. I bought some sugar free pudding and jello and some cyrstal light. Other than that I have no idea. I'm also very nervous. I can't believe that it is happening. I've waited so long and went through alot with my insurance company that untill the day I have the surgery I probably won't believe it. Well thank for listening to my ranting. Wendy Fowler

Oh Wendy, how well I know that feeling!! I am very happy for you. The preparation for surgery is the most exciting time. I really enjoyed gathering everything that I thought I would need. Have you bought your vitamins yet? Your protein shake samples?? For the hospital, pillows from home were about the best thing that I brought. I never would have been able to get into a comfortable position without them. Keep on ranting girl. Feels good doesn't it? Hugs to you, Nancy

Nancy, What protein shakes do you use? What vitamins do you use? Thanks for everything. How are you doing? Wendy

Hey again, I bought the sample pack from bariatriceating.com to try the different flavors. I found that I like the orange creamsicle flavor alot so I bought a regular size container of that. But just buy the samples for now because your tastes may change after the surgery. I am doing great. I am down 43 pounds in 3 months. I am so happy with this surgery. I haven't had to use my rescue inhaler hardly any since the surgery. I used to use it almost every day. Now I use it maybe 2x a month. I feel so much better. I know only good things await you too. Nancy

Wendy, Congratulations! I am so excited for you! I am sure that it is wonderful and scary at the same time, but I wish you the best of luck!

Hi Wendy, I am so happy for you. I dont know how I will feel when I get to where you are now. I can only understand what I am feeling now. I am officially starting this process now. I hope so much to be able to have my surgery in a short time but I doubt that is possible. Good luck and God Bless you as you begin your new life. Becky

Hi wendy..I also know what your feeling.It is so different when it is an elective surgery.I had major surgery in 2000,I had broke my neck and crushed my spinal cord C-3 thru C7..I was'nt nervouse when I had that surgery and it was 9 hrs.You will do fine,I will keep you in my thoughts.The one thing I wished I had taken to the hospital was shampoo..lol.When I took my shower(after not having one for three days)all I had was soap but it still felt awesome...lol. It seemed to happen so so fast for me too,but when I sat and thought it was 11 months from the time I went to the seminar to the time I had my surgery.I researched it for 2 yrs before i did it though,I couldnt get enough of talking about WLS...I still cant.I have found that ppl that have not had the surgery kind of dont get it.They think you'll be thin overnight..lol. When my family sees me eat they ALWAYS have some stupid thing to say...lol. They just dont get it,"Thats all you can eat",umm yea duhhh.I had mine 3/8/05 and have lost 78 lbs so far and I feel like a new person.Im not going to lie it was hard in the begining,I am an emotional eater,its all I have ever knowen as a coping tool(food) well when they took that away,I had to feel my feeling and that was hard...lol.I had my surgery with dr.strickland and Givens and the did great.I do feel that they(the whole program) needs more after care as far as the psycologial side effects of the whole thing.it's not just your tummy that is changed it is your mind.Anyways,I could go on and on but I will reframe...lol. Here is my e-mail addy and if you like an angel I am here,you can never have to much support thriugh this.I wish you all the best..Renee..Columbia,SC [email protected]

Thank you so much. I'm having the surgery with Dr Strickland and Dr Givens also. I travel 2 hours one way to get there. But it will be worth it. Feel free to stop by the hospital to meet if you want. There won't be many visitors because my family is in NJ. My husband will be there. Again Thanks Wendy Fowler [email protected]

Congratulations!! I know how excited you are! It was this same time last year that I was getting ready for surgery with DR.Givens. You did a great job selecting a surgeon. I think they are the best! I, too drove 2 hours one way just for them to do my surgery, and I beleive it was well worth it! I went home after only 2 nights, and I have a friend that had the same surgery done by a local surgeon in my area, and she had to stay for 4 nights b/c he required it. So, I traveled 2 hours from home, and still came home 2 days sooner than her. I have had no complications, and I am thrilled that I had this surgery. Email me if you have any questions I will be praying for you that you will have a quick recovery. Angela Gibson