Hi, new to the list

Hi folks- I am new to this discussion group. I've read several books about the surgery. I am scheduled for Nov 21. Dr. Richards at Vandy. I thought these chats would be silly, not really important. So why am I crying while I type this. I have sleep apnea - a piece of my machine (the face mask) broke ten days ago and the home medical equipment company I use won't be able to replace it for another five or six days. I'd like to hear what you have to say about the days just before surgery. thanks for listening- Dave

Hello Dave! Congratulations on your surgery date. When I was in my prep period, waiting period, and even now post period there are several boards on this site that has provided much needed support for me. I had questions that I thought may seem silly or trivial but I wanted to know and not only did someone answer it but there was another pre-op wondering the same thing. I don't have and I've never had sleep apnea so I can't comment on that but I just thought I would post to offer your encouragement and know we all go through the jitters and the questions. I even had to ask myself if I wanted to give up the ability to eat all the foods I loved in the quantities that I want but I am now 4 months and so grateful I chose to have the surgery. I think I wasn't really nervous until about 10 days before but the day of I felt very relaxed. I am sending prayers your way. Congrats again! Lisa

Hi Dave, The weeks before surgery can be a rollercoaster. You will be elated one minute and scared the next, then nervous but happy, then... It sounds like you've done your homework, you know what the risks and rewards are. I think you'll do fine. If you don't have someone close to you for support, come here as often as you feel necessary and we'll be your support group, as much as we can be. I also frequent the WLS Singles board, there is always a lot of activity there. It's not really people looking to hook up, although that has occasionally happened, it's a great bunch of people who have been through what your getting ready to do. There is a lot of experience here, some people are several years out and can offer a lot of wisdom in the ways of WLS. Welcome and I hope you get that cpap mask soon. Toni Lap RNY 3/21/05 267/168/130ish

Welcome Dave! I have used the sleep apnea equipment since earlier this year and I would say -- if the home medical company can not get you SOMETHING to use quicker than five to six days - - check with your doctor who told you to use that machinery and someone should be able to find you something to use while waiting. Heck -- it doesn't have to be the same thing as long as it will work. If it's an insurance issue, the home medical company should be able to help you with that by sending in your forms at a later date. We, without doubt, don't need any additional struggles added to our stress load prior to or after WLS. The sleep apnea equipment helps us maintain our breathing throughout our sleep and gives us a better chance to have a good night's sleep. Please - - so whatever is needed to get back on track with the recommended equipment and sleep apnea routine as soon as possible. As far as days before the surgery - - don't go hog wild trying to stuff everything in at the last moment before the surgery (it's not worth it). Online research is a great tool and knowledge is strength. Don't buy up the entire store prior to your surgery so that you'll be stocked up when you get home from the hospital because -- 1) your taste changes after WLS and 2) your taste changes after WLS. Stock up on just a couple of this and that - - not 12 of these and 12 of that. Check food labels for HIGH protein and single digit sugars. Make every bite worth your while. Right after you get home from surgery, you can focus in on clear soups, sugar free jello, sugar free pudding, non-chunky yogurts - -and build up from there. Vanderbilt has a great WLS staff support as well as both weekly (each Friday at lunch) and monthly (in PM hours) support meetings (no cost meetings). I highly recomend the face-to-face support meetings at Vanderbilt (see http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/root/vumc.php?site=bariatric&doc=4523). 'Hang in there, you're on your way. Terri WLS 6/13/05 317/230/?