About 72 hours till surgery..

My open RNY surgery is this Tuesday, the 19th at 1:oo pm. I am so nervous, anxious, excited, scared.... I am feeling everything! I have to finish Christmas shopping and wrapping. One son is coming home from college today and we have another young lady staying with us for the holidays who had no where to go. SO.. I have 6 people besides myself in the house( my 4 kids, husband and one extra!). I am actually looking forward to the time alone in the hospital! I have to spend the day cleaning house, then threaten them all to keep it this way. I just cannot relax when my house is a mess. One daughter has a basketball game to attend this afternoon, and we are also supposed to have or family Christmas picture today. My brain is running over with so many things that need to be done, then trying to keep straight everything I need to do after surgery... when to drink, vitamins spread throughout the day, get in my water and protein, walk every hour... SO, all you experinced losers out there... What is your suggestion for spending my final 72 hours prior to surgery??? Please keep me in your prayers! I have only told a very few people that I am having surgery, so many of the people that would normally be praying for me don't even know I am having surgery. thanks! Kim

Kim, Try to relax and focus on the wonderful results to come on the other side. The only advice have is to make sure you have a few things in the house that you need afterwards. Carnation Instant Breakfast, some sugar free jello and sugar free popcicles. I know it's a very exciting time. You are embarking on a wonderful journey. Please know their are lots of us here to support you. Dr. Martin, in Dr. Hutcher's office, did my surgery. Dr. Hutcher did my husband's just a year ago on the 16th of this month. I've lost 120 pounds and my husband has lost over 200. You are in great hands and you will be in my prayers. Enjoy your weekend! Wanda

Wanda, Congratulations on your combined 320 pound loss! How terrific for the two of you! Happy Holidays, Lois

Enjoy yourself, make sure you have everything packed that you will want--like your own pillow! Don't succomb to the urge to splurge on that "last meal". You are making a life change and might as well make it now, if you haven't already. Make sure you have Crystal Lite flavors that you like. We were not allowed Carnation Instant Breakfast. If you buy some please make sure you get the low carb version. Always check your sugars. Good luck and Godspeed in your recovery! Lois

Hi Kim, you're a busy lady!! I see that you need a hospital rest!! Except you sound like one of my daughters, always doing something. Here's how I spent my last days as a fat woman, I was totally peaceful. I thought alot (now it's just my husband and I so I can take alone time, you probably can't) about how my life would change, the good health that I would have. I journeled a lot. This will sound weird, but I remember I just sat on the deck and watched and listened to the birds, and just felt very serene. I wish that for you!! I'm with Lois - no 'last meals' -- . Remember, when we eat alot it affects our liver size which affects how the doctor manuevers around. And we sure want to make his/her life as easy as possible, right!! I'll be thinking of you - prayers for you too, my dear!! And let us know as soon as you can how you're doing!! love donna

Good luck to you Kim!!! I'll be thinking about you!!! Missy

Hey Kim, First, congrats on your surgery, what a huge step you've decided to take for yourself.. Its important that you remember, as hard as it may be, that this is a step toward your future, which will bring so many memorable experiences to everyone that surrounds you. Enjoy them all. As far as your questions, regarding the last 72 hours prior to surgery... DONT SPLURGE. Im over 5 years post op, and I know if someone had given me this advice, I might not have been a lap/converted to open, with complications. Do your damndest to make sure you have done everything you can to aid your doctors and anethesiologist in their jobs.. You ARE your own best advocate, so start now, doing what you know is right. Don't listen to the gripe about "last meals"... they are rediculous, cuz eventually you CAN & WILL have those items.. maybe in smaller amounts, but you'll eat them. Never say Never, just set your eye on the prize, and keep your expectations of yourself high. Kim, you're in my prayers, as is everyone about to embark on this journey. Make the most of it woman! Wendy