T-minus 4 days and counting!

Well, Tuesday's my big day and I'm finally feeling the nerves! Today was my last day of work and the card wishing me well and all the kind words from my co-workers kind of made me see what is about to happen. I have gotten all my vitamins and a bunch of different liquid foods for post-op. I think I'm ready as i can be... But if anyone has any other suggestions, please feel free to let me know [smile] I will probably not post again until after, so I'll talk to you all after!!

Alright J-Mac! We all felt the nerves too - it's normal. I'm sure you will do fine and will be joining us on the Loser's Bench in no time! We'll be here waitin for ya!

Only suggestion for now is to trust your decision, look foward to a happier, healthier life, follow your doc's advice, and treat the case of nerves as a sign that you're a normal pre-op guy--most of us post-ops had some jitters. The operation will be a breeze (you'll go to sleep with a big stomach and wake up with a pouch). For now, try to think about how great it will be to shop for clothes in normie stores, to cross your legs, not be afraid that chairs, etc. will be too small, and just generally live lighter without feeling self-conscious. We're all wishing you well and polishing up your spot on the loser's side of the bench.

Thanks guys I really appreciate knowing that these nerves are normal... It's just you hear all the horror stories and unfortunately, my mind tends to focus too much on those... Doug, thanks for thoughts to focus on... I'll really work on seeing those images instead of the negative... I appreciate it!

J-Mac, Get as much rest as you can beforehand. Take some Chapstick.  Serious, your lips will be like Clint Eastwood’s in the desert in Good, Bad & Ugly! Something about the anesthesia. Walk all you can, keep taking tiny sips of water, And remember - IT DOES GET EASIER. Have the Greatest! Best Wishes- Dx

J-Mac, Life is really going to be a blast! One suggestion they will ask you several times what surgery are having, don't get cute like my buddy Bamabob and say sex change! He woke up without any balls! Of course he's been married over 30 years and remembered his wife had them! BwaHahaha!!! C'ya on the other side Bob

Bob, my friend, I know EXACTLY where my balls are, thank you.  She has them in the front compartment of her purse. BwaHahahahahahaha!!!!!!!    NOT!!! 

It is normal to be anxious about undergoing surgery, you do not have surgery on a regular basis (I hope) and the unknown causes you to feel anxious.  I am assuming you have thought long and hard about this and made sure that WLS is the right thing for you, trust your decision and accept that you are just feeling human at this time.

I brought some Chap Stick just like DX.  Your mouth will be very dry after the surgery, ask the nurse to bring you some mouth swabs and a cup of ice water.  You just want to use them to keep your mouth wet and not to swallow the water.  Comfortable slippers, to walk in (My but just got so sore sitting in the chair and bed, that I walked about 1 mile the day after my surgery, 1 to 2 laps at a time)  A pair of shorts, I felt like I was flashing everyone each time I got out of bed until I got my shorts on.  I also brought one of those crystal light to go packages and had my wife bring a liter of water from the gift shop, once I was able to drink (I found this very sweet at first so I made it about 1/2 strength at first).  I also brought some sugar free jello, because I was afraid they would send me flavors I couldn't stand when I was able to take fluids.  I brought my cell phone, so I wouldn't have to spend $5.00 a day for the phone.  I also had a picture of my family from a recent vacation.

I had to have a swallowing study/ Upper GI X Ray the day after my surgery to check for leaks.  I asked the radiologist if I could see my pictures and he showed me what my pouch looked like (about the size of a quarter!)  It was really amazing to see the changes that had occurred already.

I am about two and a half months post of and I can't believe the changes in my life already!  My only regret is that I did not do this a long time ago.  I have not felt this good since I was in college or high school! Like everyone says, hold on it's a wild ride!

Good luck, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  When you are feeling up to getting on the computer, let us know how you did.

Jim 

J-Mac, Perfectly normal to be nervous about going into a cold, hopefully sterile room and having somebody with a whole lot of education, you hope, poking around on your insides rearranging what was designed and engineered long, long time ago by a far superior intellect to anything you'll find on this earth.  Perfectly normal! Four Mantras of Life Post-WLS: 1.  Sip, sip, sip. 2.  Walk, walk, walk. 3.  Any questions or problems - CALL YOUR DOCTOR!! 4.  Never trust a fart!  You may "redecorate" your furniture if you do. Enjoy the ride!  It is better than anything you'll find at any amusement park! Need anything put it on the board and we'll do the best that we can to help.

Get busy to help the time pass before your surgery. I am sure everything will be fine, good luck to you.