Upcoming surgery!

Well my date is April 10th and I can't wait even though I am nervous! Got all the clearances and ok from insurance now I just need the OK in my head! As much as I want this is as much nervous as I am. I am a single mom with 3 kids that need me. I just want everything to go ok and God be with me! My daughter whi is a teacher is off next week so she is going with me and be by my side. I thank god for her! Anyone have any last minute hints would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks!

Hi Valerie, Which surgery are you going for? I had the lap-band put it in and it went very smoothly with an easy recovery and I was back to work in 6 days and feeling just fine! If your going for the Gastric bypass, your recovery might be a bit longer as well as your hospital stay. I had my surgery at Hackensack Hospital and the care was excellent! Just relax and remember all the reasons that you chose to have WLS and remember that after surgery your eatting habits as you knew them will no longer exist and you will get by with very small amounts of food now. I get full on 1/2 cup of food and I cant believe it, Im amazed that I feel full with 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, lol and Im fine with that. Easter will be a challenge for me, because I will not be cooking as usual and if we go out to dinner, not sure what to order, Im still on soft foods and I will never finish whatever I do order. Im babbling, I wish you all the best on your journey, keep us posted. Maria

Thanks Maria for getting back to me. I am having Gastric Bypass in St. Barnabas Hospital. I am really excited but still nervous! I have been trying to get into one of the forums to see what people have to say but I get lost and still trying to figure it out. Oh well, have a nice Easter and good luck with the food. I will be having my last meal Easter then Monday is Fleet Day! Talk to you soon!

Hi...I had my surgery at St. Barnabus back in December. They were all great...the nurses are really helpful. I was in 2 days and home resting comfortably. It overall was a really decent experience. I have no post-op complaints to speak of wasnt in much discomfort afterwards more so the gas pains more than anything the incisions were nothing. Just do what you are told to do and you will do just fine. In my experience being as I dont do well with liquad meds i asked for pain meds by injection and they were great...really lets you rest and relax Good Luck 58lbs so far and doing great

Thanks so much for all your advice. This message board is great and the people are all so helpful and nice on here. I will let you know how I do after I come home. Good Luck to you in your goal setting.

Hi Valerie your in great hands I had my surgury at St. Barnabus beginning of november with Dr. Biloff I had no problems at all. Good luck to you. If you have any concerns at all or any questions feel free to email me. [email protected]. Harris(-75 lbs)

Thanks for all your support! There are som many nice people on here willing to help you out! It is Great! I appreciate your email and if I have any questions I will definately contact you. Again thank you very much! Good Luck in your Venture!

Hello Valerie, I was also at St. Barnabus nearly a year ago and for the most part was in good hands. I'm not a fan of hospitals so I was just glad to be released. Who is your surgeon? It's sounds as though you have a good support team. My parents helped me tremendously. My dad is retired so he stayed with me during the surgery and my mom who is also a school teacher helped me as well. I stayed at my parents home for a few days. As far as hints goes, follow your doctor's instructions. Take your supplements, protein and liquids. Wear comfortable clothing as you don't want anything tight on your stomach and you may also want to have a comfortable pillow as well. I wouldn't buy any protein drinks until after the surgery as you may need to try different types until you find one that you like. Best of Luck, Carla

So glad you mentioned about the protein cause I have heard some are not that great! My doctor is Dr. Nusbaum out of West Orange. He comes highly recommended. My daughter is a help. She is going to be there for me at the hospital and at home. She is a teacher so she is off next week...thank god! Thank you for getting back to me and I will keep in touch after the surgery. Good Luck with your weight loss!

the best of luck to you valerie i had open rny on 11/22/06 -- home on 11/24/06 -- driving on 11/27/06 -- back to work on 12/11/06 -- i have a physical job -- no sitting at a desk or anything for me lol **dont buy a gazillion boxes of jello!! **don't buy protein shakes until you know what you might like -- buy samples or get samples from other people ** bring baby powder with you for your legs -- the hospital should be putting the pumps on your legs to help reduce the risks of clots -- put powder on your legs cuz they will sweat!! **only bring your bathrobe and slippers for walking --you won't need anything else and most of the time you will be sleeping anyways **follow your doctors orders exactly!! do not deviate from what they tell you!! ** know what vitamins to take before you leave the hospital -- ask your surgeon or nutritionist ** know what liquids you will be on and for how long ** know what foods you can have and when you can start specific foods ** the hospital will explain to you how to care for your wounds ******ASK your surgeons office for all information pertaining to diet and vitamins if you have any medical questions call your surgeon immediately -- no question is stupid or trivial when it comes to your health remember that each and every surgeon is different and has a different protocol -- what one person says on any message board is not law -- follow your own surgeon we are a support system -- use us the best of luck to you roberta