Today is my first post

I have been reading for a year wanting to post be not sure what to say. I was having some insurance trouble and it was cleared yesterday and I have been given a May 10 surgery date. I don't know if I am more exciting or nervous! Excited I guess. Need some advise on how to get through the next 3 weeks without driving myself insane.

CONGRATS and welcome to posting....If you have been reading for a year i dont need to tell you its a great place for support....As plenty of questions and prepare yourself for the ride of your life. Good luck. LisaMarie

What great news. I am feeling the same anxiety as you. I have a date of May 16th. Good luck to you. Hope everything goes well. Sally

Congrats on getting your date (finally) Good for you!!! This is an incredible journey. keep yourself busy for the next three weeks - clean up your house, clean out your drawers and donate all of your old winter clothes - you will not fit in them next year get a list together of things you will need for the hospital, and when you are post op - ask questions here and prepare for your new life. Read up on what is required after surgery by your surgeon. hope that helps, Britt

I have a May 8th date. If you come up with something that will help keep us sane for the next 3-ish weeks, please let me know!

I am scheduled for May 21st, I know its like having ants in your pants isn't it???? I am sure you will make it through, you are in my thoughts and prayers!!

My first advice to you is to start exercising, the better the lung capacity the quicker you'll heal. Buy yourself the cheapest pair of flip flops you can because after you wear them in the hospital, leave them there, I don't beleive in taking hospital germs home! You start packing, unpacking, repacking etc etc. You come on here and you post and you tell us what you're feeling so we can reassure you that what you're feeling is perfectly normal! I wrote letters to each of my family members "just in case" and i hid them in my underwear draw and only told my sister they were there. I think our children need to know what we expect of them even if we're not on earth so that's what i did. The letters are still in my panty draw the only change i've made is that i went from briefs and cotton boy shorts to the most frothy, lacy, tiny panties and i wear them with pride because i've earned them. Hugs, ANDI

Thank you all especially you Andi, Great advise, love and support. I have been wondering about writing the "what if " letters and I am glad to know I am not the only one thinking about it.

Lauri woo hoo! Congrats chik on the surgery date!!! NOT LONG!! I think you are going to do fabulous these next three weeks! Just take it one day at a time and ENJOY it! Remember to breath deep, walk, eat healthy and watch yourself emerge into a different person!

CONGRATS on your Surgery date!! That is FANTASTIC!! I remember that time like it was yesterday....I completely agree with Andi, EXERCISE...to build up your lung capacity...it's soooo important...it really will help you in your recovery process...not to mention - your doc will tell you to walk a lot during recovery...and this way it won't be sooo hard to adjust to! Next thing I did was "NESTING"...of sorts! I bought a book called "BEFORE & AFTER" - by: Susan Maria Leach (loved it...) and there were some tips in there to do before surgery...a grocery list of things to have "on hand" when you returned from the hospital, etc. I loved the recipes she put in the book too, for the 'puree stage' when you get there....still eat some of them! Pack for the hospital: *your own jammies *chapstick *flip-flops / slippers *robe *family picture (I loved looking at my hubby & daughter) *make-up (I know this sounds rediculous...but glad I did it...b/c my hospital pics!) If I think of more...I'll post you again.... YOU CAN DO IT! Only 3 weeks! Whoooo Hooooo Deborah~ Lap RNY - 4/19/06 333/190/150