I need advice...badly.

A lot has happened lately. There's no way I'm going to have the surgery and go back to school before the end of the summer. Instead, I have a couple of options, but I really want some advice and outside input. My first option, if everything works out with the insurance company, is to stay home from college for the semester and have surgery in September. I'll have until January to recover, then go back to school. My second option is to go back to school, lose 30 lbs, and have surgery as soon as I get home from winter break, which I'll probably try to arrange to get home early. I'll have about 5 weeks to recover before going back to school. Being at school will be hard, but not that big of a problem since I live on campus and it's a small campus. I'm so torn, because mentally and emotionally...I really want to be back at school. The summer at home has been miserable, living in a new place a long ways from my hometown, and I've put on at least 15 lbs, as opposed to losing 30. I have to admit, I've been quite depressed all summer. I really want to see my friends, even though I'm ashamed of myself and the extra weight from this summer. My parents seem to support staying home and having the surgery in September. I'm concerned about that also because I'd be a semester behind in school. They say that it's because they just want me to get it over with. I'm also kind of concerned about going back to school because my back has been such an issue lately. It's gotten to the point where I can't go out much because it hurts to stand longer than 5 minutes. I'm going to see my PCP on Monday about physical therapy and what else can be done to elevate the pain. At the same time, though, I'm convinced if I go back to school that I can lose 30 lbs. I have access to a gym with recumbent bikes, which I can do, even with my back, and just the necessary activity involved with school, getting around campus, etc can help. Food choices would be a lot easier with the food services...salads are really easy to get. I think it basically boils down to that I talked myself into making the lifestyle changes that will have to be made after surgery NOW, not later. Oh, and there's always the free counseling at school that I need anyway. I really hate where I am and it's never been this bad, but I'm glad that I can have this surgery. I was convinced after events yesterday that I was going to school and having surgery in December, but then my patient advocate called this morning and said that she had been thinking about my case and wondered what could be done with insurance and a semester off. Then the wheels were turning again. I'm sorry this is so long, but it's just been such an emotional rollercoaster, and I want to know what you guys think. If you were in my position, what would you do?

Hey Lauren! I'm sorry, but I have NO idea what I would do. That is such a difficult situation. I was lucky enough that my surgeon was willing to do my surgery in may, right after school ended, so I didn't have this problem. Just make sure to have the surgery when YOU are ready, because the surgery is all about you. If you need any support or want to chat, just email me ~Jenny

HELLO Lauren!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think definitly you should stay home and have surgery and just go back to college in January!!!!! That would be SO much better to be in the comfort of you own home. AND, you need all that time to recover because your going to be tired and....i dont know. I just think it'll be SO much better to be home and relaxed without thinking "Oh no! I have to get ready to go to classes" all the time! Just relax! Give your body some time to adjust properly to your soon-to-be new intestine!!!!!!!!! ~Amy

Hi there! I'm sorry you are stressed out. I have to say I agree with Amy though. I am in the process of getting all the psychological appts. and stuff out of the way so that I can have the surgery and I have decided to take the semester off. I wanted to have the surgery done over christmas break but can't because my doctor stops scheduling the same week I have exams. If you stay home, you can rest and spend your extra free time getting yourself ready for the big change. That is my advice, but keep in mind what is best for you! Good Luck.

- Think you should heal and not just jump into things, I know it will put you behind but surgery is a life altering thing.. and you dont want to risk getting hernias moving so much. Be careful girl

Hey Lauren - I was just in your situation. I have 3 more semesters until I grad. from college. I had my surgery July 28th - because of the lifting restrictions and stuff I decided to not go back to school until Spring. I can't make your decision for you - but I can tell you that factors that helped me make mine. First of all the healing time - I wanted to be in the best possible health that I could be. 2. I wanted to have time to get involved in a gym and a work out program established - that way it will be easier for me to maintain it during the school year. 3. I know that in the past 2 weeks that I've been post op - I've had so many emotional ups and downs. I think that the surgery is truly life changing, but also, as females - our hormones go CRAZY. I figured that I would do that and didn't want to add on the stress of school with that. 4. Girl - I'll be honest. I wanted to go back and look good. I wanted a "fresh start" and I also wanted to get adjusted to the new me. -Those were just my reasons. I would encourage you that whatever you decide to do make sure that you have enough time to heal. The physical part will heal far faster than the emotional things. Hang in there girl!

thanks for all of the support and advice, everyone. After a lot of thought...and a lot of people telling me what to do...heh...I've decided to stay home and get this done. My surgery is going to be in about 2-3 weeks. No date yet, but I'm going to the pre-op test on Monday and I had my chest xray and EKG today. So...exciting, right? I still want to go back to school though. I can't have everything...but I'd rather have this.