Going for all preop appointments today... help with questions?

In about 3 hours I go for my round of preop appointments.  I am nervous.  I have written down some questions such as length of procedure, will I get nausea meds if needed, will I be on something like Actigall postop and what about a proton pump inhibitor, which I think I may need.  I am taking probiotics and lots of good vitamins already.

Any suggestions would be MOST welcome.

On another note, I have been up since 4:00 a.m. cooking a meal for my cousin who just had a double mastectomy.  I feel so guilty for having an elective surgery to control my weight when she (10 years younger) is dealing with an imminently life threatening illness.  

I realize that my condition is also life threatening but I feel like I brought it on myself whereas she didn't.  Does that make sense?

Blessings,
Kat70     

Yes, your guilt makes perfect sense - but if you didn't have WLS, she still would have had a double mastectomy - life just isn't fair sometimes....

I'm sure you'll come up with a bunch of other questions while you are at your appointments - conversation seems to spur other questions.

Good luck!  I'm sure you'll come home with more questions - feel free to ask here - someone will know the answer.

Thanks, Jody.  All the support here is so wonderful.  Just reading your post has helped calm me down.  Your little grand-girl is very fortunate to have you.

Blessings,
Kat70

Good luck to you!  I brought a pen and paper, b/c I knew after I left I would forget a lot that was said.

Re your guilt: Just remember by having this surgery, it by no means should make you feel guilty for having to have it (even though, I do understand why you do).  Us woman for some reason sometimes put so many others first, even before our own health.  This is something you need to do for "yourself", and it's going to drastically cut down the chances that you will end up with a life threatening disease in the future.  I am sure your cousin is glad that you are taking this large step to better your health and quality of life.  You should be proud of yourself for making this decision and life change - it shows how much you care about yourself, and by doing that you are caring about your friends and family too!  Good luck!!

Hi Kat,

I'm sorry for your cousin for sure, but in time, obesity is also life threatening.  No need for guilt.

Some questions I can think of off the top of my head are:

What size bougie do you use (for future reference)?

How long after surgery until I can drive again?

How long (if at all) do I wait before taking regular vitamins instead of chewables or liquid)?

What kind of pain management do they use post op?

When can you bath, shower, swim post op?

Do they have caloric, carb, protein limits/goals and if so what are they?

Length of hospital stay?

Return to work?


All the best to you!

I'm sorry about your cousin.  It's hard to see loved ones going through such tragedies. I'm sure your cousin appreciates all of your help.  Sending up Prayers for her as week speak.

My sister in law went through the same thing and it is devastating, but she is doing so wonderful now.   She is really happy for me and keeps trying to talk me into going to her surgeon to get a boob job.  She keeps telling me how perky her new ones are.  I haven't see them of course, but she said they look and feel so real.  They even tattoed her nipples on and she said they are awesome.

kat, im sorry about your cousin. i understand your guilt, but agree with the others. its not your fault. we all have different health concerns. sounds like you're there for her and thats all that matters.

good luck with everything!

Hi Kat,
A very good book you may want to read is The Expert's Guide to Weight Loss Surgery by Garth Davis, M.D.  It really puts everything in perspective from the weight gain, yo-yo dieting, how we got where we are and why diet and excersize aren't going to work to keep the weight off.  Don't feel guilty, you're facing serious surgery to help you with a serious health issue.  And what a good person you are for taking care of  your cousin.

Wow! I know just what you're dealing with.   While I was on my wls journey, my sister was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer.  I too felt guilty. I was her taxi driver for all her chemo treatments, her dr appts, bloodwork, ct scans, ect.  I also helped her with her household chores.  I felt terrible knowing that she was in the fight of her life and here I was taking on an elective surgery and was going to leave her needing some much needed help while I was out of commission after my wls.  We had a long talk, shared many tears, and managed thru those few weeks.  Im a big believer in "everything happens for a reason".  Sending positive thoughts & vibes to both you and your cousin.  Cindy

Thanks for all the great advice and comments.  It was a loooong day but saw the NUT, the Anesthesia NP, the surgeon, the surgical nurse, the lab people, etc.  Got lots of info that I will be processing over the next few days. 

So glad I went to see my cousin.  She is SUCH a trouper and looks really good.  Has a long road ahead but a wonderful outlook.  She inspires me!

Blessings,
Kat70