getting on with surgery

Four days till the big day.  Thought it wasn't going to happen for a while.  Had to get an echocardiagram because of an abnormal EKG during pre-op physical.  Got in for that and then had trouble getting all the people involved to get the paperwork to my sugery center.  Friday was a nerve wracking day.  I have been to the gym and out walking so many times just to let off steam that I'm wearing out the sidewalk but all is faxed, signed, etc now --I think--and surgery is still on for the 17th.  I can't wait.  I really appreciated the responses to my last rant on the discussion.  It helped a lot.  I can't wait to join the "loser's bench."  One question has been nagging at me on this liquid protien diet.  I expected the mental need for food, the craving pizza or whatever even the need to chew something.  What I wasn't prepared for and what the dietician said shouldn't happen was the physical hunger, the pain in the pit of my stomach and the constant rumbling, so bad some nights that I couldn't sleep.  The first couple of nights it was driving my nuts at 2 am and I had to get up the next morning.  I was craving all kinds of things and just kind of shattered, got up with the intention of just pigging out, I was so upset, but decided just to see if a piece of dry wheat bread would calm things down. It did.   I knew that with most foods I like I would just want more, bread , I don't really like unless there is something good on it.  Since the third night I have been ok  but I have to wonder if the dieticians, nurses etc were honest about the physical hunger and gave a few tips on dealing with it, like the one I read here, about drinking warmed drinks, people wouldn't be more sucessful on this diet.  I have talked to several people I know here in Saint Peter who have had the surgery and none of them were 100% successful on the liquid protien, though they did lose some wieght before the surgery and basically accomplished the intended goal.  I've lost five pounds in six days on the diet so it is very effective but I really hope that the hungry feeling in the pit of my stomach goes away after the surgery it drives me nuts. The constant growling gets to be a pain too.  We had a wake to go to last week and everyone around me knew I was waxing starvation.  Good to see what is going on with everyone on the discussion and I will keep you posted as the countdown begins.  Take care all.  I have some pictures to put on but I need to get a cable for my camera and can't seem to remember to do it.  see all soon. 

I just wanted to pop in and say congrats on making it through this first part of your journey! It takes a strong person to endure all the poking and proding plus the paperwork, etc, etc, etc. I wish you the best during and after your surgery!  

I just wanted to pop in and say congrats on making it through this first part of your journey! It takes a strong person to endure all the poking and proding plus the paperwork, etc, etc, etc. I wish you the best during and after your surgery!  

Schmikam, i'm glad the warm drinks helped.  i think i was a little hungry but not real bad. i had an intentional slip, but i shouldn't have.  my doc had me on liquid a few days before the surgery but before that for about a month i was on liquid for two meals and 3 oz of meat and salad w/veggies for supper.  i was glad it wasn't all liquid. you are almost home free.  if u are like me, you won't be hungry at all after the surgery. that took a while for it to come back. i get hungry now a little, but it is an appropriate hunger, time to eat.  i will scoot over on the bench and you can set all the way down.   you have earned your spot. good luck with your surgery, please let us know how u are doing.  you can have someone call me if u want me to let everybody know that u pulled thru the surgery ok. i will give u my phone number if u want if not, that is ok also.  hugs. vick

Thanks for the support.  It does mean a lot.  I am getting ready, a little more nervous but mostly excited.  I almost feel as if I am having some dark demon that has plauged me my entire life removed or at least  disabled.  Please do send your phone number.  I will have Mark give you a call after the surgery.  My home phone is 5079319645, cell 5079951174 and my email is [email protected].  Thanks again.  

Wow, things have settled into place for you. I spent 3 weeks on the liquid diet, before surgery my MD wanted me to add extra protein to the carnation shakes, kept me satisfied longer.  Popsicles to chew on and warm broth helped too.  I was allowed V8 juice, that was a nice change from the sweet shakes.  I kept busy with walking too, distraction helped.

Do your best to get through these last 4 days.  Looking forward to hearing more about your experience.  Come on over to the loser's bench, plenty of room.

Hugs, Kathy