Excuse me, did I write this, oh wait no, you wrote this, weird...... we even have the same surgery date. Only you are at a much better starting weight than I.... so happy for you.

Congratulations on making the decision to take the bull by the horns. I can relate to all of your emotions. I was "all over the place" leading up to my surgery last week. I kept reminding myself of the actual statistics and the probable outcome. It helped me create a realistic view, not one based on fear. You'll do great, too.

My message to my future self is: I promise to take care of you and never forget where you came from. I won't let you suffer under that weight, again.

Good luck on your journey.

Wow, thanks ladies! I've never blogged before and didn't expect anyone to read it! Moonchild I really like your future self message, I just may adopt it too if you don't mind. Rickyswife: That's awesome, we're sleeve sisters! I'd love to hear how things go! Good luck to you both (and everyone else trying to figure this thing out), and I wish you so much success!!!

I don't think you'll ever be able to forget your pre-sleeved self... but it definitely doesn't hurt to record how you're feeling for posterity! I'm getting sleeved on May 2nd, so it will be cool to see how you progress. I wish you great success and a speedy recovery! Your future self is just gonna wonder why you waited so long to do this! (My future self will be saying the same thing, I'm sure of it!)

Here is some advice for the days you are in the hospital and for when you get home. First, find some slip on sneakers. I have a pair of Sketchers. You are going to want something besides socks or house shoes to walk around the hospital.

The night before, while you are doing your clean out:

Wash your hair - you won't do it in the hospital and the first couple of days home you won't feel like it

Shave your legs and anything else that you shave

For the hospital:

You won't get to wear clothes until you are leaving

Bring something with a loose waist

Bring your toothpaste and brush - trust me you will need it

Bring chapstick - big must have

After surgery;

The staff will put you on the scale. DON"T LOOK!

The doctor will be pumping you with fluids. I must have weighed 10lbs more the days asfter surgery.

When you get your presciption, if you get liquid pain meds, get them flavored. As the pharmacist what flavor is best. Just me on this.

If yo can make the first two weeks, it is down hill from there.

Thanks makemyownluck! I wish the same for you too! It's going to be fun to see how all of the May Sleevers due - it's scary but very exciting!

Thanks for the advice Welch, I will definatly take you up on it.

I am so excited for you. May your surgery be successful and your recovery an easy one. Judy

Good luck.