I drove myself to NWWLS by myself since I was there once before. I just can't stand driving in Seattle, so I am glad that the surgery center is in South Everett.

I feel so special (although I know I'm not) when I'm there. They keep pretty close to their appointment times. Melissa went over everything again, and answered all my questions. She has a band, too, so she really understood where I was coming from. She also gave me my liquid prescription so I could get it filled before surgery. Then she handed me off to the pre-op surgery nurses. They gave me a tour of everything except the operating room.

I found that DH (and anyone else I want to bring - NOT!!!:Banane59: ) can stay with me up until I am wheeled away. First there is yet another consultation and filling out yet another questionaire. Even though I filled out an 8-page one a couple of weeks ago. This one is required by the anesthesiologist for my health on the actual day of surgery. Then change into the cool paper hat, air-conditioned gown, and booties. A fluffy terry robe will be provided for the day. From there I will go to the waiting spa where I will have a reclining chair, foot massage (a water tub), and trash magazines to read. I think I get the IV at that time, too. There is a little chair mat with a palm tree printed on it, and a plant. Also, a CD player. Looks pretty cushy. The Doc and anesthesiologist will come to visit me and I can talk to them while the OR is being turned from the last patient. I am certainly going to ask the anesthesiologist about the tube in my throat. My throat was sore for about 3 weeks from the last surgery I had in February. Maybe he can do something different.

The recovery room looks just like others in regular hospitals. Sit in a recliner chair until I can drink, maybe pee (I can't remember, now), and walk. Then I will be allowed to change into my own clothes and will leave the building through a special discharge door. I won't have to stagger through the mail lobby. That's good.

On the way home, I stopped at Walgreen's to drop off my prescription. The next day when I picked them up, I also bought liquid Tylenol, Phillips Milk of Magnesia, and chewable Gas-X. I have some Yogurt smoothies that I intend to sample to see what I like. Still need to go to Trader Joe's for some more boxed soups.

I think I am nearly ready.