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I'm a closet sleever whose doing this alone. Today was my last day at work because my procedure is scheduled for Tuesday. While updating my out of office for work email & updating my voice mail, it hit me. As I would tell my girlfriends......"This *ish is REAL!!" The waiting is over! From 1/2013 to 7/2013, I'm finally here. I've been to the required support groups, the consultations, the psych evals, the 3 months with the Nut, the EGD, the H Pylori meds, (ugh) the tears from being denied the 1st time around, the excitement of being approved from the appeal, the scheduled date FINALLY!! (the longest holiday weekend of my LIFE!) the PreOp class, My RX & "how to" on how to administer the blood thinner injections, once I get home. (and I'm TERRIFIED of needles) Telling my coworkers I'm going out for gall bladder surgery to this very moment. I don't know how I should feel. I've read many books & I've scanned many blogs. I'm stocked up on food & prayers!! I have enough chicken broth, beef broth, vegetable broth, seafood broth, jello, pudding, protien powders, syntrax nectar powders, isopure RTD, liquid whey protein tubes, chewable vitamins, chewable iron, applesauce, sugar free drink packets & bottled water to last me through to December!! lol.....No...seriously! Thank you all for your support, your guidance & for emails I've received. We are all in this together & I'm looking forward to crossing over into my new beginning very shortly.

So I had my first follow up appointment with the Surgeon. Happy to report that all is well from the surgery point of view. Anyways, I have lost ten pounds in two weeks. Which they seem to be surprised by. Not sure why. I guess during this time, many people gain some weight back from their pre op diet due to lack of fluid in the band. I however am not able to eat as I was before. Only small portions of food at a time. The doctor informed me that I would feel twice the restriction due to the hernia repair. So I guess the great news is - its all downhill for a little while longer. Yes, I still have issues seating up in a chair without leaning to my right to relieve the pressure on my left side and I'm told that is normal. How long does it take for your insides to heal? I have five stitches in my diaphragm and stitches securing my port. Well I will keep you updated when more happens. Monday, its back to work for me.

I start Monday! Hang in there. As a "kick-off", I had a protein shake for lunch. Yes, YUK! LOL. We can do this!

This was the loooooooongest holiday weekend E-V-E-R!!! I felt like a kid near Christmas, having to walk past the Christmas tree with ALL of those beautifully wrapped presents underneath, with MY name on them..{and not being able to unwrap any until Christmas Day}. I called this morning & scheduled my date..... 7/30/2013... You guys can't see me, but I'm doing the Happy Sleeve Day dance!! Wow & to think....I will be "born again" {not bring disrespectful} for the 3rd time!! Woo hoo!!!! My True Date of Birth 3/16/1964 My Born Again Birthday 1/1/1984 My Sleeve "new beginning" Birthdate 7/30/2013 Can I tell you ......This is somekinda AWESOME!!!! I think Hallmark should create a card for such a beginning...lol..{There's an idea!}

OH... and make sure you have all your food that you will need for the first 2 weeks so you don't have to send someone out to get you the wrong thing. Clear Liquids only (Chicken, Veg, and Beef Broth, Decaf Tea and Coffee-no creamer, Spenda, Crystal light, sugar free apple cider, sugar free popsicles) and protein shakes with at least 20 grams of protein per serving. Don't even think you can have bread, rice, or pasta. All three will expand in your stomach and could possibly cause a leak. Also I did liquid vitamins for the first 2 weeks but you can do chrewable tablets (no gummies).