MyKidsMom89

Hey, gang! The Facebook group Is called November 2014, and is it a private group, which is great for those of us who haven't told everyone about their surgery. Anyway, it's been a terrific source of support and inspiration to me, and I think you should check it out. Many of us had the same fears/concerns and we share a lot of great tips to ease the journey. Hope to see you there!

When I first read this I was pissed off and offended- HOW DARE YOU SAY NO ONE NEEDS WLS?? But I kept reading and I think i understand where you are coming from. Of course, if I had only 30 lbs to lose, I wouldn't request, or be approved for, this surgery. But I don't-I need to drop anther 80 lbs to avoid diabetes, heart issues and eliminate the chronic pain from fibromyalgia. I'm tired of waking with neck, shoulder, back, hip, knee and ankle pain. I just had foot surgery and realized if this weight doesn't come off now, it never will. I'm only 51. I want to see grandkids. I want to not worry about whether I'll have a good day or bad day at work--I'm on my feet all day. Weight watchers didn't do the trick, OTC remedies didn't work. And clearly self-control didn't work. Now, I have no real hunger cravings--I can look at pizza, Cheetos, Chinese food--all my faves--and think "meh". For me, 11/3/14 was my second birthday, and I am delighted that I did this for ME. My husband has been supportive and gets excited every morning when I tell him what the scale says! It's a tool. A drastic one-which is why there are so many hoops to jump through just to be approved. But it's a tool that works, and works for life.

I didn't have a drain, nor the stockings. My hospital put these inflatable wraps on my legs that would inflate and deflate every few seconds to make sure indent get any blood clots. They were alittle annoying, but I'm sure far better than the stockings would have been. Is t it amazing how the same procedure is done in so many different ways??

And I feel AMAZING! I showered, styled hair and got dressed without needing to rest! Had a protein shake and ran to store for some yoga pants to wear back to work, came home and mopped kitchen floor, mopped wooden floors and vacuumed and haven't had to take a break at all! My energy is high and hunger is non-existent! I KNOW--it's too good to be true, except it really is true!! Last Tuesday I thought I was gonna die, but I've turned the corner to my new life and I LOVE it!!!!

....and I'm confident this is the right decision for me. That is, until I stop and think about the whole process of surgery and beyond. I worry that I will become hyper-conscious of what I will be eating from here on out, and that I will become obsessed with food. Of course, if I had been aware of what I was eating up to this point, I wouldn't be in this predicament, now would I? My surgeon tells me I am the perfect patient (although I suspect he says that to everyone LOL!) since I've lost 35 lbs so far. I don't have a pre-surgery diet, other than clear liquids the day before, and he doesn't think I will require a hernia repair, so it *should* be easy-breezy other than pain afterwards. >sigh!< I could ramble on and on... Please send any positive energy my way on Monday--I'll try to post when I'm out I surgery and back in my room! Best of luck, my November brothers and sisters!

Oh, man! The panic/anxiety/self doubt is really amplified tonight! Tomorrow is clear liquids and Monday is show time, and I'm second guessing my decision--I know I can't back out, and yet I'm scared that once it's done, it's done. What if I fail? What if there are complications? What if this is the wrong decision and I'm not prepared for the emotional journey that follows? What if I have a lot of excess skin? What if my husband is disappointed in the 'new me'? AHHHH! I have to stop, be still, and give it up to God....I know that, and yet all of these irrational thoughts keep creeping in! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

I'm taking 2 weeks, just to be on the safe side, and when I return I plan on asking my staff to lift for me. It's going to be tough, though, because I will be around food all day, but I think I can handle it and if not, I'll strategize with my NUT.

So, I know I'll feel the need to chew during the liquid-only stage and I wonder if sugar free chewing gum is allowed. It certainly would satisfy that need to chew for me.....thoughts??

I can FEEL your excitement! I'll cross everything I can for you to get an earlier date--good luck, kiddo!

It dawned on me this morning that I haven't had the jitters this bad since my wedding day! And on that day, the priest told me that to be nervous at the start of a lifelong commitment is normal, and if I weren't nervous he would tell me to jot go through with it. HUH! The same advice applies to this procedure! Well, I've been married nearly 26 years and it's worked out fairly well, so I'm now much calmer as I head into surgery next Tuesday. I hope this helps y'all with a bit of perspective as well--good luck to all!!

There is a private FB group, called November 2014. You just have to ask and you'll be added. And it is private so we can all speak freely and support one another.

I'm getting sleeved in 11/3 and plan to go back to work 11/17. I oversee the Food Service operations in my school district so I'll be in my feet 85%-90% of the time. I know it'll be rough, but I think I can do it--I plan on letting my team do all the lifting I'm the beginning, and am glad we have to only work 2 days the week of Thanksgiving. Also, I've made a major sent in my holiday shopping so I won't have that stress hanging over my head.

Nevermind-I figured it out :-P

Stupid question-how do I pm you my FB name?

Curlycurvyfit-YES! I would totally participate in a private FB group. Since I have only told a very few people, I don't want it broadcast for all to see that I'm having this done. Count me in, and let me know when it's up and running--I really enjoy your perspective on all of this!

So, I'm having my procedure on 11/3 (in the north suburbs of Chicago) and I'm a control freak/over planner. Having said that, what kind of clothes should I plan to pack? Yoga pants, or jeans? And #2, is a delicate question...I've never been regular-like, I go 10 days without a bowel movement. So I'm sure scared that I may go even longer between bm's after surgery....sorry to be so candid, but if you can't ask here, where can you ask, right?! Thanks!!

I meant to say "if it weren't ..." Not "knit"--darn autocorrect!

Just got back from having my blood work done, and I have I say that I was worried the ABG would be painful-as someone here posted-but it was a piece of cake! (Sorry for the food reference!) While I was at the hospital I met 2 staffers who had family members sleeved by the same Dr I'm using and they told me it was a wonderful experience for both! >Whew!< I have to say their testimonials went a long way to erase any doubts I'm having. I'm 12 days away from the new me, I've lost almost 35 lbs since July watching what I'm eating thanks to MyFitnessPal and I'm enjoying having to pull my jeans up when I walk! :-) this truly is MY time, and I don't think I would have been this prepared knit weren't for all of the encourage rand support from all of you-Thank You!

Thanks, everyone! I think I'll pick up some Miralax tomorrow and see how it goes. I hadn't thought about Chapstick-great idea!

Me, too! I'm second guessing my decision but I know that's only natural. My only valid concern is whether I'll have a lot of loose skin, and I actually doubt that I will so I just have to tell myself to relax and put it in Gods hands.

November 3rd, Dr Wool in Barrington Il---these will be the fastest and longest 2 weeks of my life. In need of reassurance yet ready to do this for myself.

Swood015--I'm 11/3 and a Bears fan (guess hat makes us mortal enemies!) but I'd love to be able to support one another as we take control of our lives

I am having my procedure on11/3, and would happily be your buddy on this wonderfully scary and anxiety producing journey!