scoobydoo

Thanks so much for all the tips from someone who has been there. I will start today to get my son climbing into his carseat and other things so that it is easier when the 16th comes!:welldoneclap:

I have a 2 year old...and he sleeps with us, so one of my concerns is him rolling into me or kicking me after the surgery. :scared2: I am having my 17 year old daughter help with picking him up for the 1st week after surgery. I guess I will just play it by ear, cause I know I am having the surgery no matter what. We will all get through it...but having little ones does make it tougher.

Knewme, Congrats and waht an inspirational post about the inner control you are already feeling. Keep posting your progress, as it really helps us who are still waiting. Thanks for making my day!!:scared2:

Hi everyone, I found a suggested packing list in the book "WLS for Dummies"... and then sort of made my own from that: 1. A pillow from home for the hospital and for using on your ride home from the hospital. 2. Your Journal, so you can record your experience and look back on what you went through and how far you've come. 3. Comfy loose-fitting clothes for the trip home. 4. Lip Balm 5. Camera: If you want a photo record (not sure if I am doing this or not):scared2: 6. Toiletry Items: Tootbrush, toothpaste, moisturizer, brush, etc. 7. Robe for walking halls 8. Insurance Card 9.Slippers with non-skid soles 10. Any meds that you take regularly, but ask dr. before taking.

Hey Jen, I am sure that BG has a great broth recipe too, but here is how I do it. I just take a whole chicken and put it in a stock pot. Fill halfway to 3/4 with water. Add chopped onions, celery, carrots and some thyme. Simmer and cook for a few hours (2-3) or until the chicken is very tender and falling apart. Strain the broth and VOILA, chicken broth... For the mushy stage I am sure you can smoosh the carrots up and some of the chicken can be pureed. Thanks for the great suggestion on making and freezing it, BG! The easier it is to just thaw and heat, the better it will be! :smile2: How are you doing with the rest of your appts. Jen?

YAY! Lingling! You DID it! Sounds like you are doing well and came through with flying colors! I knew you would! Sorry to hear about the gas pains, but I think they are pretty typical. Please keep letting us know how you are. I loved reading about your hospital experience and knowing what it was like for you. Thanks and get some rest, you deserve it. Sissy, also happy to hear from you. I am really impressed that you aren't using much pain med and that you are not really hungry. What does it feel like when you drink something?? Does it hurt or just feel "different"? Does it feel different when the jello goes down compared to the liquid? Just curious. Take it easy and keep in touch.

Congrats on your upcoming surgery! I think the "hicups" with the EKG's must be pretty common...I, too, had to have a stress test because the EKG came out funny. I sort of knew it would since the girl who attached it had a heck of a time getting the machine to work and didn't seem to know what she was doing. Oh well, as they say, better safe than sorry! Glad to hear your cardio was okay and now you are just waiting for the day.:smile2:

Sissy, Thank you for the update and I am sooo happy to hear how well you are doing! It is very encouraging to know that you are up and walking around and feeling okay. Swiss, good to hear that you are doing well also. I am happy all went smoothly and you are home now. Please continue to keep us posted...And good luck to all of the other Bunnies coming up! May we all do as well as our first two!!:smile2:

Hi there... I am getting excited and nervous too...each passing day it is closer! Trying to make a list of stuff to go to the hospital with me. We have a wedding business and unfortunately things are scheduled WAY in advance, so my hubby will have to be at an event the night of surgery, but he will be there in the morning which is the important part! I am sure it will be fine for all of us. I am not required to have a pre op dier, but I am gonna just watch what I am eating.

Sissy, so happy to hear from you and that all went well! Good luck and happy thoughts to all of you scheduled for tomorrow!

BG, CONGRATS on finally getting that date!!! I know how exciting it was for me when I finally had a date to concentrate on! Hannah, you are doing great! Just focus on what you are doing for YOU...don't worry too much about those meanies. I know high school can be rough and kids are often unkind, but as someone else said, it will not always be that way. Soon, you are gonna have so many people wanting to know more about how you are transforming yourself. You will have so much attention (positive attention) you won't know what to do with it! HUGS...

Best of luck to you lingling!! I will be thinking of you. Let us know how you are as soon as you can!!:thumbdown:

I can totally relate to being scared to death! I am also scheduled for the 16th (hi, contemplating!) and I am starting to realize that it is really happening at last. I think it is such a long haul with all the tests and getting approved for the surgery, then when you finally have a date it all starts coming quicker and quicker and reality sets in. That's where I am now...It is feeling real. I think it is absolutely normal to freak out about what we are about to do. But like "contemplating" said, we have to just focus on the positives. Also know that others are being banded every day and there are sooo many happy bandsters out there who are thankful for their bands and wish they'd have done it sooner. I am trying to concentrate on making a list of stuff to do before the surgery and what to pack, etc. Each day I get more excited, nervous and freak out, but the overwhelming feeling is one of happiness and a sense of control that I am doing this for myself. :thumbdown:

Hi, everyone, First of all, good luck to all you bunnies who are scheduled tomorrow for your surgery! I will be thinking of you and sending prayers your way! Can you all believe it is APRIL tomorrow!!??:seeya: OK, now for the weird thing...I went for my pre op exam today and I about fell off the exam table when the doctor said there is NO PRE OP DIET required!:thumbdown: HUH? I have been anticipating weeks on liquids before the surgery and come to find out, she only requires it in "certain patients, depending on how they carry their weight." For me, she said my weight is pretty evenly distributed and not primarily around the middle of my body, so she just requires no gaining of any more until surgery. And if I want to on my own I can do a diet, but not required. I am still surprised at this. I think I will still do the protein shakes in the morning and at noon and try to eat like I have the band already if I can. Could you guys send me a small sample of what you are eating during a day? Maybe I can sort of copy yours? I just don't wanna have a fatty liver. I know my doc knows best, but I haven't heard of anyone else with NO pre op diet. Are there any of you out there?

Hi and congrats on your date! April 16th is also my date and a few others who are on the "April Bunny Bandster Master thread". Come on over there and we can all compare notes. I am scheduled for my pre op appt. tomorrow and will find out about the preop diet. I am getting really excited since it is now pretty close. I am also excited for all the other bunnies who are getting done in the next few days!

Nikki, Thanks so much for your post. It is great to hear from someone who has been there. Great to have such encouraging words! I am due to be banded on April 16th and I am hoping that it works for me. I just know that I will give it 110%. What a difference a year will make!!:thumbup:

Sherri, Hopefully you will get your date soon and it will be in April!Even if you end up in May, you don't have to leave us. Keep us posted. I want to know how you do. That is great about your sister being supportive about the surgery. I ALMOST told my mom when I talked to her today, but then decided against it. I just don't wanna hear it. She is not computer saavy and would have no way to research it. She is old fashioned and would tell me like always that all I need is to eat less and exercise more. But I am happy for you. I am using these boards as my support and so thankful to have them available!

Jen, that is too funny...we definitely have similarities! I had initial consult with surgeon on Jan. 29th, then had all the labs, EKG (which came back abnormal for some reason), had to see a cardiologist for a strss test which showed my EKG was normal, thank goodness!, then chest xray, dietician appt, psych eval and approval on March 10. That is so cool how the doctor made sure employees can get the surgery too! I can see why you are grateful to him!! Well, next is the pre-op appt. next Tueday. I am hoping I start on April 2nd just like you...then we can compare notes all along the way! It feels so much better knowing someone who is going through the exact same thing at the same time.

Hi,Jen, I haven't started my pre-op diet yet, just assuming I will when I see the doctor on Tuesday. For all I know it will be 14 days like yours and maybe it will begin on the 2nd also? I am getting more anxious, excited and nervous as it approaches. I just want it over with...been anticipating the surgery forever it seems. Soon as I know what my diet consists of I will let you know so we can compare.:smile2: :thumbup:Welcome to all the new April bunnies! This is such a great group of people! I have not told anyone but my husband and older daughters since I am not wanting any questions or weight monitoring, as I have heard from others who tell everyone. Seems like people watch you daily to see if it is "working" or they ask how much you have lost on a daily basis. No thanks. I would rather just keep it to myself and see how that goes. I am not even telling my mom, I know she would be against it and tell me that I don't need to do something so drastic. She would say to have willpower and just diet. Love my mom, but if it was about willpower, I am one of the stubbornest people, I could have done it by now!lol

hi Curlytop, I am being banded on April 16th and cannot wait! I was sooo excited to get my actual date. I remember going through the psych eval and being worried about it. Then I was approved by insurance on March 10th. Good luck as you wait for your date. Just remember that once you have the surgery a lot of the diabetic problems will probably get better if not go away completely. I have a 2 year old son who is my life and just thinking that if i don't lose weight I may not be around for him as he grows up. That was enough to make my decision. I will say a prayer for you. You are at least making steps toward doing something good for your health, so try to find comfort in that.:cursing:

Hi rannah, we have the same date. I am having my pre op appt. on the 31st. There is another thread under April 2009 and there are a cuople others there with our date too. Congrats on getting the date moved up.:cursing:

Hi Val, Thank you for your encouraging words! Sounds like you have been through a lot and have a great outlook. I am scheduled for the 16th of April. Nervous, but overall excited. Just want to get it over with and on with my life. Lingling, It really will be okay. I understand your fears. I have a two year old son who is my life. I worry that I won't be here if I DONT get the surgery. Yeah, having it done is scary, but the risks are relatively low compared to other WLS. We will all do great. Hang in there.

Hey, Jen... Thank you for the update and the diet particulars. I am happy to hear that you haven't started yet, since we have the same date!! I was worried I was missing something!lol My appointment is next Tuesday. Keep in touch so we can compare notes!:cursing:

Congrats on getting your date! I am scheduled for April 16th and I was SO happy when I finally had an actual date! My insurance is BS of CA and it was pretty fast too. I started the process by attending a seminar by my surgeon on January 5, then proceeded to get all the medical tests that the insurance required done. Got approved by insurance on March 10th. Hang in there and it will happen. Just seems like forever when you are in the process and waiting. :cursing: