Rambler

Dear November Knockouts: I am writing from my hospital bed. Ah, the wonders of a Netbook and wireless internet. I had my surgery at 8:30 this morning and all went great. Dr. Lufti wanted to try a new-ish procedure on me, so he only went through my bellybutton. I have no incisions at all. My tummy is pretty tender, but with the ice pack and some pretty good drugs, I'm feeling fine. And with no stitches, I should heal much faster. Also, I'm not sure if it's the drugs, but so far any pain from the gas is minimal. Of course, there's a real possibility it will be tougher tomorrow. I've been walking about quite a bit, too, so that should help. The hardest part is no food or water until tomorrow morning. I know Drs. are different, and mine is very cautious about when I can first consume anything. So I start out early tomorrow with a barium GI, then I can have my first clear liquids tray. The first I'll have since midnight last night. I hardly talk my throat and mouth are so dry. Otherwise, this hasn't been difficult at all. My sweet husband came in with a wrapped present; it was a Kitchen Aid immulsion blender. So now we can puree just about anything...and will. Sending lots of best wishes and congrats to my fellow November 4th bandsters. And anyone else this week and month. I'm so looking forward to my new, thinner life, and yours too.

Down to 36 hours. St. Joe's called today and my surgery is set for 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Thought all was well until I got a call from my GP saying they want me to take an exercise cardiac stress test before giving me the all-clear. What?! Fortunately the hospital was able to get me in at 1:00 p.m. tomorrow and I know I'll pass it just fine. I work out on the treadmill all the time while wearing my heart monitor, so I'm confident I can pass this - but I really didn't need the hassle so close to my surgery. But then again, when I pass this test, I know I'll be all set. Good luck to everyone getting banded this week. I. Can't. Wait. Janet "I'm With the Band"

Hi November Bandsters: Rambler here, writing my first post. My surgery date is Wednesday, November 4th, less than a week. Can't wait. I'm a week in for my pre-op diet. Slim Fast Low Carb shakes and sugar-free Carnation Instant Breakfast, along with lots of Crystal Lite and sugar-free Jell-O. Fortunately, I'm not at all hungry,although I'm pretty tired of the sweet taste from the shakes. Unjury chicken soup is okay, but I feel kind of bloated after 8 ozs. Best to all who are starting their journey this month and just think how absolutely fabulous we're all going to look by this time next year.