Oct 30Th Is Coming Fast-Nervous, Scared, Yet Excited! Any Words Of Wisdom?

[nanaspez 58]

I am getting nervous about Tuesday. I can not believe that I started this journey back in January and now it is finally here. I am even asking myself "Are you sure?" is that normal to have second thoughts? Went grocery shopping yesterday to stock up so when I get home there is no need to go to the store. I also ordered a Bari-Buddy because lately my asthma is acting up and I have been coughing so much. My doctor already took me off 9 of my meds and that comes out to 14 LESS pills a day! I have been on cloud 9 since Friday, I normally take 25 pills a day. The doctor at Stanford told me, "who gave you this wild cocktail!?" He also said over 1/2 of my meds are weight gainers, so hopefully getting off some of them will make losing easier!

[Kelly123 13]

Its totally normal to have second thoughts. I am 4 weeks out today. I remember the anticipation in those days leading up to my surgery. You're gonna be fine and you are gonna do great! All the worries will slip away when you realize it really isnt that bad. I had minimal pain and was up and moving that night. Good luck on Tuesday and just know, you are making the best decision!

[MinaT 669]

Go to bed the night before confident and proud of taking this step. I know you spent a lot of time focusing on this day, let it go. The more rest and relaxed you are the better. Keep positive thoughts in your head. The next day try to stay cheerful. Going into something completely freaked out, isn't going to make anything easier. Breathe deeply.

Bring with you a favorite little throw blanket if you have one, bring your favorite type of decaff tea. They usually serve hot Water and a tea bag in a plastic coffee cup which smells like coffee. It made me grossed out. I brought Bigelow Decaff Peppermint Tea, it soothed my tummy, it tasted good and I asked the nurses for a styrofoam cup. (Even when it got cold it was soothing on my stomach and esophagus). If it wasn't for the tea, I don't think I could have handled the Water. It really helped immensely I don't like artificial sweeteners because they cause me to have Migraines but I do like Truvia, bring your favorite brand of artificial sweetener with you, because chances are good you will end up with something you don't like lol.

Bring chap stick for your lips, bring Charmaine wipes with you. Bring something for dry mouth, I brought some Biotine Mouth Wash.

Walk. The minute you feel strong enough to get out of bed and walk around the nurses station DO IT. Make sure when you do this bring one of those moistening sponge sticks with you, especially if you are going to be talking to someone, my mouth dried out quickly because of the antinausea patch they had behind my ear.

Do not hesitate to ask for something for nausea. There is no reason to be nauseous, there is a plethora of medications to help you. If you are going to have to have the upper gi test the next day, make sure you request something in advanced for nausea. It's not barium that they make you swallow, I hated it though. It's best to be prepared.

Again, stay positive. lots of sips. Remember that every single day is better than the day before and in the end it's completely worth it.

Things I didn't use, the kindle, pj's, robe, I did bring crocs with me. If you feel you have to go potty, ring the nurse in the middle of the night in enough time for them to come and unhook everything (especially if your legs are in the automatic compression thing. Sip during the night.

If you are given a spirometer use it often. Make sure you take extremely deep breaths. Spirometer is a wonderful device to help you avoid pneumonia, which is easy to get when you are in a hospital.

Stay positive and be happy. Best thing I have ever done for myself.

[Kelly123 13]

Everything above is so true and right! To a T it's what I went thru too!

[nanaspez 58]

Go to bed the night before confident and proud of taking this step. I know you spent a lot of time focusing on this day, let it go. The more rest and relaxed you are the better. Keep positive thoughts in your head. The next day try to stay cheerful. Going into something completely freaked out, isn't going to make anything easier. Breathe deeply.

Bring with you a favorite little throw blanket if you have one, bring your favorite type of decaff tea. They usually serve hot Water and a tea bag in a plastic coffee cup which smells like coffee. It made me grossed out. I brought Bigelow Decaff Peppermint Tea, it soothed my tummy, it tasted good and I asked the nurses for a styrofoam cup. (Even when it got cold it was soothing on my stomach and esophagus). If it wasn't for the tea, I don't think I could have handled the Water. It really helped immensely I don't like artificial sweeteners because they cause me to have Migraines but I do like Truvia, bring your favorite brand of artificial sweetener with you, because chances are good you will end up with something you don't like lol.

Bring chap stick for your lips, bring Charmaine wipes with you. Bring something for dry mouth, I brought some Biotine Mouth Wash.

Walk. The minute you feel strong enough to get out of bed and walk around the nurses station DO IT. Make sure when you do this bring one of those moistening sponge sticks with you, especially if you are going to be talking to someone, my mouth dried out quickly because of the antinausea patch they had behind my ear.

Do not hesitate to ask for something for nausea. There is no reason to be nauseous, there is a plethora of medications to help you. If you are going to have to have the upper gi test the next day, make sure you request something in advanced for nausea. It's not barium that they make you swallow, I hated it though. It's best to be prepared.

Again, stay positive. lots of sips. Remember that every single day is better than the day before and in the end it's completely worth it.

Things I didn't use, the kindle, pj's, robe, I did bring crocs with me. If you feel you have to go potty, ring the nurse in the middle of the night in enough time for them to come and unhook everything (especially if your legs are in the automatic compression thing. Sip during the night.

If you are given a spirometer use it often. Make sure you take extremely deep breaths. Spirometer is a wonderful device to help you avoid pneumonia, which is easy to get when you are in a hospital.

Stay positive and be happy. Best thing I have ever done for myself.

Thank-you so much for the words of wisdom. You gave me some great ideas, especially the Biotine! My list just got a little bit longer but it will definitely make my stay a little better!

[MinaT 669]

I brought a small little fan with me (a table fan) it helped with having a soothing white noise too! Good luck to you!