The Countdown Begins to my new life....

[DanaInNewOrleans 513]

2 Days 12 Hours 52 Minutes............

Today was my pre-op at the hospital -- blood work, meet with anesthesiologist, etc. The admit/billing rep that did my paperwork had the sleeve done last February -- by my surgeon, Dr Lavin. She's lost 85 pounds and said it's the best decision she's ever made. She did say the first week was HARD. Not pain wise or hunger wise --- emotion wise. She was having a hard time adjusting to not chewing anything for 10 days. Everyone's doc is different and Dr. Lavin only allows Clear liquids for 7-10 days. She said by day 4 after surgery she was crying uncontrollably. But she said it got better every day...

So, After the paperwork is done I go to the admit nurse-- well guess what? Yep, she had the sleeve -- done by Dr. Lavin (of course, Dr. Lavin is THE man) on June 28th and has lost 60 pounds. She said it was soooo easy-- she never had any nausea, pain and adjusted very well to almost all foods. And of course she says it was the best decision she ever made and it's the happiest she's ever been in her life.

And then the admit nurse told me that my floor nurse the day of surgery is.....yes,that's right, another of Dr. Lavin's patients. She had it done about 18 months ago and just finished having plastic surgery. Apparently she is now a knockout! ( She's only 26).

Obviously that pre-op visit today was extremely reaffirming. On the way over there today Jay (hubby) mentioned how surprised he was that I didn't seem a bit nervous about the fact that my surgery is in less than 72 hours. I really can't explain it... I'm really not nervous. Now, I AM apprehensive about the only Clear Liquids thing for 7-10 days...that's got to be miserable. I find it so strange how everyone's doc has different instructions...just seems like that by now there would be an accepted "gold standard" of Gastric Sleeve post op guidelines. Some patients here on VST are allowed mushy food just a few days after surgery. Some can start Protein Shakes, but not mushies for 2 weeks..... it's all over the map...

I'm ready. And I'm counting down to December 21, 2012....

Good luck to everyone who is having surgery this week!!!

[Traci J. 207]

Good luck Dana, mine is tomorrow so you'll be right behind me. I totally get the not being nervous thing to, I'm just excited to get it over with. Hope you have a smooth recovery like his other patient's have had. Keep in touch.

[DanaInNewOrleans 513]

Good luck Dana, mine is tomorrow so you'll be right behind me. I totally get the not being nervous thing to, I'm just excited to get it over with. Hope you have a smooth recovery like his other patient's have had. Keep in touch.

Good luck Traci!! I'm hoping to give a play by play on 12/21... being able to read everyone's detailed experiences really really helped me with the anxiety of the "unknown". I really think that being involved here on VST is the reason that I am at peace.

Thank you VST and all the wonderful people here who are so generous and kind to share their time, knowledge and experience!!

Woooo Hoooo!!!! Go Decmeber Sleevers, Go December Sleevers!!! Yea US!!!!

[jen1211 203]

Those are some amazing affirmations that you are with a great surgeon...if the nurses chose him I can garauntee you he is one of the best!