Reality check....

In just a few days I will be having my revision surgery from lapband to RYN (gastric bypass). Since this will be my third WLS, I figure I was prepared and ready to go. Well, Friday was my pre-op testing. Nothing out of the ordinary, blood tests, urine sample, ect... I think the reality of how just how different this surgery is going to be hit me like a ton of bricks! The woman who took my blood, who, by the way, is such a sweetheart, was talking to me about my blood type. This is in case I should happen to need a blood transfusion during surgery. I don't remember this being a concern with my two lapband surgeries. It was just a reminder of how serious this is and that the risks do exist. Now, of course I understand there are risks with every surgery but I guess it just made me think a little bit.

Sooo, I have done my best to prepare for post-op. I went shopping and picked up tons of clear broth, protein drinks, sugar free popsicles, and whatever else was on my list. I'm still not completely sure of what vitamins I will need post-op so I will call Dr. B's office tomorrow morning and talk to Annie to see what is recommended. I was told that I will be coming home with the drain. At first this kind of grossed me out. I don't know why but the thought of something hanging out of my body with fluids icks me out. However, I understand that this is a necessity so I will just roll with it. It will stay in until my post-op appointment with Dr. B a week after my surgery.

Well, I will check in after my surgery with an update. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I am so glad that Dr. B is performing this surgery as well. It looks like I will be his first surgery of the day at 8:00 on Wednesday morning. he told me that recovery is much different than the band and I will be pretty sore and exhausted after. I have taken about 3-4 weeks off from my teaching job and I can do real estate from my home office. I am just so ready to be on the other side of this!

Thanks again to the emails and warm wishes, it means so much to have so much support!!!

Happy Halloween!!!!
Jenn

Let the countdown begin....

My surgery is scheduled for three weeks from tomorrow. It will be here before I know it. I have an appointment scheduled with Dr. B next week to go over all of the details. Funny thing is I thought that appointment was today so I rushed all the way over to his office only to have the woman at registration tell me it's next week. She was really nice about it and offered to call down to see if they could fit me in since I was already there. I told her not to worry about it, that I would come back next week when I'm suppose to.

I have been feeling pretty positive about my surgery. I am a little bit nervous as I know that the complications are much more significant than with the band but I'm not overly worried. I feel really prepared and so ready to move on. I finally told my boss at work that I will be having surgery on Nov. 3. I didn't tell her that it was a revision to a bypass, just that I had a hernia that needed to be repaired. I have only told one co-worker about the surgery because I trust her and she has been very understanding and non-judgemental. My boss is great but I don't need someone elses expectations put on me. My sister, husband, my son's stepmom (she's one of my best friends), and a few very close friends are the only people I have shared this with. I am so fortunate to have such a nice group of supportive people in my life. I honestly don't think I could do this without their support and unconditional love!!!

Next Wednesday I will begin my two week liquid diet. I expect this to be a little be difficult but I know I can get through it! As it stands now, my band is so sensitive that I basically stick with soft, mushy foods or liquids anyway! I am going grocery shopping this weekend to stock up on all of my supplies so I will prepared and ready to go next week.

Off I go for a busy afternoon! I will check in again before my surgery. I hope you are all healthy and happy!!!

Warm regards,
Jenn