Here I Go!

In half an hour, I will be heading to the hospital!

Before I go I wanted to document the experiences of the last couple days.

Tuesday my tests and appointments went great. I scored really well above average for pulmonary function (and in case you are like me and have no idea what that is, it's lung function / breathing.) :) I then had my pre-admissions testing which included another blood draw, a urine sample, and an EKG.
Then I had my pre-op appointment with my surgeon, which was really quick because I didn't really have anymore questions. I was weighed in again, this time at 310 lbs. I received a packet of instructions for the last couple of days, what do to before surgery, etc. Also one nice thing was my friend Brandy happened to be at the office at the same time so I got to see her! She has been there for me through all of this (as a patient of this surgeon herself, having had bypass 7 years ago.)

So firstly, I had to be on clear liquids all of yesterday. This was so hard because I was hungry hungry hungry all day long. I have to admit I was pretty cranky. My hips hurt, but I couldn't have advil (been off that for a couple weeks for surgery.) Same thing with excedrin, and I had a headache. I was hungry but couldn't eat. I was looking forward to my muscle work at the chiropractor, but I didn't receive it (only the decompression machine.) So I wasn't the happiest person yesterday LOL. I slept a few hours to try to get through the day easier. I got so hungry... I ended up having one protein drink made with milk which I wasn't supposed to have but it's still liquid so I think I'll be fine. My intake for the day included several large glasses of water, one bottle of Isopure diluted with water, an apple juice diluted with water, some chicken broth, a sugar free jello (allowed), a sugar free popscicle (allowed), and one cherry limeade from taco bell (it's mainly sprite so pretty clear/see through.) That was my whole day. As of midnight last night, nothing has passed my lips. Not allowed any water or anything else. So I am feeling thirsty right now... but I'm doing okay.

I was also given these bottles of iodine based soap (it's straight liquid so not sure what makes it soap lol.) I had to shower last night before bed using the iodine soap. You are supposed to leave it on for 10 minutes but I couldn't stomach it - the chemical, strong smell made me so nauseated. I scrubbed all over with it for about 4 minutes and rinsed it off. This morning, I washed my hair, body, face etc and then used the iodine wash again. I am not allowed any lotion or makeup on - so my hands and face are feeling dry and I am feeling naked :-/ Going to a crowded place with no makeup on is so embarrassing for me because my skin is so blotchy and red when I am not wearing makeup. Oh well, you gotta do what you gotta do.

I also cannot have any jewelry on so I am leaving my wedding rings at home, and I had to take out the diamond stud earrings I wear daily in my 2nd earring hole. I cleaned them, cleaned my ears, and put the earrings in a little pouch in my bag so I can put them on when I am in recovery. Not because I'm vain about it lol but because the holes tend to close up if I leave them out for a day.

I packed my bag for the hospital. I ended up using a carryon suitcase just because it will be easier for someone to roll it instead of carry it. I took a lot of stuff. Don't know how much I'll use or won't use... but I wanted to be fully prepared! Here is a list of what is in my bag...

- 2 pairs comfy pajamas, one to wear there and one to come home in (loose fitting clothes were recommended.)
- loose fitting sports bra, clasps in back
- 2 pairs socks
- 2 pairs slippers (one is soft sole, one is hard sole)
- 2 pairs underwear
- travel size toiletries (shampoo, deodorant, body wash, face wash)
- my makeup and face lotion
- hand/body lotion
- chapstick
- listerine breath strips
- wisps
- hairbrush & hair ties/clips
- chewable bean-o (many people report bad gas after surgery.)
- my own pillow
- my prescriptions the surgeon asked me to bring, one is a nausea patch and one is pain medicine, had them filled yesterday
- magazines and books
- nintento ds
- my camera and phone
- chargers for these electronics
- drivers license, insurance card, car keys.

NOTE: All of these things are staying in the car until I get to recovery, except a small wallet which will contain my phone, car keys, and ID/insurance cards. I am going to have my dad hold on to this while I am in surgery.

SO... I am feeling prepared and ready to go. I'm not nervous yet... maybe I will be later lol. I mean, I know I am making the right choice, so that brings me a lot of peace... but it's still surgery. I'm not so much scared that I'll die on the table or anything, that is extremely unlikely for my age and health compared to a lot of people having these surgeries. My fear is more of the before and after. All the needles, IV, etc... waking up in recovery feeling crappy... that kind of stuff. But I know in a few days I'll be feeling better and it will all be worth it. A small part of me still feels like... um... most of my stomach is going to be gone??!! But I have done my research and I feel comfortable with this being the right choice. Everything is going to be awesome, I know it!

I've had lots of well wishes from friends and family. My phone was ringing constantly yesterday and i also got lots of emails, text messages, notes on facebook, etc. I am definitely feeling loved and supported. Surprisingly, I have not had one person say to me "please don't do it." So I feel as if every door has opened for me, and all I have to do is walk through!

I'll try to post a short update on here from my phone as soon as I'm feeling up to it in recovery later today or tonight!