Surgery date set! 11/17/2014

Could not believe when I went in for my final appointment with my surgeon on 11/6 and he said see you for surgery on the 17th! It blows my mind that after 6 months of appointments and nutrition visits that it's finally here! So needless to say I'm on the liver shrinking diet now. Starting to get anxious and the "what ifs" begin... What if I can't handle the pain. What if I can't keep up with my 4 year old. What if there are complications... And they just keep coming. Any advice or helpful knowledge would be greatly appreciated 

You can do this!  We hear a lot of the bad stories.  Just like pregnancies, always the bad.  But I can honestly say my experience has been wonderful.  My 3rd night I had pain in the middle of the night.  Took my pain medicine and it was gone, never came back.  Think it was gas.  I walked 20 laps by midnight of the day of my surgery and didn't start until 6:30.  Went home the next day and walked out of the hospital on my own.  Was asked to walk 2 miles by 6 weeks and was walking one mile on the 3rd day and over 2 by the 5th day.  I am not in good shape and am 56 years old.  I did not work out before and have been fine.  I don't think I am the exception.  I do not chase young kids all day and know that will be a challenge as the one complaint I have is that I am weak and tire very, very easily.  You will need your village to help you with the children for only that reason.  I promise, this is not bad.  BUT, you do have to get up, you do have to follow the instructions to the "T" and you have to want it.  Never give up - you got this!!!!! 

I love this reply, Beary. I was curious about the details of the walking. AND I am having some of the same apprehensions as LSU girl. I am set for surgery on Dec. 2 and I have two kids, not as young as 4 y/o though. But my 9-year-old still believes in Santa and I hope I have enough energy to get through Christmas. I walk now about three miles a few times a week and have a regular gym routine that I like. (Although this past six months of doctor visits sort of messed with that routine!)  LSU girl, so happy for you! You are going to do great and congratulations on your new start! Best wishes! You worked so hard to get here, I'm sure. It'll all work itself out!

I'm right there with you. I am scheduled for the 17th as well and feeling anxious, but also excited. We can do this and I think if you keep reading the posts you will see so many positive experiences. Good luck to you!

The what ifs will drive a person crazy.  But, if those things happen, you'll figure out a way to deal with them.  Just like we all do.  You've got this!

Good Luck! I had surgery on October 13th, and as many others have said on here, I've had my ups & downs but I am 4 weeks post op today and each day is better than the last!