HI!

Hello all! I am a new member, and am scheduled to have my DS on March 19. There are lots of thoughts and emotions running rampant right now, and I am trying not to be afraid. Deep down I am so excited because I know that I will have a chance to live a new life, but anything worth having is does not come easy. I have been in persuit of this dream for a year, and now it is knocking at my door. I cry a lot lately because of fear, excitement, sadness and the stress of it all knowing I could die, but praying that I don't. Any advice or solutions from others would be appreciated, and I am looking forward to meeting new friends. Theresa Taylor

Welcome Theresa! You would not be normal if you were not emotional right now! The ony advice that I have is drink as much as you can this week, especially the day before surgery. Being well hydrated makes everything go better. Then walk walk walk as much as they will let you. Don't wait for them to ask. Just do it! You will do great! Joy

Thank you for the tip, Joy. I always have icewater with me wherever I go, however I am fighting a cold and don't want to have my surgery postponed. I want to be in as good of condition as I can come Wednesday (last Dr. appt. before surgery). I will take your advice. Thanks again! Theresa

Congratulations Theresa! My surgery is on March 18th. I am new also. I posted yesterday but I took my last name off and it deleted all my posts....oh well. I had to stop taking my hormones and everything else. So I am tearful, my knees ache, etc, etc, etc, But I am excited and scared all at the same time. I don't want anyone at work to find out but I am having a hard time with HR. They say I have to tell what I am having done, but I refuse. I said I was having surgery and my insurance approved it and that was all they needed to know. We will see if that flies or not. Best of luck to you. I will keep you in my prayers!

I hope you are successful in keeping your privacy. HR sometimes takes a dim view of "elective" surgery, but if they had a clue, there really is no other choice. Watch your insurance company, they may divulge if prompted to do so to the employer (that may be in the contract). And no hormones, to boot! Yikes! A little while ago I read Jewell Nunn's post from her husband, and was saddened greatly. We know the risks when we go in, and need a lot of courage to face our own fears. We soooo need our family, our faith, and friends both new and old. I have been blessed that my boss is letting me work from home when I am ready, and won't let me come back to wor****il she is satisfied that I am ok. Thank you for your prayers and support. Theresa

Linda, Will your gall bladder be removed? If your surgeon is removing your gall bladder, you can tell HR you're having gall bladder surgery.

O.K. darlin' the facts have been assimilated and the answer is clear. YOU'RE TOTALLY 100% NORMAL! Mine is in 8 days and I alternate between raw terror to total giddiness and surely touch on every other emotion in between. My poor DH has no clue who he's going to be dealing with.... a comedian in a happy and upbeat mood or medusa with an attitude. It changes from one instance to the next and I have a feeling that this ride is gonna get a bit worse..... I have kicked the sugar ha*****opefully) and I haven't had a smoke since last night. It's gonna get ugly if I don't feel the love at all times! Hang in there, it can only get better. Gayle Queen of Yarn Balls

Wow, I wish you all the best with the cigs! I couldn't breathe, so I quit two years ago the 23rd, and hubby quit three days ago. I gained another 60 lbs! Boy, I sure know the raw terror and total giddiness. It is almost like falling in love, I tell ya! I am having trouble with the sugar habit, but I guess I will get over it. Thank you, Gayle! Theresa

Hi Theresa!!! Best advice I can offer anyone in your shoes is to be good to yourself right now.. Of course you're emotional!!! Also... keep your eye on the prize!!! Focus on where you're going not on getting there!!! That would be like going to Hawaii and thinking of only the plane ride!!!! Just keep looking ahead to how much healthier and happier you'll be and all of the things you'll be doing etc... Keeps the fear at bay.. and of course come here and laugh or cry and share ... Us Marchers stick together! Sinseerlee, Kathy Offishal Marchers Cheerleader Captain Flatulence Monitor Angel to the Queen "It's time to throw down the pom poms and get into the game!"

Aww, thank you Kathy! All y'all are soo sweet! Now I know where all the love is! I hate flying, so that made total sense. It will still probably be a white-knuckle ride until I wake up from surgery. Then I know I will be ok. It might finally warm up enough that I can start walking when I get out of the hospital. I love winter, and that is why I live here, but this spring will be the beginning of my new life. I am gonna tear it up in a new bathing suit! Thanks again, Kathy. Theresa