Mary Allen needs....

Hey Everyone, Our friend Mary Allen is scheduled for surgery on 6-14-07.  She is into her 3rd day of Pre-op diet.  She needs some encouraging words and some real strong advise.  I am asking anyone and EVERYONE to please send her your words of WISDOM.  You guys have been there and know what it is like.  I am her support person and I don't have a surgery date yet and can only imagine what she is going thru...... Appreciate whatever you guy can pass on.  We really depend on your journey to help us get thru ours. Thanks a whole bunch, Cindy 

Ok, I think I am getting a grip.  I had a mini-psychotic break earlier today when the realization hit me that I wouldn't be eating solid food for a good long time.  I'm having a few issues that are not in my stomach but in my head, about food.  I haven't went off the pre-op diet, so that is good.  I will take any advice any of you have on making the liquid thing more tolerable, though.  Thanks. Mary

Wow Mary,     How well I remember this too! It is tough; and you are not alone! About the 3rd or 4th day I thought I was going to go CRAZY.. This purpose for the pre op liquid diet is a serious one; it is to shink our fatty liver, and our omnetim (belly fat) this makes it easier for our surgeon. It also makes it easier to do it lap instead of open RNY. Personally I had enough discomfort and complications lap; I can not imagine open. I am 4 months post op; and it was worth it Mary! You are headed toward a great goal keep your eyes focased on the final prize! Keep in touch with your support group and friends. Find something to take your mind away from food when it is the toughest. Not TV it has to many reminders.LOL! After surgery you will be fine for a while with not eating solid food, the hunger will subside! YOU WILL BE ABLE TO EAT AGAIN..That was one of my questions too. Your sacarfice will pay off big time! I am already off a lot of my meds., no more BP meds, diabetes meds cut by a forth, pain meds drastically reduced. I am doing things I have not done in years. Like I do my treadmill, and excerise bike daily, I walk with my hubby, I rode a real bike for the first time in over 3 years! I can't tell you that what you are going through now is easy because it is not; what I can say is it is worth it all the way! I had surgery with Hurley too; I has Dr Wagner. My daughter had Dr Farhan with great sucess. Best wishes to your new journey in life, good luck to a very sucessful surgery. Sincerely, Judy R

Just keep thinking about all those wonderful, skinny clothes you'll be buying before long.  You'll be able to shop "the other side" of most stores before you know it.  The liquid diet is only for a short time but the prize you get for following it is forever.

I'm just finishing up my 3 week preop liquid diet. The first week was definately the worst and got incrementally better with each day after. The Da Vinci sugar free syrups in my shakes helped immensely! Took away that protein-y taste. And fixing it with some warm water was better for me for whatever reason. I was able to do a tomato soup (Optifast) that was helpful too as it was a change from all the sweet shakes. HTH some. Just keep telling yourself it's just for X amount of days and that seemed to get me through the rougher spots.

I see you are having your surgery on Monday!!!!  Good luck to you... Cindy

Thanks. Getting nervous but wanting to get it over with already...very strange emotions as I've gotten closer. Good luck to you and Mary Allen!

Mary: No more psychotic episodes girl!  What will the neighbors think?!  :0) I can't offer any words of advice because I haven't been there yet, but you've got my support and prayers.  The first steps are always the hardest --- then they start getting easier as our journey continues.  Build the momentum and let it carry you on. I'll say a prayer for strength of spirit.  If you need anything, just holler. Pam