It's official, but still having a hard time believing...

I just got back from a very busy two weeks...camping for ten days then four days at a work conference in Toronto.  Had a lot of fun but missed this forum.  Only got online once or twice the whole time...so congrats to all that have had surgery, date announcements and NSVs while I was away!

Last Monday Dr. Sullivan's office offered me a Surgery date of Sept. 27 on the condition that they can fit me in for the rest of my appointments before then.  Dr. Sullivan is away after next week for a while, so it was looking like I wouldn't be able to get in to see him until after I should have started Optifast.  I asked if they could ship me the Optifast and I could start taking it before I see him (I would have started it two days late if I waited until I saw him), but they said no.  I was disappointed, but told them to book me in for the next available surgery date.  The receptionist put me on hold and came back a few minutes later to say that she spoke with Dr. Sullivan, explained the problem and he said to fit me in next week!  So I am going to see him next Wednesday.  Then on Sept. 8th I go for my PATTS and then surgery!!!

So, it looks like it is really going to happen!!!  The three weeks on Optifast are going to be interesting timing-wise.  I start Optifast the first day of school (I am a substitute teacher, not likely to have work the first couple of days, but may be a bit of a bear when I do...poor kids!!) and then the 18-20th I am at a conference for my other job, whi*****ludes all the meals including a dinner cruise one evening.  I am going to call the hotel on Monday to ensure I will have access to ice for my Optifast and a microwave so I can heat up broth. 

Then Friday evening before my surgery, I am MC at my best friend's wedding celebration (they eloped, now having the party).  Might look funny having toast's with Optifast in my glass!!! LOL

I think this next six weeks are going to be a bit of a whirlwind!  But I am ready for the ride!

BTW, little tip for all you campers...vitamins need to be kept in a sealed container when it is damp...all my vitamins (multi, chewable) turned a funny brown colour.  I took them into the pharmacy and they said they are fine to eat, it is just that they absorb dampness (it rained most of the week) really easily.  They taste a little more bitter than they did, but otherwise seem fine.  Next year I will be sure to store them in a sealed container (I had them in container they came in, but they are not airtight).

Tracy

so happy it worked out!!! Congrats! I had to have an awkward shake day myself through one of the days. I had to pick my son up (5.5 hr drive away) and was having them on the road as I drove. It all worked.

congrats!

So glad things are going so smoothly for you.  Don't worry about the optifast - once you get into it, you'll be just fine.

Glad to hear you got your date, it will be here before you know it. As for the optifast you will do great and it's easier to adapt in then you think...Good Luck with everything!!!!

Congrats, Tracy!  You're date will be here before you know it.

For work/travel, get yourself a drink shaker from GNC.  They have a wire mixing ball inside which really helps to break up the bits of powder.  They cost about $12/13.  I'm still using mine for my protein drinks, so it won't go to waste post-OF.

Good luck!

I actually bought two...one short one and one tall one!

Tracy

Awesome!! So exciting isn't it?  Good luck with your Opti.

Julie

 WOW your timeline has gone really quickly.  As to the toasting duties I would suggest some crystal light instead of Opti.  Good luck

Good idea!  And if I pick the right flavour it might actually look like wine!

And yes, it has gone quickly.  I am not quite sure why.  When I started my doctor seemed to think it could take up to three years.  Then the registry told me it would be about one and a half years.  HRRH said about a year and then when they asked if I was willing to go to St. Joe's Toronto it might be as short as 10 months.  Not sure how it happened this way, but if everything goes as planned I will be two days short of five months from referral to surgery.  I feel very blessed.

Tracy