PRE-OPS I CHALLENGE YOU ...

Nat, Thank you so much for sharing this - and you couldn't be more "right on" with this!  As I sit here I'm one week post-op and I couldn't be happier!  For the 6 or so months prior to surgery I 'lurked' on this board, reading posts and histories and was so inspired by you and all the others who have gone before me.  I had an outstanding hospital experience and I credit that in great part to what I learned here - as a pre-op.  While I was originally frustrated by the insurance company mandated 6-month physician supervised diet/exercise program, I decided to put that time to good use.  During those 6 months I increased my water intake, up-ed the protein in my diet, removed (well, almost) all caffeine from my daily diet, taste-tested protein drinks, and really started moving.  I'd managed to lose some weight prior to my surgery last week and I really feel that by doing the work as a pre-op, it's contributed to my easy ride so far.  While I was in the hospital, I walked lap after lap after surgery, had very little pain, needed very few "hits" on the PCA button and generally felt great the evening of the procedure.  I'm convinced that if I'd not gotten my body ready, it would have been a less pleasant few days in the hospital and at home.  Had my one week follow-up visit yesterday, staples are gone, I've not needed pain meds since Saturday, I walk at least 1.7 miles each day (at a comfortable pace), and as an unexpected bonus - I'm down 11 pounds since surgery!  I guess that's my first little 'wow' moment. Thanks again for bringing this great pre-op awareness to light! Hugs, Chele

WOW! I can't believe how inspiring this post is!  I just signed up as a member of OH and have to say I'm glad I did.   This is a great start! Jackie