In less than two days, I will have my gastrectomy aka "Sleeve" aka "weightloss surgery. During the last 90 days I had many tasks to complete to get the approvals necessary. What I didnt expect was for everything to move so fast. I was planning a mid-December surgery date when all of the sudden, the doctor's office calls me late last week and says "what about next Thursday". Wait! What?!
So the last 5 days I have been panicked trying to get everything done I need to take care of to prepare.
So what do you need to do to prepare for surgery? Well every doctor is different. Some require a 2 week liquid preparation diet. Although most say it is to shrink the fatty Liver, my doctor said this was not necessary for me. So my prep includes really no prep at all other than getting my life in order.
Here are a few things I have done to prepare for my big day:
1. Made sure I was fully aware of my post op diet plan. This also required me to shopping. I picked up several flavors of the brand Premier protein shakes. I will report back on the flavors I like best and how I jazz them up. I also bought some different broths etc to eat (or drink) and my favorite flavored of vitamin water zero.
2. I have already pre-packed my hospital bag. The things I included was my comfy robe and slippers but I also packed some chapstick as I have read people wished they would have brought some. I will make sure I have my phone charger...I must keep up with the world.
3. Pack for my post OP stay with friends. I will be traveling to Galvesron when I leave the hospital. The plan is to stay a week. So I over packed just like I do for any other trip.
4. Arrange dog care for my fur babies. I'm going to miss this boogers.
5. Take care of work business (which I am still doing through tomorrow) so I can relax as much as possible
6. Say goodbye to certain foods. I have been having my last hurrah with foods that I will never eat again and I am emotionally breaking up with them. I'm ok with that. I'm ready to move on
7. Sign Advanced Directive and medical power of attorney. It is a simple procedure but lets face it, I'm not a spring chicken and I have health issues. Although I dont anticipate any issues at all, I want to be prepared
8. Breathe. I have to keep remembering to tell myself that this is what I have wanted for many years and not to have anxiety over the surgery.
9. Thank God. God has prepared me for 10 years for this day. Its something He knew I wanted. Now it became a Need. Wants and needs are totally different and He made sure that I was provided for when that need did arise. So many do not have insurance that will cover this surgery. I know because I never did either until this year. So I am very grateful to my employer for providing such wonderful benefits to their employees.
The surgery is taking place this Thursday, November 21st at 11:30. I will be blogging about my journey more actively when I start the recovery process. My goal is to give as much information that I can for others considering this option as well to have some accountability for myself.
And with that said, let the count down being.
Blessings
Ellie
