Hi Steph. I'll tell you about my experience (hope it will help your anxiety--though it's natural to feel some anxiety). I had to get to hospital at 6:30 AM for pre-op with scheduled surgery for 8:30 AM (but was already told that they NEVER are on time). I think my surgery actually was around 11:30 or 12:00 PM. I would just keep reminding myself whenever I felt bad feelings (this is expected, only temporary, everyone on these forums says that it's worth it, etc. and a lot of prayer). I remember thinking that the time from when I got to hospital 6:30 AM until the next morning after the swallow exam (9:30 AM) were some of the longest hours I've ever known! And it wasn't pain--it was discomfort and the hardest think for me was thirst/parched lips (I used chapstick, and they gave me some lemon glycerin swabs).

My pain was totally controlled with the IV pain medication and then the oral (when I could take fluids). The nurses told me not to let it get too high or to be stoic so I pretty much took it when I started feeling uncomfortable. I did not have any nausea, vomiting, or gas (and I still haven't had any).

(I guess I was writing a dissertation...I'll post this in a forum...

so ....To Be Continued.....

Hang in there Steph. At my pre op visit, the surgeon told my husband that less than 1% of the people having the sleeve have complications. Pretty good odds you'll be fine. Our surgery is the same day. I have to be at the hospital at 6 am! Today I saw my friend who had surgery in April. She has lost over 80 lbs and looks like a million bucks. Her smile is bigger, she is happier. She is down to 166 lbs now and wants to lose just 20 lbs more. That will be us in a few months. Do not despair. You are doing the right thing.

Good luck to you (also from another Texan)--I'm home (surgery on Tuesday and given choice to come home yesterday--and I did). Thanks for your well wishes.

Not fun but it is manageable and will be worth it like everyone says.

Nancy

From one Texan to another HOWDY, and welcome!