Congrats and good luck! Great way to start 2014! Remember to walk as much as you can, helps you feel better! And the obvious, sip, sip and sip! Keep us posted!

Take the pain meds!! They are necessary to allow your body to recover and it's easier when you are comfortable. And walk as much as you can but remember to get plenty of sleep. Good luck!

Congrats on making the brave decision to take your life back. My best pre-surgery tip is to make peace with never eating your favorite foods again (you may or may not be able to eat them again, but I am glad I said "goodbye" to a couple favorite foods, because I don't enjoy them any more). My saying "goodbye" consisted of eating the foods with no distractions, savoring every bite, and stopping when I was satisfied, not "full."

If you've already made your peace with foods, then practice eating like you've already had the surgery (no drinking with meals or 30 min before/after). Also, practice mindful eating - when you eat do nothing elseno TV, reading, computer, etc. Pay attention to how the food tastes and feels. Practice stopping when you are "satisfied," not full.

Also, walk as much as you can. It may be painful, but you'll need to walk after surgery so it's best to get started now.

Something tells me you are gonna do just fine!!

((hugs))

JJ

Best wishes on your surgery day, please keep us updated when you can!! You'll be in my thoughts, good luck!!! :-)

Congrats my friend! It's been a long time coming! So glad you finally got your date.
Just give yourself plenty of time to heal this is major surgery. Sip the water and walk slowly as much as you feel like walking. It does help. Listen to them when they say NO LIFTING. I felt too good and tried to wrench on a motorcycle the 1st week and made my self really sore. When they give you soft food eat very slowly, wait a few min between bites.
Make sure to get the water in. We tend to get constipated after surgery, water helps.
They will give you a 24 hr phone number. Cindy don't mind how many times you call her, use it for any questions. I called often enough she knew my voice!
You got my number, e mail ect. Call any time. I got my phone on my night stand.

I am 4 days post op. Drink your water... that's a big thing for me. and walk when you can. Also, they have the spirometer in the hospital, use that even if it is uncomfortable. It will help disipate the gas that they use during surgery. I wish for you to not go into surgery with the thoughts of failure. This is a new beginning, there are only good things to come and you will make them happen.

Thanks everyone for the nice comments and the tips as well. I cant lie I am a lil bit scared but know I'll be just fine...thanks again

CONGRATS!!! Being scared is very normal... and I think just part of the journey :) You are going to do great!!