2-4-13

Today was my last set of doctors appointments before surgery with the exception of the pre-op.  I had an ultrasound today at 8:30 and the purpose was to look at my pancreas, liver, kidneys and gallbladder.  The most important was the gallbladder.  Many people have gall stones and never know it.  But when you have WL surgery, the risk of gall stones is high.  So if you already have some they like to take out the gallbladder when you are in for surgery.  Luckily I don't have ANY!  All my other organs looked great!  After the ultrasound, I met with Terry (nurse clinician) to go over paperwork, watch a video on preparing for and recovering from surgery.  We talked about medications and what to expect.  Then I got to meet with my surgeon - Dr. Thomas Jones.  He is AMAZING...what a wonderful man.  Is is so personable, at ease and really down to earth.  He lives in Chanhassen - just one town away from Shakopee.  His wife is also a teacher and he, luckily, could get me in the Friday before Spring Break before he and his family go on vacation.  My only disappointment was that he won't be there the next couple days after surgery when I am in the hospital.  But at least I got him as my surgeon.  We discussed my medications and how the procedure works.  He stressed that getting active quickly after surgery gets you out of the hospital faster and helps with recovery!  One thing he said that made me cry was when he labeled me as a "young mom"...meaning that I am a mom with young children.  He said there is this problem where we don't take care of ourselves because we always put our family/children before our own personal needs....how true!  I am so excited to do this so that I can be a better mom and set a good example for my wonderful boys!  It was so wonderful to meet him and I know that God has me in good hands!  SIDE NOTE:  After my morning appointments I was then so blessed to have lunch with a special man....yummy salad at Panera and - again - great conversation!  END SIDE NOTE  Lastly, I met with Jodi, a dietitian.  We reviewed the the timeline for before and after surgery.  I will begin a 10-day liquid diet on March 12th leading up to surgery on March 22nd!  After surgery, there will be 5-7 days of clear liquids during which time it will be important to drink lots - especially apple and cranberry juice since those will be the only liquids with calories.  Following that there will be a 2 week pureed diet - heavy in protein.  Then slowly add soft foods and at 2 months can eat normally as tolerated.  At the start of this process the clinic gave me a binder and it has become known among patients as "The Binder"....everything you need to know is in "The Binder"...and if you forget something you are supposed to look in "The Binder" because it's probably in there.  There are lists, checklists, anecdotal excerpts from other patients and all the references and reference numbers you would possibly need.  I feel very confident in my ability to follow through with this lifelong journey!  As always, thank you for all your prayers and support!