One Day and Counting, Panniculectomy...

Feb 28, 2012

It's really odd, but I think I just realized a connection with "nesting" for pregnant women, and those who are about to "give birth" to their pannus...

Having thought I still had a month to go, I was pretty much more like the ant than the grasshopper, getting ready for Winter.  Then I get a phone call last Friday that I was being offered a sooner date - TOMORROW.  Considering that only left me with  two weekend days and two weekdays before surgery, I have been dashing about my home to get it ready -- but I promise NOT to bring home my swaddled pannus. 

My list was huge, but I have been slowly ticking off all my errands & chores.  I have only been sleeping 5 - 6 hours a night, which is more like the OLD me, before discovering the wonders of 8 full hours of sleep.  Getting up earlier leaves me with more time to do laundry, shop, clean, and of course take care of business.  I am on my second load of laundry, scrubbed my shower TWICE, made phone calls, and I am still trying to figure out what else I can get done before my pre-op appointment at 11:30am... It totally hit me, "I am worse than a woman preparing for labor!"  By the way, I do talk to myself often, so if you are just reading my blog for the first time, I swear it is a healthy thing to do.

I've jumped on Facebook to check my weight loss support group page - I still need to either cancel or secure a group leader for the meeting.  My thoughts are racing, I have another meeting on March 15, so I am wondering, "Will I be healed enough to attend?"  Then I thought, I need to keep checking on my "peeps" here on Obesity Help, so here I am.  Tap Tap Tap, I have one finger nail that is chipped, and it bugs me.  I actually clipped my toenails this morning, as I better do it while I still can bend to reach them!

Yesterday, I even called my surgeon's office, "No one scheduled my anesthesia appointment, what meds/supplements/vitamins am I supposed to suspend before surgery?!"  For the record, I was told my medications were fine, but stop all vitamins & supplements, especially vitamins E & K.  Good thing I knew the drill.  My appointment is at 11:30am today, but I am already doing a liquid diet -- I am probably going overboard, but I like being prepared.  I still have to take my photos for before, and I am going to have fresh sheets and pads in place so that my bed is post-op ready!

Okay, here is the emotional stuff: I have made notes to my loved ones, even wondered if I need to tell them where the money is hidden, you know, just in case.  I am probably more giddy than worried, but I like to be in control, even when I cannot be.  Rest assured, I looked up my surgeon, and even read the paper he published in 2008 about his study of 92 patients receiving panniculectomies, and following those patients over four years.  So, I know he knows what he is doing.  Part of me wonders what it will be like no longer having something I have known my entire adult life - and then some.  I had been planning this surgery since 1996, no kidding.  Long time coming, and it is finally here.  Part of me just wants to wake up tomorrow, the other part is tapping me on the shoulder, "I need more time to finish getting ready".

I have sent out swimsuits, and posted another suit that needs a new home.  I have been pretty good writing friends and thanking supporters.  What is left is to get the surgery and recover.  What size will I end up being after surgery?  How much will the flesh removed weigh?  Holy smokes, I will be well into the 200's for the first time in 15 years!  Is it that obvious that I am a little excited?  I wonder if they can use the skin for burn victims?  I better ask the surgeon, so I can have closure!

Well folks, just in case this is my last post for a few days, I am looking forward to sharing all the gory details!  Wishing my FUP a happier life without me!  Stay positive!

Brenda : )~

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