Ready, Set, Go!

So obviously I've been bad with my schedule.  I think I like the way I've been blogging better anyway. 

My bags are packed, my vitamins are stocked, and everything is ready.  I received my final shipment from Vitalady today. 

I have enough vitamins to last me until November, barring any additional things I may need depending on my levels.  I won't need to start taking these for a few weeks but I'm armed and ready.  The box you see is full of samples and protein packets.  The liquid prescription bottle is pain meds filled and ready and the pink boxes in the background are Ziplock baggies.  That's how I'm going to organize my vitamins at first.  I'll have a big bag with four smaller bags inside.  Each big bag will be good for one day and each little bag will be labeled which time of the day I take it.  I will of course re-use my bags.  I will eventually switch to The MedCenter 31 Day Organizer.

I have a few jars of baby food and a box of baby cereal.  I have plenty sugar free Jello and Crystal Light.  I stocked up on creamy soups on my last trip to Trader Joe's.  I told you I was an over-preparer.

In my hospital bag (no picture, sorry) is:
pads (because of course this is a popular time of the month)
underwear (hospital underwear suck)
a brush
my own shampoo and conditioner (again hospital handouts suck)
chapstick
deoderant
and on Sunday I will add my phone charger, laptop and MP3 player (aka my wifi only Droid)

Nothing fancy.  I'll be too drowsy to really care about much else. I almost thought about not bringing my laptop but it's mostly to communicate with my son through video chat.  Well one way video chat.  I can't find my webcam for my home computer but he'll be able to see his mom even if all I am doing is sleeping, walking and, well, sleeping.   

Tomorrow in the mail I should have my Long Reach Comfort Wipe.  I said when I started this blog I wouldn't hold anything back and I'm sticking to my promise.  For those who aren't familiar with major abdominal surgery (my surgery is open), my stomach muscles aren't going to work the way they should at first.  Taking my size into consideration on top of that leaves us with a very messy situation.  In the hospital I have no problem asking nurses for help.  I had to do it when I had my appendix out and I can do it again.  Once I get home though it's a different story.  Yes, Vamoosh can help, she's even offered.  But honestly that's not an image I want burned into her head of me.

Tomorrow I also receive my BlenderBottle.  I wish I had this when I first started my liquid diet.  Oh well lates better than never since I'll need it for my protein shakes.

The only thing I'm missing now is my surgery time.  I'll find that out on Friday.  They say to call between 2 and 5.  Does anyone really wait until 5?  I will call promptly at 1:59 pm. 

I won't be able to update my blog obviously right away.  I am training Vamoosh on working Blogger so that when she comes home that night she can let you know how I did.  Anyone that knows me outside of my blog (friends and family) and wants a phone call, Email me.  I've already had a few people ask and I have a small list for Vamoosh to call. 


I'm soo excited.  I don't think even a trip to Disney World could top this feeling!

Vitalady

I want to introduce you to one of the best vitamin supports I've been able to find. Whether it's following her schedule or using her site to navigate the schedule your surgeon will give you, you couldn't ask for a friendlier, support team.  I will tell you up front that they are not doctors nor do they play them on TV.  The only one who can give you the vitamin requirements that are right for you is your surgeon.  HOWEVER, once your labs are in and you've spoken to your doctor, consider Vitalady's schedule.  In my research her schedule and lab sheets create less of a complication rate than some other vitamin protocols available.  Her regimen also makes any problems with labs easier to pinpoint and correct.  I've called them a few times with questions and I've badgered them by email a few times also.  Not only have they been super helpful but I can always hear their smiles through the phone.  They have some of the best information available and I encourage you to visit their site.  

At this point I can only give you my Pre-Op opinion of them but I'm sure if you hop on over to ObesityHelp.com and mention the name Michelle or Vitalady you're going to get a million and one responses from Post-Ops who have way more experience than I do.   So far though, I'm in love.  With the help of a family member I've placed my first very large order.  The customer service was awesome and the package was delivered quick and safe.  When I received my package I was greeted by a rose which was a nice surprise.  I'm missing a few bottles but we already knew they would be coming in a second package.  The amount of vitamins is overwhelming but between the literature that accompanied my order and the phone support I'll be able to get from them will be awesome.  I promise not to bother them with my obsessive phone calls until I'm Post-Op and ready to set them up. I also have to wait until my surgeon gives me the ok to start my regimen. 

Vitalady is on tour right now and next week she will be within 45 minutes of my house.  I can't tell you how sad I am I won't be able to meet her.  My poor little car won't be able to make it to her.  So if you're reading this Michelle, wave to me as you pass my little section of New Jersey and go to your next stop.  Maybe next year I'll be able to come out and meet you, and by then you'll be able to meet the skinny version of me!