I'm so excited that I can finally write this blog! I did so much research before having my surgery so I'd be ready for everything that could possibly come my way. I was excited, nervous, scared, all at the same time. Kinda like the first day of school. You know it's for the best and you need to do it but at the same time getting stabbed 5 times is inevitable.
My friend Joanna came and picked me up at 5:30am and we arrived at the Surgical center at 6:15 to check in. We didnt wait long before I was being called back to get prepped for surgery. My hot nurse Troy gave me a pregnancy test, put in my IV, gave me a shot to thin my blood and flirted a little. Soon after my anesthesiologist (The Candy Man) came in and introduced himself. I must have been asked 20 times by 5 different peope if I'm allergic to anything. The Candy Man explained what anesthetic he was going to use and assured me that he was going to put me lightly under so it would be easier to wake up and would cause less nausia.
Just before I was wheeled back, another nurse came in and gave me a pill to prevent nausia (I think it was called Advent or something). Once I arrived in the OR Candy Man was there and he put something in my IV. This stuff was AWESOME!! I was stoned out of my mind. I dont remember ever being that mellow and relaxed in my life! Apparently that was supposed to knock me out and I wasnt yet so they decided to give me gas as well.
Next think I knew I was trying to clear my throat but my left side hurt like hell and it was hard to catch my breath. I couldnt open my eyes, I couldnt move my arms... I figured that I was out of surgery so I just stayed still and waited a little bit. Coming out of the anesthetic was very hard. I couldnt open my eyes without being very dizzy. I never felt nausious... just really dizzy and disoriented.
I soon realized that Joanna was there too. I tried to joke but nothing would come out. I heard her say something about a hernia. I found out later that while they were placing the band they found a hiatal hernia and corrected it at the same time. So now I have more internal stitches than the average lap-band®® patient where they had to repair my diaphram. This is why I have a little trouble taking a deep breath. This also explains why after I had my second baby I never stopped having heartburn and acid reflux. It's likely I developed the hernia during pregnancy. It was never bad enough to send me to the Dr... so it's possible that this surgery saved me in more ways than just the one.
Waaaaay before I felt ready to go they were having me get dressed so I could head home. I had only been awake for about an hour and I was still very dizzy. Joanna and Hottie nurse Troy had to help me with my pants and then I was in a wheelchair and then in the car. I slept almost the whole way home. When I got home Joanna stayed with me until my husband arrived with my pain meds and the anti-nausia meds. I took the liquid hydrocodone and went to sleep on the couch. I would wake up here and there to sip water. After 2-3 hours of this I felt the need to move. I had read that the best way to deal with the pain from the gas they inflate your stomach with is to move. I cant even TELL you how bad the gas pain was. The pain meds dont even KINDA deminish this. It's way worse than I thought it would be. But walking and moving REALLY REALLY helps. Soon you burp a little... then a little more. A little toot... a biiiiiig toot and you start feeling like a normal person again.
I didnt feel much like drinking or eating anything. I forced myself to drink water. Later I mixed in a little gatoraid into the water to help out with my electrolites. I didnt want any broth but I managed some green tea in the evening. When I woke up the next morning... I was feeling 100x better!! The pain in my chest and shoulder was still there but not nearly as debilitating as the day before. I was able to get up with out either someone helping me or five minutes of working up to it. By the end of the second day I didnt need a pillow under my stomach if I layed down. Im amazed by how much better I feel as time passes. The key is to keep moving. Take walks!! Seems like a small thing but even going to the curb and back helps A LOT! I have had a little work out with every visitor I've had so far. It's a good excuse to get out of the house and you're not going alone in case you get dizzy or queezy.
I really feel lucky. I read a lot of other people's surgery blogs and almost everyone talked about dry heaves or vomiting... I did NONE of this at all. I did feel a little like I might today after having some Carnation Instant Breakfast mixed with protein powder and heated. It was yummy but I think I had a little too much. You know... a whopping three tablespoons. I stood up and moved around a little. After a burp I felt better but still very full. I cant get over how such little food can make me soooo full. I seriously felt like I had just gorged at a Vegas buffet.
Now I look forward to being able to post update photos. I'm also getting anxious to be allowed to start riding my bike again. I miss my morning rides. I have still been waking up at 4am and since I'm sleeping on the couch and my bike is in the living room he's been stairing at me. Poor Zeus... We'll go out just as soon as I get clearance buddy... promise!
I'm a little nervous about going back to work. As of today I'm absolutely not ready but I still have 3 days before I'm expected back. I know I feel better every day but the thought of standing all day scares me. I'm also trying to work out how I'm going to eat at work. But I'm sure I'll be fine. I'm just a control freak and the not knowing makes me a little nuts.
So that's my surgery story everyone. Stay tuned as I plan on posting regularly on how i'm doing, feeling, recipes I've come up with and of course... weight loss updates!
Debi
Banded 2/3/10
Start weight 258
Current Weight 240 (Lost 18 lbs on pre-op diet)
Goal Weight 130
Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter
