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My VSG experience

My surgery was Wednesday, April 2nd. I'm amazed at how well I am doing. I'm sitting here, on my bed, just chilling cause you know, I just had major abdominal surgery and probably shouldn't be up doing my normal things. Lol!   All silliness aside, my heart goes out to those of you who haven't had such an easy time. Please be kind to yourselves and get well soon.   Several of you have asked if I would talk about my experience having the VSG surgery. Here it goes:   The ninth day before surgery, I started a modified liquid diet (2 shakes & 1 low-calorie frozen entrée) for five days.   The two days before surgery I was on a clear liquid diet (with a magnesium citrate chaser to 'clean me out').   4/2 Wednesday - Surgery Day. I couldn't have anything by mouth, not even ice chips.   Before surgery a nurse put a Transderm Scōp® patch (Scopolamine) behind my ear to help prevent nausea. During surgery my doctor found a small hiatal hernia which she fixed. When the surgery was completed she did a 'leak' test. Everything went well, and I was transferred to recovery and then to my room where my family was waiting for me.   Once I was back in my room, I was told that they would have me up and walking within four hours. I couldn't have anything by mouth until the next day when I would have another leak test.   My mouth and throat were so dry; I honestly think that might've been the worst part.   About four hours later the nurse and aid came in to get me up for a walk. Though I was uncomfortable, mostly because of the JP drain, I didn't require any assistance getting up and ended up walking to the end of the hall causing my nurse and several others to remark, "wow! What a good job! We never see "these" patients do that."   Yeah, "these" patients. Smh   Through the night they would poke and prod me with needles. One of the test was a blood sugar. Though I have never had an issue with blood sugar, my numbers were above 120 two times. Interestingly, this is quite normal for patients who just gone through surgery.   Their protocol for bariatric patients is, if the blood sugar is over hundred, they are given insulin. So when the second test came in high, I was given insulin. Their reasoning is, you heal better and have less chance of infection when your numbers are below 100.   4/3 Thursday - The next morning I was taken to radiology for another leak test. I had to drink yellow colored contrast so that they could watch where liquid went after I swallowed it. I asked the tech if my doctor was there and how soon she be reading report, because I was so thirsty. The radiologist, behind the partition, called out to me and said everything looked great. About an hour later I was started on clear liquids.   My first meal consisted of: chamomile tea, broth, and cherry Jell-O. Along with my meal came a measured medicine cup. And, I was told to drink 15 mL every 15 minutes and track it on the form provided. I could tolerate everything except the Jell-O.   I had a PCA (patient-controlled analgesia infusion pump) which was removed once the IV in my hand infiltrated the next day. At that point I started receiving Roxicet which is a liquid Percocet.   I continued to get up either on my own or when it was suggested and each time, walked a little further. One of my nurse remarked she was very impressed because again, "'these' patients need continual prodding to get up."   I ran a low-grade fever of about 100.4 throughout my stay. It was normal the day was released.   4/4 Friday - that morning I was instructed to drink 30 mL every 15 minutes and track it. My release was dependent on whether or not I could self-hydrate enough. I was able to take a shower on my own and dress in pajamas that I had brought from home. I continued to take walks every few hours.   I was released that afternoon. Yay!!   The entire time in the hospital, I had very minimal nausea, no vomiting and the pain was easily controlled with medication; I should mention the pain specifically related to the JP drain was pretty startling at times.   4/5 First full day home. I started phase 2 diet which consists of smooth foods, purées and 60-80g of protein in a liquid supplement. My surgeon requires her patients to walk 30 minutes each day, even if it's in increments. So, I went to Walmart to pick up my prescriptions and walked the store for 30 minutes. By the end I was pretty wiped out.   I've had very minimal nausea, no vomiting and the pain has been easily controlled with the Roxicet. I feel weak, especially when I forget that I've had surgery and overdo it. Several times I've felt shaky and/or dizzy. My muscles feel a bit noodily. I've been able to handle all of my self-care and meals without help, i'm just slower than normal.   I was also sent home with a prescription for the Scōp® patch and a sublingual anti-nausea medication; if you have a tendency toward nausea, I suggest you talk to Dr. about these meds.   I'm still a bit swollen but not as much as my first day home.   Oh! The gas pains. They're pretty sporadic and only last 10 to 60 seconds, but boy oh boy do they smart!!   I know this is pretty long; I hope that it's helped somebody out there. If you have any questions, feel free to post them below or send me a private message.
fit2Bme2014

fit2Bme2014

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Phase 2 foods... why am I know more excited.

Three days postop, first full day home and I got to start phase 2 foods. Yay, right? Not so much. According to my program, phase 2 foods are: Jell-O, applesauce, supplements, creamed soups, cream of wheat, cream of rice, pudding and purées etc.   I was able to get down an ounce of applesauce and only because I had to empty my Prilosec capsule into it so I could take the medicine. I've been drinking my iso-pure zero which has 40 g of protein; beyond that, I have no idea how I'm going to get in 60 to 80 g of protein today. I was hoping to try some soup but I have no appetite. My instructions say that I should eat even if I'm not hungry. I think there's a small part of me, an irrational part, that is afraid that if I start eating I won't stop, like I have in the past.   Thankfully I'm not much pain or very nauseous. I'm just very tired.   What are some other phase 2 foods I can try?
fit2Bme2014

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Being released!

I'm being released!! Other than feeling a bit weak and wonky, I feel good! Pain is controllable and nausea is very, very minimal. Gas pains, when they shift, are awful, though. Oh, and my whole body is swollen, especially my face, from all the IV fluids I received. Thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts! Hope you are all doing well. ❤️????
fit2Bme2014

fit2Bme2014

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Tomorrow!

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I'm gonna be sleeved tomorrow!! I'm excited. Excited to get it over with. Excited about this new chapter in my life. Excited about what my life is going to look like once I lose the weight and hopefully the compulsion it's driven me to eat.
fit2Bme2014

fit2Bme2014

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Feeling low

Just did the Biggest Loser, CardioBlast warm-up...yes, warm-up and I'm worn out. Due to health issues, I have little balance or stamina and it's difficult to stand straight without my back/legs going out (when I go shopping, it's imperative that I use a cart, which helps me shop longer and get more walking in). It wasn't longer than 5 min. Feeling pretty low abt myself right now. I sure hope this surgery is going to be a tool I need to get my health and my life back.
fit2Bme2014

fit2Bme2014

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PreOp Freakout

I go in on April 2. Really trying not to freak out. I just keep reminding myself what my life was like before I gained weight and what my life is like now. I want my old life back, cuz this, this isn't living. ...right?
fit2Bme2014

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Survery says...

This is for you wonderful post-op'ers.   I've noticed not everyone has the same food stages after surgery. Some are on liquids for 6 weeks after, some only for a week or two, etc. I'm curious how these differences, may (everyone is different), effect overall weight loss, 6 months out.   So, if you wouldn't mind taking a moment answer these questions, I would really appreciate it.   1. How long was your 'clear' liquid stage? 2. How long was your liquid stage? 3. How long was your 'smooth/mushy' stage? 4. How soon did you transition to 'regular/normal eating? 5. What was your SW? 6. How much had you lost at 1 month? 7. How much had you lost at 3 months? 8. What was your total loss at 6 months (using SW)?   Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!
fit2Bme2014

fit2Bme2014

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Bullies

I find it interesting that some people, here, have an issue with others with differing opinions. I'm sure they'd be the first to complain should somebody question their opinions. Yet they take it upon themselves to publicly...'shame' others. I've seen it over and over on these boards. Same bullies, almost, every time. Everybody's different. And everybody's going to different things. Everyone is hopefully learning and growing. My put bleach on a plant, when you should be fertilizing it.
fit2Bme2014

fit2Bme2014

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Hernias and things that go BULGE in the night

After this past week, I'm about ready to cry UNCLE!!   So, not only did I have an appointment for the Endoscopy, but I also had to meet with a 'general' surgeon to find out if that HUGE lump to the right of belly button is indeed a hernia or something worse to worry about.   Last year, I had to have a total hysterectomy and due to my rather enlarged Uterus, the 'normal' bikini cut turned into a very long vertical cut that went above my belly button. During the surgery, my Gyno found I had a small Umbilical Hernia which he repaired. Well, of course, After surgery I went and gained 50# (which I am almost positive has been because and made difficult to lose due to hormonal issues, but no one will give me a definitive answer), and blew the repair... and guess what...NOW I ALSO have an Incisional Hernia. The former is 2 inches, the latter, 4 inches. I kid you not! I need to go to church more, I'm so holey (insert snicker... oh, and eye roll) smh!   I didn't realize anything was wrong until last fall when I got bronchitis and had this horrible cough, and I noticed when ever I tightened my tummy there was a VERY large, very scarey lump, but only when the muscles where tightened. So, my PCP sent me to a general surgeon last week how sent me in for a CT Scan, which if you haven't had one with IV Contrast, let me tell you, the contrast, when it hits your system makes you feel like you are peeing your pants. Weird.   Anyway, everything looks good, except for the LARGE HerniaS. The General Surgeon would like me to go forward with the Sleeve, saying that surgery would be safer and more successful should I lose a 'significant' amount of weight, and as a bonus, she can do some 'corrective' skin removal that will aid the stability... blah, blah, blah. UNLESS...unless the fat that is now protruding through the largest one changes to intestine, or the smaller one gets intestines stuck in it and I can't 'manually' reduce it either by myself or by the ER within 6 hours, and I have to have EMERGENCY surgery, in that case, no 'corrective' surgery. But, hey, she says she's worked successfully on ladies larger than me (which, some how, though she was nice and sincere, made me feel like crap.)   So tonight, that side hurts. Kinda sharp, slicing pain when I breath (nothing intolerable and might be constipation or the Chili I've eaten for two days) but, I can find any 'protrusions' when I palpate my stomach, so I'm thinking that that whole stomach area is over sensitized because of all the poking and prodding and attention it has been getting lately. That, and my gastritis is off the hook right now. UGH!! Yeah, that might be the Chili too.   Tomorrow is another day. With it brings a visit to the NUT, the PSYCH (to make sure I'm not a nut) and the CARDIOlogist... Whatever the cute abbreviation is for that, I do not know right now.,   Tomorrow also brings with it the pre-surgery diet, which I should have been doing this past week, and kinda did, but really didn't want to in case it turned out that the hernia was something worse or that the hernias along with all my other maladies would prevent me from having surgery... yeah, I know, I hear the corporate sigh... you can sigh at me all you want, you know my sick brain, cuz yours is to... if it wasn't, we'd all thin and not need such a life changing intervention.   Night y'all!   La La Love
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Endoscopy, and what it revealed...

Things are starting to roll now, and as much as I try to stay objective about it all and kind of view it from a third person, it's really starting to get REAL, real quick. I feel almost on the verge of panic at times.   I had my Endoscopy on Friday. For quite some time I've been experiencing nausea and occasional dry heavie'ness. My G.I. tract tends to be a bit sensitive , and a bout bronchitis back in November and the subsequent round of antibiotics seem to have set it off, causing ulcer like symptoms.   Before I left my doctors office, I was given the report his findings. Prior to the test, my major concern was Barretts of the esophagus. My surgeon told me that if I have Barretts, they would not be able to do surgery. Now back to that report: my esophagus looked fine, no Barrett's (yay!); however, I have erosive gastritis, of which he took several biopsies; he removed a polyp, which will also be biopsied; and finally, he took a biopsy specific to check for celiac.   My concern now, is the erosive gastritis. I'm hoping that it will not prevent me from having surgery.   At least now I know what's been causing the nausea.   Has anyone else had experience with this? Might this interfere with me having surgery?
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First Appointment with my Surgeon

Please forgive me. I really need to get all of this out of my head, however, I'm emotionally exhausted after my appointment today, and this is probably going to be long and rambley. It's more for me, than you anyway, but if it helps you, great!   After a sleepless night, I met with my Surgeon this morning at 9am. A one hour appointment lasted almost 3. They weighed me (350.4 ), took my height (5'8" ) and before photos (glad I did my hair and makeup, because I certainly didn't expect that ).   Side note: when I was younger, I had surgery to correct scoliosis; after surgery, I was told I was 5'7 3/4". As an adult, I'm usually told I'm about 5'6", and assumed shrinking. Today, they measured me at 5'8" on the dot. I felt the thingy on the top of my head, lightly, but unlike usual, I really tried to stand up straight (and proud). Though I'm rather dubious about this, I'll stop saying I'm 5'6" and go back to saying I'm 5'7 3/4".   Anyway, about the appointment. A nurse took down all my stats, bp, pulse, temp. I questioned her over my bp and pulse; both were remarkably NORMAL, which couldn't possibly be... I could have sworn my heart was going to beat out of my chest, I was so nervous about the appointment. Then she proceeded to log all the meds and vitamins I had brought in as per their request. The majority of the vitamins I don't take on a consistent basis... maybe if I did I would be healthier. When the nurse was done with me, the surgeon came in.   I'd met her briefly before, at the orientation several weeks before. She shook my hand and sincerely asked why I looked so familiar When I told her I went to the seminar, she remembered me, which was surprising because there were well over 25 people in attendance and I didn't speak with her after as others did, I just thanked her and handed in my application. That simple act put me at ease though. I forget how the simplest acts can often mean the world to others.   She went over my medical history, why I was considering surgery, and we talked about the enigma of obesity and how researchers are getting closer and closer to understanding why some struggle with it and others don't. She says they are right on the cusp. Which is exciting, and nice to meet a doctor who really understands this is more about more than just 'will power', I mean, hell, I'm one of the most stubborn people you'll ever meet, cut my nose despite my face, so I know will power, I have will power... just not always over food. And, I don't know why. It's like a switch.   She examined me, and felt up my liver. I was amazed she could feel through all my chub, but she said she could, and she was impressed it isn't as enlarged as she would expect it to be for my size, and because of that, I don't need to lose as much weight before surgery as she originally thought. She says 20#. I told her I wanted to lose 50# before surgery. She said, "Ok, 25#"! Lol! She also commented because I carry my weight 'all over' (not an apple or a pear) I'm relatively healthy.   I ended up having well over 30 questions, and really thought my surgeon was going to be seriously irritated with me. She was just the opposite, saying she appreciated the questions, they were smart, and being better informed will help me have appropriate expectation. She actually remarked she felt I was intelligent and highly motivated and should do well with the surgery.   We discussed what my weight loss is expected to be. It was a little disappointing. She said, based on their calculations which include height, age, current weight and ?? I am only expected to lose 60-70% of my excess weight at the one year point. That would put me at 220#. She did say she would like to see me below 200# and it would be hard. She also said I should lose 50% of my excess weight in the first 6 month, and after a year, you really don't lose more weight, it becomes about maintaining the weight you've lost. A bit disappointing. I have unrealistic dreams of being 135#. Lol!   So what comes next? Well, because my BMI is over 40 and I have co-morbidities (high bp and sleep apnea), my insurance doesn't require I go on the standard 6 month weight loss program prior to surgery, as soon as I get through all my pre-op appointments, lose my 25# and am medically cleared, I can proceed to surgery!!   They gave me a very informative notebook I need to take to all my appointments: Labs
Treadmill Stress Test
Venous Duplex Test (looks at legs for clots)
Mammogram
Upper Endoscopy
Psychological Evaluation
Nutritional Consultation (my ins. doesn't cover seeing the Dietitian beyond this appointment because I am not diabetic)
Evaluation/Clearance from my PCP
The Upper Endoscopy will be interesting. I have gerd and if there are any changed to the tissue of my esophagus or if I have a hiatal hernia, they wont do the sleeve. Due to physical issues, I use a LOT of nSAIDs, which with the RnY, you can NEVER take again. So it's imperative I get cleared for the sleeve. All I can do is take a deep breath and keep moving forward.   THE END.
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My Story

I’ve had weight issues my entire life. I’ve dieted and exercised successful... for short periods of time, before the cycle began again, bringing with it depression and self loathing. There are so many reasons I overeat. It’s a distraction, tasty, comfort, protection… and it’s killing me. This is the second time I’ve considered wls. The possibility of death scared me away. This time around, I realize that If I don’t lose weight, I’m going to die anyway, and it will be slow and painful, not to mention, the life I’m living now... it’s not living.   I went to a wls orientation a few weeks ago, and this coming week I have my first appointment with a surgeon. From there, I'm not exactly sure where this is going to go. I know there are evaluations, approvals, insurance approvals, procedures that I have to get through before I can have surgery. Right now, I'm just trying to learn as much as I can so that I can make an informed decision for myself and if I do go forward with surgery, I wont be so horribly surprised by what happens after.
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