Surgery Date 8/10/09

Dr. Arif Ahmad

John T. Mather Hospital

I'm a little over a week post op. My first thought after surgery was hold crap... this hurts. Did I make a mistake came next. I was very uncomfortable but the peacefulness in the hospital room was very relaxing. I went home early afternoon the next day. I did laps around my yard and rested. I had absolutely no appetite thanks to the god awful taste in my mouth. I was told the taste was from the anesthesia. I could barely get down the EAS shakes which I had no problem drinking before. I got through my first night at home OK. My fiance took the next day off as well which was great. I needed a lot of help getting out of bed and he was great to lean on when I was walking. Second day home was pretty uneventful.

Day three the kids came home. It was hard for me not to jump up when they needed something and I just had to prepare their meals. No one does it better than mom.

I had been taking Vicodin at night but decided to stop. I went to bed that night and had trouble falling asleep. At one point I did drift off but woke up in a full blown anxiety attack. I wanted to climb out of my skin. My mind was racing with what seems like ridiculous notions now. What if I want to eat alot? What if I want to binge? What did I do to myself? I wanted the band out then and there. It was an awful night.

Day 4 post op and I moving around better. My diet basically consisted of protein shakes, water and broth. I tried jello but I just don't like it. I went to see my surgeon for a check up and he advanced me to stage 2. I have found a new love of farina and yogurt.

Day 5 Post op and I am expecting company. I washed the kitchen floor and did some laundry with the help of my daughter. My friend came over and we had a nice time. Then I went shopping to get my fiance a birthday present. It was about 93 degrees out and I almost passed out at TJ Maxx. I felt awful and needed to get home. I think I overdid it on Day 5. I spent the rest of the day hydrating myself and taking it easy.

Day 6 Post Op and I'm having family over for lunch. I didn't do much but go grocery shopping and prepare some snacks. I ordered pizza for dinner. I had soup of course.I had a nice day. I like entertaining even though I didn't get to have anything yummy.

Day 7 Post Op. One week banded. I still have soreness at the incision site and I keep getting an intermittent sharp stitch on the right side of my belly button. Not sure what that's from. Sleeping is still a chore but no more anxiety. I was an ambien user for a very long time so I am use to sleep problems. I found tylenol PM in liquid form in case I need a little help.

Day 8 Post Op. Back to see my surgeon. I was so happy to see how much I lost that I forgot to ask him about the pain. I was hoping to advance to Stage 3 but he said I needed to stay on Stage 2 a few more days.

Day 8 Post Op. Spent the day with my sister and our kids. It was hot out and I tend to get a little nauseaus then I get heated. Breakfast now is farina. Lunch is yogurt. I throw a protein shake in there somewhere and have soup for dinner. I'm not sure if I'm hungry or not.

So here I am. I hope I get the results I am looking for. I have been overweight my entire life and have no idea what it feels like to be in a healthy body. I can't wait until I am well enough to get to the gym. Its way too hot outside for walking. Next week I will go and get on the treadmill and start out slow.

More to come...

I am 3 days post op, and I'm having problems with anxiety attacks also. I have had the exact same feelings of "what did I do??", and wanting this thing out of me NOW! I'm glad that I'm not alone. I'm wondering if the Vicodin has something to do with the anxiety?