I was beyond scared having to get this procedure open. I have had several lap. procedures and most rec. had to have my lap band removed. The last surgery did not go well, a lot of gas was trapped and I was not able to move it out. I had a lot of problems breathing and ended up in the emergency room with an evil potential blood clot in my lung. My dr. decided that he would only move forward with the open approach.

My journey started Friday 7:00am when I was wheeled off for my open sleeve procedure. My husband gave me a hug an kiss and told me he was so proud of me. The procedure went well with no complications! I woke up to see my mom and husband waiting for me in the recovery room. But when I first awoke I was in complete shock at the amount of pain I was in, I was not mentally ready to handle it either! I have had 5 lap type surgeries and none of those pains added together compare to his pain I am experiencing from the open.

Day one, Friday. Shock, pain but loved to hit that little button to relieve the pain. I was told that I had to get up and walk at least 6 times. WHAT? I could barley sit up! So I hit the button and took a walk one lap around the floor. My nurse said that most people with open procedure only make it to the door! (So I did good) Each walk I did one lap. I had some great nurses Friday night! Mom came back with Auntie Cherrie, my sisters Allie and Katlyn of course my husband Jeremy was with me.

Day two, Saturday. I felt worse but got up and walked 8 times. No one but my husband came to visit me but that's okay, I was so out of it and in pain I didn't want anyone around.

Day three. Sunday I felt a bit better my husband came in with some shampoo and conditioner, he washed me up with a washrag, and managed to wash my hair for me. (Such an amazing man!) He also brought me my makeup bag so not only was I clean I "put my face on" to feel a bit better! I had lots of visitors Sunday. My mother and father in law stopped by with a gift of circle a words and some fun socks. My sister in law and her fiancee stopped with a card and cool new drinking cup. During the visit Dr. Kemmerling came in to test my breathing, he was upset that I had to go on oxygen during the night. He got right up in my face coaching "in, in, in,in,in,in, come on Angela." Boy he scared the crap out of me, but made it clear I need to focus on my breathing!. My sister and brother in-law and my two little nieces came to visit with some cards (home made)-the best! The kids have never seen someone in the hospital before so they were a bit shocked, but got over those leg squeezies! Then my aunt, uncle, god son and little cousin came up with a card and a surprise that will arrive ups today! (wonder what they got me?) At one point we had 10 people in the room. I felt like a million bucks!

Day four, Monday. I had a LOT of walks in before my husband got to the hospital. I felt better but the stomach pains were not getting any better, in face I kept feeling that they were getting worse and hard to breath. I really wanted to go home and was in high hopes Dr. would let me go! The dr. came in and said I can try liquids and maybe go home (tomorrow) -WHAT? Ugh! My friend Michelle came to visit me for a bit to get some girl talk in which was so great. Later on my husband, mom and sister kept me company. I worked hard on my breathing and had in 10 walks with double laps!

Day five, Tuesday. I sat till 2:00 before the dr. came in to release me. I was very scared to leave since that night my iv slipped and cause my hand to grow into a baseball, I was in a lot of pain and didn't want to walk away from that magic pain button. But I did it. I managed to get home, my doggies were so excited to see me and did a good job of no jumping, they could tell something was wrong. I had a LOT of pain this day and was happy when my hubby got home with my pain meds, I slept a lot.

Day six, Wednesday. I feel I did okay, I guess considering I was home alone. I took a shower by myself, got pants and a top on. No chance I could do undies and a bra. I slipped on flip fops and took a walk outside down the driveway and back. I really struggled being by myself and again took lots of pain meds and went to sleepy town.

I felt better when my husband came home from work! My spirits went up a lot, until he made a pizza for dinner and I was reminded I am only sipping liquids. (Smelled so good). We went for a small car ride to get me out of the house and it felt good to not be cooped up!

Day seven, Thursday. I woke up today feeling a bit better, less pain and a bit easier to move around. I still struggle to move, and can not bend over. I am in high hopes that each day I get better, and just take one step at a time to make it through the day. I got up at 6:00 and that's when I was able to take more pain meds, it's 8:12 and I haven't taken any yet. I am going to attempt a shower and hope that I can avoid that pain med, I have a feeling I will need it soon, I just tried to adjust in my seat and had a hard time! We will see what today brings.

Overall, this pain is unreal, very hard to move, lean over, pick things up, just to do any normal activities. I really hope that I can put my own socks on soon!

Angela