measureofme

Feeling like the Borg are trying to assimilate you as you see wires and tubes and wrappings and drains all hanging in/out/off of you...

Well... again... Florence Oasis Hospital is dated, but comfortable. There is renovation of the building happening. I'd been warned to expect to see a building that looked like an office (and it does) and that the inside would feel out of the 80's or 90's. The lobby and many areas of at least the first floor (where I was the whole time) are being updated though to a more modern aesthetic. The patient area where I was had just started to get attention. The rooms I saw and was in are very simple, much less machinery than you find here in the US but exactly what you need and when. It's VERY clean and even the beds were comfortable which surprised me for a hospital. I guess that's about all I can say... I start to repeat myself. There's a gal on YouTube, Veronica Walters, who did MANY videos while she was there and after, some of the ones from right after surgery show the room. There are others on YouTube that also took shots of the building... Here's a link to Veronica: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFziJeMREdBvrANcoTAVduA/videos?view=0&flow=grid And then when you do the search "mrsknoel27" has outside the building video. Of course, these are specific to my surgeon, but the building and rooms were your question and these show that. Hope that helps!

Usually, when I am craving something so specific, it is to do with a hole in my diet. I try to think of the components of those foods and how I might get the nutrients in a positive way. With chips I am usually seeking salt, if I want pizza it is really the tomato and garlic I want... Just an idea!

I was with Dr. Kelly at Florence Oasis. I don't know much about Mi Doctor but I liked my stay at Oasis. The building is dated but they are updating it, the lobby and operating theater I was in had been worked on. The patient rooms i was in were just starting to get attention. The nurses were great, most had at least a little English and those that did not were not shy about getting help to translate when it was important. If I can share anything else just ask!

I used it to talk to my hubby and mother while I was there. I had wifi at Oasis Hospital and Hotel Lucerne. My call quality was impacted only by how busy the system was... Just after work hours were the slowest connections but I still had a good talk.

Yep, that is my primary que to eat... Usually it is a sign that I have actually really gone too long.

I have generalized anxiety disorder and spent a lot of preop time really being sure my reasons for doing this stayed at the front of my mind. The questions of what could go wrong had to take a back seat when I reminded myself of all the research that had been done. All these thoughts are normal, those of us with anxiety just have to work a little harder to keep focus and move forward.

My husband had this exact problem when he was hospitalized a few years ago and had emergency surgery. They were never sure if it was the anesthesia or the pain meds or heavy duty antibiotics, but it DID resolve pretty quickly as he recovered. I hesitate to tell you, but for him it was several weeks. I'd guess that since our VSG proceedure is not as involved as what he went through you'll probably be right as rain sooner than that... but your doctor will help and an optometrist sure can offer some insight. Be well!

Siren's singin' the Lora praises... and I feel the same. She made the week before I left for TJ so much more smooth and peace-filled. I had been calling her Dr. Kelly's "coordinator" but I told her the other day her title should be changed to Scheduling and Patient Support... because she IS so supportive! Just another perk of Dr. Kelly's practice now.

Hey Leo... I'm soooooo not the poster child for these things! Before surgery, 64oz of Fluid was relatively easy in a day but I DID practice the idea of not having anything to drink 1/2 hour before eating and for 1/2 hour after. Now, post-op... it came down to how "Sleevie Wonder" was feeling. My tummy empties Water after about 20 minutes but how long after I eat to drink again is totally dependent on the density of what I've eaten. For instance, I can drink water again pretty soon when having yogurt... but it took about 45 minutes last night before there was room for water after I had some chicken for dinner. Yes, all these wait times DO cut into your drinking times and you won't be perfect at first (well, most are not). It's a balancing act. As for the shakes... I'm SOOOOOOO the wrong person to ask. I LOVED them before and right after surgery. About ten days ago though my sleeve said "NO WAY CHICA!". So, I've been struggling with Protein ever since. Yes, it's a necessity and just because you like it (or don't!) right now... your sleeve and tastebuds may change your mind later.

I would give your Doc's office or NUT a call for sure first... however, your story sounds pretty average. I don't know many folks that a week out can do that well with the Fluid and protein! Kudos to you!! Sometimes the nausea can be your body saying that there's just too much too soon for your still-healing sleeve. In my case, I suddenly could not tolerate the protien and had to strategize. Your doctor should be able to help you figure out ways to help the nausea but know you're not alone.

If you don't get any answers here, I'd contact Lora or the office and ask if they can connect you with others in that time frame. They may not be on the boards or use another one. Would not want you to miss out on support if it's there for you!

Oh Diamond! I've been wanting to post just this for two weeks now. Some time yesterday, 25 days out, I feel like I really started to turn the corner to something that looks/feels like myself again. My patient support person posts about the 10 day phenomenon, that at about 10 days out the hormones and frustration just come home to roost... you're right on time as was I! As so many will tell you, you're normal, it's a process and you'll find your new normal soon. That said... it sucks for the time being and it's okay. I'll tell you what... indulge in the buyer's remorse for today. Sometimes we need to do that for our hearts. We had VSG, not a lobotomy, our heads have to catch up.

It's different for everyone, pain wise. Mine hurt pretty bad if I was moving around, it was the worst part of the procedure for me. But it was managable. I think it can hurt or be uncomfortable because it's (1) foreign in your body and (2) it can move around. Just speculation though. Try not to think about it. Perhaps you will not have one or need one.

You made me giggle. Lets just say that at 18 days post-op, of my tummy gurgles I just head to the loo. Better safe than sorry!

Welcome! Best wishes to you as your plans take shape!

Bree... After surgery, for most folk, any added gas in the system is uncomfortable at best. I use them a couple times a day. But also, in regards to eliminating gas the normal way... There is a phrase here... "Never trust a fart."

I would be wrong to not give a shout out for my own surgeon, Dr. Ramos Kelly. I was referred to him directly by another of his patients and did not work with a company, just his staff. His "coordinator" staff person is Lora and can be reached at info@wlsclinic.com. Best wishes!

Sasha: honestly, I have been better! I've written a few times that my emotional roller coaster started about a week ago, but already that has been getting better. I had a close call with dehydration mid-week and bouncing back from that has been hard. I feel more tired and weak than I did when I got home! I think the bottom line is that I am still healing and like most of us, figuring out how to make the fluid/protein balance happen is more tough than we knew. I have had a few "what the heck did I do to myself" moments but they are fleeting. A big key to understanding that how I feel and what I am experiencing is quite normal has been the posts others have made here. I will try to do a journal, more like the original, just takes a lot of energy and examination. It'll be a few days.

Thinking of you and hoping you are comfortable!

Leo, the head hunger sucked until I was able to start the mushies this week (I was cleared a bit early). I dealt with it mostly by turning OFF the tv and putting my nose in a cup of strong tea when my guys were eating something I used to define as a favorite. Don't beat yourself up too much, there IS a point where your body starts to actually say it is hungry, it is different than before and a little hard to identify, but I found at times I was thinking it was just head hunger it was really time for a shake. As for when you get home... Everyone is different. I did great until last week and we figured out how dehydrated I was. I am still bouncing back from that and it sucks, I am more dependent on my husband than I wanted to be as I am weak. Plan to ask your older teens to step up the assistance for a bit and just really watch your fluids. Drinking Water is a new full time job! Unzipping... Love your name! How true! Thanks for reading my account and God speed as you come to your surgery day! I am glad you found something in my words to support you. That was my hope when I decided to be so... thorough.

Oh yes, I know about wanting to be invisible. I think I imagined every person in the waiting area eyeballing me to wonder if they would "have to" sit next to me. Irrational for sure, but understandable.

We should have compared notes last night... I changed protein drinks too and while it went down fine, it was a loooooooong night of gas and nausea. I was allowed to start adding soft/mushy foods a few days ago. My strategy is to try a little and then wait to see if I tolerate it, then try a bit more and wait to feel reactions. I guess the moral of the story is to treat your tummy like an experiment, action and observation will develop your conclusion! Hope you feel better.

I flew with Alaska. Between two seats for me and one for my companion, we had a row to ourselves- i sat in the window seat each time. We made sure to use the "if you are traveling with children or need assistance" pre-boarding time so I did not have to deal with others and them with me. Also allowed me more privacy to request a seatbelt extender. I know how you feel about moving around the plane, I think I only had to turn my hips a little to walk as freely as anyone else, and if you pre-board there is less to worry about. We also elected to get off last for the same reasons. Another issue is the bathroom on board. I knew I did not even want to try it. There was some real strategizing there, like backing off on my Water the night before and not having broth after noon the day before coming home. Maybe not the healthiest choices, but they made it psychologically easier to fly. You'll do fine!

Uh, what a morning. I've been doing so well, but a crisis with a pet this morning broke the emotional dam. I didn't know I had so much to cry about. Worry for my cat and then I sobbed so hard I cried more worrying I was going to do damage to my new tummy with all those muscles in action. Another shout out to my wonderful surgeon's staff, LoraLee, for being available on a Sunday morning and helping me strategize calming down. Between her and all the support here, I am sure this a blip on the radar! I was warned about the ten day phenomenon. Glad to know I am text book ( or nearly!).