Miracle

I promise i was going to post something very similar to your issue. I have been having the same problems. I am 7 weeks post op. The feeling of food being stuck, not quite choking, just not moving well. Always resulting in vomiting. (Makes me feel a bit bulimic.) Then the nausea I have to control with Tums (I use the peppermint so my breath doesn't taste like stomach). So, I have decided to go back to the soft stage and then add foods one at a time again, eating slower, and waiting more than 30 minutes to drink after eating. (That's the hardest part for me, and sometimes I chew a piece of ice.) I do really well with Protein shakes, but solid foods I just haven't figured out yet. Our relationship with food really does change. And I totally understand getting frustrated because it feels like we keep getting it wrong. So I'm with you, and if anyone knows a better way please do share.

I have been 'writing' my life's journey for a little over 47 years. Early this year (2015) I finally admitted to myself that I need help to get to a healthy me. I'm 5' 4" and 225 pounds, I just called myself thick and sexy. Truth is I have been the least healthy in the past 8 years than in my entire life. I am a married mother of 3 or 4 (31, 24 and 19 yr old children and a 22-month old Chiweenie). Retired USAF, after 24 yrs (1987-2011). I, like most on this journey, put everything and everyone before myself. Since my Mother's passing, in 2006 (she was only 57 and passed from obesity-related complications), I have totally lost the focus and drive that kept me moving forward. My life came to, what felt like, a screeching halt. My health plummeted ... migraines, sciatica, Fibromyalgia, Nueropathy, anxiety, depression you name it, i had it. Narcotics and epidurals for physical pain, antidepressants, alcohol and food for the pain one cannot see. I was not aware that once forward momentum halts, all those life issues that one had so far 'successfully' out run (and not properly dealt with) catch up with a fury. Don't get me wrong, my life is no more difficult nor easier than anyone else's. But this post, unlike anything else in my life, is just about me. My feelings about myself (which were always positive) began to take a negative direction. So when I realized I was avoiding photos, social media and sometimes reality itself I decided to deal with my issues and stop running in place. Luckily, my earlier life decisions (USAF) allowed me to easily access the medical and mental health assistance that I desperately needed and still use today. My decision to have gastric bypass surgery was all mine. No one else, in my life, (well maybe my Dr) even thought I was 'overweight.' I'm Puerto Rican - and culturally, we tend to accept thickness with age. (See, I still call it anything but 'obesity!) When I asked my Dr for the referral (April 2015) he was all for it. When I finally received the insurance approval, in August, I sat there with my mouth wide opened as I read the document that brought it all home for me. There were two words on that document that stood out as if the font size were different, in bold, underlined and followed with many exclamation points although that was not the case. 'Morbidly Obese' As the oldest living female in my family (at 47 yrs old), I was following in the same footsteps as all the strong, wise, loved (albeit unhealthy) women who died way before their time. That's when I knew I had certainly made the best decision for myself and my family. My 24 yr old got married last year (2014) after graduating college and moved away with her Army husband. My 31 yr old got engaged and moved away less than a month later. He just married earlier this month and blessed my life with news of my first grandchild due in Spring next year. My 19 yr old realizes how good he has it and will need to be put out of our home by brute force. (That goes for my Chiweenie too!) My husband is 6' 4" and loves me 'no matter what' he just repeatedly tells me, "You'd better not die on me! I couldn't take it." All of them are reason enough for my decision to have this surgery in 2 days. But the truth is, I am having this surgery for me. My health, my life, my happiness and of course my life's next great chapter.

Concerned ... I had surgery 19 Oct - came home 21 Oct, pain was an issue initially but the pain subsided with meds and positioning. Constipation finally went away day 6. But my drain is still draining. When is it supposed to stop? It's clear or pink. Not yellow or green or smelly but I woke in the middle of the night with my shirt soaked around the drain. I change the bandage regularly, once a day because it soaks through. And to make matters worse I have skin hypersensitivity that feels like needles and fire to the touch on different areas of my belly. I'm taking my fluids, my Protein and Vitamins. So should I still be draining? What can I do about the skin sensitivity? My post op appointment is Friday. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

Only problem is, my drain was removed before I left the hospital. I no longer have the drain, however it's still oozing as if there were a drain still in place a week later.

Hay dancingqueen, I realize it's best to focus on the positive, but seriously, no mention of post op pain makes one think there shouldn't be any, or no more than worth a text. This pain is worth mentioning, and I feel for you if your doc isn't prescribing pain meds, cause I just can't 'tough it out' right now, with everything else we have to 'tough it out' through. Hopefully, it will subside soon enough. Take care and I hope you have a speedy recovery.

Congratulations on your appproval! It's another step closer to the healthier you! Next step ... surgery.

I came home from the hospital yesterday. I did exactly as I was told, walked as soon as possible as much as possible. I drank my drinks, chewed my ice chips and went to the rest room as soon as able and then often after that. One thing I was not prepared for was the pain. When I woke from surgery they told me I was yelling and screaming because of the pain I was in. I must admit I don't recall that, but I was told the anastasia might be the reason I don't recall. But I do recall the pain. The medication they had me on was great and at my control with my pain button. I believe it was some sort of morphine. My pain subsided and loopiness set in. I would find myself trying to remove my IV for no reason. So I had to find a happy medium with the drugs, and I did. So came home and am pretty much stuck in my room for a few days since we have. 15 steps to get to the downstairs. I don't mind right now because this will help me heal quicker. The husband is my caregiver and he's giving this role all the attention and respect he can muster. He's doing a great job. Day 3 - on mushy foods, but still not hungry. I'm going to have to figure this out. Take care!

Thank you all! I was worried more about his feelings than any possible 'microbes' he would be sharing. Stands to reason, and after all the trials and tribulations it's better to be safe than sorry. But if he goes, so does the husband. (LOL)

Quick question - My puppy sleeps with us. I'm getting ready for my antimicrobial shower tonight and am wondering if that means my puppy shouldn't sleep with us tonight even though I take another antimicrobial shower in the morning before surgery. Any thoughts?

My surgery tomorrow is at 8 AM. I'm starting to get nervous and thinking sleeping tonight just will not happen. I'm grateful this app exists.

My surgery is Oct 19. Two more days and I'm so excited and nervous. Just found this app and I'm looking forward to taking this journey with fellow journey takers.