tojomama

I had my surgery on 2/16/09. Surgery was scheduled for 8am so we arrived at the hospital around 6:30am. Once there, we went into the pre-op prep area. I was weighed in and told to change into the gown, footies and tight blood clot sock things that went all the way up my thighs. The nurse came in to put in the IV and told us that the Dr had an emergency at another hospital and we would be delayed. I was extremely nervous and emotional that morning. Eventually I was given something through the IV to calm down. It took about 4 seconds before it "kicked" in and I got very calm and very tired. I fell asleep there on the pre-op gurney. Eventually, around 10:30am it was time to go into surgery. I said goodbye to my husband and sister and they wheeled me down to the OR. It was cold and bright in there. The nurses were super nice. Very comforting to me. They put me on the OR table and started to strap down my arms and what not. A mask was put on my face and I was told to take 4 deep breaths. The next thing I knew, I was waking up in the recovery room. My mouth was pretty dry. I was thrilled not to have a cath in. The time in recovery is vague. The nurse was kind. I held her hand. She told me where I was and what was happening. I remember looking around and seeing other patients in recovery. Eventually, I was given my room and they wheeled me up. I remember getting into the room and saw my husband and sister just outside of the door. The staff asked them to wait while they got me into bed. I was groggy and pretty comfortable with the drugs. Unfortunately, they would not let me eat any ice chips or drink water until after I had my upper GI. They were unable to get me in that night and said I would not have my GI unitl the next morning. I was so dry and wanted to drink water like crazy, but all I could do was suck on a sponge, which really sucked! (no pun intended) I took walks with the staff and the next day had my GI, which showed everything was clear. Once that was determined I saw the surgeon who said my liver was pretty darn big which made the surgery a challenge. I still have some swelling and pain around the port cite some three weeks out. I am down 29 pounds since 2/1/09. That's my story.

This is my first post so I have no idea if I am doing it correctly or not! I am scheduled for surgery on 2/16. I'm excited but a bit scared too.:confused: I don't like the idea of being "put out" for any period of time. I have gone under the knife before, so I know that I don't react negatively to the drugs, but it's still scary to me. One of the gals at my support group reminded me that they do these things all the time and this is pretty routine. I keep telling myself that. But I have two small kids at home and it's overwhelming to think that something could go wrong. I know my fear is not enough to stop me from doing what needs to be done, but I'm still nervous. I've been on the diet since 2/1. Starving is an understatement. I have lost about 5 pounds in less than a week though. :thumbup: I'm currently 255lbs. So . . . wishing you all luck in February!