Day 4 Post Op - Hi from down under

[Catbert6 0]

Howdy all

I found this board a great resource during the time I was considering WLS, so I thought I would take the opportunity to give some feedback on my experience with the VSG.

Ten years ago, I was 38 yrs old and 350 pounds. I found my weight oppressive and had not been able to effectively manage it. I signed up for lap band surgery, which was attempted but abandoned mid-procedure when my liver turned out to be an impassable barrier.

Last year, I was 350 pounds again. Over the last decade, I had been up and down between 350 and 275 pounds, several times. Because of an deteriorating spinal disorder (ankylosing spondylitis), I was down from 5 ft 10 in to 5 ft 7 in (BMI going up, weight staying the same - not fair!). I could loose weight, but I could not keep it off - I could also put it on extremely rapidly and was tired of loosing the same weight over and over again. I started to explore the VSG option, which seemed to be better solution in terms of long term livability than a lap band. At the last moment, I pulled out, giving myself 12 months to "do it myself" (as my daughter used to say).

Twelve months later I was up to 365 pounds. I had gotten down to 320 but could not keep it off. During that time, I had been monitoring sites such as this, getting a perspective on the ups and downs of WLS - thanks all for being prepared to share. So I pressed ahead with the VSG.

Given my previous liver obstruction issues, the surgeon put me on a six week Meal Replacement regime (Optifast - trade name). I lost 37 pounds and went under the knife last Wednesday.

Wednesday was pretty much a blur - I was admitted to hospital at 6:30 am and in the operating theater by 8:00 am. The operation took nearly four hours because of the scaring and adhesions from the attempt in 2000. ( I had two surgeons (one my specialist, one an attending surgeon at the hospital), an anesthesiologist and nursing support. Post operative care is primarily provided by the permanent hospital nursing staff although I have seen my specialist at least three times post operation.) I was back in my room by 2:00 pm and drifting in and out for much of the evening. I had a drain in, catheter in, a morphine pump, IV fluids and various other attachments in addition to needing my CPAP machine for sleep apnoea.

I am writing this on Saturday afternoon. Over Thursday and Friday I went from nil-by-mouth to clear fluids (got to be able to see through it) on to free fluids (if I can get it through a straw I can have it!). The catheter is gone, the drain is gone, I am getting through two litres of fluids a day (around 4.2 pints) which is what my surgeon wants me to be able to drink to avoid dehydration problems. I have had very few issues with pain, either gas pain or wound pain, and have not taken pain meds since day 2.

I get to go home tomorrow morning. The length of my stay (Wednesday admission, Sunday discharge) is usual for this surgeon at this hospital rather than a particularly short or long stay. I am keen to get home to my family and familiar surrounds (I am sure hospital furniture is designed to be uncomfortable to reduce your desire to stay put) and will embark on the next stage of this journey. I will be interested to see what 5 days of liquid has done to my weight, and how far along I can push the little ticker below.

Anyway, regards from Australia and thank you all for sharing your experiences.

regards

Bob, Canberra, Australia

Edited May 29, 2010 by Catbert6
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[SouthernSleever 228]

Hello Bob! Sounds like you are on the right track. It's nice as someone not sleeved yet to read your stories to know what to exepect.

[Phatcurves 3]

Im so glad that you now are sleeved and know that you will be very successful. My only advice is roll with the punches and do not let anything (like little bumps in the scale) get in your way.

[escapesunshine 0]

Wishing you lots of luck with your sleeve.