Five Days Out...and Here Is My Story

[Ruth's life 12]

My sleeve date was Nov. 19th! I'm home and learning about my new life. Before my surgery it helped to read the different post about the surgery and take all that information in. So I'll add two cents!

The weekend before surgery I was getting pretty antsy. My husband took care of that! Movies, church, manicures and pedicures...he was with me and kept me busy and he kept telling what a good choice I was making...love him.

Morning of surgery in the hospital by 6:30 for baseline blood work. Oh dear, maybe a little dehydrated...maybe a little nervous but I almost passed out while they were drawing blood. So drink up and don't look...it's never bothered me before but it did that day! Good news it passed within five minutes!

The next part was a whirlwind! Some paperwork, start my IV, saw the doctor, hubby in the room, kisses, and then rolling up to surgery! Started asking me what I did over the weekend, said I went to see

Lincoln and it was a great movie and boom....I'm waking up in recovery!

The rest of Monday was a bit rough because of my meds... I didn't gell well with all the pain meds and the patch behind my ear! I ripped that patch off and quit taking the pump I asked for just meds for the nausea. I walked about every two hours all night and took several gas x strips. By the morning...nausea was lifting!

Bottom line...don't be afraid to ask, walk, and do what is best for you!

Leak test was on Tuesday morning...it was fast...they got me in and out quickly. Doctor came by and wanted me to stay a second night. Did a lot more walking and resting between the bed and the recliner in the room. I'm glad a had my pillow it probably was mental, but it helped me rest! And oh yes the clear liquid diet...best sugar free Popsicle ever! In fact it seemed too sweet!

What did I need at the hospital? Brought my light weight housecoat and I used it. Slippers....I ended up just staying in their socks. Gas x strips were golden. My pillow, my I pad and phone because you can only watch hospital tv for so long!

Most important....if possible bring a supportive person!! I spent time telling my husband about what was going to occur, my fears, and hopes. It was nice to have him to help out so much!

So now I'm home learning to get everything in which takes some planning. But I'm doing it! I'm out walking, and taking everything one day at a time. I'm thankful.

[BeGuiled 36]

Hello Ruth, Thanks for sharing. I am pre-surgery, my date is in a few weeks Dec. 11th.

[mokee 588]

You are so lucky to have a husband like that. Cherish him. Mine goes to work everyday same time and comes home and wants to know if I want to go out and eat. I'm on pre-op diet so he means go out and watch me eat. I may drive myself to the hospital because he probably won't even ask when or where hasn't so far and it is Wednesday.

[GiGi3 33]

Wonderful post, thanks for sharing your experience.

[zbeeze 17]

It sounds like you are doing great! I agree, the support person is KEY. My husband is my support person and is amazing. My surgery was 11/8 and yesterday I got to sit down with my husband and brother-in-law for Thanksgiving dinner.

My hubby made a beautiful plate of pureed turkey, mashed potatoes and light gravy, pureed peas and small helping of mashed sweet potatoes. I focused first on the Turkey (to get my protein), it was surprisingly wonderful. I ate all the turkey (1.5 ozs) and a small bite of everything else. The saltiness of the food was HEAVEN! I am not a "sweets" person, so I was growing very tired of just Protein Shakes. I also am having greek yogurt (vanilla flav), then we add a little honey and some cinnamon & nutmeg to it this morning. Such a nice change of pace.

Keep your support person close to you and I also suggest writing in a journal. I started mine about 5 days before surgery. It is a good way to record your thoughts and feelings. I look forward to writing in mine each day. On days I don't feel so great, I've read back through the old posts and realize how much progress I have made.

Good luck to you!

[heatherjo7 15]

Thanks for sharing! I'm pre-op, surgery on dec 6!!! I love hearing all the great journeys!!

[monique 90]

Ruth's life. That us awesome. Keep walking it out. You're destined for greatness. And blessings to your hubby for being so supportive. I have a supportive husband too, it definitely helps.