Newly Sleeved!

[natmo2431 9]

Little background about myself:

24 years old

5'7"

Largest weight 285

Smallest weight in past 7 years 221.

Couldn't keep off any weight I would lose. Would start to gain it back and then some.

Last weigh in with the doctor (over two weeks ago) 264

Today's weight 254 (liquid diet before surgery, did not lose 10 pounds in 5 days!)

I've actually thought about bariatric surgery for quite sometime. I never went through with it because I had a boyfriend for seven years that insisted that I shouldn't. Finally after we broke up the first thing I wanted to do was call the doctors and find out more.

My first appointment with my regular doctor was February 28, 2013. My information session with the head of surgery was March 19, 2013. My surgery was last Thursday August 8, 2013! So everything seemed like it flew right by.

The reason I chose this particular surgery was my surgeon. He had his reasons, and I agreed with what they were. And I'm glad he did because there was no need for me to have bypass.

I had never had any major surgery before this, so my nerves were on end. I was using the bathroom every 15 minutes so by the time they needed a sample, I barely could squeeze anything out! Heperane (spelling?) shot before surgery scared me. I asked for it in my arm instead of my belly. My arm felt like it was ready to fall off and I have a bruise the size of two golf balls! Get it in your belly! It didn't hurt as much! So then they took me to the OR. I think there were people trying to talk to me but I feel as though I was in a panic that nothing registered. Then I woke up as they were wheeling me to my room. I passed my parents in the hall. Gave them a "oh hey, fancy meeting you here!" And then realized I was going to be ok.

That day, I was up moving like required. I couldn't stop burping from all the gas they injected me with. I took it fast at first but quickly realized I needed to go slower. Was amazed at the way I felt. Used the bathroom what felt like a million times throughout the night. Was doing ok. I found out that if I put the head of my hospital bed up high, and used the two pillows, the acid reflux didn't bother me as much. If it started too, or there was a burp, I could easily sit forward and hunch over, rocking myself back and forth until I felt relief.

The doctor said I only used the pump 12 times in about 15 hours. I remember only needed it right after I was up for the bathroom or walking. Too much movement would cause for it. But I also have a high tolerance for pain.

Day two was when they wanted me to try the "Water trials." I never thought little medicine cups could be my worse enemy. First medicine cup in an hour, perfectly fine. Second two in one hour, a little bit of a struggle. Now I was feeling full and they wanted three more in that hour. Well through the first half was when the foamy vomit came up. After that there wasn't a single thing all day that could touch my stomach without vomit. So it really concerned my doctor, but I vowed to do better on Saturday because quite honestly, I didn't want to be in the hospital again.

So with the threat of keeping me longer, on the third day I did the Water trials a little different. When I sipped, I made sure just to take in water, not air with my sip. I made sure to exhale before swallowing and then just gave myself a 15 minute break between each trial. This time I also used semi cold water instead of ice cold, which felt better in my stomach. I got through the water trials. I ate my Jello and broth. And I pleaded they let me go home. My surgeon was hesitant because of all the vomit the day before, but was very please with the progress Saturday so he let me go.

I got home, and nothing seemed comfortable. My bed, which provided the most relief, was and still is the other please to not cause so much discomfort.

I have been drinking nonstop to stay hydrated. Mots for Tots watered down has become my best friend! I tried multiple Protein shakes, and all of them make my stomach turn. So I hate to say it, but I have not had nearly enough Protein since I got home. Tomorrow I will try yet another one.

Walking is now a breeze. I walked over a mile yesterday with my father. I sat for a minute or two to rest half way through, but we made it! Plus I walked around a Walmart along with around the block twice. Today I measured 1.59 miles in two walks. It really does help relieve the built up pressure from the gas.

I'll add more later. I'm hoping this is a good support group for experiences and questions!

Thanks everyone!