Starting Over!

[juliakupas 5]

I've been reading through the threads, and I think I may be the oldest one here. I'm post-op May 15th and have had some ups and downs, like everyone else.

Surgery was a shock. I had GERD for years, as well as an abdominal hernia that was worsening daily. My PCP sent me to gastro. Many tests later, gastro sent me to a surgeon in Pittsburgh. I failed his test, too (manometry). He referred me to Dr. Awais, at Mercy Hospital, also Pittsburgh. This was on a Thursday. Dr. Awais scheduled me for the following Tuesday. He was very upset that I hadn't had surgery earlier. And he was doing the RNY. There was no option with the hernia as large as it was. My weight was 228 and I had already been on liquids for comfort; I have been an LPN since 1974. Insurance basically said "Oh hell YES". So we were good to go. I thought.

Mercy Hospital is lovely and organized, with very kind staff. We had a room the night before surgery, which saved us the 2 hour drive at 3am. Everything went fine... Until I woke up. 7 incisions. Collapsed lung. Gaaah. But the staff worked hard with me and I went home 6 days later. I now understand that this is a long time to stay after the surgery.

I've read everything on the subject and the Dr.'s PA calls to check on me. Started puréed food last week and it's going slow. My husband has been a great support, and I have a fabulous counselor and church family.

Never in my life did I think I'd have the RNY, especially so suddenly. 32lbs are gone, I can sleep all night on my back without vomiting. My head allergies are gone, as well. I am committed to honoring my body and the surgeons' work.

Blessings, Julia

Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk

[tstevens28 9]

Wow! Tough road- but it'll be all worth it. Keep up the good work and positive attitude. Take care..

[kiwiladydee 402]

Wow. 6 nights in the hospital!! How did you do once you got home?

[TinyMamiOf3kids 1,280]

Congratulations surgery & the weight you lost.