February Surgeries

[ncbabygurl76 11]

Got my surgery time. It's 9:00 and I have to arrive at 7am day after tomorrow. I'm leaving tomorrow afternoon since it's 3-1/2 hours away and driving into a forecast of 7 inches of snow to come but it's all good. I just can't wait. I got all my financial affairs in order and I'm raring to go!

You be careful on your trip. I hope that everything goes great. My surgery is on the 10.

[PrincessErin 64]

I woke up! It's done! It's real. I had my gastric bypass surgery!

I think part of me was in denial that it would ever happen. Here I am!! It's real!

My boyfriend and I left the house at 7 am on Monday morning to be in Jacksonville by 845. I got admitted and spent about an hour waiting in the waiting room. That wasn't really a big deal, but I sure did want that delicious smelling coffee!

Around 10, I was walked back go Preop and had to remove all my clothes and wipe myself down with some wipes that reduce a chance for skin infection. I had to give a urine sample to check for pregnancy. The anesthesiologist came by with his team and asked questions and explained how they would keep me safe during the surgery. The nurses came by and introduced themselves and explained how they would also be keeping me safe.

They started an IV (it took 3 tries) and then they let my boyfriend come back and wait with me until I was wheeled into the OR.

The OR was cold and looked exactly as you would expect. I had to scoot myself over to the operating table and they confirmed my identity, gave me some meds in my IV and I was out.

I had a lapband before and had 5 surgeries due to complications so I knew what to expect. I did inform my anesthesiologist that I wake up very nauseous, so they gave me meds in my IV as well as the patch behind my ear.

Waking up in recovery was painful for about 7 minutes and then they told me how to use the morphine pump.

It was a very smooth recovery and I was allowed to sleep for hours in there before they attempted to move me to my room. I appreciated this. I've been rushed in the past and it makes it worse.

I also have a compression garment. This has made moving so much easier!!! Almost pain free! It's the first time I've had one and it makes one hell of a difference.

My boyfriend was in my room waiting when I got there. I slept most of the afternoon. I did get up and walk around my room 3 different times just to get things moving.

Around 9 on Tuesday I will get my fleuro test done to check for leaks. Once I'm cleared from that, my pain pump, Foley catheter, leg messagers and heart monitor are removed and I will be able to sip liquid.

My mouth has a horrible taste and is very dry. It's very unpleasant but the flavored lip gloss has bed a life saver. I haven't even used my Chapstick because the lipgloss is much more pleasant.

I honestly feel great. I wish all my recoveries could have been as great as this one. I really attribute it to the compression garment and being allowed to rest for so long.

I can't wait to hear everyone else's story!

[PrincessErin 64]

Before pics. These were taken at 6 this morning and you can see my attempt to pack in the background. Don't judge. . I also didn't put on any makeup for these. These are clothed but for my own personal records I also took some in my bra and panties. I also took some to document my "apron".

[clairec 44]

Erin,

Thanks so much for posting such a detailed account of what happened and how you are feeling. That is just so very reassuring for me, and I am sure others too.

It is great to see you looking so good. You look truly beautiful and very happy. I feel much better about this time next week now.

Thanks so much and carry on letting us know over the recovery period.

Brilliant news and it sounds so great

Claire x

[MizNola 25]

Congrats on such a smooth surgery and recovery. I, too, feel comforted that next week will go well. Rest and take care.

[PrincessErin 64]

I'm glad I could help!!! I am so comforted by details and experiences of others. It's much easier if you have an idea what to expect.

[hmjdreamingbig 93]

Erin!! Thanks for posting!! And such great detail!! Mine is today! I'm scared. But your account was wonderful. I'm so happy things went so well and I pray mine go just as smooth!

[PrincessErin 64]

Erin!! Thanks for posting!! And such great detail!! Mine is today! I'm scared. But your account was wonderful. I'm so happy things went so well and I pray mine go just as smooth!

You are going to be fine!!! I can't wait for you to check in with us. I'll be thinking of you today.

[hmjdreamingbig 93]

Erin, you said waking up in recovery was painful what kind if pain? Inclination pain or insides? I'm not really sure what to expect!

[hmjdreamingbig 93]

*Incision

[PrincessErin 64]

It felt like muscle soreness. The incisions haven't been painful. It's internal pain, and coming out of anesthesia is confusing. So it wasn't an overwhelming pain, but more like waking up itself was overwhelming. They give you pain medicine immediately.

[hmjdreamingbig 93]

It felt like muscle soreness. The incisions haven't been painful. It's internal pain, and coming out of anesthesia is confusing. So it wasn't an overwhelming pain, but more like waking up itself was overwhelming. They give you pain medicine immediately.

Thank you!! You put my heart at ease a lot. I really do appreciate your candidness and honesty and willingness to share. For me...the more I know the better I handle things. I've been up since 4...kinda tossing and turning! Nerves! But I figure I'll sleep during the surgery and probably a while afterwards too!

My surgery isn't scheduled till 3:15 this afternoon...I'm so thirsty!! And It looks like I won't be drinking anything till tomorrow!! Yikes!

[PrincessErin 64]

I slept all day. The morphine makes me sleep. It is hard to come out of anesthesia so resting is key. Don't try to entertain company. Just sleep. The next day you'll feel a lot better.

I've rinsed my mouth out twice with Water. I was very careful not to swallow it, though.

[PrincessErin 64]

I passed my swallow test. The way they did it here is they gave me a Water soluble liquid to drink and make sure it goes through. Then they gave me the barium.

Since everything looked good, they took the Foley catheter out and unhooked the heart monitor and foot messagers.

They also took away the morphine pump and now I take liquid Lortab by mouth. I am definitely still nauseous and the Lortab is making me sleepy.

The ice chips are like heaven. Unfortunately, I'm so nauseous I can't stand them.

[Ken Murphy 12]

THANK YOU Erin and God bless. Your discription has help ease the anxiety. Prayers for a rapid recovery.