Shock, excitement and time to get ready

[NotSoTall 33]

I've enjoyed reading here for a while but put off signing up since I didn't feel this was really going to happen. Went to my first consultation in October, took a bunch of tests and attended the required appointments. Finally was given a pre-op day and surgery day but insurance had not yet given authorization. Surgery was supposed to be on the 18th. I pestered the poor staff about the authorization many times as I didn't want to get family and work all set-up for no reason. Lo and behold after sending yet another inquiry I got a call today that said yes I'm authorized and they'd like to move my surgery to next Tuesday and pre-op tomorrow. OMG. Suddenly it's very real. And maybe they got tired of hearing from me.

So now I need to read everything I can, get materials purchased ASAP, and set sail on this new adventure.

I'm ready to do this and do it right, get off blood pressure meds, lower cholesterol, reverse/prevent diabetes (pre diabetic per docs), and hopefully get some PCOS stuff under control. Not to mention let my arthritic back get some rest from carrying extra lbs.

A little miracle happened today too, I had expected to only get 3 weeks away from work and HR showed me a benefit I had that allowed it to be 6 weeks. So thrilled. Haven't been away from work for that long since maternity leave 16 years ago.

I'm thankful there's a place like this to gather and learn from others' experiences. I'm thankful so many have shared their experiences.

Still shocked.

[Teachamy 1,042]

Woo Hoo! Happy for you!

[Domika03 309]

Congrats, sounds like it's all coming together for you!!

[1Day1Life4Now 882]

congratulations Not So Tall. You are one day after me. Life is changing and we're going to love it.

[SugarFreeMe 293]

Congratulations and good luck.

[AshleyMidwife 189]

Read as much as you can! Prepare prepare prepare! It's a HUGE change.

[NotSoTall 33]

Thanks for the well wishes. I'm headed in tomorrow morning at 6:30. I don't imagine sleep will come easy tonight so more reading for me. My bag is packed for the most part. They only suggested we bring a robe, slippers, and chap stick. I've also packed a little pillow and a couple magazines. If all goes well I'll be home on Wednesday, that's the typical per my doc, but I'm also prepared to stay longer if necessary.

I'm still amazed at all the variety of pre-op diets, length of stay, post-op diets, etc. that are out there. That part I won't overthink as I know each place has their reasons for what they require.

Thanks also for the reinforcement of how much of a change this will be, and that's right from the get go. They're sending me home with blood thinner injections, anti-gallstone meds and protonix as well as my usual meds switched up from extended release. I've got Protein drink choices for when I get home as well as Powerade zero, waters and sf popsicles. Also have gas-x strips ready. I see how well people do that follow their protocols so that's what I'll do as well.

Oh yes, also took before pictures. They aren't fun to look at, but can't wait to see how things change.

Cannot believe it's here already. Wow.

Sheesh, sorry so wordy. LOL

Edited February 11, 2014 by NotSoTall

[NotSoTall 33]

Time to continue my journey. I'm home now, actually got home last night. Surgery went just fine. I do have some discomfort, primarily the incision site that they put the camera through. And it feels like I did lots of sit ups.

The experience in the hospital was fine. That staff were all very friendly and helpful. The only weird thing for me, but apparently not surprising, was high blood sugars. One reading over 200. For 3 out of 4 readings they shot me up with insulin. Before release BS was 118.

I was very motivated to come home as I couldn't get good rest there. They were taking vitals constantly (good thing I know) but didn't help sleep which was maybe a half hour at a time. Walked the first day and night and several times on day two, multiple laps. They took the cath out the morning of the second day and the drain right before I came home (didn't hurt but felt very strange).

They warned that if a fever of over 101.5 to call them. I had a fever of 100.2 when I got home (none at hospital), took the pain med and went to sleep. It was 99.9 this morning and took the med again. Now 7 hours later no fever.

Last night slept in my own bed with a long pillow on my side, actually was able to sleep on my side and feel pretty good this morning. It was so nice not to juggle the IV and drain. Also glad to be home as my cycle started today (sorry if tmi), so better here than there in my opinion.

Have lots of post op meds. Have the anti-clotting injections, had two in the hospital and will begin self injection this afternoon. They also prescribed Actigall to prevent gallstones, and protonix. If needed I also have pain meds and anti-nausea meds. And for the meds I was taking previously they prescribed 15 days worth to be crushed and then I can resume the extended release if/or until no longer needed (blood pressure, effexor). The only other thing to take is my Vitamins. I chose Flintstones. LOL

Have been enjoying an EAS shake this thus far and am up to 16g Protein and 10.5oz Fluid so have to work on that a bunch more, but didn't get out of bed until late so got a late start. Did keep a Water bottle next to bed for sips through the night.

I guess that's enough of a novel for now.

Off to read some more about everyone's experiences.

[mommyof3sweetboys 67]

Congratulations on being through with surgery. Mine is on the 10th so I'm getting nervous. Keep updating as it gives me comfort. I hope I don't have to give myself shots but I will if have to to be safe! Glad you are doing so well.

[woo woo 872]

Sounds like you are doing great so far, I am glad to hear it! Keep us updated

[jpov821 79]

Congrats!! My surgery was this past Monday the 10th. Feeling much better since I've been home minus the gas pains. Wish you the best of luck on this wonderful journey we're taking!

[Ballermom 803]

Congratulations, rest sip walk. Repet!

[NotSoTall 33]

mommyof3...Thanks and the injections are not bad at all. It's the notion of doing it that's worse than the actual act. And if it keeps the blood clots away I'll happily poke myself. It's for 10 days overall I believe and have done 2 of my own now without issue. They say to use the belly which I have plenty of to grab.

jpov...Congrats on the successful surgery and getting home. That part feels good doesn't it. The gas pains are bothersome. I've tried the gas-x strips and they seem to help. Also walks get that stuff really moving for me.

Today I took my first shower and it felt great. Now the incisions are to remain uncovered. 4 spots with staples that will come out at 2 weeks post. The drain incision is closed on its own. Showering them was just soap Water, lightly and pat dry. I'm wondering if the staples will grab at clothing during the next week. The biggest incision is one of 2 by the belly button so I understand why that was the most painful part and still is occasionally. Had another little fever flare up but nothing high and it's down again.

My challenge is getting all the crushed meds spread out to avoid nausea. Yesterday I did them too close together, then took my Vitamin and the nausea hit like a wave. I hurked a little but nothing really moved. Layed down and felt better after about a half hour. I did use the nausea patch so that may be helping more than I know since it stays on for 3 days. Today's meds will be spread out even if I have to deal with yucky flavors more often.

I'm down 2 virgin pounds since surgery. In the hospital I put on over 7 pounds of Water weight but that's gone with 2 new buddies.

Thanks to this place for allowing us to write about our journeys. It's kind of therapeutic and I keep enjoying the great ideas others have. I'm still working to follow my doc's plans and will until or unless there are problems, but still enjoy seeing all the different guidelines folks have. Can be useful for future use as this Quest goes on.

In summary at 4 days out I'm happy with things and look forward to a healthy, lean future. Even Valentines wasn't a temptation. Woohoo.

[IzzyBelle 94]

Welcome home. I am doing better and better each day. I am walking 1/2 a mile and today started tylenol instead of the stronger meds.

I also had high glucose level, which worried me but after coming home it was all resolved. (My mother tested me with her machine).

looking foward to getting to know you more:)

PS. I also started my period and that did weaken me a bit, its still not done but its much lighter

[NotSoTall 33]

Hi Izzy

It's great you're feeling better each day and your sugars are fine now. Sounds like you're doing the right stuff. Good job on the walk. I haven't gone out today yet, but yesterday did a couple blocks and then walked a bit during a shopping trip. Asked hubby to park at the end of a row to force my hand even more, then up and down many aisles.

Do any of you find you almost feel like an adrenalin rush (mini) after the walk as if your body is saying 'thanks, that felt good'. I had that yesterday and hope it happens again today.

I'm still curious to see if I feel any changes to the PCOS symptoms over time. The hair loss is a little unnerving since I already have it from the PCOS so to magnify it with weight loss could lead to a really interesting look. LOL

Today is 5 days post op and my energy feels pretty good. Just loaded the dishwasher while paying attention not to twist or turn awkwardly. My lunch was blended/thinned pea Soup. Tasted good. Waited 30 minutes and now sipping Water. Also organized my meds into the little weekly pillboxes, one for a.m. one for p.m. Suddenly they didn't looks so overwhelming.

I noticed one incision has some gaps going on, but nothing leaking and no unusual pain or fever so I'll just keep an eye on it. The drain site weeped a tiny bit yesterday after the gauze was off, but that was it.

We purchased some sf puddings and light sf yogurts since those can be included in the liquids stage, just not sure how to thin them. Maybe a little milk? Water just sounds wrong. LOL

Time to go take a shower and keep those sites clean.

Happy sipping!