Hello, I had my surgery sleeve on 02/04/2014

[IzzyBelle 94]

Hello everyone, My nickname is Izzy and I am happy to have found support as my WLS journey begins. I am 36 years old and have dealt with weight gain since i reached puberty. I have PCOS and hypothyroidism, metabolic syndrome, asthma and pre-diabetis. And with all these disorders I never thought I would have WLS. I was naive and thought it was an easy way out. Boy was I wrong! this takes a lot of courage, letting go, allowing support from others and I am sure I will find out what else it requires.

Well after battle-ling with severe lower back pain,for 1 1/2 years, that made it hard to enjoy my life as before and gaining 30lbs that took me 4 years to loose, i finally listened to my doctors and decided to do this surgery.

Its was a scary and hard road just to get all the tests. Now 6 days post surgery I am so happy and looking forward to a new life. I look forward to learning from others here.

-Izzy

[HHHappy 225]

Hi Izzy, I was sleeved on the 6th. I'm so happy!!

[missdixie2000 66]

Hi my name is Lindsey how was the surgery was there a lot of pain I have mine in 7 days can't wait . I am scared and excited.

[survivingsleever 33]

Hi Izzy, I'm anticipating early March. I'm kinda nervous about the first few days. How was yours??

[IzzyBelle 94]

Hello HHHappy, nice to meet you. Would you like to be added as friends, perhaps we can share this journey since we started very closely?

[Aunt GG 43]

Hi Izzy,

My sleeve is 2/24. Very excited and getting a little bit nervous too. I psych myself out all the time and then I worry that I won't be successful! Congratulations on beginning your new life!!!

[IzzyBelle 94]

Hi Lindsey and survivingsleever, i relate to your nervousness about the surgery and pain. I was brave for quite a while but the night before the surgery it all went away. I had panic and was close to calling off the surgery. My fear was not making it out of surgery. I thought I know I am big and have lots of back pain, but i rather live this way than die in the operating room.

Well my husband was able to get me to listen to him and remind me of why i started this journey. After that I calmed down, I was very nervous the day of the surgery, but I saw some of the staff while i was in pre-op. When I was wheeled into the OR my surgery team introduced themselves and told me their roles during my surgery. Then I was told they were going to start the anesthesia and i don't remember anything else until i was in recovery.

The pain was very low, first because the anesthesia was still in effect for a day after the surgery, and second because I had pain meds through my IV. Once I was more aware i was given a morphine drip i could control. I truly suggest you use it and not let your pain get too high. If you do you will suffer more than necessary.

After the drip i was on liquid pain meds and that was prescribed to me. When leaving the hospital i had to take them every 3 hours, now i am 4-5 hours apart. They did not make me sick and have helped keep the pain down so that I can be a little active. I can walk around the house i aim for 500 steps 2-3 X per day as my pain allows. Today i am using 2lb weight to get a little resistance for my arms.

I would advice not to worry to much about the pain, our staff will be very knowledgeable and guide you through this. Focus on staying positive and doing all the doctors say to do.

Good luck to you both and looking forward to hear about your experience.

-izzy

Edited February 11, 2014 by IzzyBelle

[NotSoTall 33]

Hi Izzy

I believe we have the same surgeon. How cool is that!? I'm going in tomorrow morning. Your post is very encouraging. I'm assuming you were at UCD. How many nights did you end up staying. Dr. Ali said most only need one night so I'm hoping to be part of the majority, but will accept whatever they decide.

I hope you post more about your ongoing journey. I'm going to try to as the support is so important even though I'm not used to support networking outside of the family. I too have PCOS, and several other issues you're going through. I'm really hopeful this will help with many of these things.

Happy Healing to you!