Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the OCC

[back2barb78 890]

So I'm up bright and early for my appointment with Batman and Robin. I forgot my razor, so I went down to the lobby to buy a razor. I can't meet the Bat Crew with stubble! I was given a complimentary shave kit by the gentleman at the front desk. The early AM boys were less than impressed by my PJs and sparkly Ugg boots, which besides my sandals and hospital slippers are the only other shoes I brought. They are slip on! BTW, I hope eyelashes aren't considered "makeup". I will be wearing my lashes to the OCC and if I must, I will remove them.

[HoosierGirl 780]

I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!! (BTW, I wore a full face of makeup into surgery and no one said a word! Nor did they complain when I was post op insisting that I go to the bathroom to wash my face before bed!!! LOL...high maintenance!)

 

Prayers sent up for you! You are going to do GREAT!

[slvrsax 301]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I'll be there in December so reading about your experience is very helpful!

[ringo4 38]

Yeah. So grateful for your post. I will be there November 1st!!! So nervous. I've backslid so badly with my eating... It's like knowing that I was doing this, I've been on a binge these past few weeks with stuff that I've been avoiding for the last few years. Desserts, fast food. I feel disgusting. I keep vowing to start healthy eating soon as after surgery I will be forced to limit. I guess my addiction is just in full force. Doesn't help that I'm going through some personal issues with my ex husband and work is crazy. Sigh. Sorry to ramble!!!

[slvrsax 301]

Ringo4 I can relate. I'm not eating that bad really, but I know I need to talk myself into more frequent exercise BEFORE surgery. I suspect this is the piece I'll struggle with. I just can't seem to get there. As far as diet goes, I'm trying to eat more mindfully by cutting carb intake, but not necessarily "dieting". Most days are pretty good. I cut down on sweets months ago (pre-diabetic) and started taking Multi Vitamins faithfully, and not drinking with meals. When my husband and I go out for dinner I find myself thinking, how will this work post-surgery? We've had a few discussions about it. Best of luck to you as you near surgery!

[IndigoChild 27]

Oh gosh me too!! My eating this past week was out of control. Way too much sugar. I don't know why I'm doing this. Sugar makes me feel bad... Tired, sluggish, nauseated. And I don't even really like sweets!! I'm blaming hormones. Lol

[IndigoChild 27]

I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!! (BTW' date=' I wore a full face of makeup into surgery and no one said a word! Nor did they complain when I was post op insisting that I go to the bathroom to wash my face before bed!!! LOL...high maintenance!) Prayers sent up for you! You are going to do GREAT![/quote']

Hot diggity! Glad to hear you say that. My cheeks are so chubby I look like a chipmunk without makeup on. I wonder, will we be in trouble for having toe polish?

[MouseOnTheMile 186]

Thank you back2barb for sharing all this information as you go along. My surgery date is finally set at OCC for November 12th and I'm finding your insight immensely helpful!

[HoosierGirl 780]

Hot diggity! Glad to hear you say that. My cheeks are so chubby I look like a chipmunk without makeup on. I wonder, will we be in trouble for having toe polish?

Nope...I had toes painted too! They were pretty relaxed about things at OCC. In fact, the nurses didn't pester me the night after surgery...actually got a really good night of sleep.< /p>

[back2barb78 890]

(This is me typing preop yesterday) So this morning bright and early, recieved a courtesy call from the front desk from the OCC to be in the lobby at 620am. I made it to the lobby (with no time for lashes unfortunately) to see other OCCers waiting to go as well, including Raven! We all got into the van and headed to the OCC which is about 10 minutes away. We all got into the elevator and entered the OCC lobby where we were greeted and given a packet with all my diet information. I meet with the nutritionist who set my goal weight-177lbs. I then got my blood work drawn and my EKG. By this time, it was around 840 am. Shortly after, I get escorted to my room which is simple- hospital bed, chair, and a love seat couch. There's no over the bed table. There's a hotel style luggage rack and a table tray like you would use at home while eating and watching TV. I changed into my gown, TED hose, booties, and hat. My parents waited in the hall while I was changing and guess who's voice I hear outside my door- Batman! My mother of course starts chatting with him (sidebar -my mom's been talking everyone's ear off). I hear him say he'll be back to talk to me. Now let's go back a bit to the clothes. They gave me paper underwear- let me say this about the underwear- what a HOT MESS!! Who the heck do they think can fit these! I brought my own mesh disposable underwear that I have on and I hope I don't get in trouble I got my IV started and soon after Dr Ortiz walks in the door. I exclaim Batman!! He giggles, hugs me, my dad, and my mom, and proceeds to chat with us. He's SUPER handsome! Sorry I was a bit distracted. He says I will be in the OR about 20-25 minutes. So now I'm waiting to go to the OR. I get a breathing treatment since I'm asthmatic. Once I finish my breathing treatment, it's about 1007. The nurse just came in with a tray of medications including an IV antibiotic, an injection in my tummy fat for blood clots, an injection in my IV of Prilosec for stomach protection, some oral antinausea medication, and then a crushed "chill pill" which was gross. I told her I didn't need it and she seemed a bit perturbed with me, but my mom chimed in and said just take it, so I did. I'm sure I will be in lala land in a while She said no to my disposable mesh panties so I sit her commando. Still waiting to find out about the WiFi. It's 1041, still not loopy yet! Still waiting. 1109- still fine, just waiting. 1130- sleepy and waiting. By the way they have direct tv cable so you don't need your CPU or IPad unless there's something specific you want to see. 1205-Finally going. Bathroom trip first! 1215- Fentanyl and versed given on operating table- body feels warm and I know I'm officially out. I tell them to take good care of me. 220pm- awake and back in my room- Super drowsy so I nap on and off. 4pmish- Nurse tells me its time to start getting up to walk. Still a bit drowsy but it goes well. All evening and night I got up every couple hours to walk. The gas I'm having is not too painful but definitely woke me up. I had some nausea as well throughout the night but no dizziness. I was able to go by myself to the bathroom right away. 4am. I'm up walking. Somewhere around 530am they tell me they will take out my IV and I will get picked up at 730. The entire group gets dressed to leave (we all did very well) and we get our discharge medications discussed with us one by one. We wait in the lobby for our families to meet us here. We actually didn't get picked up until around 9am. Made it to the hotel, rechecked in and am now in my PJs. Raven is doing very well also and wanted me to tell everyone {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

[StawberryBlond 31]

Great to hear you are doing so well!

[slvrsax 301]

Was looking forward to your post, glad everything is good!

[back2barb78 890]

I would've posted yesterday but the WiFi wasn't working there. I'm the type who's mind will wander and think they all got infections and died! So I wanted to post ASAP We have to go back tomorrow @ 12pm to get new dressings on our JP drains and I'm not sure what else. We are not allowed to shower until tomorrow before we go back.

 

{)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

[IndigoChild 27]

So proud for you! Sounds like it all went very smoothly ( and let me just say I'm glad they use the Fentanyl patch for pain! Whew! Good to know ) I'm glad Raven is doing well too. I was thinking about the two of you today, and I'm glad to get your post. Wow... Guess this means you're official now, girl!

[Kindle 8,667]

Thanks so much for your updates..... I check my email 2times/day for your updates I'm the OP of this topic and you have been more than helpful with your posts! Glad you are all well and continue to have a successful recovery.