Surgery is tomorrow (gastric bypass)!

[Fullsteamahead 9]

So the big day is tomorrow! I am excited and nervous at the same time. The former because I know how much my life will change as a result and the latter because I'm afraid of being put under!

I have to go to the hospital at 6:30am and the actual procedure will start at 8:30am. I should be making preparations and getting things ready but I am literally lounging in my bed as I type this (hey, those other things can wait right?) I decided to take 2 weeks off of work but am able to take more time if needed. I have some friends that will alternate sleeping over the first week to make sure I am okay. My mom is an RN and my sister is an NP and they both live next door to me (literally) so I'll have support during my recovery.

I started this journey in May and it is so incredible to think that my day is finally here! Will keep you all posted!

[CHELLB33 93]

That's great, good luck. Keep us posted

[The Candidate 3,215]

Congrats on surgery tomorrow! I never had surgery before mine, and going under was easy for me. In fact I don't remember a thing. Seriously nothing after they asked me to scoot over to the surgery table. You'll do great!

[silkouj 76]

That's awesome!! Keep us updated!! I just went for my esphogram and my surgery date will be sometime next month. So excited for that day too!

[larac05 41]

Good luck to you!!

[LoggedOutForGood 233]

Good Luck today!! Please let us know how you're doing as soon as you can! xo

[Fullsteamahead 9]

Hi everyone!

Thanks so. Yah for the well wishes. I am writing this from my hospital bed as we speak! I experienced a complication with my surgery that required me to visit the OR twice! After the initial bypass, I could not stop spitting up blood. My surgeon felt that the volume of blood was enough to warrant another visit the the OR. During the 2nd visit, they were able to reinforce the connection between my intestine and my pouch. To say that I was terrified during this ordeal would be an understatement things.

Luckily for me, the 2nd surgery resolved the issue I was experiencing. The downside is that my discharge date has been pushed ahead to Saturday (it was originally Friday). I realize that I am in good hands and am being monitored very closely.

Pain wise things haven't been that bad. I am on Dilotin and have access to a med button which administers the drug at timed intervals. Having had 3 cesarean sections, the pain this time around actually mirrors that of my c-sections. It's not unbearable pain but it is tolerable in my opinion.

Please let me know if there are questions you have about my experience. Reading the Guide to Bypass" was actually very helpful, especially the bits on what to bring to the hospital. For me, Chapstick has been essential as well as a good book (I am not a big TV watcher).

[thbrown223 214]

Congratulations! I hope your recovery continues to be well. I'm sorry to hear about your complication; however, I'm even more glad to hear it was resolved. Had to be quite frightening. You sound like you're doing amazing. Please keep us posted. How's the gas pain? Did you have a drain? Catheter? Have you been able to walk yet? If so how often? What about liquids, are cleared to have liquids yet (since you're complication)? Immediately after how would you rate your pain on a scale of 10 being the worst?

[Nancy1955 31]

Enjoy the hospital one extra day! Glad you are doing well. Congrats!!