Nine days & Counting

  I refrained from writing my story until now because it seemed like the process was never going to be complete before surgery. Now I am happy to say I am nine days away from getting sleeved.  

I do have some apprehensions because even though the risk of death is like .3%, for that small number it is 100% and I don't want to be part of that club.  But the health risks to remain at such an unhealthy weight far outweigh the risks of the surgery. I know this yet I still find my self a bit worried and scared.

I woke up from back surgery and honestly thought I had died and went to hell it hurt so bad.  Then I realized I was alive and decided I had made a very poor decision, but after the healing and physical therapy I know it was worth it.  The pain was not eradicated and I have lifelong restrictions but it is bearable compared to before the surgery when drastic measures seemed inevitable.  I am hoping this surgery won't be as painful.  I know everybody is different.  I just wish I knew what to expect.  I had a large headed child by mid-forceps rotation delivery (UGH!) and another one by caesarean section.  Both were painful and I haven't forgotten.  I am hoping the pain will be somewhere between my childbirth experiences and the back surgery.  

Any input would be most appreciated.

Jacksonsgrandma

I had gallbladder surgery about 4 years ago and that was 100 times worse than the sleeve as far as pain goes. I know everyone handles pain different and I. A bit of a a baby, but it's honestly not been that bad.

Thank you so much for letting me know!  My recollection of my gall bladder surgery is not a fond one.  They never asked me about my aspirin usage before surgery.  I was in so much pain when I was admitted, I didn't think about it and after they gave me morphine I didn't care about anything.  They took me to my room after recovery and had a friend not been there, I would've died when I sat up and felt nauseated.  No roommate.  She got help right away. Fortunately, I had no idea why everybody was running around saying "no pulse" and "no blood pressure". I got the idea there was a problem when the guy at the end of my bed said "If we can't find out where you're bleeding from, we'll have to cut you wide open".  I said "okay".  Apparently I should have been unconcsious but even that didn't shut me up. Good luck to you! I feel better now.

Much easier than c section ... I have had little to no pain unless I bend down of sit uP too quickly (10 days post op) was up and walking as soon as I woke up after surgery

That is great news, cristal!  I am a 'fraidy cat. I just want to get it over with so even if it takes a while to heal, I'll be doing something positive about my health.  I wish I could just sleep until it's time for the surgery so I didn't have to think about the "what ifs". Hard to eat when you're sleeping, though.  Even harder to prepare the stuff, even though there is very little to prepare.  I LIKE that part.  Little to no pain is amazing to me.  How can the vast majority of your stomach be removed with little to no pain? Who cares?  I hope I'm as lucky as you!  Good luck.  Hope we talk again soon.

You're right about everyone being different. I just had my surgery 8/18 and I have not needed to take any pain medication or anything for nausea. I can't believe how easy this has been. I only felt a little soreness when I coughed, due to sinus drip and today I don't even feel that. Hope this eases your mind some. Good Luck, try to be calm, things usually aren't as bad as we imagine them. Keep us posted.

Penny

Thank you for letting me know, Penny.  I am encouraged by your response.  No pain or nausea is my goal.  I wonder what kind of restrictions they will give me.  Like don't lift more than X number of pounds, etc.
You have eased my mind some and I appreciate your response.  Hope we talk again soon.