DAY FOUR: Back in the land of the living

Well, it's DONE. I was sleeved on Monday, November 17.  I had trouble with anesthesia (lots of retching, urine retention) but was able to go home the next afternoon.  I felt AWFUL on Tuesday & Wednesday.  I could barely keep anything down.  Took one bit of yogurt and wanted to throw it across the room! :)  

I must have turned some corner last night because I woke up today feeling so much better.  I sent my mom home (she'd been staying with me), walked the dog and even vacuumed. And thus far, I'm able to stick with the hourly protein/fluid plan my NUT provided.  

Mom and I spent a lot of time high-fiving each other.  "Steph, you DID it!"  That felt good.  So did stepping on the scale and realizing I'm already down to 244.  WHOA.  I know the WL won't always be that profound, but it felt good to come home to that loss.   

So, I'll say it wasn't easy.  But it's been worth it so far!

Welcome to the loser's bench, Steph!    And I love it that your mom is so supportive of you! 

Thanks, Tracy!  I could not have done it without the support of my mom.  She was fantastic. :) 

The first couple of weeks, the weight comes off REALLY fast. It does slow down after that, but I think it's great that you start off with a big loss. It's very encouraging.  I think I was off pain killers completely by day 4.

BostonJoe, it IS good that the weight comes off fast at the beginning, to give us a reward for going through all the pain! 

Congratulations! Good to hear that you're feeling better. Remember, you just had surgery and you probably shouldn't be vacuuming. I'm sure you Dr. gave you restrictions. Take it easy. Christine

Yes, Christine - you're right.  I should make sure to take it easy.  The doctor's restrictions said activity as tolerated, but I know they don't mean "clean your house."  Luckily, my apartment is small.  :)  

Glad you are feeling better. It's strange how everyone is so completely different. I was sleeved Tuesday. I felt great yesterday. I was doing laps in the hospital. Came home. Had no nausea. Woke up this morning feeling like I was run over by a truck! So nauseous. Couldn't take the liquid pain meds cause they made me sick. Doing a little better now but cant imagine vacuuming! I weighed myself yesterday and I was up 10.5 pounds since the morning  I left for surgery!  Hope I turn the corner like you did.I'm getting water and broth in but haven't tried any protein. Good Luck!!

Oh, Bonnie!  I'm so sorry! :(  It is amazing how differently we all respond, isn't it?  I was not about to do a lap in the hospital.  I think I walked to the end of the hall once. I'm sure the extra pounds are from all the fluid you got in the OR.  Don't be discouraged.  I'm sure things will get better very soon.  I didn't concentrate as much on the protein as I did on the fluids the first two days.  And my first protein day was a bust.  It was only today that I've been able to keep it down. Good luck and keep us posted!

I'm glad you're feeling better!  Happy healing, walking, and sipping :)