ObesityHelp

So sorry I didn't get back on my one month post-op date.  I ended up back in the hospital that morning.  I was having severe nausea and vomitting.  Turns out I had a stricture.  Email me if you'd like to know what that is.  They had to go in through my throat and dialate my opening to my new pouch.  I went in through the ER and ended up staying in the ER all that day and part of the next day as there again were no beds!  I felt better immediately after the procedure and went home the day after I went there.  Brian is doing great..no complications.  Hugs, Donna (2 Kings 20:5)

March 12, 2006

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am home and am feeling great now. I did have some complications, but they were not related to the surgey itself. I will update more in a day or two. It feels great to finally be sitting on that loser's bench. Thanks for saving me a seat. A special thank you to my angel, Angela. Hugs,
Donna (2 Kings 20:5)





March 13, 2006

Okay...for all you that are just dying to know...here are the details of my surgery as best as I can remember them. I arrived at Vanderbilt medical center and was placed in a holding room. I was given my IV and was allowed to visit with my hubby, daddy and sister until they came after me. They actually came for me a few minutes early which is a rarity. Two hours later the surgery was over and I was back in the holding room because they didn't have a regular room to put me in. I had no pain whatsoever from the operation. Thank you God for hearing and answering my prayer! I was just a little sore and tender where the incisions were. I also was running a low temp, but otherwise felt fine. I was slated to go home the next day, but developed some nausea so they kept me until Saturday. I was so glad to get home and in my bed. I was getting in all protein and liquids and even went to church on Sunday night, one day after being home. Then on Monday I started vomitting. At first I thought I had just drank too fast or too much. But as the evening went on, I got worse. I wasn't being able to hold anything down. On Tuesday morning, it was back to Vandy I go. I was so dehydrated that Dr. T started me on Iv fluids while I was in his office. They ended up admitting me again.

/////(Side note: As they were fixing to get me off the elevator to take me to my room, the elevator didn't stop on the 9th floor as intended; it shot straight to the roof and a message came on and said, "code blue, please exit the elevator." Life flight (air transport) had arrived with a patient and I had to wait for them to get that patient in the elevator and taken to the ER before I could get back on and proceed to my room. The wheelchair escort kept apologizing for me having to wait. I told him it was fine, at least I was sitting up and breathing!)/////

Finally, they determined that it was a intestional flu bug which I caught while at the hospital the first time. They had several patients that had left come back with the same symptoms. They ended up giving me mega bags of potassium, thiacin, magnesium, B-6, B-12, fluids, and I can't remember if there was anything else. I was one sick puppy. I had 5 bags dripping through my IV at the same time. My veins were no where to be found. I ended up with an IV in 3 different spots. They had to take blood from my neck. Keep in mind that I had just had the WLS, got the intestional flu, now throw the monthly cycle in on top of that and you can imagine how I felt. Finally got my discharge orders on Friday.

/////(Side note: When the nurse took out the IV before I left, she stuck a band-aid on it and we thought we were good to go. As I attempted to put on my shoe, I noticed blood on my sock. I looked up at my wrist where the IV had been, and blood was flowing freely, it was everywhere. The nurse took off the band-aid and when she released the pressure, blood spurted all over that side of the room. What makes this funny is the fact that they had such a hard time getting any blood from me when they needed to, and now it's just free-flowing. Go figure!)/////

I think I am back on the right track now, although it is a bit harder for me to get in all of my liquids and protein now. Again, I want to stress that the 2nd hospital stay had NOTHING to do with the surgery itself. So don't let this discourage or scare you if you are considering this surgery. I have already reaped some benefits. I am down 25.5 pounds since the liquid diet. Sometimes I can see it, sometimes I can't. As far as the list of stuff that I needed for the hospital...I only used the chapstick, baby wipes, and my hubby. The MOST IMPORTANT thing you can carry with you is your support person. YOU WILL NEED ONE! Brian was there with me (both times) every step of the way and helped with some major chores that we won't discuss here. Funny thing is it was the little things I needed him for...wetting a wash cloth, brushing my hair, answering the phone, and the list goes on. Brian stood up to the challenge and passed with flying colors. He was at my every call. Every time I moved he was right there asking me what I needed. I only hope I am as much help for him as he was for me. I felt so bad that he had to spend all those nights in a hard chair. It reclined, but it wasn't a recliner. Don't bother asking for a cot, they are not allowed to have them on the 9th floor due to fire codes, at least that is what we were told. You guys please keep Brian in your prayers. He starts his liquid diet Wednesday and his big day is March 23rd.

He almost backed out when he saw what I was going through with the virus. He is ok with it now that he knows it had nothing to do with the WLS. Enough typing for now. Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. Good luck to everyone regardless of where you are on your journey. Donna (2 Kings 20:5)





March 22, 2006

Hello all. Just thought I'd let everyone know that tomorrow I will be 3 wks post-op and have lost 38.5 lbs. so far! I actually have shin bones that I can see again! I am having a bit of a problem with my energy level. I can do a little something and then have to sit down til I am rested and then try again. Is this normal for 3 wks post-op? They gave me a B-12 shot the last time I was in the hospital but I haven't really noticed any real benefits from it yet. I guess it just takes time. Brian goes for his surgery tomorrow. He has lost 12 lbs. on his liquid diet. Please pray for him that he will have a pain-free uneventful surgery. Good luck to all the March re-births and to those of you still awaiting your approval. Hugs, Donna (2 Kings 20:5)





March 27, 2006

Just a quick drop-in to let everyone know that Brian came through his surgery. He did experience some severe nausea and vomitting. He came home on Saturday and is doing great. I will update more on Thursday which is my one month post-op date. Can't wait to share the news with you all. Good luck to you wherever you are on your WL journey. Hugs, Donna (2 Kings 20:5)