Janalyn W.

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What a month it has been. Life moves so quickly and it waits for no one. Sleevita (my sleeve) has been in full cooperation and continues to help move me along on this journey. 

This month I found my self completely thankful for the tools provided to me preop by my physician and Pyschologist. There was never a doubt that I was an emotional eater....and I mean every emotion. Food was the center of celebration, sadness, happiness, anxiety etc. I was forewarned that the loss of overindulgence capability could take its toll emotionally. So while watching A marathon of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives I became sad that I couldn't go to that great restaurant mentioned in my city and partake of the food & libations. Not that I was remotely hungry or ever really drank pre surgery, but my choice was gone. 

That passed swiftly after the realization of my focus of food in my life had brought me to this point. I swiftly told myself to get over it and move on. Sleevita agreed as she really wasn't as interested as much my head was. 

This gift has allowed for me a new beginning, self evaluation, self control, responsibility of choices...a tool for rebirth in a sense. Allowing a reintroduction to food with a better, healthier relationship. 

I've been fortunate to get through this month with little to no incident. No severe reactions to food. I did however have a bout of the foamies after clearly forgetting to wait long enough after drinking and attempting to inhale a baked crab cake. Yeah....Sleevita showed me who's boss. I knew things were going bad when I felt the food sitting in the back of my throat...I was overfilled. We know how that ended. A reminder of slow & steady wins the race. 

But all & all, this month has been great and I am eternally thankful & grateful that I have been granted this tool for change.

peace & love

Surgery completed ? 6-16-2017

It has been exactly 1 week since my surgery and I must say all is well!! No amount of reading can prepare you but sharing is always helpful to many. I didn't go in expecting anything other than my own experience. 

Tampa Memorial took excellent care of me and for that I am thankful. I was my physicians 1st surgery (after another patient rescheduled I was pushed earlier) so that 6am arrival was something else. I was instructed to shower with the specific antibacterial soap prior to my arrival. So with my overnight bag in tow & an arsenal to include a change of lounge wear, Gas x strips, hard sugar free jolly ranchers, lip balm, headphones, extension cord and charger for my phone...I was ready!!

After all the necessary pleasantries and 2 IV lines (my doctor likes 1 for backup)  we were ready, they took me to the surgical room and I put myself on the table, discussed my expectations of the crew assisting in surgery to include .....be gentle, please play good music and no instagram photos. I assume they obliged. 

I awoke in recovery feeling parched, dazed, blind (didn't have my glasses or contacts) and not feeling all that bad. I did have the severe discomfort in my chest but I didn't equate it to pain...childbirth is pain!! I didn't enjoy the feeling in my chest  and my doctor warned me. He was also kind enough to include intravenous pain meds and gas meds. I was immediately able to walk and tested my legs for a bathroom run. 

I was allowed only ice until the swallow test the following morning. Trust me you aren't remotely hungry and after the swig of devils brew for the swallow test you may never want anything else....there are no words to describe that concoction...nasty is  too good. After passing the no leak test I thought yes!! Fluid.....

I knew to sip, but I was pretty surprised to feel every drop travel down to my new sleevita. I was not interested in the Jello, broth or anything else on that tray of clear liquids. I was not nauseous and have luckily not been at all. I was released the same day and got home and proceeded to focus on staying hydrated. I was prescribed clear liquids for the week. It was fairly easy but it did take time for that uncomfortable feeling in the center of my chest to completed subside.

There was popsicles, isopure bottled drinks (which I found terribly sweet), smart water, apple juice (diluted with water 3 /1), hard sugar free candy and broth. My store bought was not very tasty so my daughter went to Panera and I drained their chicken noodle and that broth was delish & it help keep me nutritionally sound. 

I listened to Sleevita when she said enough. I am now onto full liquids, taking it slow and not rushing anything. She commands respect and that is exactly what  Sleevita will get....until next time. Sending all love and light.