Mary C.

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I am continuing to do well. I haven't had any episodes of something getting "stuck" in the last few weeks. That is a big relief - it is such a horrible feeling that just seems to take forever to go away. Getting my food and fluids in at work is a real challenge sometimes - but I must be doing ok with it as I feel well with lots of energy - and my weight loss is continuing at about the same pace. Since Jan I am down 56lbs - 38lbs since surgery. It is so unreal to me. I am now just 10lbs heavier than I was when Robert was born. That's 20yrs ago. I still don't feel hungry. I find that eating is a small bit easier - I can eat a little more over that 30 min period. I'm happy about that as I wasn't getting the calories in that I need. I'm walking most everyday I am off - and somedays after work too! Unheard of for me. I was a walker before - but never on the days I worked. I just have so much energy. My most fav take out junk food before surgery was pizza. At work the other night the Doc ordered a veggie pizza. All I could eat was 1/2 of a slice - and didn't eat all the crust - especially the big part at the end. And you know - it didn't taste near as good as I remembered. I have tried wings a few times - not good. The only thing I really crave for is a nice green salad. But will wait a while to try that - not sure how it would go down just yet. I have found Special K Satisfaction cereal -lots of protein - tastes yummy - I'm all for the protein. Happy I have that to add to my diet as most of the time getting the protein in is a challenge for me. When I look back at what I was eating before surgery - many days I was severely lacking in protein. Might have played a part in my lack of energy. Now -  I have so much energy and feel so much freer and lighter in my body. An awesome feeling. I am down to the very last pair of jeans that fit - don't want to spend much on clothes at this point. Will see what I can beg or borrow for now - and may visit the thrift shop in St. John's next week for a few summer things. Mom would be so proud! Ivan is still away - been gone to Fort Mac for 4 weeks. Miss him a lot sometimes. He may have another week yet. I told him he will probably look right past me when he arrives at the airport - he will think he has a new wife. It will be good to get a hug. going in to St. John's on Wed. Robert has his BMQ graduation on Thursday - will need something to wear for that. I have a couple dresses I can wear again - will ask the fashion diva's on the board for their opinion. I find I am so excited for people who are about to have their surgery. It has been so fantastic for me - and want others to feel the same. The weather here has been nothing short of downright awful. Good weather for ducks and nothing else. however - the sun is peeking out there at the moment - so must get out and do something outside. I have actually been tanning at the salon because I feel so  pale. At the end of June - hard to believe. TTFN

I am down 34lbs since surgery - 52 since my highest weight in Jan. The biggest change beside the decrease in joint pain - is that I have so much energy. It's unreal. I hadn't realized how much of that I had lost - because it was so gradual. Not I know how I looked after the house, helped raise Robert, worked full time and did all the thousand other things that we do when we are younger 9 and healthier and not as overweight. I am finding my eating habits since going back to work aren't as good. Not that I'm eating bad choices. I'm not. I'm just not eating as regularly, and not getting fluids in as I was before I returned to work. Working in ER/ICU is not ideal. Break times are sporadic - especially in ER - IF you get a break. And it's fine to say - well I'll just go on break - screw the unit - I just can't do it to my co-workers and patients. Thought I could - but the dedicated nurse in me won't let me. I'm doing 3 twelve hr days this weekend - so will try try try to do better. I need to. I don't feel quite as well when I'm not eating and drinking well. So far - all my co-workers have been so supportive. I know some of them still haven't heard I had surgery - but all have noticed the weight loss. Most - I feel - really don't get what a big event and decision this was for me. But - they wouldn't. Until you have done this - you just don't and can't know. I feel sometimes that I want to talk and share experiences - but there is no one at hand. Maybe missing Ivan - probably. OH RNY message board is a big part of my life - laughs abound and info and support. I don't get as much time there as I would like - I could spend all day there- but that's not a good thing. I try to answer posts where I can help someone and add something. I want to give back to the people who are behind me, just starting out, or contemplating surgery. I just hope that I help and comfort people with my posts - because that is the way it was and is for me.I feel as if I would like to make a career change- would like to nurse somewhere totally different - but I'm stuck where I am. I cannot give up my group health coverage. New coverage will exclude any pre-existing conditions. And I carry the coverage for our family. Kind of a depressing thought. But the six years between now and retirement will hopefully pass swiftly - then who knows - maybe I'll go north for a month at a time and work - assuming I'm healthy and able to. After 26yrs - at this point - for the first time ever - I truly feel as if I had had enough of working where I am now. It is a great place to work, with great people - but with the nursing shortage, lack of coverage to get time off and no one that cares to improve the situation for us - it's hard. The politics and low morale of the staff is such a change from the way it used to be. It is so difficult to give the kind of care to my patients that I want to give. Really runs you down. And I have 3 twelve hr days ahead of me.

OK- down to the wire- 2 hrs and a bit left to go of my third 12hr shift in a row. What a way to start back to work- all or nothing. And it's been great! I have not had anywhere near the aches or pain I had pre-op. Not even taken a tylenol! What a difference in how I feel- it's a miracle. And I know it will continue to get better and better! Checked my blood sugars at work a few times- NORMAL- and BP way down from pre-op- 2 of the biggest issues besides pain that I was hoping to improve upon. When I went home after work Sat AM- for some strange reason- I felt I should eat before going to bed- did not sit well- and slimed for well over an hour- so won't do that again. I wasn't hungry- and knew I would be heading to bed- but I hadn't eaten in a while- so figured I should. Won't do that again. And yesterday AM after work- took my vitamins and such when I got home- but got nauseated- vomited it up. I guess my body is not happy to have much added to it after being up all night. The shift work certainly adds an extra challenge to getting the required nutrition and liquids in. I knew it would though. I have not tried anything too much different in my diet choices- as I figured I didn't need to be at work feeling miserable. My co- workers- FANTASTIC and so supportive. Some have more questions than others. That's ok. As of last Thurs which was exactly 6 weeks post-op- down 28lbs since surgery- 46total. My once very snug scrubs- loose- so comfy! Won't be long before I'm an xl instead of an xxl. So- it's been a great return to work - and I'm pleased.I was in ER Sat night- crazy and insane shift- but no problems physically. It's all good!

Holy crap- just realized my date of surgery was incorrect- I had it put in for 2007 not 2008. That makes quite a difference. So to clarify- I am now just over 5 weeks post-op- not a year and 5 weeks- sorry for any confusion! Cheers!

Life is good. I have tried Chili- not a huge amount maybe 1/2 cup- tasted great and went down good. I also had bbq steak the other day- about 2 oz- had to take my time and of course chew-chew-chew- but I ate it and it was so tasty. I am doing fine with most things- tried bread again- no go still. I have to focus on eating over 20-30 mins- and the chewing- but it works. Tried a pepperoni stick the other day as they are loaded with protein- no go with that. Rice crackers are the best- with a bit of low fat cheese- yummy. I'm still drinking a Carnation Instant Breakfast now and then. Refried beans with a bit of salsa, fat free sour cream, fat free cheddar melted on top = really good. Lots of things still to try- lots of time to do it. Fighting to get the required amount of protein in. Doing great with the fluids. Walking every day or so with the dog. Enjoying it!
going back to work next week- can't wait! For once my uniforms will be loose!!!!!!

25 days post-op. I'm finding the last few days I am feeling very emotionally needy- maybe a monthly thing- I don't know as I'm never regular any more. I feel as if everyone thinks that's it- she had the surgery- she did well- she's doing well- all done. I feel like I need to be cuddled and fussed over. Maybe it's my own fault- as I try not to be needy and don't want to be dependent on people- everyone sees I'm doing fine. I just don't know. Hopefully another day will bring another mood- because I don't like this one. It's still a battle to get the amount of protein I require. Hope to get to St. John's this weekend and maybe shop around and find somewhere that sells decent protein bars or supplements. Gander is limited as far as that type of shopping. I walked the whole loop of the steady yesterday- 3.6km felt great. Had sheppard's pie the other night- went down well- not a large amount- but I was happy with it. And we have had french onion soup a few times- usually take some of the cheese/bread out of mine and donate it to Ivan. But it's so tasty and warm and goes down well. Healthy bake fish sticks- can eat 3 of those- steamed veggies felt as if they just got stuck. I have also eaten white meat chicken strips- no problem. Tuna in a minute for lunch. I just don't eat sometimes because I am busy and I never feel hungry- have to stay on track with that. The weight is still coming off- 35 lbs since Jan 1st- 17 since surgery. I'm happy with that.

Tomorrow will be 3 weeks since my surgery! Hard to believe. Well - bread and I do not get along these days. My handbook said I could have 2 slices of whole wheat bread at lunch- so a toasted tuna sandwich sounded like a good idea. BAD IDEA!!!! I got about 3 bites down- started feeling full- waited about 5-10 mins- figured this is ridiculous- I need to eat  more than this- 1 more bite- then the next 3-4 hours feeling miserable- the terrible stuck in the throat/pressure feeling- salivating like a mangy dog. 3 of the 4 times this has happened to me- bread has been involved. So- yep -it's taken me a few weeks- but I am saying goodbye to bread for a while. I have eaten enough of it to last me a lifetime anyway.
The tuna will be on the rocks tomorrow. Otherwise- feeling good- having the odd time when I feel very tired- so I rest then. Bowels seem to be working themselves out- easier these days.
Have told a few people I have run across about my surgery- all supportive thus far. I'm happy and feelin' good!

My how the time flies- hard to believe I haven't posted in 12 days. Since my last post- I have travelled to Moncton yet once more- arrived home again May 1st. Had my 2 week post-op check with Lise- the Bariatric Program Nurse and Dr. Beausoleil. All went well. Staples removed- thank goodness. Down 10 lbs in the 13 days since surgery. Received a prescription for Losec- which I need to take as I am on a regular dose of Arthrotec (an NSAID). Having said that- I am very happy to say that since surgery- with the 18lbs I lost pre-op, and the 10 lbs since- I have reduced my arthritis medication to once daily- and have a feeling I will soon stop it all together. What a difference that 28lbs has made on my hips, ankles and knees.!

Said sorry- but I'm too poor to come back for the 6 week post-op check. They both understood. Depending on how things go- I may go up for the 3 month check and visit my parents in PEI at the same time. Combine business with pleasure as they say.

As of today- I am eating healthy choices only- not up to the amounts allowed yet. Have had 3 episodes of what I call sliming- I know it occurs in Lap band patients mostly. It happened twice while I was travelling for the second appt. Not since. I think it was a factor of being out of my home environment where the proper choices of food were not as readily available. In any case- I have really had to remember to chew, chew, chew and stop when I am getting the first tiny bit of a feeling of being full. That "just one more bite"- not going to happen- as I don't want to risk another sliming episode. By sliming- I mean a feeling of pressure and fullness in the midsternal area- quite uncomfortable- almost like something is stuck- at the same time my mouth in a natural response is producing huge amounts of saliva- to the point that I actually had to start spitting it out once. It happened once at the airport- not nice. I have found nothing relieves it except time- and then leaves me feeling crappy for the remainder of the day- back to liquids only for the rest of the day- which is all I really want then anyway. I guess in a sense what I have been eating when it happens, or just before it happens, is not proceeding through my altered GI system as well as other foods. Maybe my fault- not chewing enough?- I'm not sure. At any rate. Very uncomfortable and I plan not to have it happen again.
My fluid intake is pretty good- try to get the milk in- not much problem there. And always eat the protein item first at mealtime. Snacks- no problem. But as I said- no huge quantities, certainly way less than 1/2 serving of most things.

My small incision sites are all healing well. I'm sure they will scar- but hey- it's battle wounds- and I worked for all of them. I never wore a bikini and don't plan to ever wear one!

My energy level is on par- probably better than pre-op- I'm sleeping well- have gotten rid of a sleeping pill also since surgery. My BFF says the past few days I look so much better- I guess the more immediate post-op phase had me looking a bit tired and pale.

I feel as if I should go back to work early- not take the whole six weeks. I know I feel well enough- but want to make sure my eating is what it should be and I am more sure of my meals and how my body will react before I go back. An ICU in a code situation would not be a good place to start sliming!

I'm not weighing myself daily- I want to- but really- I can't change how the scales behave at this point. So will try to do it weekly. People have noticed the weight coming off- and have remarked on it.

I have taken the BIG step- for me- of telling co-workers that I have been in touch with that I had bariatric surgery.  My closest friends knew beforehand of course. All positive and supportive thus far. I figure they will know eventually- so they might as well know now- then (as work places go) it will get around and people will know- and it won't be a big issue- in that I won't have to tell every single soul who sees me and remarks on my weight loss. If they want to ask me about it- no problem. I'll tell my story- the good and bad. No holds barred. But I'm so happy to say- It's been all good since surgery!

I'm walking again- the dog is so happy. The weather is getting warmer and life is good!

And THANKS so much to OH- the message board has been and I'm sure will continue to be an invaluable source of info and support for me.

Until next time----

I was delayed until after 2pm- then waited in the OR holding area until around 3pm I think. Talk about a DRY mouth. Dr. B. and the Anaesthetist both spoke to me pre-op- I always knew I would be in good hands- and so I wasn't nervous a bit- kind of unreal.- although my heart monitor once they hooked me up in the OR was ticking along at 100/min!
Anyhow- I moved over to the OR table- monitors and such put on- a bit of fentanyl to relax- they put the O2 mask over my face and within 2 secs- gone- asleep! (I have had a couple anaesthetics before - my ankle, and c-section, no problems then- so usually that trend continues.) I had asked the anaesthetist not to give me a pca pump post-op- as I has one after my ankle surgery and I was sick as a dog for 2 days. Anyway- I remember waking in the recovery room with 2 ladies washing my abdomen- and my inner wrists were sore- they said we are giving you demerol for pain- felt a jab in my left buttock(which is still sore) . Next thing I know I'm back in my room in ICU- Mom is there- no pain in operative areas- just upper back and shoulders- from gas and positioning intra-op they say. I got back to my room around 7pm- and from what I figure went into the OR around 2:30 or 3pm- to recovery at 5pm or 5:30- I'm not sure. I was up on the commode to pee- and then sat up in the chair around 9pm- taking ice chips. Didn't feel too bad at all apart from a booming headache that persisited until the next am- I didn't want morphine or dilaudid for it- so after the second dose of tylenol in the AM it finally settled. Quite a bit of back and shoulder stiffness- but no real pain. I was weak and a bit spacey as expected after an anaesthetic- never received anything for pain except tylenol x 2 for my headache- apart fron the Demerol in recovery. Anyhow- hooked up to quite a bit the first night- pneumatic TED's-(which my nurse took off around 3AM as I was up to pee every hour or so and moving well). Heart monitor, oxygen by nasal cannula,  BP cuff, sat monitor, and IV. BP high most of the night- my nurse was concerned- but I wasn't- with the headache I had and of course being post-op etc. Finally changed the cuff to another arm and it settled a bit once my headache went away. I got 1/4 cup jello and 1/4cup apple juice for breakfast. My night nurse went home sadly- he was awesome!!.Thanks Walter! Anyway- sitting up in the chair and walking in the halls a few times and Dr. B. comes by around 10am. He is happy with how I am doing and says he won't be by Sat (the next day)- but will write me up for discharge Sat- and if I felt up to it I could go home later that day. GREAT!!!!!!!! Just what I wanted to hear. The noise level during the day in the ICU was bothersome- alot of older chronic patients waiting for beds on the floor- lots of visitors around- I understand- I work in a place like this. Mom came in around 2pm as planned. Lise popped up for a visit and was quite surprised and happy for me that Dr. B. was letting me go that day. (Of course I was to remain in Moncton until Sun.) Anyway- the inside of both my wrists were covered with heavy elastoplast bandages- I took them off and saw why they were sore- apparently they put in an arterial line routinely once the patients are asleep. Well- they had more than a little trouble with me and never did get one in.Lots of bruising and tender. But you know what- if that is the worst they did to me- who cares! So the monitors came off- IV out- I walked down to the main entrance and Mom picked me up. We went to Shoppers- I went in- still spacey and a bit weak- got my pain script- back to the hotel safe and sound around 4pm. 1/4 cup cranberry juice, 1/4cup chicken broth for supper. Had a good 2 days feeling better all the time- went for a short walk outdoors Sat- also a ride to the grocery store another time for an outing. Up and walking in the room now and then. Farted on Sat- a BIG thing you know! Mom and I drove back to Halifax Sun afternoon- on the flight at 8:45 and hugging Ivan and Robert at 10:45PM in St. John's. A few tears too- so good to be home safe and sound. I laid the seat back in the car and relaxed- Ivan and I got home around 2am. To bed at 3am- what a good feeling- my own bed. Since being home I have been following my diet to the "T", walking around the house, everyday feeling stronger. A bit of gas and bloating now and then- nothing uncomfortable. Incisions healing well. I know that I have had surgery in that I feel weaker than normal and a bit tired- but that is improving everyday! Didn't do much except putter around the house yesterday. plan to go for a short walk later today. So I'm a VERY happy and grateful patient. I'm well aware of the risks and feel so fortunate that I have done so well -so far- doesn't mean I will continue to do well all the time- but I'm doing my part by following things to the T- as they say.
So- that's it!