cleckman

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Well I had my sleeve operation on 10/25/10, and all appeared to go well. I was released on 10/27 (my birthday). Funny thing is my nurse didn't think I was getting enough liquids in and I wish I would have listened to her because I could barely eat or drink anything for the next two weeks, but I went back to work and did my best to function. I was exhausted and tried my best to sip but couldn't get much down. At three weeks to the day, I was rushed to ER in severe pain, severe dehydration and low levels of potasium...after a Xray, Ultrasound, and CT scan it was determined I would need to have my Gallbladder removed. There was a 22mm stone blocking my Gallbladder and who knows how many inside the Gallbladder. They had to wait until my potasium and dehydration improved and then they did the surgery in the middle of the night. I was told that they would try to do it lyproscopic but would open me up, if necessary. Well 4 hours (should have only be 1 hour) latter I awoke and was told they had to open me up and that all my organs (stomach, adhessions, colon, and gallbladder) were stuck together. WOW! I was in shock!

After a week in the hospital and a week recovering at my daughter and son-in-law's house I finally was able to come home. I stayed with them since they have a first floor bedroom and full bath and I do not and I wasn't able to do steps well. The first week home was really rough but I can honestly say that each day gets better. I will not return to work until January 2011 so I should be well rested by then although, I am still having issues with the stomach pain (which I believe is mostly related to the Gallbladder surgery).

I am 7 weeks out and still do not eat or drink that much at a time. I struggle with getting in all my protein as well, but I feel that it is improving. I can eat all foods (except rice and white bread) but I stick to mainly proteins (meat, cheese, beans). It's really boring but I am losing weight so I guess I won't complain. Somedays I only get 200-300 calories in so you would think that I would have lost twice as much weight as I have. Since the surgery I have lost 33lbs (7 weeks). The PA from my surgery team said she was glad I didn't loose more given what I have been through...and that my body thinks it is straving so my motabolism is slowed and that those who loose slower tend to do better over all...at least that's their theory.

I can't say I'm totally loving or hating my sleeve. I can shop in the regular women's section now, so I am grateful to that and everyone that sees me had commented on how skinny I look now (although I am still 50 lbs over weight). I'm hopeful that when I reach goal weight I be glad for my decision. Dec 15,2011

I finally have my surgery date but it is two months out...October 25, 2010. I have Kaiser (Southern Ca) and will have my surgery done in Harbor City by Dr.Zane. Kaiser requires you to take classes prior to being able to be approved. I started classes once and took them for about 9 weeks and then had to stop because they were during the day and I couldn't miss work...sooooo...back on the waiting list I went until evening classes opened up. The good news was the classes went from 24 to 20, they are now only 12. I didn't mind the classes, it kept me in check since we had to weigh in each week but the information was repetative and I thought the Psychologist was usless. Regardless, I made it through and I am now 55lbs down from my highest weight...but oh, I have so much more to go. (August 27, 2010)