Answers to Interview questions

Jul 20, 2012

  Someone e-mailed me these questions and these are my answers!
  1) So how did you go on the low calorie protein shake pre surgery? I have to be on it for 2 weeks,So what about you how long were you on it? I was on a low carb 1200 cal diet for several months until I went for my post approval/preop visit. From that point, I was on 2 weeks of 3 protein shakes a day with low carb count. My shakes ranged from 160- 220 calories per . Carb count was 4-6 g per. Bulk of calories were protein. In between I could have 0 carb fluids and sugar free jello. I made jello from unsweetened koolaid, knox gelatin,isopure clear liqiud and stevia(aspartame allergy)Made my own sf popsicles too!   2) After the surgery when you awoke how would you class your pain ? Also did you have a drain? If so, what day did the drain come out? I had davinici robotic/laparascopic surgery with 6 incisions. Most were 1/2-3/4 inch long and the stomach removal incision was about 1-1 1/4 inch wide. No drain, had foley urine catheter that was inserted after anesthsia given.Pain was 4-5/10 when not moving, then 6-7 /10 when turning, hiccuping, or heaving. I had morphine pump, morphine gave  me nausea,switched to dilaudid- that was better for not making me nauseated. When I ran a fever once, they started IV tylenol.That helped the pain too. They usually give toradol, but I have  an NSAID allergy. The hiccups were from nerves disturbed during surgery, i also had hiatal hernia repair.Did not have much pain once I was up and walking around. I was up in chair same night of surgery day. Next day was out of bed for 9 hours straight, either walking , going to BR or sitting in chair with legs elevated. Also had to do frequent incentive spirometry to keep lungs open.Also had pumps on lower legs to prevent blood clots, on heparin shots, and wore compression stockings from the time I left home until I got back home!   3) How long was your stay in hospital? I was in for 3 days due to high bp, excessive hiccups,nausea and monitoring blood sugar(I was on sliding scale insulin in hospital, was in insulin pump 3 years preop, now looks like I'll be off of the pump for a while and just on one shot of levemir at night)Will have to reassess insulin once I start pureed food, it will me a juggling act for a while, but I have been off of metformin for a while  now!     4) Did you have any complications during or after the surgery? I may have answered above, LOL     5) Are you seeing a Nutritionist? 
No and that kinda sucks, I downloaded a postop plan from the Cornell U bariatric clinic that was along the lines of what I was given  at my center. Problem is, our nut. only works parttime and she got way behind when she took off time to be with her daughter who had a baby. Anyway , the cleveland clinic info is much more detailed and useful. It is perfectly in line with what i should be doing, but better, reprintable foodlogs and great info!   6) How long after the surgery did they have you up walking?Day after surgery, after catheter removed.   7) Since the surgery have you felt dizzy or like you are going to faint?Just once, but sat back down and felt fine from then on.   8) Are you know able to walk around without feeling any pain?  Now walking 1-1.5 miles a day with no additional pain. The only pain I have is with every swallow if I swallow too fast or more than a third of an ounce at a time. Still learning limits. Incision pain almost gone.I have only had 3 doses of lortab elixir since returning home. Was on zofran sublingual until 4 days after surgery. While in hospital,was on IV zofran and Phenergan. The phenergan really doped me up on top of the other narcs! I am having trouble getting all protein in, but concentrating on fluids, it will come I' m told.   LOL Denise          

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