Jessica276

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Surgery went great...my surgeon was even amazed at how well it went.  I dont remember much when I woke up excpet throwing up, but because it went thru the ng tube it made it a little better.  I remember being grossed out and amazed at the fact that it was going thru that tube lol. My mom was waiting for me in the recovery room but I told the nurse she could be there but couldnt talk to me! Once I got to my room my sister was waiting there with my 16 month old neice. I was so happy they were there but sad I couldnt hold Anjalee. It still really bothers me now but soon Ill be thin enough to play and do all kinds of fun stuff with her!! The first 2 days were the worst as far as pain went. I hated when they would tell me it was time to walk because that meant sitting up which was horrible. It hurt so bad and I felt like I was going to break something. And plus the girl that was there to help was small and really couldnt get me up. I had a lot of problems peeing after they took the catheter out, they said my bladder got lazy and it will take time for it to work right again. Of all things to worry about I didnt think my bladder was going to be one of them! On average I was able to drink 3 protein drinks a day and some soup. They were really impressed and were planning on discharging me on day 3 but my red blood cell count was really low and not getting better. I ended up needing 2 litters of blood. It was kinda scary.  By 12 on the 4th day I got the ok to go home which I was super excited about but nervous too. The ride home was horrible, we got caught in Boston traffic so there was a lot of stopping and going. It was excruciating on my belly. Things at home started off great but then I started getting these horrible gas pains, bloating, and a really sore stomach. I figured I turned lactose intolerant but after talking to my aunt, whos a nurse, the pain was caused b/c I wasnt taking my pain meds. Yeah stupid on my part but I thought that was what was making me sick. I started back on them and Im starting to feel better. Weighed myself this morning and I havent lost anything. Was kinda bummed but Im sure Im still full of liquids and stuff. Ill wait another week before I check again.

The past few months have been crazy busy trying to get everything done. Upper GI, Ultrasound, Psych visit, nutrition classes, sleep study etc. But im done, well other than having to lose a few more pounds!! Found out from my sleep study that I have mild sleep apnea. I was really surprised. He told me on average I stop breathing, when on my back, every 4 minutes. But it is bad enough that I have to get a CPAP machine ugh. As annoying as its gonna be Ill probably feel a lot better, its probably been a long time since I had a good night sleep. Anyways, right now Im just waiting for my surgeons office to submit to BCBSMA for auth. Im starting to get a little scared now. The thought of not being fat and thinking about what my life might be like is kind of overwhelming. It will be worth it I know it will be, its just going to be such a huge change.

I had my consult with the surgeon yesterday. The only thing she was uncertain about was whether or not I would need a sleep study. My BMI is 63.2 and she said she had never met anyone with a BMI over 60 that didnt have sleep apnea.  So i guess it will be good to know if I have it, especially when she said if I do I could die suddenly after surgery.  I had my labs done after seeing her and on Monday they scheduled me for an upper GI and my first nutrition class. I have my own psych doctor so she will be able to fill that paperwork out on Dec. 6th when I see her next.  All that will be left is my 2nd nutrition visit oh and I have to drop 25lbs. She said even if I dont lose it all she wont cancel my surgery, but if I gain weight there is no way she will do it! My sister and I have started to eat healthy which is really hard b/c I am hungry all the time.  I woke up in the middle of the night sick b/c I was so hungry.  The hardest thing for me will be getting down to the gym. My back pain is so intense that after walking for 5 minutes I have to sit down. The girl that did my intake just said start off slow and do what I can.  Once I turn in the psych paperwork and the nutrition visit stuff they will submit it for approval. Once approved my surgery date will be scheduled 4-6 weeks later.  This is all happening really really fast and Im really excited, scared & nervous, but excited.

I have been thinking about getting surgery since i was 18 but ive always felt that it was the easy way out and i should be able to do it on my own.  Now im 27, 370lbs and Ive finally realized that i need help and surgery may be my only option.  I have an appointment with my PCP wednesday and Im going to talk to her about it and hopefully get the ball rolling.  Ive already been talking to my friends and family and they all seem to be supportive, hesitant and scared, but supportive.  Ive also talked to several people that have had the surgery and they all say its the best decision they ever made.  I am nervous about complications from the surgery and of course the extra skin after losing so much weight but i feel like its a small price to pay to get my life back.