Continuing on...

Jul 06, 2010

The surgery....   I wasn't super nervous about the surgery itself.  I just wanted everything to go smoothly with no complications.  While I didn't have any serious complications, I did spend most of the day in recovery.  After surgery, my blood sugars started going up.  I was put on an insulin drip and was watched over until early evening when they finally moved me to the intermediate ICU.  That first day was such a blur.  In recovery I was in and out.  When I got to my room I remember being very very thirsty.  Every time I swallowed I could hear my throat inside my head.  it was soooo scratchy and unbearable.  The nurse on staff said I couldn't have any ice chips until the next day.  I knew that was wrong, but was to out of it to speak up.

They made me get up and walk towards the evening.   I just remember walking hunched over with a walker and it took every ounce of energy I had.  I was in pain of course but it wasn't unbearable.  Every time I tried to sit up or switch positions it felt like I did a million sit ups.  Ouch.  

I was able to get some ice chips when the night nurse came on.   Bless her heart that she knew I could have some.  Mind you I couldn't have a lot until my upper GI, but just to lubricate my throat and lips was a miracle.

My stay in the hospital was only suppose to last until Wednesday.  Unfortunately because of my blood sugars I stayed until Thursday, staying in the intermediate ICU the whole time.  Boy can't wait to see THAT hospital bill.  Overall my hospital stay was pleasant.  I got up and walked around as much as possible.  Each time I wanted to walk I had to call a nurse because there was so much stuff to unplug.  I couldn't just get up and go.   

Some helpful items to take to the hospital..... Chap stick, a robe, laptop (if your hospital has wifi), brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, handi wipes or wash cloth to give yourself a quick wash.  I wasn't allowed to shower until wed.  YUCK  and bring a pillow for the ride home.  It really helps to have something to press against your belly and hold the jiggle when going over bumps.

Because of my blood sugar problems the only part I didn't like about my hospital stay was Tuesday my sugars had to be check every hour!!!  Wed every two hours!!!!  the tips of my fingers were black and blue.  By the time Wednesday came around I would sit on my hands when the nurse came in. :)

I was super super glad to get home.  I was on liquids only, clears and protein drinks.  Talk about having a difficult time getting in my protein.  Sleeping was my biggest problem the first couple of weeks.  The first week I probably got 3 hours of sleep.  I had to sleep propped up in bed.  That worked for a awhile until my butt got sore.  then I moved to the recliner.  The second week was slightly better.  I was able to sleep on either side, but I had to put a pillow under my belly.  If I didn't my stomach, on the inside, felt like everything was stretching out to capacity.

JP DRAIN REMOVAL - OUCHIE MAMA.  Of course everyone is different.  The following Wednesday after surgery I was able to get my drain removed.  When I asked the surgeon if it was gonna hurt she said I won't lie to you, it will feel like I"m pulling your insides out.  WHAT????  Now I was nervous.  I tried my best not to tense up.  I tried to remember to breathe deeply.  Even though it didn't last that long, the pressure I felt was surreal and not painful.... but yes, it felt like my insides were slowly being pulled out.  When it was out I felt an immediate pressure in my chest.  I had to lay on the table for 5 minutes before I asked myself, how in the hell am I going to get up????  Luckily my mom was there to help me out.  The rest of the day I was soooo messed up.  Nauseous, still had tightness in my chest.  I don't ever want to go through that again.

As of today, I'm doing great.  I have minimal discomfort near one incision.  I'm successfully getting in my protein and my liquids.  There is a day here and there where I only get in half my protein, but I think everyone has those days.  I think I'm one of the lucky ones.... I haven't had anything that disagrees with me.  I can feel when I drink to much water, but I have a hard time reading my body on fullness from food.  I just stick to my alotted amount and keep it at that.  I don't want to push it.  At this time I'm allowed to have cottage cheese, egg beaters, sf jello, sf pudding, and one other thing I can't remeber.  Tomorrow at my 3 week post op class I will learn what else I will beable to add to my diet.  Even though I already read my wls bible and know what they are.

I haven't been hungery at all.  I have to stay on schedule to eat.  It is weird not being hungry.  As each day goes by, I can tell I'm hungry because I start feel weak and faint.  My pouch doesn't tell me I'm hungry but my body does.  It is weird not to feel hungry.  Everyone says oh you are so lucky not to be hungry, it must be soooo easy.  HAHAHA if they only knew.  I've never had to remind myself to eat.  Now I have to.  I'm sure as time goes by, hunger will return.  My plan of attack at this point is to measure everything and document everything to keep myself accountable.  Making good healthy choices is a way of life now.  I know this surgery will benefit me in so many ways and I can't wait to start feeling and seeing those benefits.  I haven't had any WOW moments thus far, but body is not healed and I'm not 100%.  If I stay on track things will fall into place.  I'm super confident of that.

 

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