KarlaJane
It was a bad day...
May 15, 2009
I cried...really cried, for the first time yesterday since my surgery.
I don't know what really got into me. I was talking to my sis on the phone and she was asking me about how I was doing. I'm normally very optimistic and happy about my choice...but yesterday it all just fell down around me. I just fell apart. It's been very very rewarding. But hard all at the same time.
I've been getting sick, and it's all because I have a stricture. And it's taken it's toll on me. I was explaining how I'm never hungry, and when I do eat, I don't enjoy it. I know that it's normal, and most people say that it will pass with time. But being fat all my life I've never had to deal with this issue!!
I'm super lucky to have the support system that I do have. And my family and friends have been very supportive. It's just hard to be the only one in my family that is going through this. And those of you who have been here know that you feel alone sometimes. I just felt alone yesterday. And I cried. I balled like a baby. LMAO...
I'm better now. And I know that it's all uphill from here!
1 comment
I don't know what really got into me. I was talking to my sis on the phone and she was asking me about how I was doing. I'm normally very optimistic and happy about my choice...but yesterday it all just fell down around me. I just fell apart. It's been very very rewarding. But hard all at the same time.
I've been getting sick, and it's all because I have a stricture. And it's taken it's toll on me. I was explaining how I'm never hungry, and when I do eat, I don't enjoy it. I know that it's normal, and most people say that it will pass with time. But being fat all my life I've never had to deal with this issue!!
I'm super lucky to have the support system that I do have. And my family and friends have been very supportive. It's just hard to be the only one in my family that is going through this. And those of you who have been here know that you feel alone sometimes. I just felt alone yesterday. And I cried. I balled like a baby. LMAO...
I'm better now. And I know that it's all uphill from here!
Post-op Dr appt...
May 01, 2009
Had my second post-op appt with my surgeon.
Everything is going really well...he thinks I have a stricture though, so I'll be going in to do a scope next week.
I'm down 50 lbs since my surgery!! I'm super excited about that and I'm loving the woman I am becoming!
More next time!
KarlaJane
1 comment
Everything is going really well...he thinks I have a stricture though, so I'll be going in to do a scope next week.
I'm down 50 lbs since my surgery!! I'm super excited about that and I'm loving the woman I am becoming!
More next time!
KarlaJane
Yes...I am alive!
Apr 06, 2009
Hello all!
Yes, I know I have been neglecting my blog and for that I apologize!
Where to start? Well, how about the day before my surgery? Ok, so that Thursday I was nothing but a ball of nervous energy. I was jittery, anxious, excited and scared as hell the whole day! From my friends (on here and off) I knew this was to be expected. So I felt oddly calm as I went into Friday morning. Keep in mind though, I slept 4 hours and was up by 4 am ready to go to the hospital (I had to be there at 9! LMAO). My poor mother took me and I could tell she didn't want me to fret, she was doing enough of that for the both of us! I got to the hospital and parked where they told me to, only to completely forget the minute I was out of the car where I had to go from there. Luckly the nurse in the surgery center called at that exact moment to remind me!
So I get to the surgery center, not taking anything but my incentive spirometer in (like they told me to) and then almost had a complete meltdown as I remembered that I didn't have any form of ID or insurance info on me! The admissions nurse said it was all good and they got me back into the pre-op area. They weighted me and I was down 14 lbs from the pre-op liver shrinking liquids only diet they had me on for 2 freakin weeks!!! I was super excited and was pumped. I got all ready and waited...and waited...and waited. My surgery was at 11 am and I didn't go back to the operating room unitl almost 1. UGH.
In surgery, the doctor found that I was an anatomical exception. See everyone has a fatty curtain going from their breastbone to their pelvic bone to protect their organs, yeah everyone but me! So he had to position me a bit funny to get to the bowel and intestine. I woke in the recovery room crying. In pain, annoyed by the freakin tube down my nose and throat and asking all sorts of questions about the surgery. Me making sure they didn't kill me lmao...did I have to have a transfusion? Did they do it laparoscopically? Was my momma there? Had I died?! LMAO...the recovery nurse just calmly answered all of my questions and pumped me full of pain meds. The next thing I knew was waking up in my room with my Momma sitting beside me.
They next day was a lot of the usual drug induced sleep with sporatic visitors all day. During the first night I begged until they took the tube out of my nose, trying as hard as I could not to annoy the poor nurse. When she took it out, I felt like I was going to scream, but couldn't. It burned like a bitch!! My sister Dee stayed with me that first night, poor thing, my machines kept going off every 20-30 minutes and I know she couldn't have slept well! I was up and walking to the bathroom the minute they took the tube out. Surprised at the level of pain I was still experiencing. My swallow study the next morning showed some contrast that looked like a leak. They needed me to stay another night for observation and an additional swallow study the following morning. If the contrast was still there, they were going to have to go back in. I was super worried. Not to mention I had a horrible pain in my right side that wouldn't ease up no matter how I positioned myself or how much I walked.
The second night my other sister Tess stayed with me. I had quite a few visitors that day and was, for all intents and purposes, feeling a bit better. The following morning they took me for my second swallow study. I had to drink not one but two cups of barium! OMG...I felt like I was going to vomit on the radiology tech! That was the first time I felt this new full sensation, but not in a good way, I was too full. Like how you feel after Thanksgiving dinner when you definitely ate too much. I didn't like it at all. Dr Geller came in about 5 hours later and said that everything looked fine, but I had been NPO since the following day, so wanted to keep me yet another night to make sure I tolerated my liquids.
The last night I was there, I was alone. Not as bad as I had expected. I continually was in pain, not from the surgery mind you, they kept me well drugged, but from the now excruciating pain right under my rib cage. Having been off of my anxiety meds for 2 weeks, and being alone, my mind started coming up with the worst case senario. All I kept thinking was it could be a clot. When my nurse came in, she noticed the look on my face and knew right away something was wrong. I told her my concerns and they don't take that shit lightly! She promptly called the call nurse and Immediate Response Unit to my room. My blood pressure sky rocketed and I started to have a full blown anxiety attack. I had literally worried myself into thinking I had a blood clot. They did an EKG and a chest XRay. Everything was fine and all the while I apologized to them for having to put them through that. My nurse came back in momentarily to give me a shot of Xanex and pain meds. I was out for a good 4 hours, and for that I was greatful.
I was discharged the next day after eating and keeping down 3 jello cubes and 2 oz of apple juice. Boy was I glad to be out of the hospital! I had the most amazing nurses and nursing aides while I was there and I will forever be greatful for all the help and understanding they provided. It helped that the hospital I was at had a whole floor dedicated to Bariatirc patients. Everyone wished me the best of luck and told me to come back and visit. I will definitely do that.
I spent the next week with my Mother and my Aunt Jana at my Aunt's house. It was definitely a peaceful place to recover. I am so greatful for that!! Thank you Jana, Christian and Bailey!!! I spent the last week and a half at my sister Dee's with her, my Mom, my brother-in-law Scott and my two adorable nephews Tristan and Gavin. It was great being with my sister and being so close to my other sister Kris. I really got to spend some quality time with all of them! I appreciate all of their help and encouragement! And my Momma...bless her. She did everything in her power to make me comfortable and feel at home and for that I am eternally greatful! I love all of you!!!!!!
I lost 7 lbs my first week. When I had the drainage tube removed, I found out that the tube was more then likely resting on my ribcage and causing the pain I had been feeling for the past week. It was such a relief to get that sucker out!!! I went to my PCP the following monday and found out that in the 4 short days since my last weigh in, I had lost another 6 lbs. I am truly amazed at how fast it is coming off. 27 lbs in 3 weeks! Naturally, I don't own a scale, which is probably good cause I would be on it every freakin day! But that is soon to come, so I will definitely keep everyone posted!
I'm recovering nicely and getting used to my new life style, and honestly it's not as hard as I thought it would be. I'm feeling more and more normal everyday and have a wonderful support system. Thank you to all who wished me well while I was in the hospital, it truly meant the world to me to sign in and have all of your words of encouragement helping me cope. I wish everyone the best and I'll see you on the Loser's Bench!!!
Sorry for the long post...making up for missed time I suppose! Love and Hugs to all!!!
KarlaJane
1 comment
Yes, I know I have been neglecting my blog and for that I apologize!
Where to start? Well, how about the day before my surgery? Ok, so that Thursday I was nothing but a ball of nervous energy. I was jittery, anxious, excited and scared as hell the whole day! From my friends (on here and off) I knew this was to be expected. So I felt oddly calm as I went into Friday morning. Keep in mind though, I slept 4 hours and was up by 4 am ready to go to the hospital (I had to be there at 9! LMAO). My poor mother took me and I could tell she didn't want me to fret, she was doing enough of that for the both of us! I got to the hospital and parked where they told me to, only to completely forget the minute I was out of the car where I had to go from there. Luckly the nurse in the surgery center called at that exact moment to remind me!
So I get to the surgery center, not taking anything but my incentive spirometer in (like they told me to) and then almost had a complete meltdown as I remembered that I didn't have any form of ID or insurance info on me! The admissions nurse said it was all good and they got me back into the pre-op area. They weighted me and I was down 14 lbs from the pre-op liver shrinking liquids only diet they had me on for 2 freakin weeks!!! I was super excited and was pumped. I got all ready and waited...and waited...and waited. My surgery was at 11 am and I didn't go back to the operating room unitl almost 1. UGH.
In surgery, the doctor found that I was an anatomical exception. See everyone has a fatty curtain going from their breastbone to their pelvic bone to protect their organs, yeah everyone but me! So he had to position me a bit funny to get to the bowel and intestine. I woke in the recovery room crying. In pain, annoyed by the freakin tube down my nose and throat and asking all sorts of questions about the surgery. Me making sure they didn't kill me lmao...did I have to have a transfusion? Did they do it laparoscopically? Was my momma there? Had I died?! LMAO...the recovery nurse just calmly answered all of my questions and pumped me full of pain meds. The next thing I knew was waking up in my room with my Momma sitting beside me.
They next day was a lot of the usual drug induced sleep with sporatic visitors all day. During the first night I begged until they took the tube out of my nose, trying as hard as I could not to annoy the poor nurse. When she took it out, I felt like I was going to scream, but couldn't. It burned like a bitch!! My sister Dee stayed with me that first night, poor thing, my machines kept going off every 20-30 minutes and I know she couldn't have slept well! I was up and walking to the bathroom the minute they took the tube out. Surprised at the level of pain I was still experiencing. My swallow study the next morning showed some contrast that looked like a leak. They needed me to stay another night for observation and an additional swallow study the following morning. If the contrast was still there, they were going to have to go back in. I was super worried. Not to mention I had a horrible pain in my right side that wouldn't ease up no matter how I positioned myself or how much I walked.
The second night my other sister Tess stayed with me. I had quite a few visitors that day and was, for all intents and purposes, feeling a bit better. The following morning they took me for my second swallow study. I had to drink not one but two cups of barium! OMG...I felt like I was going to vomit on the radiology tech! That was the first time I felt this new full sensation, but not in a good way, I was too full. Like how you feel after Thanksgiving dinner when you definitely ate too much. I didn't like it at all. Dr Geller came in about 5 hours later and said that everything looked fine, but I had been NPO since the following day, so wanted to keep me yet another night to make sure I tolerated my liquids.
The last night I was there, I was alone. Not as bad as I had expected. I continually was in pain, not from the surgery mind you, they kept me well drugged, but from the now excruciating pain right under my rib cage. Having been off of my anxiety meds for 2 weeks, and being alone, my mind started coming up with the worst case senario. All I kept thinking was it could be a clot. When my nurse came in, she noticed the look on my face and knew right away something was wrong. I told her my concerns and they don't take that shit lightly! She promptly called the call nurse and Immediate Response Unit to my room. My blood pressure sky rocketed and I started to have a full blown anxiety attack. I had literally worried myself into thinking I had a blood clot. They did an EKG and a chest XRay. Everything was fine and all the while I apologized to them for having to put them through that. My nurse came back in momentarily to give me a shot of Xanex and pain meds. I was out for a good 4 hours, and for that I was greatful.
I was discharged the next day after eating and keeping down 3 jello cubes and 2 oz of apple juice. Boy was I glad to be out of the hospital! I had the most amazing nurses and nursing aides while I was there and I will forever be greatful for all the help and understanding they provided. It helped that the hospital I was at had a whole floor dedicated to Bariatirc patients. Everyone wished me the best of luck and told me to come back and visit. I will definitely do that.
I spent the next week with my Mother and my Aunt Jana at my Aunt's house. It was definitely a peaceful place to recover. I am so greatful for that!! Thank you Jana, Christian and Bailey!!! I spent the last week and a half at my sister Dee's with her, my Mom, my brother-in-law Scott and my two adorable nephews Tristan and Gavin. It was great being with my sister and being so close to my other sister Kris. I really got to spend some quality time with all of them! I appreciate all of their help and encouragement! And my Momma...bless her. She did everything in her power to make me comfortable and feel at home and for that I am eternally greatful! I love all of you!!!!!!
I lost 7 lbs my first week. When I had the drainage tube removed, I found out that the tube was more then likely resting on my ribcage and causing the pain I had been feeling for the past week. It was such a relief to get that sucker out!!! I went to my PCP the following monday and found out that in the 4 short days since my last weigh in, I had lost another 6 lbs. I am truly amazed at how fast it is coming off. 27 lbs in 3 weeks! Naturally, I don't own a scale, which is probably good cause I would be on it every freakin day! But that is soon to come, so I will definitely keep everyone posted!
I'm recovering nicely and getting used to my new life style, and honestly it's not as hard as I thought it would be. I'm feeling more and more normal everyday and have a wonderful support system. Thank you to all who wished me well while I was in the hospital, it truly meant the world to me to sign in and have all of your words of encouragement helping me cope. I wish everyone the best and I'll see you on the Loser's Bench!!!
Sorry for the long post...making up for missed time I suppose! Love and Hugs to all!!!
KarlaJane
Home from surgery...
Mar 23, 2009
Hello all...
I'm home from the hospital after an extended visit. They thought I might have a leak so I had to take a second barium swallow study. So as a procaution they kept me for another night. I'm home now and adjusting to eating almost nothing. I'll keep everyone updated in the next couple of days!
1 comment
I'm home from the hospital after an extended visit. They thought I might have a leak so I had to take a second barium swallow study. So as a procaution they kept me for another night. I'm home now and adjusting to eating almost nothing. I'll keep everyone updated in the next couple of days!
Minor set back..
Mar 11, 2009
Hello all...
I got a call on Monday from my surgeon's office saying they had to move my surgery to the 20th because there weren't enough assistants for the operating room...ugh!
I know it's only three more days, but I'm already weak and tired as it is! I've not eaten anything since the 3rd and my hair is starting to fall out. I don't know if it's the stress from the impending surgery, or if I'm just reacting to not getting my nutrients in! My family says to be greatful that it's not completely cancelled, and I am, but I'm just getting to be a little impatient!
I know it's coming closer, and it's really going to happen....I think that is what is keeping me going. I appreciate all the well wishes and words of encouragement. It really means a lot to me guys!!
-KarlaJane
1 comment
I got a call on Monday from my surgeon's office saying they had to move my surgery to the 20th because there weren't enough assistants for the operating room...ugh!
I know it's only three more days, but I'm already weak and tired as it is! I've not eaten anything since the 3rd and my hair is starting to fall out. I don't know if it's the stress from the impending surgery, or if I'm just reacting to not getting my nutrients in! My family says to be greatful that it's not completely cancelled, and I am, but I'm just getting to be a little impatient!
I know it's coming closer, and it's really going to happen....I think that is what is keeping me going. I appreciate all the well wishes and words of encouragement. It really means a lot to me guys!!
-KarlaJane
Good to Go!!
Mar 04, 2009
Hey everyone!!
So I've gotten the clearance from Cardio and Pulmonary for my surgery!!
Cardio was a bit tricky. There were some abnormalities on my EKG so they did an Echo with Divinity Contrast (which is administered via IV). Turns out my heart just beats funny...lmao.
Now pulmonary was another story. I've quit smoking. Stopped the day of my surgeon's appt. So my lungs are doing ok, lots of junk is coming up when I cough. But that wasn't the big thing...they had to check my blood gasses and as I'm sure all of you know they take that from the artery in your wrist....that hurt like a bitch! I passed out while she was doing it! It hurt that bad. And I'm not one to pass out easily. But all in all I was cleared, so we're good to go for my surgery!!!
Now I'm on my liquid diet for pre-op liver shrinking. I'm having a huge mental struggle with this one, let me tell ya. Now that I've quit smoking, I feel as if I'm literally drinking water, protein supplements and sleeping. Ugh...
Pre-Op Testing...
Feb 23, 2009
So I went last Thursday to Norton Suburban for my pre-op blood work, urinalysis, EKG and chest X-Ray...let me tell you...it was a very long day. I'm not sure if all surgeons require a class after your testing, but my did and it was long and filled with the same information that I have already been given. But I guess it's better to hear it all a million times then risk forgetting anything.
One great thing about the class was the nurse that explained EVERYTHING that was going to happen day of and the days following surgery. I mean, from every tube to every procedure. The nutritionist was there to give simple, protein filled recipes and helpful hints on how to get your protein in daily. So all in all it was a great tool.
So I'm off today to get my cardio clearance and then March 2nd I'm getting my pulmonary clearance. I trust that everything is going to check out. Luckily I didn't have to have a vascular clearance or get a filter put in. Dr. said since I'm young I don't need to take that precaution....
Well I'm off to the Dr...got a long day ahead of me. I hope all is well with everyone!!!!!!
0 comments
One great thing about the class was the nurse that explained EVERYTHING that was going to happen day of and the days following surgery. I mean, from every tube to every procedure. The nutritionist was there to give simple, protein filled recipes and helpful hints on how to get your protein in daily. So all in all it was a great tool.
So I'm off today to get my cardio clearance and then March 2nd I'm getting my pulmonary clearance. I trust that everything is going to check out. Luckily I didn't have to have a vascular clearance or get a filter put in. Dr. said since I'm young I don't need to take that precaution....
Well I'm off to the Dr...got a long day ahead of me. I hope all is well with everyone!!!!!!
Holy Shit...
Feb 12, 2009
Ok...so not 2 minutes after I posted that blog...Dr. Geller's nurse called me and said my insurance had approved the surgery! Holy Shiza!! It was so super fast. So the date is March 17th!!! 
I totally can't even wait...the poor nurse on the other line...she had to remind me to breathe...LMAO. I was just so shocked to actually hear the words "your surgery is scheduled for March 17th"...I literally stopped breathing!! HAHAHA...wow...I'm still in shock.
WOW
2 comments
I totally can't even wait...the poor nurse on the other line...she had to remind me to breathe...LMAO. I was just so shocked to actually hear the words "your surgery is scheduled for March 17th"...I literally stopped breathing!! HAHAHA...wow...I'm still in shock.
WOW
Dr. Geller's Appt.
Feb 12, 2009
I had my appt with Dr. Geller on Tuesday. I guess I can say that I'm happy....sort of.
See I'm a smoker, and I hate that I'm a smoker, but I am. And he told me that I had to quit smoking for 30 days in order for him to do the surgery...he said that he wouldn't do it a day sooner. So I left his office and smoked my last ciggarette ever. Ugh...so needless to say I'm a little on edge. I went immediately and bought the patches, and those are helping...a little. It doesn't help that my sister is quitting with me and we live together. NOT FUN.
But I have a goal to reach for and I'm sticking to it. I'm pushing through the cravings and my sister's bitching so that I can be under the knife in 30 days and finally achieve my weight loss goal. Keep your fingers crossed!!
Dr Geller says he wants my weight to be around 137 within 12-18 months from surgery. I can't even imagine me being 200...much less 137! But he says that it's possible and that if I do everything right, I'll reach that goal....God I hope he's right!!!
0 comments
See I'm a smoker, and I hate that I'm a smoker, but I am. And he told me that I had to quit smoking for 30 days in order for him to do the surgery...he said that he wouldn't do it a day sooner. So I left his office and smoked my last ciggarette ever. Ugh...so needless to say I'm a little on edge. I went immediately and bought the patches, and those are helping...a little. It doesn't help that my sister is quitting with me and we live together. NOT FUN.
But I have a goal to reach for and I'm sticking to it. I'm pushing through the cravings and my sister's bitching so that I can be under the knife in 30 days and finally achieve my weight loss goal. Keep your fingers crossed!!
Dr Geller says he wants my weight to be around 137 within 12-18 months from surgery. I can't even imagine me being 200...much less 137! But he says that it's possible and that if I do everything right, I'll reach that goal....God I hope he's right!!!
Butterflies...
Feb 07, 2009
My surgeon appt is on Tuesday...and I have butterflies. And it's only SATURDAY! LMAO...
I'm assuming it's normal. Just excited to get the ball rolling even faster.
Joined the YMCA last weekend and have been working with a personal trainer to get some toning done before the surgery to potentially help with the loose skin. It's great to know that organizations like the Y offer FREE personal trainers that walk with you step by step to get you in shape. They even have Wellness Coaches that will set out a personalized program with you to get you going on the right track.
I've been doing the strength training for a week now and I was sore the first night, but the next day it was like nothing. My trainer said that I'm working the core group of muscles in my arms, back, legs and abdomen so that when I start to have the mal-absorption from the surgery, it won't be that bad. Of course, I know that I will lose a lot of what I'm building, but it will have a better starting point.
If anyone has any other suggestions of what I can do before my surgery to help the after wards...I'm all ears!!!
0 comments
I'm assuming it's normal. Just excited to get the ball rolling even faster.
Joined the YMCA last weekend and have been working with a personal trainer to get some toning done before the surgery to potentially help with the loose skin. It's great to know that organizations like the Y offer FREE personal trainers that walk with you step by step to get you in shape. They even have Wellness Coaches that will set out a personalized program with you to get you going on the right track.
I've been doing the strength training for a week now and I was sore the first night, but the next day it was like nothing. My trainer said that I'm working the core group of muscles in my arms, back, legs and abdomen so that when I start to have the mal-absorption from the surgery, it won't be that bad. Of course, I know that I will lose a lot of what I'm building, but it will have a better starting point.
If anyone has any other suggestions of what I can do before my surgery to help the after wards...I'm all ears!!!
