lawrenln88
July 30, 2007 (2 months out from surgery)
I am doing very well. I weigh 190 lbs., feel and look much better. I thought I would never get to a point where I felt normal. I did exactly what Dr. Anderson, Dr. Balder and staff told me to do and I only had one incident where I ate something (some beef) and had pain and vomiting for 15 hours. Dr. Balder recommended I go to emergency if I could not get to sleep and if it lasted all night which is what happened. Went to emergency and my CT Scan and blood work came out normal. I believe that beef has too many fibers, which may have clogged the stoma. I was unable to chew it to a pulp and it may have caused the belly pain and vomiting. After all the vomiting and nausea I was dehydrated but the ER took care of all my needs. It took about 3 days to feeling better. I just drank water and my protein shakes during those 3 days. At this point I'm stronger, my wounds are healed, I'm exercising, and have gained strength physically and psychologically. I can eat about 4 ounces of food with each meal, stick to high protein foods and eat them first but have been able to eat some fresh fruit (cantaloupe, cherries and peaches) in small amounts. I have about 1/2 slice of whole grain bread (low sugar and high in fiber) per day, eggs, cottage cheese, chicken, oatmeal and some cereals with milk. It gets better and better every day. My only regret is losing Dr. Anderson who moved to Greenville. Good Luck Dr. Anderson for all your good work, I will miss you.
*****
I am starting my journey at 223 pounds (I am 5'3").
May 10, 2007: I have completed the dietary consult, received the recommendation from my doctor and have had my endoscopy. Today I have an appointment with Dr. Anderson for the results of my biopsy. If clean, I am hoping for a surgery date. Will post later.
May 17, 2007: I have a surgery date - May 30th. I am looking forward to a safe and successful operation and will be compliant with all the doctor's recommendations. Will post next week.
May 20, 2007: I can't believe there are only 10 days to go.
Saturday, May 26, 2007: Only 4 days to go. I'm ready.
Monday, May 28, 2007: Only 2 days to go. I just received an email from Judyanne which was so uplifiting. I needed that email, it came at a much needed time. Thank you so much. I look forward to the time when I can uplift and inspire as well.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007: 7:07am. Weighed in this morning at 219.8. On my way to the hospital.
Saturday, June 16, 2007: It is 2 1/2 weeks that I had surgery. Dr. Anderson is a wonderful surgeon, the hospital nurses, aides, etc were all very accommodating and the surgery went well. I was under about 2 hours. Dr. found adhesions from past surgeries but all went very well. I have a tiny stomach (hard to believe). The first day I was out of it, I used the pain pump so I can't elaborate, but day 2-4 were good. There is some pain but tolerable. It all depends on the patient too. I had a catheter in which was taken out Thursday, after that I went to the bathroom with the help of a nurse or aid but soon I was doing it alone. I walked as much as I could (you need to do that so you don't form blood clots). I had a drain in which was taken out Friday (glad to get rid it that, it just kept hanging there and getting in my way). You are taken care of 24 hours a day and felt good. I got home on Saturday and being in my own surroundings you realize that it is the same but you have changed. For the first week or two you are on liquids, vitamins, protein shakes. In my experience, the surgery is still so new that the shakes and vitamins were difficult to swallow. I was also nauseous and could hardly get water down. I noticed that my taste buds and odors changed - nothing seemed the same. I was not hungary but you know you need to get something in you. So Saturday and Sunday were not good days for me. Could not get anything down and I felt weak and weepy. Once I got hold of Dr. Anderson's office, they told me it was all normal. I ALSO HAD LOTS OF GAS. So, Dr. Anderson prescribed coltrate to settle my stomach and Gas-X chewables for the gas and I'm fine. Today is my best day. I am trying to settle into a routine. One thing I need to remember is to sip small sips all day. It takes getting used to but you can do it. I'm glad I had it done and I look forward to my pureed diet.
