2 weeks post-op

Apr 02, 2010

I should have written sooner!  Surgery went great!  It was honestly easier than I ever imagined.  My left shoulder hurt for 2 days after I came home, it started hurting post-op day 1 in the hospital and I did a lot of walking like everyone said to.  After I got home I took pain meds the first day but the liquid lortab tasted horrible and made me too sleepy so I only took it twice.  The next day I switched to liquid tylenol but by the next day I never took anymore of that.  I have never had any nausea or vomiting.  The first 5 days I had trouble getting my water in then found some good crystal light and have been able to get my water in ever since.  It took till March 26th until I could get the 60 grams of protein in.  At first the protein shakes I drank preop tasted okay but then I couldn't stand the thought of them anymore.  I switched to some "fruit" flavored protein drinks and they got me over the hump.  I saw my primary doctor on March 26th and he said I could stay off my blood pressure medication (which they stopped in the hospital).  The full liquid diet was better than the clear liquid but within a few days I couldn't stand the thought of soup or oatmeal.  On March 29th I got to start on soft food and that has been wonderful.  I am not hungry but food tastes good, I just have to think of something that sounds good.  While on the preop diet I had a day where I experienced some stress and really wanted to turn to food to comfort myself but couldn't.  In the past my emotional eating always is what got me off track.  I made it through that.  Post op I went to a house warming party and there was a lot of delicious looking food and wine to drink and all I could have was my protein shake.  I wasn't hungry but felt left out when I couldn't eat my way through the party.  I have had some emotional days where I have wanted to turn to food but I am trying to find ways to deal with my emotions that don't involve food.  I went to my Lake house for 6 days and had a great time.  I am walking 3 times a day for 25 minutes, usually I take my two schnauzers, Katie and Toby.  They make walking a lot of fun.
     Yesterday I had my 2 week post op appointment.  I met with the nurse, dietitian, exercise physiologist, counselor and doctor.  Everyone of them paid me a lot of compliments and were very encouraging, not just on how much I have lost (25#) but on my attitude and how I could already feel some of the benefit of surgery.  It was very uplifting.  I am feeling wonderful.  My husband, mom, brother and friends have been a great support. 

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