I finally have a stomach with sleeve technology!

Mar 13, 2009

After about 7 months the day finally came where I could try again for my sleeve.  I thought I wouldnt be nervous and this whole things would be a piece of cake.  In all honesty, is was.  I think the nerves kicked in this time because deep down on a subconscious level I knew I was getting sleeved.  So what happened?  Its Monday morning I got to go first, and this time around I wanted to be first.  Luckily my sleeve sis was 100% onboard for that.  I remember even less about going into the OR and nothing about coming out.  All I remember is waking up in my room and wanting to puke.  I did twice, and the second time is when all the blood came up, freaking my hubby out.  I tried to tell him it was normal but until Dr. A came in, he was not hearing it.  Eventually by early or possible late Monday evening, time was a bit fuzzy for me, I was able to walk to the bathroom.  I hate having to use the bed  pan.  Makes me feel like I am gonna pee myself.  Eww.  
With a steady stream of nausea and pain meds I slept through the night.  Tuesday morning Dr. A came in and took off the leg wraps and ordered the IV to be taken out. I was walking the halls shortly after.  Tuesday afternoon he took me and my sis down for our leak tests.  That was soooo not as bad as I was expecting.  I didnt have nausea anymore, but the thought of drinking something that might taste yucky was making me a little gaggy.  It was ok.  The fluid didnt taste great but it wasnt aweful.  It tasted like a watered down strawberry milk shake and I only had to take 2 little sips.  It was neat to watch the path the fluid took through my new little tummy.  So, after the all clear with the leak test I got the OK for my ice chips.  Who would have thought ice could be sooo good.  My mouth was all dry and nasty and those chips made it alllll better.  By this time I am feeling pretty darn good and have been taking my walks.  Its been pretty uneventful and that is perfect.  By Tuesday night I have been graduated to small sips of water.  Wednesday morning was all about more walking and getting ready to leave the hospital.  Dr. A came in for one last visit, Dr. G gave us our take home meds and all the info we needed and Rosie drove us back to San Antonio.  Thursday morning rolled around and its time to go home.  I had 2 flights, which were also uneventful.  Aside from always getting stuck behind someone that wanted to recline their seat back I wasnt uncomfortable at all.

So thats the basic run down of what happened.  Here are some of the details that I left out.  Dr. A. will visit you a couple times each day and Dr. G will visit at least once a day.  The nurses are very limited in english but all you really  need to communicate is nausea or pain and they know those words.  The language barrier really wasnt a problem at all.  Normally Christina is there, who takes you to x-ray and labs and helps to translate, but she had a family emergency and had to leave after she got me and my sister situated.  I had no pain and I still have no pain with the exception of 1 incision site.  Actually its not at the site, it seems to be more of a referred pain.  It feels like a stinging sensation on the skin and only happens if my skin moves just so.  I did have gas and still do.  The gas was pretty uncomfortable the first few days, but by Thursday it was totally manageable.  WALKING REALLY DOES HELP.  Now, here is a little tidbit that worked for me.  I was very nervous about getting queasy away from the hospital and not having any nausea meds to help.  I had my hubby go to Wal Mart and pick up some chewable Bonine(dramamine).  The antibiotics they send you home with are so gross that I needed that bonine to keep from gagging.  I also took some before my flight just incase.  

Since Ive been home Ive been feeling fine.   I dont have any physical hunger, but head hunger is a different story.  Its doesnt help that every freaking commercial on TV is about food.  Is anything else for sale in America besides food!?!?!?!?  To help with that issue I am going to join a local OA group and see if that works for me.  My gut makes all kinds of funny noises and you might thing I have a lion in my belly at times.  I really dont feel hungry and that is amazing to me.  I am still fresh out of surgery so I am sure I still have some swelling so I am curious to see how much hunger I will feel further down the line.  My activity level is low, mainly just walking around the house and up and down stairs.  By Monday (3/16) I should be back to the gym doing mild exercise (treadmill) and gradually build up to the elliptical.  So far the emotions are still in check and no "buyers remorse" that I can speak of.  

So thats my story, or should I say, the beginning of my new life.  Check back to see what happens next!

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