Carol J.
Ugh...this tube is driving me nuts!!
Sep 15, 2008
I even called ( knowing the answer already though), tried to get the Dr. to take it out on the 24th or 25th (only 4 days before the 5wk mark) and was told no. I was hoping they would so I can get a real hug and cuddle with my hubby before he leaves...but of course the answer was nope, good try though.
I'm feeling ok, slowly getting more energy day by day, but can't do what I want w/out the tube buggin me.
As far as the weight...my pants are a ton looser, and the scale is between 225-227 as of this am. Last night it kept saying 225. I figured I'd just wait until the Dr. weighs me in 2 wks and 2 days to post the next official weight loss.
okie dokie...that's it for now...hope everyone else is doing good!
Hugs to all of you
~Carol
just a quick update
Sep 11, 2008
Just a quick little note to myself...and those who read my blogs...
My highest weight was 276....my weight before the whole process at my very first appointment to see if I was approved was 271lbs. By pre-op day, my weight was 254.bs...I've slowly been losing as the time goes on, and this am I got on the scale and saw 228! It's crazy, but soo cool at the same time. Thats already 26 lbs down in 2 weeks and 4 days.
With the hubby leaving, I'm really curious to know what I'll be by the end of January...but only time will tell. 29.bs to go and I'll be in the one hundred land!!
2 wks, 2 days Post Op
Sep 10, 2008
Well, things are going ok. I'm getting really tired with the same foods already..not sure If I've already said that or not, but its sooo true! I'm making more shakes from "eggface", so that's helping a little, but not a whole lot. Found another popsicle from Schwans which I can have...Raspberry and Orange Creme! That helps too...plus there is a lot of food I'll be able to eat once the 29th (5wks post off-mushed foods) hits! I'm really wanting some mashed potatoes and talapia.
I am able to do a lot more, but get tired quickly too. Still uncomfortable to sit at the computer too long. I'm hoping that will change once the drain tube is taken out on the 1st.
Got some shocking news on Monday the 8th, hubby has been told he is deploying out to Afghan. as soon as they can get him out of here. I'm kind of nervous, since I'm still not suppose to do much over the 5lbs lifting limit, and more than likely will be driving myselt the tube removal. (which reminds me, I need to talk to someone about that too). Nervous just about him leaving too, and not sure how the boys are really going to take it. Not to mention, how will I look when he gets back? (HOpefully a HOT MAMMA).
Well, I'm down to 233-234 lbs., which means 22-23 lbs lost thus far. I'm doing MUCH better about all my supplements (HATE the IRON!!!!) I just don't look forward to my heart med or the iron. Both are much more do able with sugar free chocolate pudding.
I'm much better with the protein now too...thanks to "eggface" and her listing of protein shakes! I had the choco/banana one for awhile, currently I'm on the vanilla mix, with 3 frozen strawberries, and ice...more like a smoothie. I tried the strawberry protein with a banana, and just wasn't having it.
That's about it for now....Please keep my Hubby in your thoughts and prayers....along with the rest of our soldiers....
Remember: Freedom isn't Free!
Hugs to all of you
~Carol~
9 days out...
Sep 03, 2008
Good news, I've lost a total of 18.2 lbs since the Pre-op weigh in, which will be two weeks tomorrow.
I'm off the drugs, all except my heart med, which is just to regulate it still...no beats skipping.
I'm officially sick of cottage cheese ane sugar free jello...but am currently loving tomato soup, and one of the shakes from "eggface".
doing Great with my water, and fluids....
Next Dr. appt. is Oct. 1, to remove the tube...which Is going to be an AWESOME day!! LOL
4 days post op
Aug 29, 2008
Let's see, I'm not as loopy as I was before on my last post. I'm actually starting to get restless, but am being restrained from doing too much by the hubby. :-)
I did my walking...living room, kitchen, bathroom, hall, etc...in spurts here and there. I've done my sitting up here and there, and even tried sitting on the couch through a movie with my boys...which I paid for later..but I sure do miss the good cuddling with them.
I'm trying to drink as much liquids as I can, along with getting in my protein...just not really hungry, so that's making it tough. My G-tube area is still really tender to the touch, but all the other incision areas are healing nicely...at least they itch here and there, so I'm guessing it's all going good!
I know I'm not suppose to get on the scale, but I did on Wednesday to find out I'm down to 242, which means I lost 12lbs since surgery! Total of 32lbs since the beginning of this journey.
I did stop caffeine and such about two months prior to surgery, but am currently having headaches here and there.
I have not ventured up the 14 stairs again yet..did for the shower the other night...and I have not slept in my bed yet either. It's just easier on me to sleep in my oversized recliner, with the bathroom and kitchen right here too.
I'm still looking for more ways to get in more protein, and starting to look for other things to eat. I know I must eat three meals, and am doing so.
Still hope all is well with my "friends"!!
Leaving the Hospital
Aug 27, 2008
After the lesson, the nurse came in, showed us how to clean the G-tube area(I'll have it in for 6wks), and took the other(J-tub??) out. Then Dr. Jawad came in, looked over everything, and gave the ok to go home. Then Asked if we had any other questions, gave me some final pain med...since we'd be driving home the 2.5 hours .
The drive, I mostly slept, my hubby stopped every 45 minutes for me to get out and walk. on the 3rd stop, I had to use the restroom...thank goodness for McD's and the handicap stalls!!! Way easier to go on them then a regular sized one.
Arrived home, kids and dogs were all ready to greet mom... sitter left, I got some more pain med in me, and finally was able to relax in my recliner. I slept in the recliner the first night. Tonight the hubby is asking me to try to sleep in a bed...we'll see how it goes.
Overall, only sore muscles, not really nauseated at all, and I got a killer cramp in my left arm from holding up my breast while walking..not sure but it just hurts less if it's not sitting on my stomach!
I'm on my way to recovery... and hoping all is going good for my surgery buddies too.
I didn't meet any angels, and only one other surgery buddy in the hosiptal.
Update and post op
Aug 27, 2008
The night before, I started to read a book, couldn't quite get myself to get some sleep. I took my shower, and bathed with the soap the hosiptal had given me...then went to try to sleep again, and succeeded. In the am, I woke at 5am and took another shower as instructed, and bathed with the soap. Got on some comfy clothes, and headed off to the hospital.
We arrived at 5:45am, check in was at 6am. I gave them my check in info, and waited maybe 15 minutes, before they called me back to the room. IN the room, I was instructed to strip down, and put on their wonderful night shirt, some blue slippers, and a really cool blue hair cover! I then had to go potty, and of course Mother Nature had decided to visit me...just one more little thing to worry about during the whole process.
The nurses inserted my IV, started giving me meds, and then wheeled me off to the OR. I remember arriving in the OR, and the mask going on, and that was it! I briefly remember waking up in the recovery room a couple of times, I do remember the nurse being great! The next thing I remember was waking in my room, and seeing my wonderful hubby!
I knew I'd have the two tubes on both sides, along with the catather, and the one in my nose, for draining. It was still a little scary waking up with the tube in my nose...that I think was the worst part! I was soooo ready for it to come out!
It's a Go for MONDAY!
Aug 23, 2008
Did all of my pre-op need be's on Thursday...the best part was my EKG coming back as "NORMAL".
Even with Tropical Fay, and all the driving in the rain and wind...I'm feeling more and more anxious to be on my way!
I was told at ORMC they had 36 folks coming in for Pre-ops on Thursday, and 28 of them belonged to Dr. Jawad....
Question...WHERE ARE ALL OF YOU!!??
I sure do hope most of you post, and add me as a friend! I'm looking forward to meeting everyone I can, especially those I'll be walking the hallways with!! Maybe we can do a secret handshake...or nod..or heee hee......anyway...
PLEASE stop by and visit me!! I'll exchange here on OH, home emails, or even phone numbers...
I am planning on packing this evening...thinking a Ds to play who knows...
a book, my robe, non slippery shoes, phone numbers, post op-excercises, small pillow for coughs/breathing/etc., comfy clothes to go home in , and some pj's to walk the halls in.
I'm sure there is something else...so if anyone thinks of something..PLEASE let me know!!
oh...maybe I'll post that topic!
BEST of luck to all my surgery day buddies, and hope to see or hear from you soon!
Nerves are starting!!
Aug 20, 2008
HOWEVER>>>>
Karen from hospital called today to do all of my pre-op over the phone mumbo jumbo...ok...no problem, I was fine.
Then about 5 minutes ago...Finance calls from the hospital...
Just to go over driver's license, military id, if there's any other insurance, living will, etc...
I hang up...and MAN I feel the butterflies now in the tummy!!!!
Tomorrow morning is all my tests again at Pre-OP...maybe I'm nervous since I've done this before and am just afraid something else might pop up?? Not really sure, but I"ll post again tomorrow afterwards...and it BETTER BE with all GOOD NEWS!!!
A Week to GO!!
Aug 18, 2008
So, I'm doing a lot of "last minute" things...to try to help things run smoother while I'm taking it easy!
I'm usually the one with our kids all the time, so I'm making sure all the laundry is done, rooms are cleaned up, cabinets/pantry/fridge/freezer full of food for all my boys, last minute lists making for the sitters who will be making sure my kids eat, do homework, get to school, etc....
Not to mention stocking up on all my stuff for my "clear liquids" and my "meals" for the next 4 weeks.
I'm also making sure the children I have in care will have care while I'm out of service. HOpefully not for too long!
OH...and I find out I only get two weeks with my hubby home, then he is being sent out to training for a few weeks(at least it's not a few months!).
I can't say I'm excited....even though I am !! I think I'm just in a lull, and like I said before...maybe after Thursday it'll be a little more real. I keep thinking about all the NEW clothes, able to ride a roller coaster again...or just a ride which doesn't have a weight restriction or one where you knowthe belt wont fit around you anyway!
I'm even looking forward to December already! I have a trip planned to go back and visit a few friends... 1. airplane ride~ the belt should fit this time w/out the extension...and hopefully I'll fit comfortably in my seat... 2. I'm always the biggest one there, in our group, so maybe NOT this time around!! 3. I hope I can actually ask for CLOTHES this year for Christmas! 4. Family hopefully will not be such a "task" this year, maybe I'll enjoy it!?
Oh well, I have a lot of hopes/dreams coming out of this, and I'm almost afraid to even consider any of them...lots of What if's and such. Time will only tell!
