twjojo09
Hello! My name is Terry. I'm 51, female and had the Verticle Sleeve surgery on December 9th, 2013. My doctor also repaired a hiatal hernia while he was in there.
(lol, I didn't realize until my 2 week post op appt. that the doctor repaired the hiatal hernia. I didn't know I had one, and I didn't know that it had been repaired. I remember him coming into my hospital room and telling me something about it, but I was drugged and I just thought he said it was ok. I didn't get to see the dr. at the 2 week post op, so I still don't know exactly what he did and what that meant for me and it effected me before and after.)
Just before I started my 2-week pre-op liquid diet I was at 260lbs. Now at 5 1/2 weeks post surgery I weigh 222lbs. I had to go through 6 months of nutritional counseling before I was approved. (it was even longer than that, because I waited to have all the tests done that I had to do. That was my fault.) I got discouraged during that time, because it seemed like it wasn't going to happen. Once I was approved it was only a few weeks until I had my surgery.
I wasn't sure if I liked my doctor prior to the surgery. I only saw him a couple of times, briefly, but he seemed kind of abrupt. I figured if he had experience and a good record that was all that mattered. I wasn't scared at all before my surgery. I just wanted to get it done. I had thought about having wls back in 2007, but lost my job and insurance. Boy! I wish I would have done it years ago!
Sorry this is so long, but I am that way! lol... On the day of surgery, I went by myself. I really didn't want people fussing over me when I didn't feel well. Plus, I thought I could drive myself home. Doctor said no, though. Anyway, I arrived early and they took me back early. The doctor seemed nicer and talked to me before the surgery. I liked him better then. Next thing I remember was waking up after feeling awful from the anesthesia. (Oh, the anesthesiologist was very funny, but there was a different one there on the day.) I had never had anesthesia before. It made me feel very dizzy and extremely nauseous! I hated that part.
All the nurses at Wood County Hospital were nice and caring. The staff at Dr. Lalor's office are very caring and helpful. I'm glad I was referred to them.
I had dry heaves that first day. I had a very difficult time drinking any liquids. I didn't want anything. I stopped pushing the button for morphine on the second or third day. I thought that may be making me sick as well. I had some discomfort just below my ribs, where the stomach is. It wasn't bad pain. The day after surgery the doctor said he could give me a patch for the nauseousness. It did help. I didn't do much except sleep the first couple of days. I walked some, but I told them "no" a couple of times. It was all because of the anesthesia and or morphine.
One thing that is important is to have help planned at home if you have any responsibilities. If it was just me, alone, I would have been fine, but I care for my elderly mother. I had some help for a couple of hours the day after I went home, but I really didn't want to have to do much...cook, help her clean... I was glad that I had a few weeks off of work. Mostly, I was just weak and tired.
My biggest problem has been getting enough water and protein. I have not been getting enough of either. I don't feel like eating much, things don't appeal to me, and even drinking water makes me feel icky. It makes me feel like I have to burp when I drink water. I don't feel like I have heartburn or acid reflux. Another problem for me is that I really like to go out to eat. That was my entertainment before. I guess I thought I could still eat what I like, but just very small portions. That was wrong. It's difficult to find things that I can eat at restaurants. If it's morning, I could eat some oatmeal or grits, but I don't eat out in the morning very often. I tried scrambled eggs with spinach and cheese, but that feels heavy afterwards. I've tried some soups out. Chili with cheese and sour cream was a big no no! I got really sick afterwards...at the restaurant.
I have only thrown up twice in the 5 1/2 weeks after leaving the hospital...mostly it has been the "other". Now I'm constipated! ugh!! I have never had a problem with constipation before surgery. I am sure that it is because I don't drink enough water. I am doing well if I drink one bottles dasanni water! I know that is bad. I'm trying!!
On the positive side, I am happy with my weight loss so far. I don't want it to come off too quickly. I have lost 50" so far. I can and others can tell that I have lost. I have one chin now :) I need to start working out, other than just walking, so I don't get too flabby. I have more energy too. Oh, and I found out that I had sleep apnea, so I sleep with a cpap machine now. I don't feel as tired during the day and I rarely take naps now. I went down two pant sizes and my breasts are not too big for my bras now lol.
Yes, I'm glad I did it.