surgery went very well

Hi everyone!

My surgery went great last Wednesday.  I had a few hard hours afterward but by 1:00 a.m. it was like a cloud had lifted.  Pain and nausea were managed well.  I can't say enough good things about the staff on the Bariatric Unit at Carmel St. Vincents.  They were wonderful.  One tip I learned was to brush my teeth every time they got me up.  This really helped with the nausea.  By Thursday morning, I was doing 2 laps around the unit and sitting up in my chair and doing great.  I got in 2 miles total by the time I left.  Everyone said I did amazingly well.  Now home and every thing is going as planned.  It is hard to get all the protein in.  It seems like half way thru any protein shake, I get really full and can't even look at it anymore.  Eating at meals is a joy and at least I can get 15 proteins in a day with 3 cheese sticks.  I still need the percoset every 6 hours.  I can sleep on my stomach now  which is very desireable to me.  Prior to surgery, I asked Dr. Inman to give me Toradol and Protonix thru my hospitalization and I think it really helped me do well.  We found it helped my daughter during her surgery recovery.  The second day she was a mess and not eating or drinking.  So they tried the Portonix drip and Toradol and it turned her around.  I'm managing around 65-83 proteins a day and 62-72 fluids.  That's the best I can do right now.  Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers.  Pam

Great to hear all went well.  I love the folks at ST V in Carmel.  Staying there is always a joy!  I also am so glad I had Dr Inman for my surgeon.  She is great.  Keep us all updated on how you are doing Pam.   You have plenty to be thankful for tomorrow!  Most of us do.

Thanks Terry,  I went on my first excursion today.  Spent an hour walking around Meijers.  I ran into a friend and she said my face looked thinner.  I'm still higher than my surgery weight.  I promised someone on the RNY board that I wouldn't weigh again until Sat.urday.  I'll have to have DH put the scales in the garage or something.  He has lost 3 pounds this week and he is thin.  I stocked the freezer with lots of leftovers prior to surgery so all his portions are controlled. So now I will have to keep my eye on him (I don't like him getting too thin).  I had a bad experience with some Milk of Mag yesterday.  I took the full dose and had my first dump with dry heaves and sweating and hot flashes.  It worked though and I had a nice BM and numerous more trips to the bathroom with shooting diarrhea.  So I thought today I will start to lose.  Nothing at all, not even a half a pound.  So I am trying to be patient and keep a good face on. 

Have a nice Thanksgiving!!  Pam

Hi Pam, glad to hear you are doing well and out and about already.  Do NOT worry about the weight !  We get so pumped full of gas and then hold fluids right after surgery for the first couple of weeks.  Sometimes longer!  I did not try Milk of Mag.  I used Col-ace, then went to Miralx (generic version from Wal greens).  I needed to put 1 TBS in my protein drink daily for a few weeks.  Once I was eating solid foods I was OK again.
I had a really nice Thanksgiving, but had a contrasting cat scan the next day and came down sick afterward.  developed sinusitis and bronchitis.  I have been off work for 2 days.  Feel much better today and am back. 
I started getting the tree up and ended up baking like crazy yesterday.  I was bored stiff!  Now I have to avoid all the things I cooked.

HI Terry,  Sorry to hear about your sinusitis and bronchitis.  That is a real bummer.   After my Milk of Mag incident, I've only used a few stool softeners now and then.  I'm more regular now than before the surgery.  I've used Miralax for years so I'll try that if I have too. 

I'm feeling really great.  We have the tree up and all the grandkids presents wrapped.  This year, I ordered everything on-line in my pajamas on the Friday after Thanksgiving.  I can't stand Christmas shopping and standing in lines. 

I've lost a little over 10 now and I'm a little over 2 weeks but I am happy with it.  We joined a Health Club Wednesday and I'm up to 30 minutes on the treadmill and then walk around the track some.

Hope you feel better real soon.  Pam

Hello Pam,
 
Glad things went well. Now you are the losing side. I am coming up on my 7 years. Have losted 158 pound and few great. This is the best thing I every have done for myself. Enjoy life and everything it offers you. Debbie

Hi Debbie,

Thanks for the encouragement.  Wow you have kept off 158 for 7 years.  That is quite an accomplishment.  I have 2 sisters who had the surgery 7 and 10 years ago and  both are gaining back their weight.  You must be doing everything right.  Congratulations.  Pam

Pam,
Congrats on your progress.  Keep up the good work and stay focused.  The light is at the end of the tnnel.

Christy

Thanks Christy,  You've done a great job with your surgery.  I know it is a process and I know I'll get to my goals too.   Pam

Ms. Pam!

How wonderful!! I have Dr. Inman too, surgery (Sleeve) date is Jan 27th! I'm so nervous about how the staff will be @ Clarian Carmel but I cant say enough great things about Dr. Inman. I have a low platelet disorder and feel like she's gonna be the best surgeon for someone who's blood doesn't clot--- did you know she was a Trauma ER doctor for 13 years? For sure someone I want on my side during a scary surgery like this. Do you feel, physically, better since loosing the weight? 78 pounds is a LOT of weight to drop that quick--- you must feel some changes already? So excited for you!!! :)