One Week Update

Wow, I can't believe it's been a week already.  I go see Dr. Hong at the clinic tomorrow for my follow-up.  I am hoping they send me to get some blood work, because I am pretty sure my blood levels are down, which could mean another transfusion.  I have this super 'foggy' feeling, light headedness, and don't seem as quick thinking as I should be.

I have been doing a lot of resting, sipping and walking.  I have been to Walmart twice in the past two days, just to walk around a bit, then my mom takes me home..... Woot!  lol.

The pain is slowly getting better.  I still have tons of irritation in my abdominal cavity, and the wound where the drain was is still leaking blood, and a bit of other gross discharge.  I have to change the dressing a few times a day.  The other sites are doing well.  The muscle where they pulled the Lap-Band Port out of is really painful.

I actually got to keep the Band.  When I finally woke up, it was sitting on the bedside table in a specimen container.  The nurses were like, 'Did you actually want that?'  I laughed and said, 'Yeah, I paid Fifteen Grand, it's mine!!!'.  Later, upon further instruction, it still has a lot of...um.... 'grossness' attached to it...lol, muscle fibers and goo.  Pretty sure I won't be taking it out of the container, or putting it on my mantel for a show piece.

When I got home, I got on the scale.  I was shocked to see that I had gained 14 pounds since the day of surgery! I kind of freaked out, but my mom gave me tons of support and reminded me that I had JUST gotten a few blood transfusions and tons of boluses, and that it would come down.  Plus, at the hospital, I had a hard time peeing after they took the catheter out, but that went away when I got home.
Since coming home on Saturday, I am down 12 of the 14 pounds (water weight). 

In terms of intake - it is a lot tougher than I thought.  I had a very hard time in the hospital keeping everything down, and then I could only take in about 20mls an hour.  I have increased that to 120-180mls an hour.  I am getting in at least two protein shakes a day, and am aiming for a third today. 

I did go out and buy Popsicles, but after reading the label (Motts FruitSensations NSA), I took them back and got good old Popsicle Brand NSA and Freezies NSA.  They actually help my intake quiet a bit.  I have some tea, some coffee, some broth, water and diet juice that I sip throughout the day.  I am loving water much more that I ever thought possible. 

I had a few people message me saying that my experience has scared them into re-thinking their upcoming surgeries.  I just want to remind people that this is a very serious operation, with tons of benefits, but a lot of possible complications. 

Although it has been a really hard week, I don't regret anything.  I knew the potential complications going in, and am grateful that Dr. Hong was able to do all that he did....take out the Band and remove extensive scar tissue, and was able to save my spleen despite the laceration. 

And people say that this 'is the easy way out.....'.  I totally disagree.

I will update after my appointment tomorrow.

Great Update Tammy...thank you!  Glad to hear  you are doing so much better and just take one day at a time you have been through alot in a week. 

I agree on with you it's not the easy way out...
People who think it's the easy way out should attend some of the appointments and educate themselves.  RNY is FAR from the easy way out.

So glad to hear that you are on the mend. Despite the spleen incident it has not changed my mind re surgery. I think it just makes me more aware of what could happen and to be more prepared.  Glad to see that you are able to get your fluids and protein in. Good luck at your f/u

Tammy, I'm so glad to hear that you're on the mend - you certainly had a rough go at the start!  Continued speedy recovery to you. :) 

 Hi Tammy,

Glad to hear you're doing much better. If you're still looking for another water idea, I froze crystal light in an ice cube tray and then broke up the ice cubes with a mallet to create ice chips to suck on. Very helpful in increasing my water. Keep up the good work!
 

Hi Tammy,

I'm so glad to hear that you are much better!

I think people also have to remember that a REVISION is much tougher than a virgin wls surgery!

I'm sure you will love it in a few weeks!

Glad to hear you are starting to feel better.

Thank you for sharing your story...helps us all to be prepared for the good and the bad!

Tracy

Glad to see you are improving, and that your Mom is giving you such good support.   I hope you get your blood tests tomorrow and that all goes well.

I am so impressed by your attitude surrounding everthing!  You go girl!!

Thanks for the update.  Glad to hear that things are progressing for you.

Keep us posted.

Judy

Sounds like you are doing great after a difficult surgery.  Glad to hear you are home and can go to Walmart!