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So six days ago I had my surgery.

I can't say I didn't think of running away  up until the minute they knocked me out.  I even offered to take Dr. Spaw to breakfast instead of doing the surgery but he declined (how rude!).  I woke up and was thrilled to find they were able to do my surgery laprascopically (my biggest fear was they would have to cut me open).  And the next day or so dozing between nurses and techs "bothering me".

I had my pain pump out Wednesday and took two doses of oral pain meds that day.  Truly after that I had some soreness in my stomach but it was never that bad.  Everyone says there is one incision where the scope went in that hurts worse...I need to ask Dr. Spaw which one that was so I know which one to complain about.

Thursday he asked me if I wanted to come home and as delightful as Baptist was I agreed.  I came home and slept like 14 hours.  Oh, and according to my scale at home had gained 11 pounds in the hospital.  I have decided my scale is a liar (truthfully it is not approved for weights as high as mine so probably isn't accurate).

Friday night I could NOT get  comfortable.  I had jaw pain from grinding my teeth the night before, my knee hurt, and truthfully I had GAS pain.  I tried walking, I tried a shower, and eventually gave in and took a pain pill.  That's what they are for, right?

Saturday I decided I felt up to a ride out to Murfreesboro (about 25 miles).  I was sore by the time we got there (despite taking a pillow to hug which helped some) and was exhausted by the time we got home. 

Other than that I am back doing normal stuff around the house just trying to remember to be careful how I bend and not to pick up heavy stuff.  I keep waiting for other shoe to drop and to feel like crap but it hasn't happened yet.

As for eating  I love sugar free pudding.  I have had some pureed chicken with sugar free, no calorie barbeque sauce (found it at Krogers, they also have ketchup) and tuna (dry, dry, dry...need to figure that out).  I get full very fast but still panic (paranoia anyone?) that my surgery didn't really work.  I have no reason to think that but still...gotta have something to worry about.

Oh and as for that lying scale?  Now says I have lost 12 pounds since I got home.  Maybe I have.  I have sworn not to weigh myself again till I go back for my two week follow up with the surgeon so I know it will be an accurate scale.

I am home and feeling good.  I am prepared that it might get worse but at this point I am just having some soreness in my belly.  I was up and walking by 4pm on Tuesday (the day of surgery).

The only complication I have had is that my sugar spiked during the surgery and I am on insulin for the first time ever (isn't this surgery supposed to cure diabetes not make it worse???).  They seem to think this is temporary and after my body recovers from the surgery I will be fine.

Measurements as of 8/3/08

Weight: 347
Neck: 17.5
Bust: 53
Chest: 45
Waist: 56
Hips: 69
Thighs: 35/36
Calves: 19/19.5
Upper Arm: 20/19.5
Wrist: 6.5/6.5

I started my diet on Tuesday and was surprised at how well it was going (diet this week = 2 protein shakes, 1 low-cal frozen dinner, and clear liquids).  I was fighting some head hunger then Thursday I was suddenly starved.  Starved and depressed and thinking of canceling the surgery just so I could eat.

I worked through it and am back on track.

Next week I add 2 protein shakes a day and drop the frozen dinner.  I'll be fine.  Really.

I just have to keep my eye on the prize that this will help insure they can do this laprascopically.

I still don't think I am as panicked as I should be facing major surgery.  My only concern is I woke up with a sore throat this morning and I have 9 days till my surgery...I better not be getting sick!!!

I went for my Upper GI today and lab work.  Silly me confused an Upper GI with and endoscope.  The Upper GI was drinking three different gross substances while they took "x-rays" of my esophogus and stomach.

They also took blood (yay, for having to be stuck twice! wait no, that sucked) and did an EKG.

Tomorrow I start my pre-op diet.  So hopefully I can keep my cheerful disposition.

Less than two weeks till I start my two week post op diet.  I don't know that the reality has hit me yet.

So far I have found the only protein drink I like is Carnation Sugar Free.  Locally I could only found chocolate but I ordered the variety pack which includes strawberry and vanilla to give me some variety and they are tasty too.

I have found sugar free popsicles (orange, pineapple, and tropical punch) that I like, sugar free jello, and sugar free puddings.  But need to work on finding broths especially since I think I am going to get sick of all this sweet stuff fast (sweets have never been my thing).

I have found that since giving up soda I don't enjoy chips or fast food.  I have accidentally ordered soda while out at restaurants and not realized it until I started drinking it.

My knee is feeling really good after my scope.  Today I was released by my ortho doc and no longer have to go to physical therapy.

Tuesday (July 1st) I had a scope done on my left knee.  I have been suffering since January and in physical therapy for months trying to get some relief.

My orthopedic surgeon was willing to wait when it looked like I was going to have my bariatric surgery any time but once I got my date and it isn't till August we decided to go ahead.

It makes me less worried about my "big" surgery because I came through anesthesia well and seem to be healing.  I also suddenly have no pain in my knee.  The bad thing is there is a torn ligament that will have to be repaired eventually but it will be a while.

I go in two weeks to be fitted for a custom brace (traditional braces just do not conform to my leg) and this will hopefully make getting moving after my bypass much, much easier.

4/3 - Talked to PCP
4/9 - Went to surgeon's office for initial visit
4/12 - Went to WLS Seminar
4/20 - PCP sent letter
5/1 - Approved for surgery
5/15 - Took Psych Eval
5/18 - All pre-req's for meeting with surgeon complete
5/28 - Met with surgeon who requested Sleep Study
5/30 - Met with Sleep doctor
6/2 - Sleep Study
6/6 - Sleep Study Results sent
6/23 Got my Date!!!
7/28 Pre-Op Testing (Upper GI/Blood Work)
7/29 Start My Pre-op Diet
8/12 Having My Surgery!

So on the 28th they referred me to the pulmonary specialist that Friday (the 30th).  He in turn referred me for my sleep study and said if they hadn't called to schedule it in a week to call and he would intervene.

Monday (the 2nd) the sleep center called and had a cancellation for that night!  I don't think the woman had any idea why I jumped at the chance with such glee!

So Monday night I had my sleep study, Thursday I picked up my cpap, and Friday I met with the pulmonary doctor again (who was a DOLL for fitting me Friday before he went away for two weeks).

It's a good thing I did this because I stopped breathing almost 240 times in 3 hours and my oxygen dropped into the 60s putting me at high risk of a stroke.

I called the insurance specialist at my surgeon's office and she assured me as soon as they got the report (which the pulmonary guy sent on Friday) that it would be given to my surgeon and then I would get my date so now I am waiting again.

I can't complain because I have been lucky how fast this is all going but boy do I want to get my date!  So just waiting for the call now...

I had my appointment today and I was supposed to get my surgery date...but the surgeon wants me to have a sleep study because I have untreated sleep apnea.  So before I can get my surgery date I have to have a sleep study, get a c-pap machine, and find a mask that works for me.

THEN we can schedule surgery.  I suspected he was going to request one but didn't realize it would hold up my surgery date.  He said sometimes it can take a MONTH to get the sleep study.

He thinks if I push and get an appointment ASAP that I would still be having my surgery some time in July.

I wish I had my date though!

He was impressed that I had given up soda and started on the multi-vitamin and calcium supplements.  I told him I really wanted to do everything I could to make sure we could do this laproscopically.

So Friday I have my appointment with the "sleep doctor" and will schedule my sleep test.