Over Two Months Post Op (and a few problems)
May 10, 2007
It's been over two months since my surgery and I feel like I'm having an out of body experience. I'm not used to how my new body functions. Also, I'm having some difficulty getting my medications and supplements in everyday. It shouldn't really be a problem, but since I can't take my vitamin and supplements within two hours of when I take the Ursodiol (gall bladder medication), then I end up forgetting to take one or the other and that's not good at all. I have to find a way to get back on the wagon, so-to-speak. I haven't had much of a problem craving foods that are not good for me, which surprises me somewhat, and I consider that a really good thing. However, it's kind of funny, but I seem to want something to eat, but I can't decide on what it is that I want to eat. I've lost my desire for sweets, which really pleases me, but I wish I knew what my body is craving. I'm guessing it's just a psychological craving...maybe it's sort of like my mind is missing a comfort food that doesn't really appeal to me anymore. I don't know how else to describe this feeling. All the usual snacking foods that I used to eat before having the surgery just don't appeal to me in the slightest anymore, and I know that's really a good thing. I do have a problem with salty foods though. I over salt things, because that's the way I ate before, but now I'm starting to notice how really salty the food tastes. Old habits really die hard. Also, as the weather is starting to get warmer, I'm missing my diet pepsi. I've even tried it a few times, and as long as I drink small sips at a time, I can do it...but I know that's not good either. I'm just starting to miss my old eating habits, but I sure don't miss the lifestyle that goes along with it. I have to get a handle on what's going on with me emotionally. I was doing so well to start out with, and now I'm starting to slip backwards, a little bit at a time. Still, I'm losing weight at an even pace, which is good, but I don't want to let myself get into trouble nutritionally, or end up having a gall bladder attack because I've skipped the ursodiol way too often. I've also skipped the antacid medication even more often than the ursodiol, so I have to gain control over this situation, right now, before it's too late. I feel like I'm playing Russian Roulette with my life again, even though I'm not physically feeling any bad effects yet. Actually, I'm feeling pretty good physically, but that doesn't mean I don't need to straighten up and fly right. Any suggestions from you long-timers out there on how to back on track when you start to slip? I really need some help.
One Month Post Op
Mar 24, 2007
All the prayers worked! It's been one month since my surgery and I'm feeling great. The surgery was a complete success with no complications and I've had a miraculously speedy recovery. I went back to work 3 weeks post op and I've also resumed my exercise program at Fitness Over Fifty. I couldn't have asked for things to go much better than they have so far. I'm having no difficulty sticking with the diet plan and I've lost 31 pounds since my surgery. I can't believe it. I know my weight loss has been very rapid due to the liquid diet, but now that I'm eating soft foods it will probably slow down quite a bit. That's okay with me. I'm just so pleased that I am now on this side of the surgery and I'm recovering so quickly. The worst part of the whole ordeal was waking up in the recovery room with a back ache that wouldn't go away until they they could get me off the gurney and into a regular hospital bed. That seemed to take forever, but when I was finally into a hospital bed, everything was so much better. I was amazed at how much mobility I had right after the surgery. I was in very little pain, and the incisions looked almost like tiny cat scratches instead of wounds. They healed up very quickly and are already starting to fade. I am just so pleased I'm beside myself with joy. I'm looking forward to the new life ahead of me!
T-minus 6 days...and still counting...
Feb 17, 2007
I'm six days away from having my surgery. I spent the evening with a friend, talking about my hopes, fears, and expectations...which was mostly good, but also brought some anxieties to surface. I'm a worrier, and can't help but be concerned about what my family would go through if I don't make it through this surgery. Worse yet, what if I survive but have serious complications that keep everyone, including me, in limbo about what the final outcome will be. 7 years ago, I had previous laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery to get relief from GERD, and that complicates the upcoming bariatric surgery. Thus, I'm quite concerned about my survival chances, even though I am very pleased with Dr. Deveney and my nurse practicioner, Susan. I've been treated extremely well by everyone, and feel as safe as can be expected, but I have some very real fears. I have severe sleep apnea, and worry about breathing problems during recovery. I'm also worried about blood clots, and well, you name it...I'm worried about it. My biggest fear is anesthesia...and waking up in distress...not being able to breathe or having some other complication. I panic easily, when I'm not in control, if I feel helpless or if I don't understand what is happening to me. It's akin to my feelings of claustrophobia. I'm going to try to find ways to relax and let go of my fears before next Friday, but right now I sort of feel like I'm on death row. I've been trying to remain focused on how much better everything is going to be after I recover and start feeling better, but I haven't been very successful the closer I get to my surgery date.
