1 month post-op

Dec 01, 2010

 I am 1 month post-op today and I still do not love my sleeve.  Do I regret it?  Too early too tell.  I regret going through this last month of sickness.  My first awful memory was awakening during surgery, although my surgeon says he wasn't aware of this and it must have been at the end of surgery and he was out of the room.  I remember I was put out quickly and remember my anesthiaologist and circulator nurse, Julia telling me everything was okay and my arms being strapped down and the tube in my mouth.  Then, when I woke up in my room, I had a busted right upper lip and a nose bleed for several days from my left nostril.  Although I only spent 1 night in the hospital, it was the worst night/day of my life.  I had an epidural and my legs were numb.  I had several anxiety attacks (from anesthesia) and suffered from extreme nausea and pain throughout that night.  I NEVER want to go through that again.  I finally had anesthesia remove the epidural and within about 5-6 hours, I regained feeling and was able to walk.  I was determined to get out of there ASAP!  They would not let me leave til I ate some SF pudding.  Which I threw 2-3 bites in the commode.  Mind you, I am a nurse at a hospital.  I was told that I should be on clear liquids and was afraid to eat the pudding, as it is full liquids, so I didn't.  The nurse did not want to give me xanax until I had eaten some pudding...wrong!  Anyway, I finally left the hospital.

I had extreme nausea the first 3 weeks.  Saw my Dr. twice and continued to take more meds.  I have been unable to get any calcium down since surgery and today at 4 weeks, I've only had 1 nausea pill, which is a first.  I can eat about 1oz. of soft foods (mashed potatoes and gravy are my staple item and  about 2oz. of greek yogurt w/ honey and 2 Ritz crackers.  I cannot get all of my protein or liquids in yet.  This is all due to nausea.  That is why I know about Ritz crackers.  SF Popsicles are the best.

I had NO idea that my recovery would be this difficult.  I've had a total abdominal hsyt and gallbladder removal that were both easier than this.  I see others who have not had any problems and only wish that were me.  I expect to be out of work another month, at least.

This has been an emotional, painful beginning to a lifelong journey.  I am doing the best I can each day.  I can say that slowly I have gotten better, very slowly.  Patience, time and grace.  The day of surgery I weighed 230 and today I weighed in at 212.  I began this journey at 250.  Right now my focus is not loosing the weight, but to become stronger each day and not have to be on nausea meds.  To strive to meet my daily goals of protein, vitamins and liquids so I can be a healthier, ME!

 

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