JaxBandster
12 days out
Feb 19, 2008
I haven't written in a few days so I thought I would check in!
Things are going very well. I feel completely back to my normal self with the exception of an occasional twinge in my shoulder or left side. Barely even noticeable really. I have been eating mostly mushie stuff. I can manage to get down a small to medium boneless chicken breast and maybe a small side of veggies with it (like 1/8 of a cup!), or maybe a cup of tuna salad. I can tell when I'm getting full when I look at what I'm eating and feel like if I ate another piece I would be forcing it. It's not the same kind of full as before. Just a "I'm not hungry" feeling.
I think I am doing well with the small bites and chewing and also with the not drinking with my meals although for me that is the hardest part. I have a feeling after I get filled that I will have to chew more and slow down much more. I think I am still eating too fast but since I don't have much restriction it isn't too much of an issue right now.
All the steri strips are off except for the one on my port incision which I will remove on Thursday. I will be glad to get those off!!
Had a strange sensation tonight. I was leaning forward while sitting on the couch and felt a suddenly pressure in my chest right where the band is. I sat straight up and it was okay but I'm wondering what that was. Otherwise, the band or the port hasn't bothered me in the least!
Been very active, cleaning house, working around the yard, riding my bike and stuff. Really just living normally.
I have hit a plateau with my weight since I began mushies. Just sort of hanging at 244. I'm hoping that it's just my body readjusting to calories again.
On a positive note, I had to go to Walmart the other day and buy a couple of pair of size 22 jeans as my 24's were literally falling off of me they were so baggy! I was really pleased with that and can't wait for the next move downward!!!!!
That's about it for now!
Things are going very well. I feel completely back to my normal self with the exception of an occasional twinge in my shoulder or left side. Barely even noticeable really. I have been eating mostly mushie stuff. I can manage to get down a small to medium boneless chicken breast and maybe a small side of veggies with it (like 1/8 of a cup!), or maybe a cup of tuna salad. I can tell when I'm getting full when I look at what I'm eating and feel like if I ate another piece I would be forcing it. It's not the same kind of full as before. Just a "I'm not hungry" feeling.
I think I am doing well with the small bites and chewing and also with the not drinking with my meals although for me that is the hardest part. I have a feeling after I get filled that I will have to chew more and slow down much more. I think I am still eating too fast but since I don't have much restriction it isn't too much of an issue right now.
All the steri strips are off except for the one on my port incision which I will remove on Thursday. I will be glad to get those off!!
Had a strange sensation tonight. I was leaning forward while sitting on the couch and felt a suddenly pressure in my chest right where the band is. I sat straight up and it was okay but I'm wondering what that was. Otherwise, the band or the port hasn't bothered me in the least!
Been very active, cleaning house, working around the yard, riding my bike and stuff. Really just living normally.
I have hit a plateau with my weight since I began mushies. Just sort of hanging at 244. I'm hoping that it's just my body readjusting to calories again.
On a positive note, I had to go to Walmart the other day and buy a couple of pair of size 22 jeans as my 24's were literally falling off of me they were so baggy! I was really pleased with that and can't wait for the next move downward!!!!!
That's about it for now!
Who knew!!!!!!!!!!
Feb 15, 2008
That tunafish could taste so unbelievably good and that I could get full on half a cup of it!!!!!!!!! I broke the rules by 12 hours and had my first food (mushy) tonight. My tastebuds were dancing!!!!!!!!!!! You would have thought I was eating steak!
I did take my time and ate as slowly as I could for being famished LOL. I chewed chewed and chewed until it was completely pulverized, and then I would wait periodically to see how I felt before proceeding. I stopped at about a half a cup and I probably could have had more but I didn't want to push it especially my first meal. Tomorrow morning before we go on our charity ride I will have an egg, two if I can get it down. Again, I don't want to push it, especially right before going on a ride.
I also had an NSV! We went by Open Road Leathers to look for some new chaps for me as my old ones (the ones I bought in November!) were getting way loose on me, especially around the legs. Now, you have to know that they don't size chaps like regular clothes. Don't know why but they run WAY small. So the chaps I got in November were 6X (ugh) despite the fact that I was actually 2X at the time. Well, today I got into 4X chaps!!! Two whole sizes! I purposely got them nice and tight so that I would be able to wear them for a while before having to get another pair when I lose more weight. I normally wouldn't even bother getting something like this until I have lost all my weight but I wear my chaps even during the summer as it keeps the engine heat from burning my legs.
Oh! I took off the steri strips on the three small incisions today. They were starting to come off anyway and they were annoying me. One of them probably wasn't quite ready to come off but I just put Neosporin on it and covered it with a bandaid. It will be fine in a couple of days. The other two, my port and the big blob of cotton in my belly button are under waterproof tape and okay like they are. Dr. Cywes wanted them to stay on for two weeks. I'll see what those look like then.
I did a lot of running around today, brushed down the pool, washed my motorcycle, did a load of laundry, emptied the dishwasher, pulled some weeds and stuff. So I am definitely feeling back to my normal self with the exception of some isolated and periodic soreness in the muscles where my port is.
I'm very excited about eating real food again. I can't even begin to explain!
I'll report back in a couple of days!
I did take my time and ate as slowly as I could for being famished LOL. I chewed chewed and chewed until it was completely pulverized, and then I would wait periodically to see how I felt before proceeding. I stopped at about a half a cup and I probably could have had more but I didn't want to push it especially my first meal. Tomorrow morning before we go on our charity ride I will have an egg, two if I can get it down. Again, I don't want to push it, especially right before going on a ride.
I also had an NSV! We went by Open Road Leathers to look for some new chaps for me as my old ones (the ones I bought in November!) were getting way loose on me, especially around the legs. Now, you have to know that they don't size chaps like regular clothes. Don't know why but they run WAY small. So the chaps I got in November were 6X (ugh) despite the fact that I was actually 2X at the time. Well, today I got into 4X chaps!!! Two whole sizes! I purposely got them nice and tight so that I would be able to wear them for a while before having to get another pair when I lose more weight. I normally wouldn't even bother getting something like this until I have lost all my weight but I wear my chaps even during the summer as it keeps the engine heat from burning my legs.
Oh! I took off the steri strips on the three small incisions today. They were starting to come off anyway and they were annoying me. One of them probably wasn't quite ready to come off but I just put Neosporin on it and covered it with a bandaid. It will be fine in a couple of days. The other two, my port and the big blob of cotton in my belly button are under waterproof tape and okay like they are. Dr. Cywes wanted them to stay on for two weeks. I'll see what those look like then.
I did a lot of running around today, brushed down the pool, washed my motorcycle, did a load of laundry, emptied the dishwasher, pulled some weeds and stuff. So I am definitely feeling back to my normal self with the exception of some isolated and periodic soreness in the muscles where my port is.
I'm very excited about eating real food again. I can't even begin to explain!
I'll report back in a couple of days!
One Week!
Feb 14, 2008
Today was my post-op appt. I'm down 25 lbs., my incisions are healing nicely and in fact one of the steri strips came off today and it looks real nice. The nurse practioner and I discussed what I could eat starting on Saturday, what size pills I could take, etc. She also explained that my hunger was going to get worse before my first fill which I have scheduled for March 11th. Once I get back to regular food I will pretty much go back to the high protein/low carb diet that I was on before, hopefully with the same results as I lost a good deal of weight while I was on that plan.
I have a confession to make. I'm supposed to be on clear liquids along with protein shakes 3x a day until Saturday. Well tonight I went outside the prescribed plan for the first time and had egg drop soup. I figured it was still a clear liquid right? It was good to eat something "normal". I probably had about a cup of it before I got full and I'm already hungry again about 3 hours later but it was yummy.
Okay I'm off to bed. Did a little yard work today and it wore me out.
I have a confession to make. I'm supposed to be on clear liquids along with protein shakes 3x a day until Saturday. Well tonight I went outside the prescribed plan for the first time and had egg drop soup. I figured it was still a clear liquid right? It was good to eat something "normal". I probably had about a cup of it before I got full and I'm already hungry again about 3 hours later but it was yummy.
Okay I'm off to bed. Did a little yard work today and it wore me out.
Day Five
Feb 12, 2008
Everyday is a little bit better. I'm better mentally today as well as physically probably due to the fact that I'm getting a little more nutrition via the protein shakes. Still burping like crazy and hoarse, two things that can go away anytime they are ready! Still a little tender but not bad at all, hurts a little more to bend over to pick something up off the floor.
Weight this morning was 246.5.
Have to go down to Tampa tomorrow and move my son back up here so probably won't be writing until after my post-op appt on Thursday.
Saturday I can start some real soft foods, I can't wait! We are also doing a charity ride that day for kids with facial disformities and will probably be my first day back on the bike.
That's about it!!!
Weight this morning was 246.5.
Have to go down to Tampa tomorrow and move my son back up here so probably won't be writing until after my post-op appt on Thursday.
Saturday I can start some real soft foods, I can't wait! We are also doing a charity ride that day for kids with facial disformities and will probably be my first day back on the bike.
That's about it!!!
Day Four
Feb 11, 2008
Physically today I am doing well. A little less tender, but still sore primarily on the left side. Last night the ache in my left shoulder/neck was pretty strong but I knew this was from the hiatal hernia repair and it was to be expected. One cool thing is that I moved from the third bedroom back to my own bed last night AND I slept flat! I have had to sleep on an incline (a wedge shaped large foam thing) for years now due to my GERD. I didn't have to do that last night and slept VERY well. I got up early this morning and took the dogs out per the norm but was still tired so I fell back asleep on the couch and slept past 11:00! I guess my body still needed the rest. Then again my energy level is still very low and I'm still kinda sluggish mentally. Don't know if I'm depressed really, just blah! Maybe it is all the post-op "let down". You spend so much time getting worked up and pscyhed up and when it's over you look around and think okay everything is normal again, but it's not. Life has changed and now it's time to implement all the changes you expected to happen. I am sure that once I begin getting out and about more, maybe take a ride on my bike and stuff that I will start feeling like my old self again mentally.
I started shakes today and feel so much more full. They are really helping a lot and maybe the addition of protein and calories will improve my mental status as well.
I'm still hoarse and am trying to rest my throat as much as possible. I posted on a couple of boards about this particular side effect and one person said they were hoarse for a couple of weeks so I won't worry about it. I will still ask about it during my post-op on Thursday.
The scale has gone down yet again. This time two more lbs. I am down to 248! That's 22 lbs total. Can't really see it or feel it yet but I'm sure I will once the swelling goes down and stuff.
Burpy! Definitely blurping a lot. Little ones. It's not the most comfortable feeling in the world but still better than not being able to. I expect that will also improve as I heal.
I think that's it so far today, nothing real exciting. Just continuing to heal and get some nutrition in me!
I started shakes today and feel so much more full. They are really helping a lot and maybe the addition of protein and calories will improve my mental status as well.
I'm still hoarse and am trying to rest my throat as much as possible. I posted on a couple of boards about this particular side effect and one person said they were hoarse for a couple of weeks so I won't worry about it. I will still ask about it during my post-op on Thursday.
The scale has gone down yet again. This time two more lbs. I am down to 248! That's 22 lbs total. Can't really see it or feel it yet but I'm sure I will once the swelling goes down and stuff.
Burpy! Definitely blurping a lot. Little ones. It's not the most comfortable feeling in the world but still better than not being able to. I expect that will also improve as I heal.
I think that's it so far today, nothing real exciting. Just continuing to heal and get some nutrition in me!
Day Three Addendum
Feb 10, 2008
One other little thing. I seem to have become a little hoarse. (not horse! LOL) I wasn't really this way the past couple of days, it just started today. My assumption is that it is from the tube used in surgery to help/make me breathe. I seem to recall the surgeon telling me I should gargle with warm salt water if I had any problems so I guess I need to do that tomorrow if it continues. I just got my voice back after an extended absence from the choir because I had problems reaching my upper register. Figures huh???? LOL Anyway, nothing serious, just something I noticed and figured I would add it.
Can't wait for that protein shake in the morning!!!!!!!
Can't wait for that protein shake in the morning!!!!!!!
Day Three
Feb 10, 2008
Still a little tender in the mid-section especially around the port area. I don't think I'm ready to wear tight jeans just yet 
I'm really working on my fluids today to try and keep my strength up. Today is day five of clear liquids and it is definitely getting boring and I'm starting to crave something different even if it's just a protein shake! I will be able to start those tomorrow, three times a day until Friday when I can begin soft foods. I can't wait!
Still having a little intestinal gas discomfort that I am taking Gas-x for. (It is uncomfortable to burp but I'm glad I can!) Liquid Tylenol during the day for general aches and pains. Don't mean to be crude but beware of the diarrhea. It's a simple cause and effect thing. Liquids in, liquids out.
So just a heads up that will happen.
Speaking of liquids, they are going down easier. I can still feel it when I take a sip when it goes down my esophagus and it sits for a second, then goes on through. Such a strange feeling. However, I know when I get that feeling that I'm good to take another sip. I am taking it very slow and not pushing my band.
I'm a little tired today and I'm not sure if it is due to hardly having any calories during the past five days, venturing out last night to a friends house for a couple of hours, the medicine I took last night for pain to help me sleep (which didn't, I had a restless night), or what? Probably a combination. If I HAD to go back to work tomorrow and had a desk job I could with no problem. At least a half day. Fortunately I don't as I'm unemployed right now so I will just concentrate on healing.
Stepped on the scale today and I'm down another three pounds since surgery so total lost since starting my pre-op is 20 lbs! Not too bad for a month eh?
I'm really working on my fluids today to try and keep my strength up. Today is day five of clear liquids and it is definitely getting boring and I'm starting to crave something different even if it's just a protein shake! I will be able to start those tomorrow, three times a day until Friday when I can begin soft foods. I can't wait!
Still having a little intestinal gas discomfort that I am taking Gas-x for. (It is uncomfortable to burp but I'm glad I can!) Liquid Tylenol during the day for general aches and pains. Don't mean to be crude but beware of the diarrhea. It's a simple cause and effect thing. Liquids in, liquids out.
So just a heads up that will happen.Speaking of liquids, they are going down easier. I can still feel it when I take a sip when it goes down my esophagus and it sits for a second, then goes on through. Such a strange feeling. However, I know when I get that feeling that I'm good to take another sip. I am taking it very slow and not pushing my band.
I'm a little tired today and I'm not sure if it is due to hardly having any calories during the past five days, venturing out last night to a friends house for a couple of hours, the medicine I took last night for pain to help me sleep (which didn't, I had a restless night), or what? Probably a combination. If I HAD to go back to work tomorrow and had a desk job I could with no problem. At least a half day. Fortunately I don't as I'm unemployed right now so I will just concentrate on healing.
Stepped on the scale today and I'm down another three pounds since surgery so total lost since starting my pre-op is 20 lbs! Not too bad for a month eh?
Day Two
Feb 09, 2008
Much improved over yesterday. Still sore and moving very slowly but much more clear headed since I've stopped taking the pain meds. Going to switch to liquid Tylenol for the general aches and soreness and take the hydrocodone at night to help me sleep. Also going to try and sleep in my own bed tonight. The Craftmatic adjustable twin bed was a God send though. It really kept me in a comfortable position right after surgery and I am still sitting in it now as I write this as it acts like a recliner which we don't have.
Got up this morning and made myself some coffee (black) and took my chewable vitamins. Trying to get down as much liquids as I can today. It was a little more difficult to do that yesterday. When I sip I do it a little at a time and wait for the feeling of the liquid to clear the stoma. It amazes me that I can feel it do that! When I feel that then I know I'm clear to take another sip.
I can burp today which is a total relief! Yesterday I felt like I had to and could feel the pressure but it just wouldn't get through. Today is much easier. Still taking the Gas-x to help with that.
Oh, there is a little tightness in my chest when I take a deep breath. I imagine that is from the swelling. I try to continue to take slow deep breaths, I hear it helps.
If you were wondering what that rumbling noise was it's my stomach! Holy smoke you can hear it a mile away! Or at least it seems like you can.
No hunger to speak of yet. I try to get broth in me as much as possible and I get to start on meal replacement shakes on Monday for my meals along with clear liquids in between.
Overall, just a lot more energetic while still feeling the operation. No CO2 pains at all, very little shoulder pain from the hiatal hernia repair that I was so afraid of.
Definitely goiing to take a shower today and depending on my energy level may go over to a friend's house tonight just for an hour or so to visit and get out of the house some.
That's it for day two so far! I'm on the mend!
Got up this morning and made myself some coffee (black) and took my chewable vitamins. Trying to get down as much liquids as I can today. It was a little more difficult to do that yesterday. When I sip I do it a little at a time and wait for the feeling of the liquid to clear the stoma. It amazes me that I can feel it do that! When I feel that then I know I'm clear to take another sip.
I can burp today which is a total relief! Yesterday I felt like I had to and could feel the pressure but it just wouldn't get through. Today is much easier. Still taking the Gas-x to help with that.
Oh, there is a little tightness in my chest when I take a deep breath. I imagine that is from the swelling. I try to continue to take slow deep breaths, I hear it helps.
If you were wondering what that rumbling noise was it's my stomach! Holy smoke you can hear it a mile away! Or at least it seems like you can.
No hunger to speak of yet. I try to get broth in me as much as possible and I get to start on meal replacement shakes on Monday for my meals along with clear liquids in between.
Overall, just a lot more energetic while still feeling the operation. No CO2 pains at all, very little shoulder pain from the hiatal hernia repair that I was so afraid of.
Definitely goiing to take a shower today and depending on my energy level may go over to a friend's house tonight just for an hour or so to visit and get out of the house some.
That's it for day two so far! I'm on the mend!
Day One
Feb 08, 2008
Doing pretty well today.
I think today that the hiatal hernia repair is actually beating out the port incision in way of discomfort. (My doctor said it was "huge" Not painful per se. I can just feel it more. I also feel more constriction today in the band area when I swallow, probably due to swelling. Enjoy it while I can right? LOL
Oddly enough (and thankfully) I don't feel like I've had any gas pains from the CO2. Just gas in the tummy that I'm taking Gas-X for.
I'm still resting, getting up between naps and walking around. Definitely not pushing it at all. I get to take a shower tonight and take off these stupid white stockings which should make me feel slightly more human. Cotton mouth has gone away thank goodness and the sweet drinks are tasting more normal.
Oh and my best friend sent me the prettiest roses and a congratulations card! I'm so spoiled!
I'm a baby bandster!
Feb 07, 2008
I'm done! Was wheeled into the OR at 7:30 a.m. this morning and was home around 11:00 a.m.
When I got there we of course had to do all the paper work. I was so nervous my stomach was really upset and I had to use the restroom. The had to call the pre-op nurse first so I could give them a urine sample so they could see if I was pregnant! Ugh. I'm 48 years old and have had my tubes tied and am peri-menopausal. But they said if I still have my cycle then they have to test. After I gave that to them I went back out in the waiting room for a few minutes before they called me in to be prepped.
They first took all my vitals and went over my medical history. Then took me to my pre-op bed where they had me get into my gown, put a net on my hair, and put on the lovely white ted stockings. They then attached three leads to my chest, a blood pressure cuff on my arm, and the things that wrap around your lower legs to inflate with air to help prevent clots.
The nurse then did my I.V. (she was very good and numbed it first then hit the vein the first time), and gave me a shot of Heparin in my tummy.
The anesthesiologist came and talked to me first, she was very sweet, then Dr. Cywes came and talked to me while Grey and Mom were there. He went down the list of what they would be doing and the post-op instructions. They had a little five year old boy there being re-circumsized (ouch!) and they said they would take him before me. My guts were so tied in knots and I really wanted to get going but I understood.
They finally took me back and my wonderful anesthesiologist nurse, Ozzie (who was a hoot), started giving me demoral and then I was a happy camper! LOL They then put the mask over my face and the thing I remembers was them waking me up in recovery. I was definitely sort and on the verge of being nauseous so they gave me more drugs
My mouth was incredibly dry!!!! The worst case of cotton mouth I ever had! So they started giving me water to sip and that helped. It has continually gotten better throughout the day. The post-op nurse gave me another dose of demoral (God bless her) and then she went and talked to Dr. Cywes to see if I could go home. He said I could so I walked down to the row of recovery recliners where she took out my I.V. and gave me my clothes to get changed back into. They wheeled me to the car and I was home around 11:00 or shortly thereafter.
I am staying the first few days in the third bedroom where we have an adjustable twin bed so I can elevate my head and feet and be more comfortable. I have my laptop on a TV try by the bed and all my fluids, Gas-x (which is really helping) and other drugs. I have meds for nauseau but haven't needed them yet. I plan on continuring to take my pain meds until I feel confident that it isn't going to get any worse than this. Right now I'm just sore but no real pain to speak of at all. I try to get up every hour or two and walk around. I even helped to feed the dogs. Poor Annia is not happy. She doesn't understand why she can't be in the bedroom with me. Unfortunately, she is young and wants to jump on me and play and I can't do that right now. She is now laying outside the pet gate in front of the bedroom door protecting her Mommy.
I am just drinking water right now as sweet drinks like Crystal Light and Propel are just too sweet on my taste buds right now. Otherwise, I am doing well and progressing nicely so far. I have five incisions including my port. Oh and I have color pictures! Nice huh? My liver looks wonderful in my novice opinion. Dr. Cywes said my hiatal hernia was huge! No wonder I've been having to take meds all this time. Hopefully no more!
So there you have it. Wham, bam, thank you Ma'am, easy as pie!
I'll write more as I progress.
When I got there we of course had to do all the paper work. I was so nervous my stomach was really upset and I had to use the restroom. The had to call the pre-op nurse first so I could give them a urine sample so they could see if I was pregnant! Ugh. I'm 48 years old and have had my tubes tied and am peri-menopausal. But they said if I still have my cycle then they have to test. After I gave that to them I went back out in the waiting room for a few minutes before they called me in to be prepped.
They first took all my vitals and went over my medical history. Then took me to my pre-op bed where they had me get into my gown, put a net on my hair, and put on the lovely white ted stockings. They then attached three leads to my chest, a blood pressure cuff on my arm, and the things that wrap around your lower legs to inflate with air to help prevent clots.
The nurse then did my I.V. (she was very good and numbed it first then hit the vein the first time), and gave me a shot of Heparin in my tummy.
The anesthesiologist came and talked to me first, she was very sweet, then Dr. Cywes came and talked to me while Grey and Mom were there. He went down the list of what they would be doing and the post-op instructions. They had a little five year old boy there being re-circumsized (ouch!) and they said they would take him before me. My guts were so tied in knots and I really wanted to get going but I understood.
They finally took me back and my wonderful anesthesiologist nurse, Ozzie (who was a hoot), started giving me demoral and then I was a happy camper! LOL They then put the mask over my face and the thing I remembers was them waking me up in recovery. I was definitely sort and on the verge of being nauseous so they gave me more drugs
My mouth was incredibly dry!!!! The worst case of cotton mouth I ever had! So they started giving me water to sip and that helped. It has continually gotten better throughout the day. The post-op nurse gave me another dose of demoral (God bless her) and then she went and talked to Dr. Cywes to see if I could go home. He said I could so I walked down to the row of recovery recliners where she took out my I.V. and gave me my clothes to get changed back into. They wheeled me to the car and I was home around 11:00 or shortly thereafter.
I am staying the first few days in the third bedroom where we have an adjustable twin bed so I can elevate my head and feet and be more comfortable. I have my laptop on a TV try by the bed and all my fluids, Gas-x (which is really helping) and other drugs. I have meds for nauseau but haven't needed them yet. I plan on continuring to take my pain meds until I feel confident that it isn't going to get any worse than this. Right now I'm just sore but no real pain to speak of at all. I try to get up every hour or two and walk around. I even helped to feed the dogs. Poor Annia is not happy. She doesn't understand why she can't be in the bedroom with me. Unfortunately, she is young and wants to jump on me and play and I can't do that right now. She is now laying outside the pet gate in front of the bedroom door protecting her Mommy.
I am just drinking water right now as sweet drinks like Crystal Light and Propel are just too sweet on my taste buds right now. Otherwise, I am doing well and progressing nicely so far. I have five incisions including my port. Oh and I have color pictures! Nice huh? My liver looks wonderful in my novice opinion. Dr. Cywes said my hiatal hernia was huge! No wonder I've been having to take meds all this time. Hopefully no more!
So there you have it. Wham, bam, thank you Ma'am, easy as pie!
I'll write more as I progress.
