Joanne N.
1 year out today!
Jan 16, 2008
I can't believe it's been a whole year since my surgery. I'm still at my 102 weight loss. I had lost 104 but then gained back 2 over the Holidays. I'm really upset that I've done that. One of my biggest fears is definately regain. I'd like to loose another 10 pounds but I'm not sure if that will happen.
I look back at how scared I was to have the surgery. I remember thinking of all the "what if's". Now I can't imagine NOT having this surgery. It's been great.
Clothes were the biggest problem. My aunt told me that when I got to a size 14 I could come to her house and she would give me some clothes. She gave me about 8 trashbags full of clothes. That was such a huge help to me. Lucky for the rest of the world that she gave me clothes or else I'd be running around naked! Scary!
My skin issue isn't so bad. I won't be wearing a bikini ever again but I can wear nice clothes. The top of my legs look icky but I'll just have to buy a bathing suit that covers that-the ones with the shorts.
I don't drink soda.....I was addicted to Mountain Dew before my surgery. I still miss it but I know if I even took a sip I'd be right back drinking it. I drink alot of Crystal Lite-Fruit punch and lemonade.
We went to Florida in November. It was so nice to get on the plane and sit in a seat without a seat belt extension. I wasn't afraid to get on rides either. I finally fit in everything.
As I said, I do worry about regain. I find myself sometimes eating things that I know I should not be eating and wondering why I'm doing that. I slack off at times and get so mad at myself. Sour patch kids are the devil!
I've really loved getting the opportunity to meet people in my support group and people here on OH. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your support and help along the way.
I wish I was better about updating my profile. I've spent hours and hours reading profiles. I will try harder.
I look back at how scared I was to have the surgery. I remember thinking of all the "what if's". Now I can't imagine NOT having this surgery. It's been great.
Clothes were the biggest problem. My aunt told me that when I got to a size 14 I could come to her house and she would give me some clothes. She gave me about 8 trashbags full of clothes. That was such a huge help to me. Lucky for the rest of the world that she gave me clothes or else I'd be running around naked! Scary!
My skin issue isn't so bad. I won't be wearing a bikini ever again but I can wear nice clothes. The top of my legs look icky but I'll just have to buy a bathing suit that covers that-the ones with the shorts.
I don't drink soda.....I was addicted to Mountain Dew before my surgery. I still miss it but I know if I even took a sip I'd be right back drinking it. I drink alot of Crystal Lite-Fruit punch and lemonade.
We went to Florida in November. It was so nice to get on the plane and sit in a seat without a seat belt extension. I wasn't afraid to get on rides either. I finally fit in everything.
As I said, I do worry about regain. I find myself sometimes eating things that I know I should not be eating and wondering why I'm doing that. I slack off at times and get so mad at myself. Sour patch kids are the devil!
I've really loved getting the opportunity to meet people in my support group and people here on OH. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your support and help along the way.
I wish I was better about updating my profile. I've spent hours and hours reading profiles. I will try harder.
I've lost 102 pounds
Dec 17, 2007
Yep, 102!!! I hit 100 pounds a few weeks ago but one day I would be down 99 then 100 then 98 etc. Now I feel comfortable that I've lost the 100. I just can't believe it! Next month it will be one year since my surgery.
Today I've been thinking that one of my biggest wishes would be to loose weight...........WOW, I've done that!
I would like to loose 10 more pounds but I'm not sure if that will happen or not. The weight is coming off sooooooooooo slowly now.
Happy Holidays!
Today I've been thinking that one of my biggest wishes would be to loose weight...........WOW, I've done that!
I would like to loose 10 more pounds but I'm not sure if that will happen or not. The weight is coming off sooooooooooo slowly now.
Happy Holidays!
Oh no........it's the candy monster!!!!
Sep 25, 2007
Hi!
I'm going back and forth in between 94 and 95 pounds down.
I'm having an awful craving in the afternoon for something citrus......like mike and ike candies or sour patch kids. I don't know what the heck is the matter with me that I've tried them and found that I can eat them. I know that I need to be drinking more and planning my meals better. Is this about the time that people get toooo comfortable with their weight loss? I'm 8 months out.
I'm also finding that food I normally like is turning me off. Such as certain kinds of chicken. I actually gagged at the dinner table tonight. Maybe I've just been eating too much chicken?
I'm still drinking one carnation instant breakfast in the morning. I don't think I'll ever give that up as it gives me a jump start.
I'm finding as Fall approaches that all I have for pants is capri's. Those would look really stupid with winter boots so I've been trying to buy some casual pants. I seem to be in an in between size..............for shirts I can now wear and x-large but for pants if I try on a 16 it's too loose in the waist and if I try 14 it's too tight in the bum. I did manage to find 2 pairs of jeans at Kohl's that are a size 14. Holy Cow batman, I haven't been that size in over 15 years.
Last weekend some guy came up to my husband and asked him how much weight I had lost............he told my husband that I looked great! I like it when people say it to him because then he gets so proud of me. A couple of months ago my son came up to me (he's 8) and said "Mommy, when did you get skinny". WOW, I could have given him a million kisses for that one.
I never told my kids that I was having a gastric bypass. I simply told them that I needed an operation. They came to see me everyday while I was in the hospital but never really asked about it. When I came home I told them that I was going to try to loose some weight. They have accepted that explanation.
From candy to clothes, to kids....wow, that was a jumbled entry.
I'll post more soon.........hopefully when I hit 100 pounds.....oh by the way, I always use my weight on surgery day as my starting weight. If I used my weight as of when I started this journey then I would have lost almost 100.
CAN'T WAIT!
I'm going back and forth in between 94 and 95 pounds down.
I'm having an awful craving in the afternoon for something citrus......like mike and ike candies or sour patch kids. I don't know what the heck is the matter with me that I've tried them and found that I can eat them. I know that I need to be drinking more and planning my meals better. Is this about the time that people get toooo comfortable with their weight loss? I'm 8 months out.
I'm also finding that food I normally like is turning me off. Such as certain kinds of chicken. I actually gagged at the dinner table tonight. Maybe I've just been eating too much chicken?
I'm still drinking one carnation instant breakfast in the morning. I don't think I'll ever give that up as it gives me a jump start.
I'm finding as Fall approaches that all I have for pants is capri's. Those would look really stupid with winter boots so I've been trying to buy some casual pants. I seem to be in an in between size..............for shirts I can now wear and x-large but for pants if I try on a 16 it's too loose in the waist and if I try 14 it's too tight in the bum. I did manage to find 2 pairs of jeans at Kohl's that are a size 14. Holy Cow batman, I haven't been that size in over 15 years.
Last weekend some guy came up to my husband and asked him how much weight I had lost............he told my husband that I looked great! I like it when people say it to him because then he gets so proud of me. A couple of months ago my son came up to me (he's 8) and said "Mommy, when did you get skinny". WOW, I could have given him a million kisses for that one.
I never told my kids that I was having a gastric bypass. I simply told them that I needed an operation. They came to see me everyday while I was in the hospital but never really asked about it. When I came home I told them that I was going to try to loose some weight. They have accepted that explanation.
From candy to clothes, to kids....wow, that was a jumbled entry.
I'll post more soon.........hopefully when I hit 100 pounds.....oh by the way, I always use my weight on surgery day as my starting weight. If I used my weight as of when I started this journey then I would have lost almost 100.
CAN'T WAIT!
Much needed update-7 months-90 pounds
Aug 24, 2007
7 months out........I can't believe it. I've lost 90 pounds. Yipee for me!
My clothes situation is the worst part. I cleaned out my walk in closet in April and I'm just now getting the clothes under control. I've given lots of things away. However, all my "dressy" clothes I've had altered. The woman only charges me $6.00 per pair. I gave her about 20-25 pairs of pants, shorts and capri's to do. At least I finally have some stuff that fits. I've also had a clothes angel that has sent me 2 boxes of great clothes. She is wonderul. Lorraine (support group buddy) gave me a whole bag of size 16 capri's last night. I can't wait to try everything on. Fall will bring a whole new problem with clothes since most of what I have that fits is short sleeve.
I haven't had any issues at all. I can eat just about anything. One bad thing that I found that I can eat is Goetz Bulls Eyes. I guess that's better than eating a Milky Way but I know I shouldn't be eating any of that stuff.
Eating sometimes worries me as I find that nothing bothers me. My weight loss has slowed considerably and I'm not sure if it's because I'm eating more now or if that's just the way it is. I still drink my carnation instant breakfast EVERY morning. Today I had baked haddock for lunch. It seems that I'm constantly worried about re-gain. Does everyone feel this way?
My profile pictures were updated recently. Holygrl aka Reba has helped me so much with this. She's amazing. I take a picture every month so I can see my weighloss. It's easier for me to see it in pictures rather than in the mirror.
That's all for now...........
I promise to try to update more often.
3 Months Out.
Apr 15, 2007
When I was getting ready to have surgery I would read profiles for hours and hours. I loved reading the profiles that we kept up to date and were written in often. I promised myself that I would be one of those people but it hasn't turned out that way. I will try to do better.
Today it is 3 months since surgery. I have lost 50-52 pounds since then. I'm really excited about that. I have my 3 month appointment with Dr. Randall tomorrow. I will have my blood work done then too. I'm curious to see what that shows. I know I'm not getting enough protein in but not sure how to fix that. I will work on that after I receive my results. I also have good days and bad days with my water intake. I do not have a scheduled appointment with my nutritionist but may need to make one.
I still don't have any issues with food. I was very proud of myself at Easter time. I have 2 children and we have a ton of candy in the house. I did NOT attempt any chocholate..... that's the good news. However, I did attempt jelly beans and found that I liked them. The first day I only ate one. The second day I ate 2......and so on and so on. Soon I was grabbing 5 or 6 at a time. It was then that I realized the jelly beans had to go. I made my husband take them out of the house. No more jelly beans for me. My only other "bad thing" was that I ate a small brownie over the weekend. Other than these slip ups I've been pretty good about my food. I feel better now that I've admitted my bad behavior.
Clothes is a huge problem at the moment. My jeans are too big but I went out to try to buy more and I haven't really dropped enough to get into a smaller size. I have bought some sweaters though and dropped sizes in those. For Easter I bought a shirt that was a size 20. So proud of myself. My closet is a real issue. When I stared gaining weight I didn't throw away any clothes. My walk in closet is full, I have baskets and boxes of clothes in the attic and cellar, my bureau is totally full. I have started to go thru some of these clothes. My dress clothes (for work) are fitting me now from years ago. I washed everything on delicate and now I'm in the process of ironing everything. The problem is where to put the stuff that fits now. I guess I have to do a major clean out of my closets and see what I can get rid of. I'm sure lots of stuff in the back is out of style by now. Even though some of my dress pants are getting really baggy, I don' t feel comfortable getting rid of them for fear that the weight will come back. Does anyone else feel that way? I know that come summer time I'm going to have absolutely nothing to wear. I spend alot of time at the beach so I will also have the bathing suit issue.
I went to the kids school the other night and lots of people asked me if I was loosing weight. I'm having a hard time seeing it myself but it's nice to see that others notice now.
I have a friend, Linda, that is going through the process now and getting ready for surgery. She had to loose 18 pounds to get an appointment with her surgeon. I can't imagine how hard that has been. She saw the surgeon recently and is moving forward. I believe she is going to have LAP RNY done. I will see her alot over the summer so it will be fun to watch her progress.
Clare from OH organized a walk and talk at the Burlington Mall a couple of weeks ago. That was alot of fun. It was great to get together with people from OH. I know she will be doing that again soon.
Well, that's my update for now. I will write more after I see my surgeon tomorrow.
Today it is 3 months since surgery. I have lost 50-52 pounds since then. I'm really excited about that. I have my 3 month appointment with Dr. Randall tomorrow. I will have my blood work done then too. I'm curious to see what that shows. I know I'm not getting enough protein in but not sure how to fix that. I will work on that after I receive my results. I also have good days and bad days with my water intake. I do not have a scheduled appointment with my nutritionist but may need to make one.
I still don't have any issues with food. I was very proud of myself at Easter time. I have 2 children and we have a ton of candy in the house. I did NOT attempt any chocholate..... that's the good news. However, I did attempt jelly beans and found that I liked them. The first day I only ate one. The second day I ate 2......and so on and so on. Soon I was grabbing 5 or 6 at a time. It was then that I realized the jelly beans had to go. I made my husband take them out of the house. No more jelly beans for me. My only other "bad thing" was that I ate a small brownie over the weekend. Other than these slip ups I've been pretty good about my food. I feel better now that I've admitted my bad behavior.
Clothes is a huge problem at the moment. My jeans are too big but I went out to try to buy more and I haven't really dropped enough to get into a smaller size. I have bought some sweaters though and dropped sizes in those. For Easter I bought a shirt that was a size 20. So proud of myself. My closet is a real issue. When I stared gaining weight I didn't throw away any clothes. My walk in closet is full, I have baskets and boxes of clothes in the attic and cellar, my bureau is totally full. I have started to go thru some of these clothes. My dress clothes (for work) are fitting me now from years ago. I washed everything on delicate and now I'm in the process of ironing everything. The problem is where to put the stuff that fits now. I guess I have to do a major clean out of my closets and see what I can get rid of. I'm sure lots of stuff in the back is out of style by now. Even though some of my dress pants are getting really baggy, I don' t feel comfortable getting rid of them for fear that the weight will come back. Does anyone else feel that way? I know that come summer time I'm going to have absolutely nothing to wear. I spend alot of time at the beach so I will also have the bathing suit issue.
I went to the kids school the other night and lots of people asked me if I was loosing weight. I'm having a hard time seeing it myself but it's nice to see that others notice now.
I have a friend, Linda, that is going through the process now and getting ready for surgery. She had to loose 18 pounds to get an appointment with her surgeon. I can't imagine how hard that has been. She saw the surgeon recently and is moving forward. I believe she is going to have LAP RNY done. I will see her alot over the summer so it will be fun to watch her progress.
Clare from OH organized a walk and talk at the Burlington Mall a couple of weeks ago. That was alot of fun. It was great to get together with people from OH. I know she will be doing that again soon.
Well, that's my update for now. I will write more after I see my surgeon tomorrow.
2 months out
Mar 18, 2007
March 18, 2007
I can't believe that I'm 2 month out already!
You're not going to believe this but my incision is STILL draining. However, I consider myself lucky that it's nothing more serious.
I've been doing great with food. No issues at all. I am very careful about what I eat though. I've never thrown up (hate that) and never dumped.
I believe I've lost about 40 pounds. I bought a couple of sweaters to wear back to work. I had been wearing a 3X when I had surgery but now I bought mostly 2x'S. I had posted about a dressing room disaster on the Mass board and someone replied that they had some clothes that were too big and I could have them if I wanted. Thank you Laurie. So, Laurie and I met at a local book store and she gave me some clothes. I wish more people were doing this. It's so expensive to buy new clothes that you will only wear for a couple of months. So yes, I'd meet anyone, anywhere to be able to do this. I think we should also do it at our support group meetings.
My energy is slowly starting to return. That was the hardest part.
I returned to work on Feb. 26th. The first couple of weeks were hard as I was so tired when I got home but that's been getting better too.
When I look in the mirror I don't notice my weight loss. Others do though so I'm happy about that.
That's all for now...........
I can't believe that I'm 2 month out already!
You're not going to believe this but my incision is STILL draining. However, I consider myself lucky that it's nothing more serious.
I've been doing great with food. No issues at all. I am very careful about what I eat though. I've never thrown up (hate that) and never dumped.
I believe I've lost about 40 pounds. I bought a couple of sweaters to wear back to work. I had been wearing a 3X when I had surgery but now I bought mostly 2x'S. I had posted about a dressing room disaster on the Mass board and someone replied that they had some clothes that were too big and I could have them if I wanted. Thank you Laurie. So, Laurie and I met at a local book store and she gave me some clothes. I wish more people were doing this. It's so expensive to buy new clothes that you will only wear for a couple of months. So yes, I'd meet anyone, anywhere to be able to do this. I think we should also do it at our support group meetings.
My energy is slowly starting to return. That was the hardest part.
I returned to work on Feb. 26th. The first couple of weeks were hard as I was so tired when I got home but that's been getting better too.
When I look in the mirror I don't notice my weight loss. Others do though so I'm happy about that.
That's all for now...........
Draining, Draining, Draining
Feb 05, 2007
February 5, 2007
I haven't written much lately. Partly because a friend of mine, Linda, is getting ready to have this surgery and I didn't want to gross/freak her out. However, I told her about my incision so now she knows in advance.
I have 2 spots that are draining.....one was a blister that was under my incision. Dr. Randall opened up the blister and packed it with a gauze pad. I also have another spot that is low on my incision that is draining. What a pain! It's been like this for over a week. I went to the Dr. 3 times last week while he poked around at it. It's GROSS! I see Dr. Randall again tomorrow and hopefully he won't poke around at it.
Eating has been a little better. I was dying for pizza..... so I had some. Probably only a few bites but it was YUMMY! I've been eating fish, soup, stuffed shells, eggs, cereal etc.
Besides the draining, my only other issue is my energy level. Up until yesterday I felt so weak that I had to constantly rest. I'm a very active person so this has been really hard for me. I couldn't imagine going back to work right now. I get up, take a shower, get ready for my day then have to rest. Yesterday I felt a little better so hopefully everyday will get easier. I'm due back at work on February 26th. I thought I'd go back earlier but I'm not sure if I'll be able to.
I'm guessing I've lost about 25 pounds. My husband says he can see it in my face. I can't tell yet. However, I bought 4 sweatsuits right before my surgery and that's all I've been wearing. Maybe when I put on my "real" clothes I'll be able to tell.
I'll post again after my appointment tomorrow.
I haven't written much lately. Partly because a friend of mine, Linda, is getting ready to have this surgery and I didn't want to gross/freak her out. However, I told her about my incision so now she knows in advance.
I have 2 spots that are draining.....one was a blister that was under my incision. Dr. Randall opened up the blister and packed it with a gauze pad. I also have another spot that is low on my incision that is draining. What a pain! It's been like this for over a week. I went to the Dr. 3 times last week while he poked around at it. It's GROSS! I see Dr. Randall again tomorrow and hopefully he won't poke around at it.
Eating has been a little better. I was dying for pizza..... so I had some. Probably only a few bites but it was YUMMY! I've been eating fish, soup, stuffed shells, eggs, cereal etc.
Besides the draining, my only other issue is my energy level. Up until yesterday I felt so weak that I had to constantly rest. I'm a very active person so this has been really hard for me. I couldn't imagine going back to work right now. I get up, take a shower, get ready for my day then have to rest. Yesterday I felt a little better so hopefully everyday will get easier. I'm due back at work on February 26th. I thought I'd go back earlier but I'm not sure if I'll be able to.
I'm guessing I've lost about 25 pounds. My husband says he can see it in my face. I can't tell yet. However, I bought 4 sweatsuits right before my surgery and that's all I've been wearing. Maybe when I put on my "real" clothes I'll be able to tell.
I'll post again after my appointment tomorrow.
10 Days Out
Jan 26, 2007
January 26, 2007
Hi, Since I had my surgery I have had NO drainage at all from my incision. When I had my steri strips removed the other day Dr. Randall put a bandaid over one area. I took that bandaid off last night and it began to drain. Of course, I panicked and called Lorraine for reassurance. She told me to cover it and see if the draining stopped in the morning. I coulnd't be so lucky! It drained during the night and when I got up this morning it was draining still. It was yellow/orange in color. I called Dr. Randall and he said it's more of a nuisance than a problem and to cover it with a sanitary napkin (oh brother). So I did that and soaked it then did another and finally early this afternoon it seemed to stop. I also tried to take it easy today. I'm writing about this just in case it happens to someone else and they get scared!
Other than that I'm doing good. I had a scrambled egg the other night. That didn't really thrill me........yesterday I tried 2 saltines with onion cottage cheese... YUMMY! Then last night I had some chicken broth with chicken cut up really small. I didn't have that much but it was still good. Today I did the saltine thing again and tonight my hubby is going to bring home some fish for us.
Both of my kids are sleeping at a friends house tonight. I wish I was feeling better and my and hubby could go out on a date. Looks like it's the livingroom and a DVD for us.
One more thing, I have a water bed and I have not been able to sleep in it yet. I've been sleeping in my son' s bed. I can't wait to go back into my own bed.
Have a great weekend!
Hi, Since I had my surgery I have had NO drainage at all from my incision. When I had my steri strips removed the other day Dr. Randall put a bandaid over one area. I took that bandaid off last night and it began to drain. Of course, I panicked and called Lorraine for reassurance. She told me to cover it and see if the draining stopped in the morning. I coulnd't be so lucky! It drained during the night and when I got up this morning it was draining still. It was yellow/orange in color. I called Dr. Randall and he said it's more of a nuisance than a problem and to cover it with a sanitary napkin (oh brother). So I did that and soaked it then did another and finally early this afternoon it seemed to stop. I also tried to take it easy today. I'm writing about this just in case it happens to someone else and they get scared!
Other than that I'm doing good. I had a scrambled egg the other night. That didn't really thrill me........yesterday I tried 2 saltines with onion cottage cheese... YUMMY! Then last night I had some chicken broth with chicken cut up really small. I didn't have that much but it was still good. Today I did the saltine thing again and tonight my hubby is going to bring home some fish for us.
Both of my kids are sleeping at a friends house tonight. I wish I was feeling better and my and hubby could go out on a date. Looks like it's the livingroom and a DVD for us.
One more thing, I have a water bed and I have not been able to sleep in it yet. I've been sleeping in my son' s bed. I can't wait to go back into my own bed.
Have a great weekend!
Zippity Dooo Daaaaa!
Jan 24, 2007
January 24, 2007
I just returned from my first follow up appointment. Dr. Randall took all the steri strips off of my incision. WOW, what a relief that was. That area feels a whole lot better.
I lost 10 pounds!!! Woooo Hoooo! I'm not sure how it compares with others at this point but I'm happy about it.
Here is the best part: I can finally eat something. Since I've been home all I have eaten is water and Carnation Instant Breakfast. I'm thinking I may try to have a scrambled egg or saltines and cottage cheese or soup... I can't wait! Hopefully "eating" will go well. I'll let you know.
I just returned from my first follow up appointment. Dr. Randall took all the steri strips off of my incision. WOW, what a relief that was. That area feels a whole lot better.
I lost 10 pounds!!! Woooo Hoooo! I'm not sure how it compares with others at this point but I'm happy about it.
Here is the best part: I can finally eat something. Since I've been home all I have eaten is water and Carnation Instant Breakfast. I'm thinking I may try to have a scrambled egg or saltines and cottage cheese or soup... I can't wait! Hopefully "eating" will go well. I'll let you know.
Home Sweet Home!
Jan 21, 2007
January 21, 2007
I'm home! Finally! I didn't get home until yesterday (Saturday).
Here's how things went:
Went to the hospital Tuesday morning. My surgeon was running late so I didn't get taken in for surgery until 1:30 or so. I was so nervous.......the last thing I remember is looking at the kids picture and holding on to Nick's stuffed animal, crying and begging them to take good care of me. The next thing I remember is seeingmy husband in the recovery room. I told him to call the kids and my parents and let them know everything was ok. My husband has be so wonderful.
During the surgery, they did the gastric bypass, a liver biopsy and removed my gallbladder.
From recovery I got into a room around 7:00 (had a great nurse). I was hooked up to a self administered morphine pump. My friend Debbie came and stayed with me while my husband went home to take care of the kids. The kids had been with my father in law Ralph in the afternoon then my parents had taken them to their house. Debbie spent the next few hours doing mouth swabs for me. I felt great while she did that! One of the biggest problems was dry mouth!
On Wednesday I was told that I wasn't using the morphine enough.....I was in lots of pain but I guess I wasn't pressing the button enough. A physical therapist came in and got me out of bed for my first walk (that was AWFUL). They glue you back together after the surgery.... no staples, no stitches, GLUE!
Wednesday night I had lots of visitors: Tawnya, Eric, Paul, Stephen, My Parents, Lorraine, Rita (from support group), my husband and the kids. Good thing I had a private room. I received lots of flowers, cards, gifts and calls while in the hospital. Thank you!
Wednesday night I did have some breathing problems. I had to be put on a machine that helped me breathe through the night. I was only breathing 6-8 breaths a minute which I guess is really low. I guess increasing the morphine wasn't a good idea.
Thursday morning I was sent to CTSCAN for a look at my lungs to make sure I didn't have a pulmonary embolism. Thankfully, I didn't.
I spend Thursday and Friday trying to walk alot and drink alot. I'm suppose to be drinking 4 oz of water an hour and 4 oz of a protein shake every other hour. This is easier said than done.
On Thursday night I have visitors again. Doug, Mel, Rita, my parents, my husband, my kids and my father in law came. Doug and Mel made me a beautiful basket with anything and everything you could imagine that someone may need after this surgery. As I've told you both previously, I adore you! Thank you so much.
I was in alot of pain on Friday and my surgeon didn't come to the hospital until about 7:00 that night so I ended up staying an extra day.
So now I'm home. I've been sleeping alot. Can't seem to stay awake for very long. I'm giving myself blood thinner shots once a day and I think it's making me cold. My husband has done more than ever expected to try to take care of me. I managed to sleep in my son's bed last night with lots of pillows to prop me up. I can't sleep in my bed cuz it's a waterbed.
Thanks to all of you for all that you have done for me.
I'll send another update soon.
Love,
Joanne xoxoxo
I'm home! Finally! I didn't get home until yesterday (Saturday).
Here's how things went:
Went to the hospital Tuesday morning. My surgeon was running late so I didn't get taken in for surgery until 1:30 or so. I was so nervous.......the last thing I remember is looking at the kids picture and holding on to Nick's stuffed animal, crying and begging them to take good care of me. The next thing I remember is seeingmy husband in the recovery room. I told him to call the kids and my parents and let them know everything was ok. My husband has be so wonderful.
During the surgery, they did the gastric bypass, a liver biopsy and removed my gallbladder.
From recovery I got into a room around 7:00 (had a great nurse). I was hooked up to a self administered morphine pump. My friend Debbie came and stayed with me while my husband went home to take care of the kids. The kids had been with my father in law Ralph in the afternoon then my parents had taken them to their house. Debbie spent the next few hours doing mouth swabs for me. I felt great while she did that! One of the biggest problems was dry mouth!
On Wednesday I was told that I wasn't using the morphine enough.....I was in lots of pain but I guess I wasn't pressing the button enough. A physical therapist came in and got me out of bed for my first walk (that was AWFUL). They glue you back together after the surgery.... no staples, no stitches, GLUE!
Wednesday night I had lots of visitors: Tawnya, Eric, Paul, Stephen, My Parents, Lorraine, Rita (from support group), my husband and the kids. Good thing I had a private room. I received lots of flowers, cards, gifts and calls while in the hospital. Thank you!
Wednesday night I did have some breathing problems. I had to be put on a machine that helped me breathe through the night. I was only breathing 6-8 breaths a minute which I guess is really low. I guess increasing the morphine wasn't a good idea.
Thursday morning I was sent to CTSCAN for a look at my lungs to make sure I didn't have a pulmonary embolism. Thankfully, I didn't.
I spend Thursday and Friday trying to walk alot and drink alot. I'm suppose to be drinking 4 oz of water an hour and 4 oz of a protein shake every other hour. This is easier said than done.
On Thursday night I have visitors again. Doug, Mel, Rita, my parents, my husband, my kids and my father in law came. Doug and Mel made me a beautiful basket with anything and everything you could imagine that someone may need after this surgery. As I've told you both previously, I adore you! Thank you so much.
I was in alot of pain on Friday and my surgeon didn't come to the hospital until about 7:00 that night so I ended up staying an extra day.
So now I'm home. I've been sleeping alot. Can't seem to stay awake for very long. I'm giving myself blood thinner shots once a day and I think it's making me cold. My husband has done more than ever expected to try to take care of me. I managed to sleep in my son's bed last night with lots of pillows to prop me up. I can't sleep in my bed cuz it's a waterbed.
Thanks to all of you for all that you have done for me.
I'll send another update soon.
Love,
Joanne xoxoxo
About Me
Location
Surgery
01/16/2007
Surgery Date
Oct 21, 2006
Member Since
