journey began Oct 16

Oct 24, 2009

When this started I promised to keep a log of everything from surgery on. Other peoples have been so helpful and I feel I shud, too. Better thought than done.  Trying....
Surgery was a week ago Friday, Oct 16, today is Sat Oct 24.  looking back- I was more scared about the anesthesia than the surgery (really bad experience once being put under). Did have a moment when I panicked about the enormity of what I was doing- changing my insides-but only brief as the going under was far higher on my anxiety level.
Arrived at 6am for 8am surgery.  Anesthetist introduced herself-told her my experience. They took me down and I got on table. While setting me up anesthetist joked that she wouldn't tell me when she was going to put me out. Surgeon Dr Starr came up to my side- oh yeah he had some great music playing. Started to feel wonky and told him I'm getting sedated- he made some joke about the ride getting even better- I said I don't like it and was out. Saying I don't like it is because I don't like losing control and the stuff was making me feel woozy but this was only for a few seconds and I wasn't concerned.
Awoke to being told "surgery is done" and I thought what surgery. As I came fully awake in recovery I was in bad pain from gas. They gave me at least 1 morphine that I remember. Back to room after 11am. Rest of Friday felt some discomfort but nothing horrible and I was on IV and was getting something for pain (toredor-sounds like don't know spelling) maybe 3x aday. Got up went to bathroom and in eve went for first walk. Next day still doing great. Got horrific pain in eve- kept wanting to throw up- liguid come up to throat but not right out- figured I'd ate(drank too quickly/too much) but still scary and my one complaint about Humber is that as a Bariatric cntre(4 surgeons) the nurses are not all that familiar with baritric questions- the two who checked me didn't have a thing to say about what was happening. I had to as for pain med. Next day Sunday, surgeon saw me and agreed that that was what had happened- no need for any tests. Sunday on I was fine. Monday I was discharged.  I was very smug that there was no bruising, as I have seen pictures of others. My bruising din't start til late Sat eve and has increased til a day or so ago- wish I cud get a picture- around the biggest hole-the one used for the instruments and covering stomach picking up 1 other site I am deep deep purple/navy with a smattering of green at edge.
Everyone is different. In the hospital I was surprised at the bruising on my arm where they were injecting my insulin, also bruises on stomach where they inject the drug to prevent clots. A nurse said that this med-to prevent clots was causing the bruising.Speaking of insulin- I am a type 2 diabetic taking max metformin and max diamicride plu insulin daily. Each day my bs dropped. i left the hospital taking NOTHING! This was my surgeon's suggesstion but of course to monitor bs and it has been 8-10. As my normal, even with my meds was high teens surgeon felt that i cud run in 10 withut worry. he did say if it goes higher I may need to get put on Humulog or is it Humalin-whichever is fast acting. BUT still amazing to not be taking all those meds.
Learning- to slow down(this is going to be my hardest battle) I haver not experienced hunger but the taste of everything-soup,cream of wheat, cottage cheese is sooooo good that I eat too fast and probably too much for so early out. i am working on this. Yes its hard to get all the lquid in. Have been managing 2 protein shakes daily (74g protein). Food intake is OK and I get all my vitamins plus the few meds I still take in. So I am doing really really well and thankful for it as I met two other woman who were done the same day as me who were a lot more sore and unable to move and a woman who was back in hospital after surgery Oct 2- poor woman was in extreme pain and said that when she tried to introduce purees they wud not go down. My guess is she had a stricture(someting I learned on this list) and she was having a scope done after I left the hospital. For anyone reading this we are all different so all that you read here and elsewhere about people's experiences may not necessarily apply to you- bottom line- I am so thankful to have had this surgery and the chance to not only be healthy but save my life.

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