Dave C.

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Tuesday August 28
This was my surgery day.  I had stayed at my family’s home the night before so I was there in the morning.  I was up pretty early because I really couldn’t sleep that well.  I spent the time before I left checking last minute e-mails and message boards and playing with my niece.At 10:30 we left for the hospital.  My Dad gave me a ride and stayed with me for awhile as they got me prepped. This all went pretty routine, going over medical info, temperature, blood pressure and heart rate check.  I met with the anastigiologist.  I then had to wait for a little bit for my actual surgery time.  My surgeon did come to see me and go over things again.  She was glad to see I had lost some more weight and it was reassuring to have met with her prior to the surgery.I had to wait a little while longer as the O.R. was backed up a little.  So finally I was ready.  They gave me some “happy juice” in the prep area right before I was brought into the operating room.  At this time I am a little vague.  I don’t remember much from this point.  I do remember going into the room and seeing everyone around, but that was about it.The next thing I knew I was in the recovery room.  So how I felt at this point I can only explain as feeling like someone parked a car on my stomach.  It was just a lot of pain.  The nurses were there and gave me pain meds to get it under control so I felt better.  Not too long after that I was brought to my room.  They asked if I felt up to sliding over to the bed and I was able to do this, although it was very tough.  At this point I was very sore, tired, and groggy.  My brother came by not too long after for a quick visit and by this point it was night.  I spent the night in bed.  They didn’t get me up that night, but had these things on my legs with vibrated to keep the circulation going.  The rest of the night I was in and out and of course they were taking my vitals and keeping a close eye on me. 
Wednesday August 29 
This day started off good.  Early in the A.M. they took out the catheter!  My surgeon came in the morning and told me everything went great with the surgery.  My liver was nice and small so she was happy with that.  I had my first venture out of bed to go to the bathroom.  It was tough.  Very painful to get myself out of bed but it did feel good to get on my feet.  The rest of the day I spent resting and doing little walks around the hospital floor.  One of my fellow OH buddies also had her surgery on Tuesday so I saw her and we talked about how we were feeling.  It was so good to have someone in the hospital to talk to.  They also started me on water.  1 once per hour.  Believe it or not it did take an hour to drink that little bit of water.  By the end of the day I was feeling really tired.  I also was still sore.  Thank goodness for morphine and the nurses were great at not making you wait to long for your pain meds.  I spent most of night in bed.  I was so tired, and I slept for what seemed forever.
 Thursday August 30 
I was feeling a little better on Thursday.  Started on shakes!  It was very tough getting these down.  I guess a very routine day, just tried to walk little, do the shakes and get well.  Some friends came by at night to visit which was nice. 
Friday August 31 

I was tired getting up on Friday, as my roommate kept me up most of the night.  (Very long story!)  I had a visitor early, the surgeons P.A. came by to take out my drainage tube.  Boy was that a weird feeling.  When it was pulled out it was like they were pulling out your guts with it.  But I did get good news; my surgeon came by and told me I could go home!  The nurse got my paperwork and took out the IV, and I was out by 11:30 a.m.  I went back to my family’s home and rested the rest of the day.

  

I'll be leaving shortly to the hospital for my surgery.  I'm at my families home as I type.  I arrived last night to get things settled in here, since I'll be spending a few days after I get out.
Yesterday was an interesting day.  I worked so I kept busy, but every now and then I would have throws of panic!  But I ready.  I've been working on this for a while and need to have this done.  
I'm greatful for all the support I've had from those I've met on OH, my phych group, friends, and family.  Right now I'm just trying to keep my thoughts of how I'll feel by the end of the year having lost a lot of weight and what it will feel when I get down to goal weight.
I'll be updating soon with my progress.

So I'm 2 days from surgery.  A little nervous now, but dealing with it.  I kept very busy today, cleaning and getting ready for tuesday.  I'll be going to my families home tomorrow night so that way they can take me to the hospital on Tuesday morning.

So I'm six days till surgery.  I had my pre-op tests yesterday, everything went fine.  I even ran into a few wls friends while I was there.  It's nice to see familiar faces and have someone to talk to about what you are going through.
I'm still doing my best on the liquid diet, just trying to get by one day at a time.  So next week at this time I'll be post op!!!!!!

Today was a tough one.  It's my second day of the liquid diet.  I'm probably going through carb withdrawal and mourning food.  I also really don't like the shakes.  So my mood hasn't been too good.  I picked up Carnation Instant breakfast to try that and see if it's better the the doctor's shakes.
The good thing is I didn't let it beat me today at least
I was feeling really low after dinner, so I went for a walk, which helped.  And I just bought some dvd's on amazon, which makes me happy.
Hopefully tomorrow is a better day.  Watching Big Medicine on TLC, which helps.

I stopped by the Dr's today to pick up my shakes for the liquid diet which starts on Tuesday.  After that two weeks.  I'm excited and getting a little nervous.  It's a big deal, and I'm ready, but getting a little nervous about things.  Nothing major just the surgery, how soon I'll recover, and getting used to my new stomach.
But I keep thinking of the positive, like new clothes and feeling better about myself.  Also today I was putting together some new furnature and it was a struggle getting up and down on the floor.  I just kept thinking soon this won't be a problem. 

My surgery date is set for August 28!

The next few weeks will be tough waiting for the big day, but it's almost here.

Here's my schedule:

Aug 14 start liquid diet

Aug 21 Pre-Op appointment

Aug 28 Surgery Day

I Had my second appointment with Dr Giovanni today.
It went very well.  We went through my test results and everything looks good.  I received recommendations from the dietician and phycaitrist, and also my PCP and diabetic doctor.
She went over the procedure again and we talked about risks and things that can happen.  We then talked about what to exspect the day of surgery and recovery time.  As before Dr Giovanni was very thourough and answered all my questions.
She was also very proud of me because I have lost 18 pounds since I saw her in April.
I should be getting my date soon, they couldn't do it at the appointment because it was a late day one and the person who makes the appointments had left.  So hopefully they will be calling me today.

All my test results have been recevied and I have an appointment with Dr Giovanni on Monday. I'm almost there! 

I talked to Dr Giovanni's office today.  They have everything except info from the Cardologist.  Unfortunatley they close early on Fridays so I wasn't able to get a hold of them today.  I'll have to call them on Monday.
Once they get their info over my file is reviewed by Dr Giovanni and they make my 2nd appointment.  Then I should get my surgery date.
It's getting so close I can feel it.  I just hope if comes soon because I'm so ready.