Surgery Day - May 20, 2013

Jun 07, 2013

I seriously couldn't have imagined how good my surgery experience turned out to be.  There were a few hiccups getting there (My PCP's office staff never did fax my EKG results to the hospital, etc.) 

I chose to cut out as many carbs, caffeine and sodas as possible for the week or so prior to surgery.  I believe that made it easier on me.  I can tell you that the magnesium citrate prep was nothing compared to one I had prior to gall bladder surgery a few years back.  I went into that one with no change to my diet at all.  That one was miserable!  This one was a walk in the park comparatively speaking.

Morning of surgery, I was so excited but strangely not too nervous.  Since I have kept a journal for 40+ years, I find that writing keeps me calm, I do a great deal of meditating and praying, positive thinking and reading my Bible.  I had complete faith in my surgeon and in the hospital that I chose.  If you are considering WLS, I can promise you that a Center of Excellence is where you want to be, with a surgeon who has a great deal of experience.  

Surgery lasted 3 hours, longer than anticipated.  Dr. Johnson repaired my hiatal hernia and also said that I have very soft tissue which made it more difficult for him to sew me up.  He said he wasn't coming out until he was happy with the results.  And, I'm so glad he made that decision.  

I won't kid you, I was in a great deal of pain in the recovery room!  But, I had attended a Pre-Op Pearl class at Johns Creek Hospital.  Our hostess, Bonnie, who is an RN in Day surgery gave pointers on everything you need to expect the day of surgery and for your stay at the hospital.  We were told that as soon as we wake, to begin doing windmills with our arms.  That helps to move the gas out of your body cavity.  The gas used to expand you is not going away with pain meds, or by burping or any other means.  You HAVE to move!  Gas rises ~ shoulder pain was excruciating.  

Surgery began around Noon, I was in my room around 5 PM, I think.  I wasn't allowed out of bed until probably 5 the next morning.  Then I began to walk whenever I could, which really wasn't as much as I had thought I could.  I'm allergic to morphine so we went with dilaudid.  That makes me itch unbearably.  So, benadryl was added and it helped a great deal.

Stayed 2 nights, and my sweet husband was with me the entire time.  He was so attentive and I know I ran him to death getting the little swabbies so I could moisten my mouth.  NPO for a full 24 hours.  I think that might have been the worst of it for me since I am accustomed to drinking water constantly. 

The nurses, techs and staff at the hospital were awesome.  Ever single person was very concerned for my pain level being kept low, helping me get in and out of bed, walking, whatever I needed.  I had 6 incisions and did have a drain.  The drain came out just before I was released. 

The surgery was more painful that gall bladder, but I never regretted it for a second!

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Pre-Op tomorrow!

May 14, 2013

Surgery is on Monday, and I'm getting excited!  Yesterday I was literally a basket case.  But today, I'm much better.  My fear is that I won't be able to do this.  I'm great with short term, can do meal replacements for months and not cheat.  But, it's the long haul that gets me every time. 

I read someone's blog recently where she said she was the same way.  And that, for her, just taking it one day at a time gets her through.  I can do that, I think. 

Tomorrow will be an all day thing; part of the day at the surgeon's office and then a couple of hours at the hospital.  Then, there's a support group meeting that I want to attend. 
 

Since I'll have a couple of hours to kill, I plan to hit Target and/or Walmart to buy the things I want to have to take to the hospital and for after I get home.  Fridge is cleared out; pantry is for the most part ~ DH is taking the last of the problem foods to his office so I won't have to look at them. 

I'm ready!

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About Me
GA
Location
31.9
BMI
RNY
Surgery
05/20/2013
Surgery Date
Apr 10, 2013
Member Since

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