Pat P.

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Well, just a bit disappointed in myself for not keeping up on the posts.  I think it is interesting to go back and read what you posted and how you felt because you tend to forget.  For the most part, things are going well.  I worr about not getting in ALL my water, ALL my protein and ALL my vitamins.  This is almost a full time job.

Still can't eat much so therefore, I must supplement my protein which I do with protein bars because I am sick of shakes.

I go to my 3 month follow up on the 18th.   I am looking forward to that appointment because that will be the first lab draw to see where I am.

I am going to join Praire Life fitness later today and plan on getting the exercise component started.

Good luck to all in your jouney.....it all starts with the first step.

Blessings in the new year.

Pat

Had my first post op visit this AM.  Was disappointed to not be able to see Dr. Goede since it was his clinic.  I saw the PA which was OK and she was GREAT but would have been nice for the surgeon to stop in and say something.  Anyway, all went well.  Advance to puree officially! Weight was 216 which puts me down 22 pounds since my initial eval in July.

Really thought the visit was just  formality, didn't learn anything new or given any information I did not already know.  Amazing how much this website educates oneself.  I truly believe it has been more helpful than anything.  Words of wisdom from those who have been there, done that.  I believe in learning from others and then making an informed decision.  It might also be the healthcare provider mentality.  However, I agreed and signed a contract that said I would maintain all follow up visits and that I intend to do.  I will only be light years ahead because of the valuable information from this site.

Thank all for your help.

Had been having a lot of abdominal bloating, changed to Lactaid and I can finally get my 60 gm of protein in a day.  Finally for the last 2 days, I feel like things are looking up.  Able to drink my water without problem, can take all my pills as prescribed and am tolerating my shakes.  Life is good.

I go to the doctor on Friday and should then be advanced to puree foods.  Yum yum!  I am really looking forward to having some cream of wheat.  I hope that goes well. 

My overall weight is down 20 lbs but since my surgery I have lost 10.  When would I have not been thrilled with that!

Had a lot of pain last night.  Felt very bloated and unable to pass gas but a lot of burping.  Called the case manager and she recommended GasX and to take a stool softener.  I have hated the liquid pain med so have been taking liquid tylenol with good results to day.  Was aftaid that I was getting intolerant to the milk in the protein shakes.  Have walked everyday since home but today's walk was very difficult at a super slow pace, did not think I was going to make it. 

My husband had this surgery two years ago and my son had it 8 weeks ago and they did not experience the pain that I am having.  I understand everyone is different and my surgery was different because I had a hernia repair and espoheal tear repaired before they could even start my RNY.

Each has been a little better.

My weight the day of the surgery was 224.4, home from the hospital I was bloated at 235 and today was weight was 221.4. 

This is tougher than I thought trying to get in 50 gms protein and 64 oz total fluids.  I know it will get better.

Pat

Just got home from the hospital after laproscopic RNY.  I had expected to keep up posting while I was in the hospital but I think I only turned on my computer once and that was a quick look at facebook and could barely keep my eyes opened to post anything. 

My expected uncomplicated surgery ran into a snag once that got inside.  Turns out I had a large than expected hiatal hernia, my stomach was pushed into my esophagus above the diagraphm.  When they pulled my stomach down out of my esophagus, they found a hole in my esophagus.  Well, they had to repair that before they could proceed with the bypass surgery.  All in all, I was in surgery for 4 hrs.  Quite a shocker for my husband who was expecting to hear from them after 90 minutes.  I did not get out of post op and into my room until almost 7:30PM.  And I thought I would be able to watch the biggest loser!!!  Anyway, I became friends with my PCA.  At first they had me on morphine 1.5 mg every 10 minutes and I was hitting the buttom whenever the light said GO, it felt so goooood to go right back to sleep.  I ended up with 2 drains, one on each side

After the first day, I started to itch and they said I could change to Dilaudid.  Well that never happened til about 11PM the 2nd night.  I was a little steamed because the oncall resident had a bad attitude and said "What do you want me to do about it the dilaudid is the same family and will still cause you itching".  I had a bit of an anxiety attach and could not breath, once I calmed myself down I was much better.  But my feeling were, hey buddy, I itch, help me out here.  He really made me feel like I was bothering him and the fact that it took so long was a mystery in itself.

Anyway, my doctor (Dr. Goede) made round late on Thursday night and he said he wanted to keep me until Sunday.  He was concerned because I was running a temp and had some atelectasis in my L middle lobe.  I was fine when I was up walking but it hit me big time when I layed back down because I did not have the lung expansion I needed.  I used my incentive spirometer religously.  The first day I could only inhale up to 1000ml, the next day I made it to 1250ml and each day a little more and I started feeling better.  I still can not do what I should.  My best is 1750ml and sometimes with good medication I can get to 2000ml.

I am home and it feels good to be home.  Thanks for all the good wishes, it is amazing how much you appreciate those kind words.

I will update often.  I am very tire now and am going to go take a nap.

Later.

Pat

Home today

Finally here.  Surgery isn't until 1PM.  Have to be at the hosptial at 11:30AM.  Trying to finish up laundry here and get the house picked up, not that it will be that way when I come home. 

Got to take my own pillow and fleece blanket with me.  I told my husband he can get them after I am in my room.  Did not sleep much last night - too much running through my head.

Scared- YES  Ready-YES

I will report later tonight.

Have a great day all.

Pat

I am psyched, I am ready.  I wish my surgery was the first case instead of the last case because there is more of a chance of cancellation as the day goes on. I am ready and would hate to wait another week. 

OK, I am getting a little scared now.  My mind is thinking what is wrong with me that I can't just continue eating like I am except have one decent meal per day.  I know me and I know I would be back to my old eating habits.

I am also worried because I am at work tonight and still have to work Saturday and Sunday night.  The other nurse working with me is sick and is getting worse as the night progresses.  I am so worried that I will get what she has and then the surgery will have to be postponed.  I have been washing my hands and using hand sanitizer like it is going out of still.  Trying to avoid her as much as possible without making her feel like she has the plague!!!  She works yet tonight and I am trying to talk her into calling in sick.  She doesn't want to at this point.  Wish me luck.

Even though I am a little scared and apprehensive, I can't wait.  I just want to be on the other side of this.

Pat

This has been a tough day so far, staying focused and drinking/eating ONLY what I am allowed.  Time will fly beginning tomorrow because I am in a class all day and then I work Friday-Saturday-Sunday nights from 1900-0730.  Monday I will come home and sleep away most of the day, take a sleeping pill Monday night and then get ready to be a the hospital by 11:30AM on Tuesday.  I can't wait to get this show on the road.

I did my pre op registration today over the phone.  I don't know how many of those I have done on patients myself and so the access nurse and I had a good talk while she  completed my information.

I am hoping to be able to get out of the hospital by Thursday but then a part of me says to stay and enjoy.  I can always go visiting the nurses I know on the different floors and it would do me good to walk.  Afraid once I get home I will not get my walking in.

I took some awful pictures of myself in a swimsuit.  Which, by the way, is what started this entire process.  I have not had a swimsuit on in ages and thought no problem.  I was absolutely mortified.  Do I really look that way?  Pictures don't lie, they tell the truth.  Well I must say thank heaven I took the pictures because they are the reason I decided I needed to do something about this body I am living in.  I will try and post them when I get a chance. Truth be known, the real benefits of regaining health, lowered blood pressure and just over all feeling better are the main reasons.  Knowing that I may enjoy many more years with my grandkids.

The days are creeping up on me fast and I am so excited.  Trying to get things in order at home.  Making sure all the bills are paid, etc - almost feel a little like nesting.  Have lost 8 lbs on my pre op liquid diet, hope to get to 222 on the day of surgery.  If I make sure to take in adequate protein shakes, it seems easier to stay on track.  Whenever I think I want to eat any food items, I have a sugarfree popsicle and the time it takes me to eat it given me time to rethink about cheating. 

Counting down......excited.....nervous.....scared.