Stacey_M

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Okay, I am really happy for those people who had their surgery, went home in a few days and were noticeably on their way to recovery.  I was sent home from the hospital the day after surgery, without the magic of having passed gas, and given these discharge instructions that included taking in 64 ounces of water and 70 grams of protein.  No one told me you are supposed to work your way up to it an when I asked the PA why I was getting nauseous every time I had broth, Popsicles or jello, he told me I needed to keep eating them but do it slower.

Turns out that my gut was not working and I was forcing myself to take in liquid (about 32 ounces a day) and protein (about 30 - 40 grams).  Every sip of protein upset me, no matter how slowly I took it in and even the water hurt as it went down.

I kept thinking that it was "just the pain you would expect when you have major surgery" - another gem from the idiot PA.  It wasn't until I found myself clinging to my mother, doubled over and vomiting- a foamy mess- that I went back to the hospital.

Turns out that my gut was not working - that all important passed gas test - and what I was taking in had no place to go.  I ended up dehydrated, with a low blood count, a locked up bowel and barely able to stand.

The next time I came out I had great, clear discharge instructions, they waited until I had a BM (the best thing in the world) and could take in liquids without being nauseous.

The day after my surgery I said if I had to be out I wanted to go on vacation, that wasn't exactly the vacation I was hoping for.

I should be clear that I intentionally left out the name of the hospital I was in and that my surgeon was great as well as the team that took care of me in the hospital.  I was fortunate and know that. 

My point here is three fold:

You need to make sure that you get your discharge instructions clear.  If you have questions ask them and if you don't think the answer is clear, ask more.
You shouldn't expect that you can take in the expected amount of liquids and protein immediately.  You should work your way up to it and talk to your surgeon ahead of time about a reasonable rate of increase.
And lastly, if you haven't passed gas or had a bowel movement within two days of surgery, call you surgeon!

Today is day two of my fully liquid diet and - for the record - I am coming off of my menstrual cycle.  I mention the latter just incase it's a factor - though I don't think it is.

I noticed yesterday and more so today, that I have a strong body odor.  I never smell, I could go without deodorant and I wouldn't smell most days.  For the last two days, I put it on and it just doesn't hold up.  Tomorrow I will try switching the deodorant but I don't think it will make a difference.  I think the change in my body odor is due to the liquid diet.

I started having liquid lunches last week - not the fun kind that comes in cocktail glasses and has little umbrellas - the kind that consists of protein shakes/chicken broth/diet Snapple - to prepare for this week.  I wanted to get accustomed to not eating during the day at work.  My officemates eat all the time and I needed to get acclimated to having them snacking around me while I still had the option of going home and having a delicious chicken breast wrap.  I digress.  I say all of that to say that I'd started reducing my solid food intake a week ago and that might be why this has happened so quickly.

Well, gotta go.  I have a workout tonight and need to drink some protein before I hit the road.  Mmmmmnnn - NOT!

SAM

I have this silly countdown clock in my head that keeps track of things all in relation to the day of my surgery or some other event.  This week I kept saying "this is the last time I'll taste my mother's curry chicken for a year" or "this is my last taste of sweet tea for the rest of my life" or, even more silly, "this is the last Sunday I can eat solid food for the next two - three months."

Now I understand, in my sane brain, that nothing is final and that the surgery won't ultimately prevent me from eating and drinking these things - that will become a choice I have to make everyday, every meal, every time food is before me.  But, in my fatty brain, I seem to believe that the surgery is going to magically remove these things for the rest of my life.

I am trying to get my mind right, really I am, and I know eventually I will, but, this interim where I measure the world by its distance from my RNY, is a little trippy.

Well, today is the start of the second to last week before my surgery and the last day I can eat solid foods and the start of what I hope will be the last time I'll have to take birth control to regulate my crazy period - or it's Sunday and I need to get my but in gear and get to church on-time for a change.  It all depends on which mind is in control at the time.

Stacey out!