sunflower74
Long over due update
Mar 10, 2015
So it's been quite a while since I have been active on here. Much has happened in the past few year and for those that are interested in my journey...well...here it is. A few months out of my VSG surgery and I unexpectedly got pregnant. This is where the trouble wit my weight came back. Being pregnant and newly sleeved I really didn't make the best choices. Luckily because I was still new to the sleeve there was enough restriction that weight gain during pregnancy was minimal. Sadly, once my little man came into this world, the weight slowly and then not so slowly crept back on. How? Well... combine not fully healing (mentally) with a newborn AND an abusive husband left me terribly depressed and all bets were off. I ate as I pleased, whatever, whenever and how much ever, no matter how much discomfort it caused. Not good. Nope, not one bit. Hear me out, I am not shrugging off responsibility here. I made the choices, I ate the foods, I sat around instead of exercising, it was all in my control. Remember that folks. Not matter how dire you situation my seem at the time, you are still in control of the choices you make. YOU.
So fast forward a bit.... I get a divorce and face a whole new world. A new reality. A new life. Man it was some scary and confusing shit. Pardon my "french", but dang. The good thing is I learned a lot. I learned about myself and life in general. I came out stronger and finally came to a point that it is time to take control once again. So here I am. Back on the boards, mostly just lurking...although that makes me sound like a creepy person, but I really don't post right now, except for today, asking for a good food chart. Other than that I am working behind the scenes to get things done. My kid is healthy, I am relatively healthy (aside from my weight) and things are going well. Luckily I havent gained it all back. How much I gained is yet to be determined. See, I have this scale, and it was made by the dark lord himself. That is correct. My evil scale, which is now in the trash, would have me gaining 3 lbs, then lose 10, then gain back 7 and so on, EVERY TIME you step on it. Crazy. It was fairly accurate for a while which is why I held on to it for so long. WHo knows whats up with that thing and I don't care. It's in the trash and a new on is on the way.
Here is a little of what I learned during this chunk of time I have been away from the site... a sleeve can stretch. Mind you, it is not a terribly large stretch and I don't know how much it has stretched but to give an idea... freshly sleeved I could eat lets say... 1/2 - 3/4 of a McD double cheese burger. Calm down, I don't eat that crap, just using it as a guideline for size since most folks are familiar with that menu item. Today, if I were, I could easily eat the whole thing and a small order of fries. After that would be causing major discomfort.
I also noticed that the discomfort of eating too much, or getting to the full phase has dulled somewhat. I dare not push it to the point of no return, or should I say return, in the form of vomit...eww. The point is, stomach sensitivity is less. That means I have to really pay close attention to quantity or else I am eating too much.
Now I am to the point of day 2 on the 5 day pouch test. It also turned out that yesterday and today I am a bit ill so following it is really easy. I am starting to feel fuller faster too so I guess it is working. Tomorrow I start to eat soft foods again so I think that will be very telling. I'll post more on my progress and try to be more active on the boards.
3-4 month update
Jun 22, 2009
Its been going rather well I must say. The sleeve is an excellent tool for portion restriction, but much work is still needed with the mental aspect of things. I find that I still eat too fast, which sucks. Why? Cause its UNCOMFORTABLE, when you eat too fast. Bad habit that needs to be broken. I still eat at night, even when not hungry, big no-no. I am also not eating when I should, but that mainly happens when I am at work. Thats no excuse, but thats when it happens. Its very easy to not eat, which sounds contradictory when I just said I eat at night when I am not hungry. Let me explain. This tool allows you to not feel physical hunger. It does NOTHING for head hunger. While working, if I am busy, then I dont think about food, therefore its easy to not eat. Make sense? When I am home, watching TV, its very easy to think of food and then eat, the wrong things too. So, be mindful when shopping and when eating. Thats my advice at this stage of the game.
Ok, so I also am having a minor issue with hair loss. I did get a hair cut this past Friday and the stylist didnt think that much was coming out, and it was probably the normal amount for the day. She wasnt concerned. Well.... true its not coming out in big clumps, but it is coming out more that usual. To be blunt and honest... no I am not getting in enough protein a day, and not enough vitamin supplements either. I am trying, I really am. I graduated from Flintstone chewables to Centrum chewables for adults. The centrum taste gross.
Also on my list of things happening is emotional moments that I can not explain. I just posted my experience with that tonight, so I am waiting on some feedback to see if others have gone through this as well.
Other than that, the weight is coming off steady. The first month was a bit slow, but after that, its been regular. I feel really good, much better than I have felt in years. I also find if the scale hasnt moved much, that the tape measure tells a better story. Its like a growing child, but opposite. Instead of gaining weight, then growth spurt, its weight loss, then shrinkage. Pretty darn cool.
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Ok, so I also am having a minor issue with hair loss. I did get a hair cut this past Friday and the stylist didnt think that much was coming out, and it was probably the normal amount for the day. She wasnt concerned. Well.... true its not coming out in big clumps, but it is coming out more that usual. To be blunt and honest... no I am not getting in enough protein a day, and not enough vitamin supplements either. I am trying, I really am. I graduated from Flintstone chewables to Centrum chewables for adults. The centrum taste gross.
Also on my list of things happening is emotional moments that I can not explain. I just posted my experience with that tonight, so I am waiting on some feedback to see if others have gone through this as well.
Other than that, the weight is coming off steady. The first month was a bit slow, but after that, its been regular. I feel really good, much better than I have felt in years. I also find if the scale hasnt moved much, that the tape measure tells a better story. Its like a growing child, but opposite. Instead of gaining weight, then growth spurt, its weight loss, then shrinkage. Pretty darn cool.
I finally have a stomach with sleeve technology!
Mar 13, 2009
After about 7 months the day finally came where I could try again for my sleeve. I thought I wouldnt be nervous
and this whole things would be a piece of cake. In all honesty, is was. I think the nerves kicked in this time because deep down on a subconscious level I knew I was getting sleeved. So what happened? Its Monday morning I got to go first, and this time around I wanted to be first. Luckily my sleeve sis was 100% onboard for that. I remember even less about going into the OR and nothing about coming out. All I remember is waking up in my room and wanting to puke
. I did twice, and the second time is when all the blood came up, freaking my hubby out. I tried to tell him it was normal but until Dr. A came in, he was not hearing it. Eventually by early or possible late Monday evening, time was a bit fuzzy for me, I was able to walk to the bathroom. I hate having to use the bed pan. Makes me feel like I am gonna pee myself. Eww.
With a steady stream of nausea and pain meds I slept through the night. Tuesday morning Dr. A came in and took off the leg wraps and ordered the IV to be taken out. I was walking the halls shortly after. Tuesday afternoon he took me and my sis down for our leak tests. That was soooo not as bad as I was expecting. I didnt have nausea anymore, but the thought of drinking something that might taste yucky was making me a little gaggy. It was ok. The fluid didnt taste great but it wasnt aweful. It tasted like a watered down strawberry milk shake and I only had to take 2 little sips. It was neat to watch the path the fluid took through my new little tummy. So, after the all clear with the leak test I got the OK for my ice chips. Who would have thought ice could be sooo good. My mouth was all dry and nasty and those chips made it alllll better. By this time I am feeling pretty darn good and have been taking my walks. Its been pretty uneventful and that is perfect. By Tuesday night I have been graduated to small sips of water. Wednesday morning was all about more walking and getting ready to leave the hospital. Dr. A came in for one last visit, Dr. G gave us our take home meds and all the info we needed and Rosie drove us back to San Antonio. Thursday morning rolled around and its time to go home. I had 2 flights, which were also uneventful. Aside from always getting stuck behind someone that wanted to recline their seat back
I wasnt uncomfortable at all.
So thats the basic run down of what happened. Here are some of the details that I left out. Dr. A. will visit you a couple times each day and Dr. G will visit at least once a day. The nurses are very limited in english but all you really need to communicate is nausea or pain and they know those words. The language barrier really wasnt a problem at all. Normally Christina is there, who takes you to x-ray and labs and helps to translate, but she had a family emergency and had to leave after she got me and my sister situated. I had no pain and I still have no pain with the exception of 1 incision site. Actually its not at the site, it seems to be more of a referred pain. It feels like a stinging sensation on the skin and only happens if my skin moves just so. I did have gas and still do. The gas was pretty uncomfortable the first few days, but by Thursday it was totally manageable. WALKING REALLY DOES HELP. Now, here is a little tidbit that worked for me. I was very nervous about getting queasy away from the hospital and not having any nausea meds to help. I had my hubby go to Wal Mart and pick up some chewable Bonine(dramamine). The antibiotics they send you home with are so gross that I needed that bonine to keep from gagging. I also took some before my flight just incase.
Since Ive been home Ive been feeling fine. I dont have any physical hunger, but head hunger is a different story. Its doesnt help that every freaking commercial on TV is about food. Is anything else for sale in America besides food!?!?!?!? To help with that issue I am going to join a local OA group and see if that works for me. My gut makes all kinds of funny noises and you might thing I have a lion in my belly at times. I really dont feel hungry and that is amazing to me. I am still fresh out of surgery so I am sure I still have some swelling so I am curious to see how much hunger I will feel further down the line. My activity level is low, mainly just walking around the house and up and down stairs. By Monday (3/16) I should be back to the gym doing mild exercise (treadmill) and gradually build up to the elliptical. So far the emotions are still in check and no "buyers remorse" that I can speak of.
So thats my story, or should I say, the beginning of my new life. Check back to see what happens next!
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and this whole things would be a piece of cake. In all honesty, is was. I think the nerves kicked in this time because deep down on a subconscious level I knew I was getting sleeved. So what happened? Its Monday morning I got to go first, and this time around I wanted to be first. Luckily my sleeve sis was 100% onboard for that. I remember even less about going into the OR and nothing about coming out. All I remember is waking up in my room and wanting to puke. I did twice, and the second time is when all the blood came up, freaking my hubby out. I tried to tell him it was normal but until Dr. A came in, he was not hearing it. Eventually by early or possible late Monday evening, time was a bit fuzzy for me, I was able to walk to the bathroom. I hate having to use the bed pan. Makes me feel like I am gonna pee myself. Eww. With a steady stream of nausea and pain meds I slept through the night. Tuesday morning Dr. A came in and took off the leg wraps and ordered the IV to be taken out. I was walking the halls shortly after. Tuesday afternoon he took me and my sis down for our leak tests. That was soooo not as bad as I was expecting. I didnt have nausea anymore, but the thought of drinking something that might taste yucky was making me a little gaggy. It was ok. The fluid didnt taste great but it wasnt aweful. It tasted like a watered down strawberry milk shake and I only had to take 2 little sips. It was neat to watch the path the fluid took through my new little tummy. So, after the all clear with the leak test I got the OK for my ice chips. Who would have thought ice could be sooo good. My mouth was all dry and nasty and those chips made it alllll better. By this time I am feeling pretty darn good and have been taking my walks. Its been pretty uneventful and that is perfect. By Tuesday night I have been graduated to small sips of water. Wednesday morning was all about more walking and getting ready to leave the hospital. Dr. A came in for one last visit, Dr. G gave us our take home meds and all the info we needed and Rosie drove us back to San Antonio. Thursday morning rolled around and its time to go home. I had 2 flights, which were also uneventful. Aside from always getting stuck behind someone that wanted to recline their seat back
I wasnt uncomfortable at all.So thats the basic run down of what happened. Here are some of the details that I left out. Dr. A. will visit you a couple times each day and Dr. G will visit at least once a day. The nurses are very limited in english but all you really need to communicate is nausea or pain and they know those words. The language barrier really wasnt a problem at all. Normally Christina is there, who takes you to x-ray and labs and helps to translate, but she had a family emergency and had to leave after she got me and my sister situated. I had no pain and I still have no pain with the exception of 1 incision site. Actually its not at the site, it seems to be more of a referred pain. It feels like a stinging sensation on the skin and only happens if my skin moves just so. I did have gas and still do. The gas was pretty uncomfortable the first few days, but by Thursday it was totally manageable. WALKING REALLY DOES HELP. Now, here is a little tidbit that worked for me. I was very nervous about getting queasy away from the hospital and not having any nausea meds to help. I had my hubby go to Wal Mart and pick up some chewable Bonine(dramamine). The antibiotics they send you home with are so gross that I needed that bonine to keep from gagging. I also took some before my flight just incase.
Since Ive been home Ive been feeling fine. I dont have any physical hunger, but head hunger is a different story. Its doesnt help that every freaking commercial on TV is about food. Is anything else for sale in America besides food!?!?!?!? To help with that issue I am going to join a local OA group and see if that works for me. My gut makes all kinds of funny noises and you might thing I have a lion in my belly at times. I really dont feel hungry and that is amazing to me. I am still fresh out of surgery so I am sure I still have some swelling so I am curious to see how much hunger I will feel further down the line. My activity level is low, mainly just walking around the house and up and down stairs. By Monday (3/16) I should be back to the gym doing mild exercise (treadmill) and gradually build up to the elliptical. So far the emotions are still in check and no "buyers remorse" that I can speak of.
So thats my story, or should I say, the beginning of my new life. Check back to see what happens next!
Lets try again
Feb 05, 2009
Ok folks, round 2 is coming up. Got the green light from my PCP, breathing problem is all fixed, just some mild sleep apnea. By the grace of god and a curtain rod I shall have my sleeve! March 9th is the date and its just around the corner. Wish me luck!
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Getting better
Sep 01, 2008
When I first came home from MX unsleeved, I thought these next 6 months were going to be near impossible to deal with. 
Today was a wonderful example of how great things really are. 
First off, I am still losing weight on my own, which in itself feels like a miracle. I am fitting into some of my smaller clothes again and starting to feel much better. Now, on to the reason why today was a great day....I went for a mini hike with my DH. The hike was on a nature trail that had some small hills. For the first half hour I felt pretty winded and wasnt all that happy about it
. Then all of a sudden I felt this surge of energy. My pace quickened and my breathing was clearer. Its was if I had just "leveled up" like on a video game. 
It was amazing to feel this way. I didnt want the hike to end. If it wasnt for my DH getting hungry and my bladder getting full, I would have convinced him to walk a little longer.
So now on to a few other moments of enlightenment. Friday night we decided to go to a buffet for dinner. Why? I have no idea. Have no fear my friends because I did great! But in a way, I kinda feel bad. The place was packed and the food looked delicious. I went up, got my first plate which had meat and veggies, no carbs.
YAY for me. As I am eating, I am looking around me. I love to people watch, really, its fascinating to me. Anyway, and please, no one take offense to this next part of my story... There were so many obese people at this buffet and looking at them and knowing that I am still obese, I didnt want to fit into that crowd. It actually made me not want to eat. Does that sound mean? To some that are still in denial that they are obese, then it probably does, but to those of you that have finally accepted the fact that "hey, I am fat" but I am willing to change, can probably relate to what I am saying. Nice run on sentence there huh. Whatever. So, I got a second plate, nothing much, some carrots and a roll, my first carb. Dessert time. NO WAY IN HELL am I passing up the opportunity to get a little taste of this and that....and thats pretty much all I had. I was full from dinner at that point, but I just wanted to taste, so I did....and I didnt feel guilty because I stopped before I got over full. That is a HUGE accomplishment for me. Now that we know a buffet is not that great a deal for us any more, we probably wont do it again, at least not any time soon.
So, I am kinda just rambling on a bit here, but these little things mean a lot to me. To be able to leave food on my plate, dessert none the less, is amazing to me. To be able to fit into my clothes again is refreshing. To actually get some energy from taking a walk is like a dream come true. I still have some work to do. I still have some food issues, but they are getting better. I still have a ton of self esteem work that needs to be done. BUT, every little victory makes it all that much easier.
Today was a wonderful example of how great things really are. First off, I am still losing weight on my own, which in itself feels like a miracle. I am fitting into some of my smaller clothes again and starting to feel much better. Now, on to the reason why today was a great day....I went for a mini hike with my DH. The hike was on a nature trail that had some small hills. For the first half hour I felt pretty winded and wasnt all that happy about it. Then all of a sudden I felt this surge of energy. My pace quickened and my breathing was clearer. Its was if I had just "leveled up" like on a video game. It was amazing to feel this way. I didnt want the hike to end. If it wasnt for my DH getting hungry and my bladder getting full, I would have convinced him to walk a little longer. So now on to a few other moments of enlightenment. Friday night we decided to go to a buffet for dinner. Why? I have no idea. Have no fear my friends because I did great! But in a way, I kinda feel bad. The place was packed and the food looked delicious. I went up, got my first plate which had meat and veggies, no carbs.
YAY for me. As I am eating, I am looking around me. I love to people watch, really, its fascinating to me. Anyway, and please, no one take offense to this next part of my story... There were so many obese people at this buffet and looking at them and knowing that I am still obese, I didnt want to fit into that crowd. It actually made me not want to eat. Does that sound mean? To some that are still in denial that they are obese, then it probably does, but to those of you that have finally accepted the fact that "hey, I am fat" but I am willing to change, can probably relate to what I am saying. Nice run on sentence there huh. Whatever. So, I got a second plate, nothing much, some carrots and a roll, my first carb. Dessert time. NO WAY IN HELL am I passing up the opportunity to get a little taste of this and that....and thats pretty much all I had. I was full from dinner at that point, but I just wanted to taste, so I did....and I didnt feel guilty because I stopped before I got over full. That is a HUGE accomplishment for me. Now that we know a buffet is not that great a deal for us any more, we probably wont do it again, at least not any time soon. So, I am kinda just rambling on a bit here, but these little things mean a lot to me. To be able to leave food on my plate, dessert none the less, is amazing to me. To be able to fit into my clothes again is refreshing. To actually get some energy from taking a walk is like a dream come true. I still have some work to do. I still have some food issues, but they are getting better. I still have a ton of self esteem work that needs to be done. BUT, every little victory makes it all that much easier.
This is not as easy as I hoped (pre-op)
Aug 24, 2008
Ok, I am normally positive. Being negative is a waste of energy, I truly believe this. Heres the catch. I feel pretty lousy today. I know I shouldnt, that everyone has their up and down moments, but it doesnt make it any easier to accept when you have a down moment. However, I did learn something, so this down moment isnt a total loss. This is what happened.... My husband took off the whole week on the plan that I was having my surgery and would appreciate him around the house to help me out. Well, no sleeve but he still took the week off. Most of the week was fine, it was when Saturday rolled around when the problems started. We were getting bored, money is tight and funny enough, no matter how tight the cash flow is, there is always enough for food....usually the wrong food. Saturday wasnt too horrible since we did do a lot of walking, but I know I triggered a chemical reaction with my choices. First we had an italian ice, surely loaded with sugar. Why?
I dont freakin know, it was hot, it looked refreshing....I know I know, poor choice. Next item was a rack of BBQ ribs. They were really good. Hubby and I split them so its not like I ate the whole rack, but I ate more than I should have. I ignored my satisfied point and kept going. I KNOW BETTER AND I DID IT ANYWAY!!!! 
Saturday night rolls around and we went to the deli to get some sandwiches. I had a turkey on wheat, no biggie, I could have had the sub which would have been waaaay worse. Of course I couldnt be happy with just a sandwich, I had to have some sort of crunchie. I got a bag of quakes mini rice cakes, not bad calorie wise, but horrible as far as carbs. Sunday hits, we start off ok , I had my shake, we went to a MC and car swap meet which means more walking. Hunger starts to settle in, and instead of having another shake like I was supposed to, noooo, I wait until hunger turns to starvation and we end up at Subway. Major bone headed decision since the sandwich is mostly BREAD! ACK! Hubby wants chips too and I let him! WTF!?!?!? He comes back with 3 cans of pringles. I am so freaking hungry and irritable I tear into one of them on the ride home. Again I eat my food and go past my satisfied level but did manage to stop before it went too far and put the rest of my sub in the fridge. About an hour later, hubby wants ice cream. Are you effing kidding me??? I dont want any, and he wont stop whining about how he does. WE GO TO GET THE GODDAMED ICE CREAM. We both got a small, and it really wasnt even worth it. Not as yummy as I remember, but none the less I ate it. We go home, about 30 min later he is eating pringles, I now have the munchies thanks to him and my chemical chain reaction from all the carbs and now I get the rest of my sandwich and finish off a can of pringles. 
OMG I am freaking out mentally as I am physically slipping into a food high. NOT GOOD. Hubby went back to work today, that was a plus for me as far as being able to control what I eat. What doesnt help is the wake up call I got at 7am about how he didnt get paid for the week he was off because of someone in the office complaining. So now I am in panic mode, dont know how the mtg and truck loan will be paid next week, I dont want to eat, but I am stressed which makes me feel like crap, which makes me not want to cook, or care about doing the right food things. .......sigh.....
I dont freakin know, it was hot, it looked refreshing....I know I know, poor choice. Next item was a rack of BBQ ribs. They were really good. Hubby and I split them so its not like I ate the whole rack, but I ate more than I should have. I ignored my satisfied point and kept going. I KNOW BETTER AND I DID IT ANYWAY!!!! Saturday night rolls around and we went to the deli to get some sandwiches. I had a turkey on wheat, no biggie, I could have had the sub which would have been waaaay worse. Of course I couldnt be happy with just a sandwich, I had to have some sort of crunchie. I got a bag of quakes mini rice cakes, not bad calorie wise, but horrible as far as carbs. Sunday hits, we start off ok , I had my shake, we went to a MC and car swap meet which means more walking. Hunger starts to settle in, and instead of having another shake like I was supposed to, noooo, I wait until hunger turns to starvation and we end up at Subway. Major bone headed decision since the sandwich is mostly BREAD! ACK! Hubby wants chips too and I let him! WTF!?!?!? He comes back with 3 cans of pringles. I am so freaking hungry and irritable I tear into one of them on the ride home. Again I eat my food and go past my satisfied level but did manage to stop before it went too far and put the rest of my sub in the fridge. About an hour later, hubby wants ice cream. Are you effing kidding me??? I dont want any, and he wont stop whining about how he does. WE GO TO GET THE GODDAMED ICE CREAM. We both got a small, and it really wasnt even worth it. Not as yummy as I remember, but none the less I ate it. We go home, about 30 min later he is eating pringles, I now have the munchies thanks to him and my chemical chain reaction from all the carbs and now I get the rest of my sandwich and finish off a can of pringles. OMG I am freaking out mentally as I am physically slipping into a food high. NOT GOOD. Hubby went back to work today, that was a plus for me as far as being able to control what I eat. What doesnt help is the wake up call I got at 7am about how he didnt get paid for the week he was off because of someone in the office complaining. So now I am in panic mode, dont know how the mtg and truck loan will be paid next week, I dont want to eat, but I am stressed which makes me feel like crap, which makes me not want to cook, or care about doing the right food things. .......sigh.....
No sleeve, but its gonna be alright
Aug 19, 2008
Ok, so I made it all the way out to Eagle Pass, TX...did some swimming, ate some soup in MX, got stopped by boarder patrol, met some great people, went back to MX, barfed in a trash can and came back home. Well, there is a little more to it than that, but the point is, it really wasnt all that bad....
Here is what happened....
Eagle Pass is full of a whole lot of nothing. The hotel was nice and had a pool, which I used. There is also a restaurant in MX that offers a free shuttle. If you go with Dr. Alvarez for surgery, Susan mentions this restaurant in one of her emails. So, the bunch of us (me, sleeve sis and her friend) head on over to MX, have dinner, which was really good, even though I only had cream of mushroom soup, and back to TX. On the way back we did get stopped at the boarder and happened to be there while one of the dogs was in training. It was no big deal. They just used the van to run a training drill on the dog and we talked with one of the officers about tequila and how much of it you are allowed to bring to the US at one time. Not that any of us did, but anyway....
The next day Rosie picked us up and took us back to MX and I met with Dr. Alvarez in his office, got weighed and chit chatted a bit. Laughed about having a Mac and how people with PC's feel bad for us...dont, Macs are great. Chose to go second so my sleeve sister could "jump right in" so she wouldnt think twice. Dr. A walked my husband and I over to the hospital and showed us around a bit, not much, just what was on the way. As for the smell, well, when you first walk in it smells like car wash soap, or at least the soap that is at my car wash...then you take the elevator up and that floor smells a little more funky. Not funky like BO or something, more like mediciney clean funky, but tolerable. He showed me to my room and shortly after, Christina came in. She speaks fluent english. She took me down for blood work and x-ray and then back up to my room. Keep in mind this is not a private hospital just for bariatric patients, so there were locals there getting whatever they needed, tested, fixed, etc... at least down stairs where the lab was. Anyway, so I am back in my room. waiting for them to tell me its time to put on that sexy hiney revealing gown and get my IV. All the staff was friendly, even if we had no clue what each other was saying.
Ok, its IV time, yuck, it hurt, not horribly, but uncomfortable none the less. Shortly after was gurney time and sleepy juice. This is some good stuff, but not so good when you are 300+ lbs trying to move around...I'll explain. So I am getting wheeled over to the OR, dont remember much of that little trip, except the infamous window of cleanliness. I can only imagine how funny it must have looked to see me trying to slide through it. At that point the meds were kicking in enough that clips of me trying to get through and saying "my butt is stuck" play through my head. I remember seeing some of the surgical team smiling and probably laughing as I was pawing at them, trying to pull my self over to the other gurney. Let me tell you so you dont think this is some horrible story, cause its not. I have a bad back that I fractured when I was 19. If I lay flat I get weak and can hardly move, now add in some sleepy juice and you tell me how well you think I did?
Moving on....so I must have made it where I needed to be because about 30 min after I left my room I was coming back in and the Dr was telling my husband that I couldnt be intubated. This has nothing to do with the hospital or the staff. This has to do with my body not being ready. My advice is make sure you are uber specific when visiting your PCP pre-op that you want to be cleared for surgery and order a Pulmonary Function Test, I didnt get that. I assumed that when I told my PCP I was going in for surgery and said "I want to make sure everything is ok" that he knew what I meant. I went in with a complaint of a flutter in my chest and he marked it up to anxiety after having a clear EKG. That was my fault for not knowing more about clearance for surgery. DO IT. So what happened was my airway started to constrict, making intubation impossible and surgery unsafe.
Now I remember waking up in the OR and they were trying to put an O2 mask on me, and boy did I fight that. I get back in my room and they have another mask which I didnt want either. I was laughing and saying "I have to pee" over and over again. Hey, I had to pee and I couldnt walk yet so what else was I gonna do. As the meds started to ware off I got queasy and hubby was right there with the trash can. Thankfully I was still loopy enough not to care much, otherwise I would have cried. I hate to puke.
Its at this point that I recall thinking, "wow, I feel great, no pain at all" and thats when I was told I had no sleeve. Not even a single cut was made. I was upset but when it was explained what happened I was ok. Dr. A. has a way about him that makes the whole world seem great. BUT even still, I almost cried, but that didnt happen until I was home and it really sank in. Not much else exciting happened after that. I found a TV station that had english shows, but they were on a loop. I can only watch "According to Jim" so many times in one day. The Simpsons were on, in spanish, and yeah...I watched it.
The next day Dr. A came back with some antibiotics, which taste horrible....like bananas and cheap lipstick...or perfume...very very nasty. He also explained again what happened now that I was totally clear minded and gave me a check for most of my money. The surgical team didnt charge me anything. All I had to pay for was my hospital fee, lodging and transportaion(Rosie). He told me to lose a few more pounds and when I get home to make an appointment for a Pulmonary Function Test and get my lungs straightened out. I was also welcome to come back and try again once I am clear for surgery. Since I am going to school in Sept for 6 months, the group decision thus far is to wait until then, which is March, or shortly after.
Since I have been home I found a new PCP, got a basic PFT and am lined up for a more in depth one with a pulmonary specialist. So far, it looks like mild asthma. I also had a nice long talk with hubby, vented a bit, got to be the spoiled little brat that I wanted to be and have my hissy fit. Honestly, being positive all the time, sometimes, it just doesnt cut it. HOWEVER, if I didnt keep the positive attitude that I have, I dont think I would have gotten over not being sleeved as quickly as I did. I am back to being my good ol optimistic self and working on getting myself back up to par. Yes it sucks that I went all the way over there and didnt get sleeved...BUT I am alive and know for sure that I chose an excellent surgeon. Yes it sucks that I have to try to lose weight the "old fashioned way" just a little bit longer...BUT I now have the time to better prepare myself physically, and even refine some more mentally. All in all, its not a total loss. It was an experience and I am happy to be alive to tell about it.
Here is what happened....
Eagle Pass is full of a whole lot of nothing. The hotel was nice and had a pool, which I used. There is also a restaurant in MX that offers a free shuttle. If you go with Dr. Alvarez for surgery, Susan mentions this restaurant in one of her emails. So, the bunch of us (me, sleeve sis and her friend) head on over to MX, have dinner, which was really good, even though I only had cream of mushroom soup, and back to TX. On the way back we did get stopped at the boarder and happened to be there while one of the dogs was in training. It was no big deal. They just used the van to run a training drill on the dog and we talked with one of the officers about tequila and how much of it you are allowed to bring to the US at one time. Not that any of us did, but anyway....
The next day Rosie picked us up and took us back to MX and I met with Dr. Alvarez in his office, got weighed and chit chatted a bit. Laughed about having a Mac and how people with PC's feel bad for us...dont, Macs are great. Chose to go second so my sleeve sister could "jump right in" so she wouldnt think twice. Dr. A walked my husband and I over to the hospital and showed us around a bit, not much, just what was on the way. As for the smell, well, when you first walk in it smells like car wash soap, or at least the soap that is at my car wash...then you take the elevator up and that floor smells a little more funky. Not funky like BO or something, more like mediciney clean funky, but tolerable. He showed me to my room and shortly after, Christina came in. She speaks fluent english. She took me down for blood work and x-ray and then back up to my room. Keep in mind this is not a private hospital just for bariatric patients, so there were locals there getting whatever they needed, tested, fixed, etc... at least down stairs where the lab was. Anyway, so I am back in my room. waiting for them to tell me its time to put on that sexy hiney revealing gown and get my IV. All the staff was friendly, even if we had no clue what each other was saying.
Ok, its IV time, yuck, it hurt, not horribly, but uncomfortable none the less. Shortly after was gurney time and sleepy juice. This is some good stuff, but not so good when you are 300+ lbs trying to move around...I'll explain. So I am getting wheeled over to the OR, dont remember much of that little trip, except the infamous window of cleanliness. I can only imagine how funny it must have looked to see me trying to slide through it. At that point the meds were kicking in enough that clips of me trying to get through and saying "my butt is stuck" play through my head. I remember seeing some of the surgical team smiling and probably laughing as I was pawing at them, trying to pull my self over to the other gurney. Let me tell you so you dont think this is some horrible story, cause its not. I have a bad back that I fractured when I was 19. If I lay flat I get weak and can hardly move, now add in some sleepy juice and you tell me how well you think I did?
Moving on....so I must have made it where I needed to be because about 30 min after I left my room I was coming back in and the Dr was telling my husband that I couldnt be intubated. This has nothing to do with the hospital or the staff. This has to do with my body not being ready. My advice is make sure you are uber specific when visiting your PCP pre-op that you want to be cleared for surgery and order a Pulmonary Function Test, I didnt get that. I assumed that when I told my PCP I was going in for surgery and said "I want to make sure everything is ok" that he knew what I meant. I went in with a complaint of a flutter in my chest and he marked it up to anxiety after having a clear EKG. That was my fault for not knowing more about clearance for surgery. DO IT. So what happened was my airway started to constrict, making intubation impossible and surgery unsafe.
Now I remember waking up in the OR and they were trying to put an O2 mask on me, and boy did I fight that. I get back in my room and they have another mask which I didnt want either. I was laughing and saying "I have to pee" over and over again. Hey, I had to pee and I couldnt walk yet so what else was I gonna do. As the meds started to ware off I got queasy and hubby was right there with the trash can. Thankfully I was still loopy enough not to care much, otherwise I would have cried. I hate to puke.
Its at this point that I recall thinking, "wow, I feel great, no pain at all" and thats when I was told I had no sleeve. Not even a single cut was made. I was upset but when it was explained what happened I was ok. Dr. A. has a way about him that makes the whole world seem great. BUT even still, I almost cried, but that didnt happen until I was home and it really sank in. Not much else exciting happened after that. I found a TV station that had english shows, but they were on a loop. I can only watch "According to Jim" so many times in one day. The Simpsons were on, in spanish, and yeah...I watched it.
The next day Dr. A came back with some antibiotics, which taste horrible....like bananas and cheap lipstick...or perfume...very very nasty. He also explained again what happened now that I was totally clear minded and gave me a check for most of my money. The surgical team didnt charge me anything. All I had to pay for was my hospital fee, lodging and transportaion(Rosie). He told me to lose a few more pounds and when I get home to make an appointment for a Pulmonary Function Test and get my lungs straightened out. I was also welcome to come back and try again once I am clear for surgery. Since I am going to school in Sept for 6 months, the group decision thus far is to wait until then, which is March, or shortly after.
Since I have been home I found a new PCP, got a basic PFT and am lined up for a more in depth one with a pulmonary specialist. So far, it looks like mild asthma. I also had a nice long talk with hubby, vented a bit, got to be the spoiled little brat that I wanted to be and have my hissy fit. Honestly, being positive all the time, sometimes, it just doesnt cut it. HOWEVER, if I didnt keep the positive attitude that I have, I dont think I would have gotten over not being sleeved as quickly as I did. I am back to being my good ol optimistic self and working on getting myself back up to par. Yes it sucks that I went all the way over there and didnt get sleeved...BUT I am alive and know for sure that I chose an excellent surgeon. Yes it sucks that I have to try to lose weight the "old fashioned way" just a little bit longer...BUT I now have the time to better prepare myself physically, and even refine some more mentally. All in all, its not a total loss. It was an experience and I am happy to be alive to tell about it.
Here we go!!!
Aug 13, 2008
This is my last post as a pre-op. I am ready to go, the nerves have calmed and all is well. Now I just need to get some sleep and then I'm off bright and early to the air port. This is it folks, the beginning of my new life.
The clock is ticking...
Aug 12, 2008
The hour draws near my friends. Thank GOD for anxiety meds. I am ok with the whole idea of having a sleeve and having a major lifestyle change. I guess its the fear of surgery and the somewhat unknown. I want everything to go well, including all the traveling. I am still a bit moody. Thats about all for now.
Pre op liquid diet
Jul 28, 2008
Well, this certainly sucks ass. No denying it, not having solid food is a bummer. BUT this is all for a very good reason. I just need to whine and bitch about it, other wise it wouldnt be me. It is now day 4 and the delirium is subsiding a bit. I am able to recognize colors and shapes again and can almost remember how to spell my name. Ok, so maybe I am exaggerating a bit, but its rough. My husband has been an exceptional support for this phase as he decided to join me. He's not having surgery, but he needs to lose weight and what a better time to start than now. Our kitchen is bare and its a bit creepy but in the end its totally worth it. Even in the short time I have been on this diet I am already noticing positive changes. The energy level is still low, but movement is much easier. I also noticed that to take my mind off the fact that I cant eat is to clean. For some reason cleaning, which I dont normally enjoy doing, has become a priority for me. I am a bit of a pack rat and also feel this is a good time in my life to start sorting through my stuff and get rid of a lot of crap. Thats about it for now. C Ya!
About Me
Salem, NJ
Location
32.2
BMI
Surgery
03/09/2009
Surgery Date
Surgeon
Jun 23, 2008
Member Since
