Post Op - Day 4

Nov 09, 2006

Hello, Everything is great. Today is the first day of full liquids. I have taken in most of my protein for the day and will have more shortly. I tried a sample of Nectar Ice tea protein powder. Wasen't for me! I finished it, but the flavor wasen't what I expected. I'm using the GNC berry flavored protein powder and so far I really like the taste. Yesterday and today I have been up, staying busy around the house. Of course I'm gentle with my midsection, I'm taking my pain meds, but want to stay active. I will start walking the treadmill soon. I wanted to walk outside, but it's been a little cold the past few days. It's always nicer to walk outside in the neighborhood. Will try to write more later.

Post Op - Day 3

Nov 08, 2006

11-8-06 . Post Op day 3. Hello everyone. I kept busy today. I feel real good. My stomach is sore (sometimes real sore), but with the pain meds, It's easy to forget that I had surgery only 2 days ago. I must admit, it was a real experience that I will never forget. A very positive experience. I must also admit, that I was a little scared but probably what I would consider normal for someone going into surgery. I really trust Dr. Jawad, I knew he was the best and that helped. 

The day of surgery:
We got up at 2am. I took my shower. Used Dyna-Hex 2 (surgical soap) that must be used before surgery, Make's the skin super clean. The drive took about 2 1/2 hours from Jacksonville Beach to Ocala. We arrived around 5:45am. I went to registration where there were several other patients waiting for differen't types of surgery. They placed my new ID bracelet on my wrist and then everyone was escorted to the OR check-in. My wife was allowed to stay with me right up to when they rolled me into the OR. They gave me the hospital gown, paper feet type of shoes and my party hat. The nurse asked me a lot of questions and started my IV. The anesthesiologist came in to ask some questions and explained what he would be doing. I signed the release forms and then I was ready.
They rolled me into the OR, that's all I remember. I woke up in recovery with a nurse on my side. I was given Ice chips, but not much. After about an hour, I was rolled up to the forth floor to a private room. With-in two hours, I was up walking up and down the hallway. Every two hours after that I had to walk the hallways. This helped prevent blood clots and helped with gas.  At first I was real sore, but it wasen't too bad by the next day. I was given pain meds when ever I needed them, Demarol and thoradol (Not sure if the spelling is correct). The nurses were great, they were constantly checking my blood pressure, my blood sugar levels, and making sure I was comfortable. That hose up my nose was probably the worst part. At 6am Tuesday morning, they removed that hose in my nose, what a relief. On Tuesday afternoon, Kelly, the main RN for the bariatric floor stopped in to explain how to keep the incisions and the G-Tube clean then gave me some supplies to help me get started, tape gause pads, etc. She also explained the diet requirements and a little about the medications I was taking prior to surgery. Dr Jawad stopped by on Tuesday afternoon around 4pm and I was given the clean bill of health to go home. The JP drain was removed, and  the IV was diconnected.

I had two visitors stop by:
I had two visitors stop by. Don stopped by the day of surgery, what a nice guy. He stayed for awhile and I really enjoyed his company. He gave me a container of his favorite protein powder as a gift. Totally unexpected. Thank you Don, your visit meant alot. The next morning (Tuesday), Jan stopped by. She gave me some good information and we chatted for awhile. Was nice to have visitors. I would have never thought.

Ebay Store for the Gastric bypass patient

Nov 04, 2006

For anyone interested, I was searching for chewable Iron and found an eBay store specifically for the Gastric Bypass patient. It's worth a look.  http://stores.ebay.com/gastricbypasssupplies

The official countdown

Nov 04, 2006


Pre-Op 2 days and counting

Nov 04, 2006

11-04-06 - Pre-Op 2 days and counting. Not much to talk about. It's Saturday. I have the day off. Had most of the day to myself. Went to the base for a haircut. Visited an old friend in the hospital. Poor guy had hip surgery. He's 82 and I know he enjoys a friend to stop by. I take him coffee and we enjoy a watching the Gators play. He's a retired Navy guy from the world war II days. I joke with him because all his ships had sails. 

Full liquids today:
Today is full liquids for me. Had my protein shake in the morning and a coffee. I need to get in more fluids, water. 

I passed up what I normally don't
I went to Costco today to pick up a few items. If you ever shop at one of the club stores like Sams, BJ's and Costco, you know how they serve all those yummy samples. Today's sample were especially inviting. I passed everything up. I have made a commitment to myself not to allow myself to be tempted and use strong willpower to stay healthy.

Pre-Op 3 days and counting.

Nov 03, 2006

11-03-06 - Pre-Op 3 days and counting. Today was my last day at work. Actually I go in for a little overtime Sunday morning. Monday will start the first vacation I have taken in years. What a way to take a vacation, huh? It's all good. This is the best use of vacation time I can think of, it's an investment in good health. 

Protein:
Getting in my protein shakes. I make them at work and sip on them throughout the day. I take some frozen strawberries, measured baggies of GNC Whey protein powder and I'm all set. I use my single serve blender which also serves as my glass. This was a good trial run to get used to what I need to do after surgery.

Forums:
I want to be active in the various internet forums. I haven't been as active as I would like, but I know they will be helpful with good support and advice. I have met some really nice people on these forums and we all have so much in common. I will find my nitch soon and that's where I can be found.

Pre-Op 4 days and counting

Nov 02, 2006

11-02-06 - Pre-Op 4 days and counting. Today was a long day. Got up at 0400 and just got home at 2010. Had my pre-op visit wih Dr. Jawad. The had a presentation for all the new surgeries for the week, took about 4 hours. THen I had the opportunity to speak with Dr JAwad. What a really nice person. We discussed the surgery and he answered my questions. He informed me that I had galstones and he would remove my gallbladder during surgery. I'm the first batter up Monday morning. I need to be there at 0600 and surgery will start at 0800.

Pre Op 5 days and counting.

Nov 01, 2006

11-01-06 - Pre-Op 5 days and counting. Tomorrow is my Pre Op visit with Dr. Jawad. I'm told to expect to be at the office for at least 4 hours and then I'll need to check in at the Ocala Hospital in the afternoon. I did this last year when my wife had her surgery. It will be a busy day.

What other's think about this surgery:
With all my diet attempts in the past, this surgery is almost like my last attempt for long term weight loss success. I'm about 110 lbs over my maximum ideal weight. Some say that they don't believe I really need this type of surgery, but in my heart, I know I do. My supervisor at work is completely against the idea. He understands, but still disagrees. He hasen't walked in my shoes. I stay real busy at work, my position is difficult for someone else to fill in. So taking time off is always an issue. He says I wish you timed this a little better. There would have never been a good time. Something else will always come up.

Blood sugar levels:
I've noticed for the past couple weeks while on this high protein, low carb pre-op plan that my blood sugar levels have dropped considerably. With Meds, my average readings first thing in the morning were in the range of 160 -170. The past couple weeks, The range has been between 70 - 80. Sometimes a little higher. And throughout the day, I haven't gotten over 120. Still taking the meds, but I cut my daily dosage in half. I don't want to go too low. After surgery, I will see how it goes. I will discuss this with my surgeon as well. 

It's getting close, this will be my first surgery and I hope the last. I will watch the football game Sunday afternoon and possibly another evening game or two, then try to get a good rest. I'm sure my nerves will be tested Monday morning.

Dr Jawads new forum on obesityhelp.com

Oct 31, 2006

10-31-06 Happy halloween!  I just found the new forum for Dr. Jawads patients. Here it is. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/forums/messageboard.php?ID=984242940. Stop by to say hello. I haven't had a lot of time, but I'll be visiting soon.. See you there.

Pre op- 6 days and counting

Oct 30, 2006

10-31-06 - Pre op- 6 days and counting. Happy Halloween. Added some new photos last night. I will update the descriptions today. Feeling great today. Pre-op diet is on track. I felt real bloated last night. Had a small bowl of chile. My chile days will probably disappear. 

Blood Sugar: 
Staying low. I need to monitor it and may need additional adjustments to my meds. I might make a phone consult with my primary care doctor and see what he suggests.

New Friends:
I'm excited to see new friends added to my friends listing. Sparkles, Cimpy, Papabear56, Corywingate, Mr. B. McCoy and Jeanette Z. All great inspirations and I enjoy chatting with everyone. 

Updated my photo descriptions. Protein shakes are good. Would have never thought.

About Me
Jacksonville Beach, FL
Location
27.3
BMI
RNY
Surgery
11/06/2006
Surgery Date
Oct 24, 2006
Member Since

Friends 91

Latest Blog 84
Checking in with an update
Securely in the 160's
Lost a few more pounds.
New Photos
Week 46, Day 6 Post Op (Saturday)
Down to 171 this morning. 32" waist pants, Medium shirts. Woo H
Week 44, Day 3 post op (Wednesday)
Week 41, Day 4 post op. (Thursday)
My weight loss tracker
Week 37, Day 6 Post Op (Saturday)

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