Week 1 Post-Op

Dec 23, 2015

     I wasn't prepared.... 3 years of reading blogs, watching videos, going to information sessions and yet I overestimated me. I think I was a little judgmental also, especially for those individuals who talk of " buyer's remorse" post surgery. In my mind, I was like, " how could you have regrets?" "You were so excited to change your life, now you are  upset because it was harder than you thought?"Karma is a ...... I ate my thoughts, with some humble pie. My sincerest apologies to those who  I 'snobbily' read your unhappy experience, I was shown the light. 

   I stayed 41/2 days in the hospital. My first night I had severe nausea and vomitting. I was throwing up blood, old blood and when that was done it was nothing but the spams and it lasted an hour. I thought the sleeve was going to come out through my mouth. I went from a stoic, educated female to a blubbering mess in 30 secs or less. When the nausea was under control, it was the gas pain, it was so severe, but, I forgot the golden rule, walk, walk, walk. The first time I walked after my N&V, I thought I would pass out, but I was determine. I kept setting goals, my hubby made sure I walked every night before bed. I started noticing I was extremely short of breath, but I kept up with the  Incentive Spirometer, this chick was not getting pneumonia. However, it got worse, my heart rate was 120. My husband asked the nurse what's wrong, she said: she's anxious, that's all. As a nurse, that response pissed me off, I was not anxious! It turns out I had loss a litre of blood and my Hgb dropped significantly and I was symptomatic. I'm anemic so it wasn't a big surprise, so blood transfusion started, 2 units. 

 I also understand why there might be confusion on what you can eat or not eat. I was NPO ( nothing by mouth) for 3 days due to my N&V. When the Dr. stated I could start on clear fluids, I was given milk, yogurt, cream of wheat. WHAT! I drank the apple juice.

Nurse comes in: Are you planning to stay with us?

Me: Why? 

Nurse: You are not eating?

Me: I'm lactose intolerant, which is on my file and I'm on clear fluids.

Nurse: Oh! You are right.

Me: Can I have some jello?

Nurse: No, because it has chunks?

Me: It has fruit in it?

Nurse: No

Me: Blank stare

    In all fairness it's a general surgery ward, that have bariatric patients, so I don't know. In addition, most bariatric patient leave after 1 day... However, that experience is minor compare to some journeys I've read. So I'm still saying it was a success. I just think I assumed I would have surgery and be gone the next day and I would be fantastic etc.etc... Reality is a bit more, real..... 

   I don't know how much I weigh and I don't care.... Yep, you read right! I don't care how much I weigh... All I want to do is stay hydrated and get the protein in. Yesterday, I gave up with the protein to focus on hydration. Today, hydration is the focus but also working on getting the protein in. In preparation for this stage I bought a whole lot of products without reading the labels because it came from a Bariatric Store. Imagine my surprise, when I realize that the protein in the products are not good enough for me..... Yep, more humble pie..... So I've gotten over my "pity party" and I'm slowly starting to enjoy learning what I like or don't.... So what's the plan.

  My staples are removed on the 29th ( 2 weeks Post-op). I'm going to use my second week on staying hydrated and getting in more protein. Working on taking my vitamins and minerals. Looking for my Jawbone bracelet, so I can start monitoring my activity. I'm taking it one day at a time.

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