Dolly J.

Send Message

Block

Add Friend

I'd never had surgery before.  So I had no idea what to expect. 

We arrived at Fairview Southdale hospital at about 5:20.  I checked in with guest services at the desk.  Went to the little kiosk to go over all the registration information.  They gave us a beeper for when the nurse would come to get me.  A few minutes later it went off and down the hall with the nurse I went.  Bill stayed in the waiting room at this point.  We went into a little room and I was given the beautiful gown and robe.  Don't forget the non-slip socks!  Clothes went in a bag that was tagged so it would follow me to my room.  Someone came in and took a vial of blood.  Then another nurse came in to go over all the paperwork with me.  Asked a lot of questions.  Time to get on the scale.  I needed to lose 15 pounds to get me on the table.  I lost 19!!  Yay me.

Then it was off to pre-op.  Here is where you get on the gurney and wait.  They put in the IV tube at this point in my hand.  It's a flexible tube so it isn't a needle that can move around.  They also gave me novacaine in the hand before they did the IV.  Nice touch.  Bill was with me at this point.  We didn't talk much but it was nice having him there by my side.  I had thoughts of what I was about to have done.  But I never was scared.  And never doubted what I was about to do.  7:30 am.  A little sedative, a kiss and away I went.  I went to sleep really fast.  I remember them putting the mask on my face and asking me to take a few deep breaths.  I remember being moved by the inflating bed thing.  But that was it, I was out.

Next thing I remember is waking up in recovery and looking at the clock and it was 11:40.  I was very sleepy, had some pain but not unbearable and went back to sleep. 

I was moved up to room 336 at about 1 pm.  I was so very lucky to have a private room.  It made all the difference.  Bill then came up to see me.  I was feeling pretty darn good considering.  The pain medication was perfect.  I had a pump that I could press every 10 minutes.  I remember being told to stay on top of the pain, so I was very proactive with the pump.  Bill hadn't called anyone yet, so I made the calls myself.  i wasn't really loopy on the drugs, but feeling very positive and surprised on the other side.  The sound of my dad's voice and the relief was so special.  He has this laugh that I recognize and it was a gift to me.  Made me feel good.

Ice chips for the day.  Glad I had the lip balm.  The cold liquid gave me cramping in my stomach, so I tried to wam it in my mouth before swallowing.  Spent a lot of time napping and just kind of zoning out.  Bill left in the middle of the afternoon.  He was tired and relieved.  I didn't mind being alone.  Nurses kept coming in and checking on me.  They gave me a blood thinner every twelve hours.  A shot of heperin in the stomach.  It burned.

I kept taking deep breaths like I remember them telling me to.  They didn't hurt and I didn't have to cough.  I'd never had a catheter before.  I really couldn't feel it in.  And I couldn't tell when I was peeing.  But the bag was filling so I guess it worked.

I also knew that I was supposed to be up and walking that night.  The nurse and nursing assistant were great folks.  Especially Ryan the NA.  I called them and asked to sit up on the side of the bed.  I felt a little light headed from lying down all day but not dizzy.  Felt okay to get up and walk.  Took the IV stand with us and off down the hall we went.  Gosh it felt nice to get up.

I was so worried about the stomach muscles and not being able to move.  The pain meds did well and I think the surgeon did too.  So much less problem than I expected.

I dozed throughout the night, never really sleeping very long.  People coming in and out all night.  But I felt well taken care of so I didn't mind.

Stay tuned for day 2!!

I'm glad to be home.  I had a very good experience.  All went well.  I look forward to sleeping in my own bed!!  More later.

So today was prep day.  Clear liquids only.  I found some tastey chicken stock.  It helps with the need for savory.  Otherwise apple juice and water.  Oh, don't forget the jell-o.

Now I'm having my first experience with magnesium citrate.  The stuff tasted awful.  I got the cherry flavored.  Luckily I like sour but I can't imagine someone who doesn't having to choke the stuff down.  It got me about a half hour after I took it.  Watery stool, blow out style.  Okay, too much information, but everyone goes through it.

I went shopping today.  Got protein drinks, gauze and tape, the kinds of foods I'll be able to eat in the first two weeks.  I'm glad to have them all here before I go.  Then I don't need to worry if I'm prepared.  Now all I have left to do is pack the very few things that I need.  I'm going to bring toothbrush, tooth paste, deoderant, lip balm, my pillow and my brand new Zune.  That will help with keeping the hospital noise out and allow me to listen to the radio, which I love to do.  Bill will be there each day so he can always bring something if I need it.

I'm excited still.  Not scared.  Probably will freak out when I'm dressed and ready to go into surgery.  I hope they have darn good pain medicine!  I'm a baby.  I know this is the right decision.  Note to me in the future....THIS IS THE RIGHT DECISION, (just in case you have any doubts...)

Best of luck to me!!

Done with work!  Lots of best wishes from some wonderful people.  I'll have Bill call one of my coworkers after surgery to let her know that everything went okay.  The power of positive thinking.  I taped a note to the back of my cell phone with the names, as they appear in the phone book, of the people I want Bill to call.  Gotta make it convenient. 

I haven't been as good as I could have been about eating this week.  I'm sure that I haven't gained any weight, but I did have a steak tonight for my last supper.  Not sure if I'll be able to eat steak after surgery.  Many months after surgery....

Tomorrow, the day before surgery, is liquid only day.  And I have to do a colon cleanse.  It seems weird to eat what I did tonight just to have to flush it out tomorrow.  The old joke is just throw it in the toilet!!  But I got in my protein today!

I've been taking the Bariatric Advantage vitamins and calcium for a few days now.  I'm amazed at how much energy I have.  I hope this is a good omen for using them after surgery when I know I'll be tired.  I'm also taking B12 and Iron.  I have them on automatic renewal through BariatricEating.com.  Cheaper when bundled together and I don't have to remember to order them.

Okay, time to relax.  Just waiting until Thursday morning at 7:30 am  Knife Time!!

I've been thinking a lot this weekend.  The weekend before surgery.  What's in store for me.  How excited I am. 

I think one of the things that has surprised me is that I am thinking like a thin person.  What does that mean?  Well, for me it means food for energy when I'm hungry.  Getting moving.  I've done some walking and am amazed at how far I was able to go.  I went shopping today and wasn't tired like I usually am.  And in my mind's eye, I am a thin person.  I can see beyond what is in the mirror.  I know who I am trying to get out of this weight that is weighing me down in many ways. 

I'm at the right point in my life to make this particular journey.  I am so excited to see how the journey will go.  I have a lot of clothes in my closet.  Enough sizes to keep me clothed during the transition.  They're pretty dusty.  Gee, I won't mind having to clean what I'll use.

I talked to my mom today.  She told me how proud of me she is.  I know she loves me and means well.  But I know how important it is to be thin to my mom.  It's the end all be all that she rarely achieved.  So she's living through me to get there.  I have a hard time with this.  There's something in me that resists her encouragement cause it's just that she wants me to be thin.  Be thin and then you're okay.  I don't like the feelings I have when I talk to her about this.  But otherwise I don't think about it in that light.  It's my journey.  It will be tough because they will be coming for the summer during the last week I'll be home.  I just have to remember that I am loved and she wants the best for me.

I went to my pre-op class on Wednesday morning.  I was so nervous to step on the scale.  I lost the weight I needed to plus an extra pound.  So I'm down 16 pounds and have to keep it off until Thursday when my surgery is scheduled.

I'm so excited.  I'm not looking forward to the pain and the sore stomach muscles.  But I can't wait to start this journey that is changing the rest of my life.  I've already started by losing the weight.  But what surprised me is how my thoughts about food have changed.  I used to find food enjoyable because it tastes good.  The only emotion I fed was boredom.  But now after working with the folks at the weight loss clinic, I see food as fuel.  It will make things a whole lot easier I think.  It did to lose the weight to get me to surgery goal.

A few things I read on the boards that have really helped.  Quality vs quantity.  I had never thought of that before.  And that when you get into solids you can eat a wide variety of foods.  Regular foods.  The liquid, pureed and soft foods are just a phase of eating.  I know you can always go back to them if needed.  But learning how to eat for the rest of my life is my goal.  Why do all this work and gain back by going to the bad habits that got me here in the first place.

I've met Dr. Benn once during the surgical review.  I liked him.  He seemed knowledgable and confident.  Had a good sense of humor too.  Just what I want in a stomach carver!

The people in my life have been very supportive.  My family, with the exception of my sister, have been great.  I think my sister's apprehension is personal for her.  She wants to have the surgery but is not healthy enough yet.  And I don't think she feels she could do it.  So she's projecting her feelings on to me.  I've told a group of people at work and they've been great.  I plan to be out of work for two weeks and a few of them will have to cover for me.  I have a desk job so going back will be easier.

Did I say that I'm excited?  Oh yeah, I did. 

Okay, I was freaking out that I wouldn't be able to lose the amount of weight needed, eight pounds.  I had to pick up a letter at the office and went on the scale.  Three pounds gone.  Totally cool.  I will be able to lose the last five in the two weeks I have left.  I just know it.  The key for me is exercise.  As much as I hate to do it, I will.  It has to become a new way of life for me if I want to have the best results.

Everyone in my life has been so supportive.  I've told family, friends and coworkers.  I figured that they were going to find out eventually because it will be obvious.  My boyfriend Bill is going to take good care of me in the first days.  So I'm lucky to have the support and love to bolster my courage and excitement.

It still doesn't seem possible that I am going to lose weight.  Having been overweight my entire life, I still have little sneaky doubts.  I have a goal weight, but yet I have an "it will be okay if I only lose" weight too.  Protecting myself I guess.  And luckily I kept my variation of sizes so I will have clothes to wear during the transition.  It will be fun rediscovering my closet.  Oh of course I'll have to buy one or two things every once in a while.  Just for the wow moments.

I've appreciated the encouragement I've received here on the boards.  It took a while to get up my courage to post, but I'm glad I did.  And it's nice to be able to support others.  By constantly reading here, it keeps me motivated.  I had stopped reading and noticed I had stopped trying.  I'm glad I learned that lesson early.  Now to get the courage to go to a coffee. 

I'm a mix of excited and scared.  I have a date for surgery, but I still need to lose 8 pounds before the 19th.  I know what I have to do.  Don't we all.  But i feel worried that I will show up on the day of surgery and they'll turn me away.  So it's time to buckle down.  Eat less and better and do the dreaded exercise.  Guess I have one hell of a motivator.