LoseLive
My Surgery Story...and the journey begins...
Apr 11, 2007
My surgery took place on Tuesday, March 27, 2007, at John Muir/Mt Diablo Hospital in Concord, CA. Well, I could not believe that I drove myself to the hospital. I was so calm. My dad was with me and I as ready to go. This was a big surprise because I struggle with anxiety disorder and have done so since the age of 3. I guess my mind was made up and I was entering into this surgery well educated, trusted my surgeon, Dr. Otero, totally and knew that I was going to a great hospital. I had to arrive at the hospital by 10:30 a.m. and surgery was scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
We arrived and went up to the third floor to check in and get ready for surgery. An IV was placed on my left hand and all vitals taken. My dad was with me and soon my favorite cousin and aunt arrived. We talked and laughed the whole time while we waited for 1:00 to arrive. My back was very uncomfortable in the bed but other than that I was calm and ready.
It was Hawaiian Tuesday on the floor I was waiting on and that was a great sign since my most favorite thing to wear is Hawaiian shirts...so I felt God's great humor was on high.
Right at 1:00 p.m. I was picked up and wheeled down to the elevators to go to the surgery room. My dad and cousin and aunt walked along with me and I felt just great. Gave everyone a hug and a thumbs up and knew I was going to be just fine. My dad was given a pager for the doctor to contact them as soon as the surgery was over. I was a little disappointed that my sister did not get there in enough time for me to hug her goodbye but I knew she was on her way.
I was taken into the pre-op and they started the IV and boy I was in horrible pain, The IV was put in wrong and they had to stop it and put it in my other hand. That was probably the worst thing of my whole experience. Then I was shaved and the surgery nurse came over and introduced herself and asked if I had any questions. I just asked who would be in the room with me and she went into detail of everyone who would be there. She was very reassuring and gentle...
The woman in the bed next to mine was preparing for surgery as well and she was having a meltdown. They had to get her doctor and he had to talk her through it. I thought his would effect me but it did not; I just decided to pray for her and soon she relax...I think it helped that she was given something to calm her...lol
Then the anesthesiologist came in and he was very gentle and wanted to know if I had any questions. He told me everything to expect and said he would see me in the operating room.
Next the nurse in pre-op gave me a paper to read with all the scary stuff on it...I thought why in the world are you asking me to read this NOW! I asked her if anyone ever jumped off the bed and ran out at this point and she just laughed. I got a bit scared at this point and had to remind myself that my dad was right outside the room. This was very reassuring. I also had permission from Dr. Otero to have my rosary with me and I had it in a leather pouch around my neck with a vial of arnica (homeopathic remedies) so I held onto that pouch and it calmed me down.
Dr. Otero came in and hugged me and asked if I was ready and I said, "let's do it!" I thought it was cool that he remembered my rosary and asked If I had it. I told him yes and showed him the small pouch. He gave me the thumbs up and we were off.
I was rolled into the surgery room and transfer to the table which was actually very comfortable. I was worried how my back was going to handle being on it for so long due to such bad back pain. I was introduced to everyone in the room, smiles around, and I remember looking at the clock and it was 2:10 p.m. that was it...The next thing I remember was hearing a voice and I opened my eyes and it was a little after 4:00 and it was all over.
I did not feel any pain just sleepy. I do not remember anything else until I got to my room. The first person I remember was my sister. She told me that all went well and that my dad, brother, cousin, aunt and another cousin were all there with me. She told me that the second cousin was going to come in first and I remember telling her to remind my cousin not to make me laugh. She is a kick in the pants and always has us all in stitches...I felt completely loved and cared for and thrilled that it was over. Everyone came in and gave me a quick hug and kiss and then my dad, brother and sister stayed with me while my cousins and aunt went home. It was a long day for everyone.
I immediately, to my sister's horror, opened my pouch and took the arnica remedy for pain. My homeopathic practitioner told me to take it as often as I needed for any pain or discomfort as soon as I could after surgery. Well, I was not going to take any pain meds if I could help it. I had already insisted that everyone knew I was not to be given any morphine. I took the remedy a few more time through the evening and was doing great. I did have some nausea and did not like the catheter. It made me feel like I had to use the bathroom and was very relieved when it was removed the next day.
That evening my sister and I walked the halls and I felt very strong. I think it was the best I had walked in a long time. I still used my cane as well as pushed my IV pole. I found that sitting up was more comfortable on my back.
I had no discomfort at all in 4 of the incisions but the fifth on on my right was tender and sore, not painful just tender. I had my gall bladder removed at age 13 and had tons of adhesions according to the doctor and this incision was right in that area.
My dad actually stayed the night in my room due to my anxiety I do not go places alone. The hospital was aware of this and arranged a private room for me. My dad had a comfortable chair and rested very well. I loved that he was right there if I need anything.
I rested well through the night. The only complaint was feeling sick to my stomach. I was given meds for that and I continued to take my remedy. I never once had to ask for any pain meds. WOOOOO HOOOOOO
The next morning I drank some warm broth that tasted great and had some jello...I walked the halls and sat in a chair instead of staying in bed. I used the bathroom and had a BM without any problems and was amazed...At lunch time I ate some broth and sorbet and thought oh man am I eating too much. I was a little concerned about this.
I walked the halls a few times and saw "Chunk" during one of the walks. We were one the same floor. His surgery was in the morning and mine was in the afternoon of the same day.
Dr. Otero came in after lunch and checked my incisions. I told him I was ready to go home and he said No problem...I was thrilled. So by about 2:00 p.m. or so I was on my way home, a very happy camper.
I was lucky that my dad stayed with me for a week and he was amazed by how well I was doing. I did have nausea for the first few nights but it finally went away...Thank God. I had a 16 oz. bottle of liquid meds for pain and maybe used a total of 2 teaspoons and just cause I wanted to sleep. I really did not feel pain just tenderness. The big problem was when I got a rash like poison oak on all of my incisions. That was horrible. If that had not happened I do not think I would have had any discomfort. I told everyone I was allergic to surgical tape but it appears I was also allergic to the liquid glue. It really blistered up and was very red. The doctor wanted me to use cortisone but I used aloe vera and got through it with that. When I saw him a week later he was surprised at how bad it was and once again told me to use the cortisone but I have stayed with the aloe and it is getting better. I think I need to switch to vit E. I actually think there will be some scarring because of it. This was difficult at night cause it would get so itchy...
During my first week I lost 18 lbs and Dr. Otero and I were both so pleased. I cannot say enough about Dr. Otero. I did not have any drains and the leak test was done while I was in surgery so everything was so smooth. He is a number one professional surgeon that I would recommend to anyone. I know that I did so well because of his expertise and my trust in him.
I was first going to do the lap band. My PCP and I had had many discussion on the surgery for over two years. We both felt the lap band was for me. Dr. Otero, with my permission, spoke to my PCP and they discussed the two operations and together decided that the sleeve was a better option for me. I really appreciate the time he took to talk to my PCP who actually knows his work well. His wife had surgery (not weight loss) with Dr. Otero, so he has very high regards for him as a surgeon to begin with. I trust my PCP who has been my doctor since age 19, so he knows me very well.
My insurance would have paid for my surgery if I had used USF hospital or Stanford or the ValleyCenter. This meant that I could not use Dr. Otero or Mt. Diablo and that was not going to happen. Because of my anxiety those hospitals were out of my comfort zone and I could not imagine working with another surgeon. Besides Dr. Otero, Anne Timberlake is the main person I have been dealing with at the WLcenter and she is fantastic. Very knowledgeable and answered each and every question I had for her in record time. She made me feel great from day one and I knew there was no other place to be. I was disappointed in my insurance but I knew I had to do this my way in order for it to be successful.
It has been two weeks and one day now and I can only look forward to a new and exciting pain free life. I hope to get rid of my cane and sleep once again in a bed. I know this was a wonderful decision and the only one that is going to save my life...I was not living, I was just alive but not living life. I now look forward to each day and what it will bring to me physically. I look forward to getting on the floor and playing with my bulldog, Akebono. In fact, when I lose 100 lbs. I promised Ake a sibling. I can't wait to be the proud owner of two silly bully babies. Now that is life...and that is my story...
We arrived and went up to the third floor to check in and get ready for surgery. An IV was placed on my left hand and all vitals taken. My dad was with me and soon my favorite cousin and aunt arrived. We talked and laughed the whole time while we waited for 1:00 to arrive. My back was very uncomfortable in the bed but other than that I was calm and ready.
It was Hawaiian Tuesday on the floor I was waiting on and that was a great sign since my most favorite thing to wear is Hawaiian shirts...so I felt God's great humor was on high.
Right at 1:00 p.m. I was picked up and wheeled down to the elevators to go to the surgery room. My dad and cousin and aunt walked along with me and I felt just great. Gave everyone a hug and a thumbs up and knew I was going to be just fine. My dad was given a pager for the doctor to contact them as soon as the surgery was over. I was a little disappointed that my sister did not get there in enough time for me to hug her goodbye but I knew she was on her way.
I was taken into the pre-op and they started the IV and boy I was in horrible pain, The IV was put in wrong and they had to stop it and put it in my other hand. That was probably the worst thing of my whole experience. Then I was shaved and the surgery nurse came over and introduced herself and asked if I had any questions. I just asked who would be in the room with me and she went into detail of everyone who would be there. She was very reassuring and gentle...
The woman in the bed next to mine was preparing for surgery as well and she was having a meltdown. They had to get her doctor and he had to talk her through it. I thought his would effect me but it did not; I just decided to pray for her and soon she relax...I think it helped that she was given something to calm her...lol
Then the anesthesiologist came in and he was very gentle and wanted to know if I had any questions. He told me everything to expect and said he would see me in the operating room.
Next the nurse in pre-op gave me a paper to read with all the scary stuff on it...I thought why in the world are you asking me to read this NOW! I asked her if anyone ever jumped off the bed and ran out at this point and she just laughed. I got a bit scared at this point and had to remind myself that my dad was right outside the room. This was very reassuring. I also had permission from Dr. Otero to have my rosary with me and I had it in a leather pouch around my neck with a vial of arnica (homeopathic remedies) so I held onto that pouch and it calmed me down.
Dr. Otero came in and hugged me and asked if I was ready and I said, "let's do it!" I thought it was cool that he remembered my rosary and asked If I had it. I told him yes and showed him the small pouch. He gave me the thumbs up and we were off.
I was rolled into the surgery room and transfer to the table which was actually very comfortable. I was worried how my back was going to handle being on it for so long due to such bad back pain. I was introduced to everyone in the room, smiles around, and I remember looking at the clock and it was 2:10 p.m. that was it...The next thing I remember was hearing a voice and I opened my eyes and it was a little after 4:00 and it was all over.
I did not feel any pain just sleepy. I do not remember anything else until I got to my room. The first person I remember was my sister. She told me that all went well and that my dad, brother, cousin, aunt and another cousin were all there with me. She told me that the second cousin was going to come in first and I remember telling her to remind my cousin not to make me laugh. She is a kick in the pants and always has us all in stitches...I felt completely loved and cared for and thrilled that it was over. Everyone came in and gave me a quick hug and kiss and then my dad, brother and sister stayed with me while my cousins and aunt went home. It was a long day for everyone.
I immediately, to my sister's horror, opened my pouch and took the arnica remedy for pain. My homeopathic practitioner told me to take it as often as I needed for any pain or discomfort as soon as I could after surgery. Well, I was not going to take any pain meds if I could help it. I had already insisted that everyone knew I was not to be given any morphine. I took the remedy a few more time through the evening and was doing great. I did have some nausea and did not like the catheter. It made me feel like I had to use the bathroom and was very relieved when it was removed the next day.
That evening my sister and I walked the halls and I felt very strong. I think it was the best I had walked in a long time. I still used my cane as well as pushed my IV pole. I found that sitting up was more comfortable on my back.
I had no discomfort at all in 4 of the incisions but the fifth on on my right was tender and sore, not painful just tender. I had my gall bladder removed at age 13 and had tons of adhesions according to the doctor and this incision was right in that area.
My dad actually stayed the night in my room due to my anxiety I do not go places alone. The hospital was aware of this and arranged a private room for me. My dad had a comfortable chair and rested very well. I loved that he was right there if I need anything.
I rested well through the night. The only complaint was feeling sick to my stomach. I was given meds for that and I continued to take my remedy. I never once had to ask for any pain meds. WOOOOO HOOOOOO
The next morning I drank some warm broth that tasted great and had some jello...I walked the halls and sat in a chair instead of staying in bed. I used the bathroom and had a BM without any problems and was amazed...At lunch time I ate some broth and sorbet and thought oh man am I eating too much. I was a little concerned about this.
I walked the halls a few times and saw "Chunk" during one of the walks. We were one the same floor. His surgery was in the morning and mine was in the afternoon of the same day.
Dr. Otero came in after lunch and checked my incisions. I told him I was ready to go home and he said No problem...I was thrilled. So by about 2:00 p.m. or so I was on my way home, a very happy camper.
I was lucky that my dad stayed with me for a week and he was amazed by how well I was doing. I did have nausea for the first few nights but it finally went away...Thank God. I had a 16 oz. bottle of liquid meds for pain and maybe used a total of 2 teaspoons and just cause I wanted to sleep. I really did not feel pain just tenderness. The big problem was when I got a rash like poison oak on all of my incisions. That was horrible. If that had not happened I do not think I would have had any discomfort. I told everyone I was allergic to surgical tape but it appears I was also allergic to the liquid glue. It really blistered up and was very red. The doctor wanted me to use cortisone but I used aloe vera and got through it with that. When I saw him a week later he was surprised at how bad it was and once again told me to use the cortisone but I have stayed with the aloe and it is getting better. I think I need to switch to vit E. I actually think there will be some scarring because of it. This was difficult at night cause it would get so itchy...
During my first week I lost 18 lbs and Dr. Otero and I were both so pleased. I cannot say enough about Dr. Otero. I did not have any drains and the leak test was done while I was in surgery so everything was so smooth. He is a number one professional surgeon that I would recommend to anyone. I know that I did so well because of his expertise and my trust in him.
I was first going to do the lap band. My PCP and I had had many discussion on the surgery for over two years. We both felt the lap band was for me. Dr. Otero, with my permission, spoke to my PCP and they discussed the two operations and together decided that the sleeve was a better option for me. I really appreciate the time he took to talk to my PCP who actually knows his work well. His wife had surgery (not weight loss) with Dr. Otero, so he has very high regards for him as a surgeon to begin with. I trust my PCP who has been my doctor since age 19, so he knows me very well.
My insurance would have paid for my surgery if I had used USF hospital or Stanford or the ValleyCenter. This meant that I could not use Dr. Otero or Mt. Diablo and that was not going to happen. Because of my anxiety those hospitals were out of my comfort zone and I could not imagine working with another surgeon. Besides Dr. Otero, Anne Timberlake is the main person I have been dealing with at the WLcenter and she is fantastic. Very knowledgeable and answered each and every question I had for her in record time. She made me feel great from day one and I knew there was no other place to be. I was disappointed in my insurance but I knew I had to do this my way in order for it to be successful.
It has been two weeks and one day now and I can only look forward to a new and exciting pain free life. I hope to get rid of my cane and sleep once again in a bed. I know this was a wonderful decision and the only one that is going to save my life...I was not living, I was just alive but not living life. I now look forward to each day and what it will bring to me physically. I look forward to getting on the floor and playing with my bulldog, Akebono. In fact, when I lose 100 lbs. I promised Ake a sibling. I can't wait to be the proud owner of two silly bully babies. Now that is life...and that is my story...
