Two weeks ago....

So two weeks ago was one of the toughest days of my life.  My surgery day for gastric bypass.  Would I do it again- ABSOLUTELY!!!!

I won't lie- the past two weeks were tough.  The first weekend I wanted to die- awful pain from the 'gas' they inflate you with during abdominal surgery, sore belly, swollen internally from all the incisions and whatever else they did. House bound... it was really hard.  And I know I have said this before, but could never have made it through without my husband, Dave.  He is truly my best friend and biggest supporter.

I finally got out of the house on Tues the 15th and I haven't looked back.  Yeah, I get tired.  I have to learn to pace myself.  That's the hardest part-I feel really good.  Losing about a pound a day.  My clothes are LOOSE...yay for dresses- they are so comfy!  A little bit of walking around goes a looooong way.

My intake of protein is getting better- need at least 60 grams a day.  Its so filling...  with any luck I can resume eating grilled or broiled fish starting Wednesday the 23d after my post-op.  I  miss that.  Sushi too,  (sans rice now).  This has been a total lifestyle change- and I love every minute.  Hoping to get the go ahead to do some yoga and free weights for toning on Wednesday too.  I don't want that saggy skin thing!!  lol  I am also going to look into some dance classes...for real this time.

I also wanted to take a moment and thank EVERYONE, near and far, family and friends, for all their support, kind words, thoughts and prayers.  I am truly a lucky girl to have such great support from everyone.   Thank you!!!!

Now if only all this itchiness would go away!!!

I look miserable...

5 days post op

Hellooooooo!!!


So its Saturday nite, I think, at least according to the web.  


If you are friends w/me on facebook or twitter, or spoke to me on the phone,  you may know some of what I am about to write...if not, this will be fresh!!


So my surgery was Monday- seems like a lifetime ago.  Surgery went well.  My liver was larger than expected, so it was a little bit more invasive.  I was in recovery a bit longer as well because my heart rate was out of whack as well.  Lets not forget about my nasal injury that I sustained 2.5 yrs ago which made it virtually impossible for the oxygen to, well, oxygenate me until Wednesday nite (I think it was then) that I was awake enough to explain to the nurse that I need something different in terms of oxygen- so a misted mask was placed on me til Thursday morning- and voila- my oxygen went back to the 'normal' range.  (I will post about my nasal injury at another time- lets just say its a constant scabbing/post nasal/blood fiesta at all times in there- lets not forget the hole in there too- I can push a q-tip around and thru like a stupid human trick)

 I was released from Beth Israel on Thursday afternoon.  My surgery site is healing- its actually itchy at times- and then the FUN began.  I took a shower with a lot of help from David and was getting settled.  First mistake was to attempt to get comfortable in the guest room.  Like I said, mistake one.  I paced the halls every hour, when I wasn't pacing I actually had to pee (which is good-they make ensure that happens on your own before you are released) then the REAL evil manifested itself- the CO2 that was pumped into me during surgery settled, in of all places, my neck and shoulders.  Apparently this does happen and apparently I have a severe case of it- and of course its one of those things that 'works itself out'.  I paged the covering doctor who explained what happened with the gas (duh, like I hadn't read it online since Thursday nite and David hadn't researched it either) so I am taking the pain med (which gives me headaches tho not as bad) and using a heat patch as well as a travel pillow for neck support (thank you to my neighbor, Sheila, for that suggestion!!).  I can only describe this pain as whiplash- severe, debilitating whiplash.  The gas will hopefully work itself out of me via burping or passing gas or a bowel movement in a matter of time.  


Every moment I am learning something new.  Showering with the neck pain is interesting. Amazingly, showers feel great.  I still can't reach some places- but Dave is here with me every step of the way.


Poor Dave- he hasn't slept well since I have been home; let alone not getting adequate rest commuting to and from the hospital (a good 40 minutes without traffic and lites and morons driving in Boston).  From crushing my pills, to helping me in the shower, to making sure I try to have at least half my protein shake in the morning- I cannot express my gratitude towards him enough.  He is my best friend and I wouldn't be here with out him.   I love you, Dave- thank you for all you do!  


So I plan on sleeping tonite- with lots of luck and tons of meds (which I have to keep reminding myself that its OK to take them because I am in pain that legitimizes it.  No doubt this whole gas/whiplash will dissipate and something else difficult will manifest in time, I just have to remember to take everything in stride.  


Off to watch the Red Sox hopefully kick some Cleveland ass.  Good night everyone and stay safe!!

FRIDAY....3 more days

So, here I sit.  Waiting.  Impatiently. On a rainy Friday morning.  Monday is the day.  The beginning of a new way of life. My dogs sit here with me.  I will really miss them....the chihuahua will miss me most of the two- the poodle loves whoever he is with!  I know my husband, sister in-law, brother in-law and niece will take great care of them.  Will still miss the little brats!  I swear at least ten gray hairs popped out this past (so need to go see my friend Sherry at Eccentric when I feel up to a day trip after surgery) week while I have been making phone calls, sending emails, market runs for  sugar free :(- jello, water, and will have to still buy, of all things, low sugar carnation instant breakfast...I will be on a 'modified full liquid' diet for a few weeks post surgery.  Veggie broth, water, jello, low sugar protein supplement....ugh this is truly a full time job.

Here are two samples given for a typical day of stage 3 (there are 5 total- 1 and 2 will be done in hospital, 3 for about a month after, 4 (which is baby food consistency) and 5, which I will be on for my entire life.  Thank you, BIDMC, for mapping the below out for patients!!

Example 1: Simplified Typical Day
8a       4 oz  blended cottage cheese
9a       8 oz   water
10a     8 oz protein drink
11a     8 oz water
noon   8 oz protein drink
1p      8 oz water
2p      8 oz protein drink
3p      8 oz water
4p      8 oz sugar free jello
5p      8 oz 1% milk
6p      8 oz low fat broth
7p      8 oz decaf tea (yea right- i intend to sleep at nite, thanks)
8p      8 oz of water

I foresee living in the bathroom AND at the fridge with the above....oh let's NOT forget all the chew-able and liquid vitamins and supplements (fish oil included- yuck)

The one below seems a little more palatable and more protein (translate that to I WONT LOSE MY HAIR!!)

Example 2: Detailed Typical Day
9a      1 scoop of protein supplement mixed w 8 oz of skim or reduced fat milk
10a    1 cup sugar free jello
11a    24 oz bottle of 'Propel'
2p      8 oz low fat, light yogurt (no fruit chunks)
3p      1 cup broth mixed with 1 scoop UNFLAVORED PRO powder
4p      24 oz bottle of water
7p      low sugar carnation instant breakfast w 8 oz 1% milk
8p      8 oz glass of water

Did you do the math??  72 oz non-nutritive fluids, 66 grams of PRO, 605 calories!!!  that's it!!!

I guess I can look forward to step 4- the 'baby food' section!  And step 5....I must physically 'puree' any food in my mouth that I ingest....otherwise my new stomach will not process the food properly and 'dumping syndrome' can occur.

Fluid intake, i.e. water, is very important.  Dehydration is a serious issue when it comes to bariatric surgery.  Even though I joked above about 'living' in the bathroom and fridge, I realize the commitment it takes to make the changes in my life with this surgery.  I'm ready.

Can we fast forward to Monday now, Please??

So this MAY be the last posting for a week or so- depending on how I feel.  I will be posting to my Twitter as well as Facebook (for those family and friends) while I am in the hospital, or you can email me. Yay for droids!!!

Stay well and you WILL hear from me soon!!  With any luck it will be while I am sitting in the sun!!