4 weeks out

Hello!

So I am four weeks post op and feel great. I found a little part time job that gets me out of the house on weekdays and close enough to home ans the beach that I can commute. Its an office manager position for a livery business and its a lot of fun actually. No stress. Lots of computer stuff and scheduling and ap/ar....ya know...the things I do!

I still have neck pain on my right side.  I tend to favor it in colder weather....and its been so cold in Boston this week thus far....rainy and gross and no end in site til the weekend.
Dave bought me a new bike this past weekend!  Can't wait to use it!  Will more than likely use it at the beach or on the rail trails locally.

Eating small meals is the way to go after gastric bypass.  If you eat just slightly too much, it comes back up.  I've experienced this a couple of times thus far and its not fun. Cottage cheese and yogurt are my go-to foods of choice because they ate packed with protein and I have to eat upwards of 60 grams of protein a day....my nails are amazing!
 
On another note....Dave and I are not adopting right away.  I am physically not ready to run around after kids for now and we can try to get pregnant in a year or so and will only be 38 (respectively) and can always still adopt at that point. It was a tough decision to make but we are comfortable with it!

So off to work shortly.  Have a great week all and I hope to write weekly as I get into the new rhythm of my life!

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!!
 

ONE WEEK AWAY!!!!

So, its Monday, week 2 of my 1k calorie/day pre-op 'diet', I realize at this time next week I will be 'under the knife'.   Considering all that's swirling in my head, I am in a fairly decent mood, regardless of the fact that I have not had carbs in a WEEK!!  (I'm Sicilian-this is nearly unheard of!)

Excitement, anticipation, uncertainty and many other emotions fill  me to the brim and beyond.  I am excited for a drastic change- type 2 diabetes banished, weight loss (read cute summer dresses) and a whole new way of life. The future looks brighter than ever.  I am the best possible place emotionally, physically and psychologically than I have been for as long as I can recall back to my teenage years (those were some great years!).

Anticipation because I want it to be over with.  I hate anesthesia- really does anybody- and I can never recall coming out of it during prior surgeries.  My husband will be there, I know, to be sure I am OK and absorb any information I cannot but I still hate the thought of going under. There is always the possibility of never coming out of it.  I hate death.  The idea of mine or anyone else's.  Over-thinking this whole thing, possibly...realizing possibilities- very smart.

The uncertainty lays in: Will I lose a lot of weight?  Will I no longer be diabetic?  Will my liver be small enough for laproscopic surgery (6 small incisions as opposed to one huge one from the bottom of my breast bone to my waist- the latter has the removal and replacement of the liver after the Rouen-Y procedure is done)?  Will my surgeon see my humorous statements as the fear that they are indeed attempting to disguise?  Will I be able to follow my new eating habits properly and not have a sugar dumping right out of the gate because I am a chocoholic?!?!  Seriously!!!  Will I have complications after the fact: leakage, blockage, stretching of the new stomach??   Like I said, UNCERTAINTY!!!!!

I will be in VERY good hands at Beth Israel, I know this, that is why the procedure is being done there.  I could have gone locally (Lowell General) but I felt most comfortable going into Boston to have this done.  My surgeon, Dr. Dan Jones, Chief of Minimally Invasive Surgery and Director of the Bariatric Program at BIDMC is a straight shooter, tells it like it is and it knowledgeable and reputable- otherwise I would not put Dave through the stress and anxiety of driving into Boston so I can have this done.  I trust Dr. Jones.  I trust his experience.  I trust my decision to do this.

So, as I am about to have yet another meal replacement shake, I thank you for taking the time to read this and follow my little journey.

~Nichole

SURGERY IS APPROVED BY INSURANCE CO!!!!

So, after 15 days of anticipation and holding back on irritating the sh*t out of my Surgeon's Admin- my health insurance company sent a letter to me approving 1 (one) gastric bypass surgery (like I want it done twice, c'mon!).

This is truly momentous and thrilling.  Having just went to meet with the anesthesiology nurse, having blood work for pre-op this morning at Beth Israel in Boston, its all sinking in...my physical being is about to change- more scars (incisions) and weight loss that will reverse my type 2 diabetes.

If you or anyone you know is a candidate for the surgery, all I can do is highly recommend the gastric surgery team at Beth Israel.  With experience and expertise, they are truly the best hands to be in.

So cheers to May 7th....a glowing day on my calendar (surgery day) and I cannot wait to share my triumphs with all of you!!!

Til my next post- take care!

1st blog

Hi and thanks for stopping by!  

This blog will be my documentation of my Gastric Bypass Surgery to reverse my type 2 diabetes.  Surgery is aggressive and not for everyone, but I truly believe that l have a second chance at life, in general, after this life altering process.  I am truly looking forward to the end results!

I have done a lot of research; reading online, reading my 'workbook' from the hospital where I will be having the surgery (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC from here on out....www.bidmc.org)) and talking to friends and family that have also had the surgery.  This was not an easy decision to make.  With the help of my VERY supportive husband, the urging of my endocrinologist and A LOT of reading, I determined now was the best time to accomplish this task.

Lets talk about friends and family for a moment- everyone has their own story and some are inspiring, others not so much.  Everyone one of them had this surgery for their own particular reason, from general weight loss to other health reasons, and of course, everyone heals differently after surgery.  Having had a couple of surgeries in the past decade, my body heals fairly slowly and requires frequent rest.  I am comfortable in making my decision and will document it to the best of my ability.

My hope for this blog is to be inspiring to people considering surgery in the future without sugar-coating the reality of the aftermath of Gastric Bypass Surgery.  

So below,  this is a picture of me, today....  I also intend to post regular pictures as well as document my weight and blood sugar tests.