I'm home...

(deactivated member)
on 10/4/04 5:24 am - Shakopee, MN

Hey all, I just wanted to write and say that I'm home. My surgery was October 1st and I was released yesterday morning. My surgery was at Methodist and anyone going there - everyone is HUGELY supportive and nice. I absolutely loved my nurses, it was the best care I have ever received in the hospital. I did fight with one nurse about eating ice chips (I can't have anything too cold or it hurts my new stomach and she wanted me to have them, not tap water) but she even ended up being a sweetheart. My only complaint about the entire experience is that due to lack of communication or confusion over something, I was unable to say goodbye to my husband and mother before they took me in for surgery. I cried A LOT as they were hooking me up to my IV and I realized that I wasn't given a chance to say goodbye and I loved them. I blame one person in particular and I will be filing a complaint about it. He was busy, told me he was anxious because it was close to the end of his day and he just wanted to hurry up and get out of there. So, because of his anxiousness to leave - I wasn't given that moment with my family. I am still very sore about it. Other than that, I have had a pretty perfect experience. I was able to have the laprascopic and I have to say I am very happy about that. The pain has been minimal and easily controlled. It hasn't been that much of an effort to get up and walk around, in fact, because of how good it makes me feel, I like to get up and walk. If I could tell you anything - its that it might hurt for a few minutes to make that effort to get out of bed, but walking down the hall or as much as you can throughout the day really does make a difference in the pain level. And, I also noticed that the more I walked the less difficulty I had breathing. I did have some oxygen level problems right after surgery and they kept a breathing tube on me for all of Friday and half of Saturday. But everything is good now. My back has some knots in it that are preventing me from getting comfortable today - but other than that, no complaints. I am totally amazed at myself and at this process. I touch my face and I can already feel the difference - even though my stomach is swollen to all high heaven - I can feel my cheek bones!!! My face isn't as squishy as it used to be. I love it! Its just so weird to be "on the other side," to know that I am no longer waiting, preparing, hoping, dreading and dreaming - but I am actually living life now after bariatric surgery! Its almost overwhelming, in a good way. My surgeon better look out because he has one great big hug coming! LoL. I have no regrets. I am so glad that I did this. Now its about getting to know my new stomach - its demands, likes and dislikes. I already know it doesn't like cold, but it really likes warm broth. Too much water makes it hurt and apple juice is bordering just on sweet enough to make me a little nausous so I have to water it down. Its so much fun. And the noises my stomach makes - my husband thinks I'm crazy because I'm constantly giggling at myself.

But, I just wanted to check in. Let you all know how my experience has been so far. And wish everyone who is going in soon good luck and god bless. Rachel

Rachella U.
on 10/4/04 5:34 am - Grants Pass, OR

RNY on 10/19/04

Hi Rachel. Congratulations on your surgery! Mine is scheduled for 10/19 and I am excited, nervous, scared, etc. Reading your post was helpful and I am glad to hear that you are doing so well and are so happy. Giggle all you want!! I wish you the best of luck and a safe recovery! Take care. Rachella

ruby sue R.
on 10/4/04 11:21 am - eustis, FL

RNY on 10/26/04

glad everything went good. Thanks for the feed back cause I am having my the 26th and scared, neverous, and excited, Please keep us posted on how you are doing.