FINALLY BACK HERE.... it was a bumpy ride

Hi to all my friends here on the board. Well, I had my surgery and am finally back home. I ran into a completely unexpected complication during surgery. That required me to stay in hospital for 4 extra days so I only got home on Tuesday. (Surgery was last Wed.) Tonight is the first time I turned on the computer so that's where I've been. In hospital and in bed since I came home.
But it is all behind me now and I'm really looking forward to getting back on track. As far as my new tummy goes- it's not really wanting food but I am on full fluid diet now so I eat what I'm supposed to.
One side effect was that I swelled up with fluid retention- when I came home I was up 24 pounds from pre-op !!! The fluid is starting to go now-- lots of trips to pee all day and night.
Anyway- thanks to everyone for all the good wishes and prayers- I know that in my case- they might have been what made the difference.
Good night, Katie

Hey there Katie,

   So good to hear that you are ok and things went alright in the end.  What was your completely unexpected post op complication if I can ask?  What surgery did you have, VSG, RNY or lap?  Do you know why you built up with all that fluid?  I am really glad to hear that it is leaving even though it takes a crazy amount of bathroom breaks.  Do you feel you have your strength back?  How is the post op eating (or should I say drinking) going?  Do you have someone at home to help you during this time? 

  Sorry for all the questions.  I sure am glad to hear that you are ok and well now.  Thanks so much for posting.  I am so excited for you now as your life is going to change in wonderful ways. 
Straw Walker

Glad to hear you are doing better.  To bad about the complications.  I to retain fluid after surgery from all the normal saline they pump into you,  Last time it happened the Dr told it is because your body only uses a small about given to you and the rest sits in the tissues.  I have seen it alot at work as well.  At least you know when you pee you are going to be pounds lighter when it is all gone.
Hope your recovery comes quick now and you are your old self  (sorry new self) in no time.

The surgery I had was the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. (For some reason, on my profile, it doesn't give me that choice on the drop-down menu- only gastric sleeve and I don't know if that is the same thing.) And, yes, I am feeling better and stronger with each day. I don't have anyone with me- I live alone but my daughters all live nearby. Also my 82-year old mom has been coming over each morning to have coffee and breakfast with me. They can get anything I need for me so it's easier to recover when I only have to worry about me!!
As far as what happened. We all know going into surgery that things can and may go wrong- well I was just the one it happened to. I intend to find out more at my post-op appointment but while I was in hospital- I was too sick to think of that and when they said I could go home- I called my daughter and said come and get me before they change their mind.
The swelling-up thing is very strange. But last summer, one of my girls had a Caesarian delivery and she swelled up AFTER it as well. By the time the baby was 9 or 10 days old she was so big she couldn't even bend her knees- her legs were like elephants legs. Then one night she peed and sweated out 90% of it. Bizarre. So maybe it's just how we reacted to the surgery and all the fluids they pump into you for days after. As of today I have lost about 9 or 10 pounds since I came home- all water I'm sure.
I certainly don't want to cause anyone to change their mind about going ahead with any surgery. It's just important to remember that any medical procedure has some risk involved. Those risks must be weighed with the potential benefits.
Would I have the surgery again? Of course I would. Will I have more elective surgery? I hope I lose all my weight and get lots of plastic surgery.(I'm starting to save for it now!!) But when I do, I'll be sure to do it where my care will be dictated by what I need, not by what I have paid for or what I can afford to pay for. And if I ever need 6 blood transfusions again, I want it done right here in a Canadian hospital. Because IF something goes wrong again- I want to know I will get the best care that is possible- regardless of the expense or the fact that I have a blood type that isn't as commonly available. That's just my feeling about it. I feel thankful to have received the excellent care I did.
Time to fix supper- tonight is soup and pudding for a change. Ha ha. Last night was pudding and soup!
Katie 

I'm glad to see your up and well.  It does get better and once you can start eating real foods you will feel so much stronger.

By the way, gastric sleeve in the list will show up as VSG on the side.

Jill

Congrats on the surgery Katie and you are so right, every surgery big or small has risks and it sounds like understand that and are ready to move on with your new sleeve. I wish you success and a healthy recovery.

Kee.