an update on me

Hi everyone, Here is a little info on my surgery in Seattle. I was on liquids for a few days before the day of my surgery and then the day before the surgery I could not have anything other than water and that was only until midnight so I was feeling pretty tired the day of the surgery (26th of June) I had to check in at 6:30 am and they would not let my husband or mom come with me for prep before wheeling me to the or. I had to say goodbye at the elevator and then they whisked me away. They put the stockings on my legs and hooked me up to Iv's, took my vitals and they noticed that I was shaking so they gave me a mild sedation and then I was out and I don't remember th have 7 port holes in my belly due to the gall bladder operation, they went into my belly button and that was the one that was hurting the most and I am getting sharp pains all over due to gas releasing itself slowly. The surgeons told me that my gall bladder was shot and they had difficulty getting the stones out and I had blockage in my tubes and many many stones. They said it was quite the challenge but thank god they are experts at this and they did a great job. That is why my surgery lasted 5 and half hours instead of 2-3 hours. I woke up in ICU and there were about 8 people around me who were watching me very carefully and checking my vitals constantly. They brought in a bariatric bed and lifted me up from the bottom to this very comfortable bed that moves up and down and all over, it was heaven to be in it. They they wheeled me to room 1062 on the 10th floor. I had a wonderful view and they told me that all bariatric patients get a PRIVATE ROOM-WOW. It was big and spacious with windows and a shower, bathroom and 2 closets. The first day I was really out of it and don't remember much. I do recall coughing up stuff from my mouth that was awful and felt gross-, they said this was normal. By the 2nd day, I started to feel pain so they started to give me pain meds and I got to have water. They brought me down to do the leak test and all was fine that day until midnight. I woke up feeling very nauseated and I tried to throw up but it was only dry heave and boy did it hurt. I spent a couple of hours on the toilet and sink. After I finally went back to bed around 3 am- I had to go to the bathroom and all of sudden-sorry this part is gross but you guys should know that this can happen, I discharged a lot of bile!! I had no control over this and I spent another 3 hours in the bathroom again. They cleaned me up and put me back to bed and my this time it was 6:00 am when my husband and mom arrived. I was feeling very sick and upset and a little scared of what went on and I had no energy left to talk or even cry. The surgeons came to visit me that morning and decided to keep me at the hospital one more day due to what happened that evening. They discharged me on Friday and i have been staying at mom's place for a week or so. Today I am feeling much better and only had my pain medication once today so far. I am draining a lot less than before. Willy-thanks for letting me know about the drainage-like you said it is better that it comes out than not coming out. I am still really bloated and sensitive and it hurts to cough or laugh or any activity. I have forcing myself to walk in the hallways at mom's condo- 2-3 x a day to move a little. Well that's all for now, I will post again soon Sim Report to moderator 70.79.27.65 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead HW: 333 lbs

Hey Sim, That sounds like quite the adventure. Thanks for giving us all that detail-even the gross part. Sounds like you are doing good at taking care of yourself by doing the walking. Are you still having gas pains? Is it hard to get your water quota into you? When do you have to go back to see the surgeon? I hope you feel better and better every day. Take Care Janice

Hi Sim I`m so glad everything went well for you. No surgery is easy and lets face it, recovery can be a ***** Remember what the outcome will be , and what you are going thru right now might seem like a picinic. ( in time ). Thank you for honesty about it all . It will help everyone else who may get the surgery and they will know what to expect. Glad your home , feel better , and I quess we will see less of you LOL. Take care , get rest, and keep in touch. Sharon

Hi Sim, So glad to see you are on the other side and I am looking forward to hearing about life after surgery. Take care Elaine