July 18th TT

Well, my plastic surgery is set for July 18 at 10:30. I seen Dr. MacRae today and paid out the big bucks!! I still have to pay to the hosptial before the surgery. I really nervous because i know its more painful then the WLS. I will be having a hernia repair done too. Dr. Salm will be doing that. I will be getting a TT and my arms. I almost chickened out, I heard stories that it is really painful. But I have to be strong and remember it will be worth it in the end. I'm such a big baby!!!! But I really need to do this. Rob, how long was it before you were able to get around with no helpn? Were you able to sleep in your bed or did you have to sleep in a chair? How soon does the pain start to ease up? I hope that you are doing well since your surgery. Im going to do my best to get up and start moving so I can get back to normal. My daughter is going to stay with me for 2-3 days to help me out. So wish me luck and I diffinitely need some prayers. Sandy

Hi Sandy, You will do just fine. I don't want to downplay the pain, and the inconvenience of the drains but ultimately it is worth it. I just might be having my second go round in late July also. Still waiting for the surgeons and doctors to finish all the tests and tell me what they want to do. I was able to sleep in my bed first night, although getting in and out of bed is really painful. My wife was a rock, helping to change the drains, and taking care of meals, and assisting with the shower. Get a shower stool that you can put in the shower/bath since when you get permission to shower you may have drains hanging off your body and you might get light-headed. The surgeon will probably want you to stay in bed as much as possible with pillows under your legs to elevate them. Get some help for as long as you can especially if you are getting the arms done since that may incipacitate you for awhile. It may be difficult to sit in a chair for longer than an hour at a time. I went back to work after two weeks, but even after five weeks later I still have pain and swelling(probalby the bilateral hernia). I have been exercising again, light cycling, and running 5k but I haven't recaptured the euphoria yet, since I can't push very hard. On a side note. I have had a cat-scan, small bowel test, and get the enema next week. Those tests are tough and really test your ability to handle large amount of liquids. The one test was six hours long and I had to swallow 1/2 gallon of barium (white chalk) in thirty minutes and endure ten x-rays laying on my stomach. One test left and then the conference. It was so much easier when I thought I was invincible. Back to you. Wishing you the best... Surgery-R-Us... Rob

Sandy and Rob, My hernia repair and TT is scheduled for next Thursday, 6 July. I'm nervous, but want to get this part over with. I can't stand all this excess skin hanging, I have a terrible rash. My surgeon said to plan on being off from work about 3 weeks. Rob, how long were your drains in? Were they difficult to deal with? That's what has me concerned. By the way: I participated in my FIRST "Warrior Run/Walk 3K" this morning with the military! It was a 3 mile event and I MADE IT! I was near the end of the pack but I DID IT! My knees were aching this morning when I got up (arthritis) and I almost decided not to try, but I pushed myself ahead and decided not to drop out. I feel good, tired, hot, but good! Lesson learned: Don't wear new athletic shoes at this kind of event. I did it for support/cushioning, but I got a 1" blister on my bunion in the process. So, I have an excuse to be barefooted today. Our squadron won the trophy for the greatest participation on base. I was only one of two civilians that participated. So, my evening dog walks have paid off. I actually participated in a MILITARY run/walk (and was probably the oldest one there)! Jean

Hi Jean, July 6th was my orginial date but then the doctor changed it because she is going on vacation that evening. My doctor told me the drains would be in for a week. Congrats on the walk, isn't it amazing what we can do now? Good luck with your surgery and keep us posted. Sandy

Hi Jean, The time for the drains differ according to the amount of fill. Mine stayed in about 10 days because of the hernia adding extra fluid release. The surgeon originally told me they would be in about 4 days. The drains are a pain because you need to keep changing the guaze at the drain insertion point. They can be messy. They also make taking a shower a little more a gymnastic event. But eventually they get pulled (feels like someone stepping on your stomach with cleats) and then you have relief and can start wearing semi-regular clothes. Congratulations on your 3 mile walk. That's great! Always great to hear someone pushing themselves that extra bit. Your feet will get better and you'll be out there again shortly. Waiting for my brother to post since he just completed a 480 mile bike ride across Virginia this week and had to deal with torrential rainstorms the whole week. He is the gastric bypass warrior. Rob

Sandy and Jean Please post in detail afterward. I will be thinking of you and praying that your pain is well controlled. Don't overdo it afterwards. Rob, you are awesome. Dianne