:-D Out of surgery and home...update.

Hi everyone. Just stopping by to say hey...had my bypass on the 4th and was discharged on the 6th. This first week has been a challenge so far with trying to heal AND get enough fluids. Docs and nurses told me not to worry a whole lot about the quality of my intake but to concentrate of quantity of fluids, to prevent dehydration. At least for the first week or so. Not doing well with drinking alot since I can only take a couple little sips at a time. It will come. My biggest problem adjusting is the sore buttocks from being on the potty so much!!(just kidding) I suppose when all that goes in is liquid, that's all I can expect to come out. I did graduate to purees so I have had yogurt, sugar free jello, cottage cheese, soup...etc etc...it's helping. Since the day of surgery, I have lost 9 pounds but that was the liquids I am sure, and I fluctuate by 3 or 4 pounds anyways. Man 0 Man, I never in my life could imagine it would take me 30 minutes to eat 2 tablespoons of food. Dang. And feel stuffed to the gills afterwards...laughable almost! I am having trouble with nightmares when I try to sleep. I know my body has been through a pretty good whallup but to dream like I have been? I finally got some rest last night..slept a good 2 hours straight. As of today, the soreness is better and better each day, and the draining incision is finally drying up. I think the lab staff blew out every vein in both my arms and hands because every place they stuck a needle is black and blue, real bad..the kind that take weeks to fade. The tops of both hands are really bruised too. They said I had alot of valves and they kept hitting them. I'm ok though. I am. I am soooo ready to start this thing and get my health back, my stamina, my youth....which obesity robbed me of. God Bless All. Kathy G. July 30, 2006: wt. 295.6 Oct. 4, 2006(surg. date): wt. 282.8

Kathy, Each day you'll feel better and stronger. Take this oppurtunity to be a little selfish and endulge yourself. Take little power naps and do walk or get your body moving. It sure helps the recovery process. My veins were infultrated and they were more sore than my lap incisions. Hot compresses on the arms helped. Wow, I have to admit I slept for the first time in yrs more than a couple hrs after surgery. Not sure what's going on for you though. Watch what you drink before bedtime. No stimulents. No coffee, chocolate or anything else in that category. Maybe someone else will have had the same thing and have some input for you. About feeling so full after soooo little. Well, you now know the unknown. This surgery worked for you so take advantage of your new tool. Don't test the waters so to speak. That means don't see if sugar will make you dump. You really don't need to know. Start good habits and believe me you'll be soooo happy you did. At this point keep walking, sipping and breathing. You're doing great so far. ((HUGS)) Elissa