My Surgery Story (everything went GREAT!)

Surgery was Monday morning (I was FIRST!!)- arrived at ORMC at 5:55am. Billy drove and we sort of just made fun of other drivers and made specific plans for AFTER. We didn't focus on 'what if's' and I was not terribly nervous, just ready to get it over with! I was reading Oprah mag when the anesthesiologist came in. An article on fresh tomato sandwiches. I remember my Mom turned me onto fresh tomato sammy's- take a ripe Jersey Beefsteak warm from the kitchen counter, cut into thick slices, slather mayo on thick sliced bakery bread, some salt and pepper and it was heaven. I kinda didn't want to hear what the anest. had to say- he said a few scary things about not breathing again, or not waking up, so I just smiled and nodded and wondered if Dr. Jawad was home eating his Wheaties in his jammies or if he was already here. Fast forward to Bill leaning down to kiss me sweetly and then it was like 99 miles a minute down the cold, cold halls to the OR. I just kept thinking 'How's my hair EVER gonna stay in this blue shower cap the entire time?' One of the nurses was saying how someone from anesthesia should be there when they were moving patients around, and there was some fairly loud rock and roll playing, though when I sit and try to remember all I can hear is 'Let it roll, down the highway.......' Which may or may not have been it. Flurry of activity as they told me what was going on. Some guy in green was standing there patting my hand, and I remember snaking my arm up through the crook of his arm and sort of rubbing him- like 'hold me!" - then they said they were putting the mask on my face and to breathe REALLY deep, FOUR DEEP breaths. ONE.......... TWO - and I thought 'hmmm this is gonna be interesting if it takes more than four!' and that was it. I opened my eyes to find a pretty nurse patting my arm and saying 'You just had surgery Mrs. G.- how is your pain?' and I really didn't have much, I had the mask on still and the thing down my throat but I squeaked out 'Am I ok?' and 'Did I have LAP?' - then sweet Kelli was there with ice chips (God love her) and we were once again FLYING down the hall up to the fourth floor. I may have seen my husband and my sister, not sure but I remember Kelli was there and I managed to hug her arm too, patting her and we were both kind of giggly and I felt pretty good. My day nurse Lorrie was FANTASTIC. She was sweet and kind and I was so happy I was able to see her the next day to thank her. My night nurse? No comment. I walked a few times on Monday, and I will recommend you take your ice chips when you do this because it REALLY dries you out. Yes, the NG tube is a pain, but it's there for a reason and they told me EXACTLY when they would remove it- just deal with it. It's like a lousy sore throat, sleep if you can and try not to let it bother you. I used the evil spirometer, and coughed up some UGLY stuff from my lungs- after that I was breathing SO much better. That's pretty much it. Got home Tuesday and have been walking, sipping and walking (and sipping!) finding it hard to get comfy to sleep (I am a life long belly sleeper!) Dealing with the G-tube is a cinch, and there is some minor discomfort but it's nothing earth shattering. The gas is what hurts. Women don't FART- at least the ones in my family don't!! And I rarely blech- so now when I do it's sharp and a little oogie feeling. This too shall pass....... (pun intended) Hope my story helps someone feel reassured, I remember reading posts like this with interest, wanting to know EXACTLY what to expect and any helpful hints. Anyway-Thanks for all your support!!

That's Wonderful, so now just relax, take it easy and walk as much as possible. And if possible when sitting or laying down raise your feet, above your heart if you can. And stay to the eating hablts your surgeon has prescribed. Watch your portains. Mike

relax and walk? sure.......... Seriously- I am doing great on the walking and drinking and following my plan. Good luck to you too. XOX

Thank you for the great details. I am in the beginning stages and am already apprehensive. Your story gives me encouragement. Good luck with the rest of your recovery and I hope you fill us in on more details of your progress.

Thanks Robin- I will keep posting. I sent you an email also- you should totally check out the Lap Band board here if that is the surgery you want. This is a permanent change, you should gather all the info on ALL the surgeries before you decide how you want to change YOUR life. And I mean that in the BEST spirit possible. Good luck dear.

Thank you for the post !! Take it easy and please keep posting !! GBY Angeles

Lisa - I loved reading about your day it brought back all the memories of my surgery last November. I remember thinking after the surgery would I ever feel normal again and if I would lose weight like all the other people *or* was I the one person who it wouldn't work on and be miserable for life!?! It is funny to me now weighing 130 pounds and my pre surgery weight was 233 how it all comes full circle. I am so happy that everything went well for you and you seem to be in great spirits and feel pretty good to boot! You just stick to the dr.'s plan and follow it very carefully .. continue to love yourself and take good care of yourself! I am so happy you are setting out on this fantastic journey! Good Luck!

My goodness- you have done so good. I know you feel incredibly strong and healthy. Stay true. Be well. XOX

GBY Too dear!!

I am so glad that you wrote this, cause i am having mine on Aug 8th. YOu made me feel much better. YOu get to go home the next day?? I have my pre-op next thursday and i am sure i will find out more then. ON a funny note: women FART in my family, we have contests...LOL, so i shouldnt have a problem with that. Take Care, Elena