I'm home!

I got home on Sunday eve! My doctor was real impressed with my success so far and knew I did not like the hospital - I have never seen such a misrun place. They rented a bariatric bed for me and it was terrible - was suppst to have an air matress - I think not - I was in more pain from my back laying in that bed than the surgery. And since it wasn't a bed the nurses or techs were used to they didn't know how to use it - they also didn't know how to handle a bariatric patient who just had surgery and weighs 409 lbs - they didnt' know how to properly get me out of bed and they did not have chairs that I could get my big butt (butt not for long..lol) in or out of comfortably. I also got stuck in a very uncomfortable wheel chair for 45 min. I made a call for nurse and told them I wanted to go to bed and they never came. My call light fell on the floor and I sat there for 45 min waiting and started yelling for someone to help me get to bed. My Dr. is mad as hell at the hospital. I took the pain meds not so much for the incision and pain but for my back pain. My Dr. only uses that hospital if he feels his patients will need ICU care. I was only in ICU for one night and half day. I am staying at my ex-fiance's and he is taking care of me. He is liking the sponge bath thing way too much!....lol I dumped the first night home - because of the damn hospital again - I needed to take liquid potassium and they asked if I wanted it in juice - I said yeah - I thought they knew I had to have sugar free everything - wrong- they gave it to me in straight oj. It was so nice to see all your postings! Thank you all for your prayers and support! I will keep you updated - when I'm not on the pot - I have had a lot of the "Big D" and run to the bathroom a lot - got my blood tested last night to make sure the diareaha is not dehydrating me - everything was good! I am drinking my frist chocolate portein shake as I write this - so far so good! I was in the mood for chocolate - otherwise my diet has been broths and water and sugar free kool aide from walmart. I bought myself a diamond ring before surgery in celebration! At times I wonder if I should have gone through with it - because I see the "food" ads on tv but I know that I have gained many healthy years to my life to add tons of memories with friends and family. I will be at my ex-fiance, Jim's, for about 2-3 weeks. Carolyn - thanks for the visit! I enjoyed meeting you and chatting! Janet - thanks for calling the hospital to check up on me and posting on here! You all are the greatest! I'll keep you updated! Hugs and Kisses! Carol Nihsen

Carol, So glad that you are home and on the road to recovery! Sorry to hear that you had a rough hospital stay. It sounds like you and your surgeon have a right to be upset! Hang in there and continue to let us know how you are doing. God bless, Andrea

Carol, Welcome home... If it makes you feel any better I know I had my doubts in the beginning but not now. Yes this figuring out food is harder than anything I have ever done before - but it is also the most important thing I have ever done. Just keep positive thoughts, drink what you can to keep your energy level up, and remember.... we are here for your support. A good book to read is Passing for Thin by Frances Kuffel. It is a weight loss story and I found my self in that book. I also was given a journal to write in and that has helped as well I will keep you in my prayers... Melinda

Hi Carol, Welcome home Was nice meeting you also. Sorry St. Luke's was such a bad experience. When my son was there in burn unit we had the best care in the world. I got soured on them when mom was in with cancer. I raised so much hell I know they were glad when we pulled her out of there & sent her to Mercy!!! ALL nurses & aide's need to be trained on how to care for bariatric patients, guess I don't understand why you had such bad care as Dr. Foster use to do all his bariatric patients there so it isn't like this was new to them...of course that's been several years ago. Maybe those of us that have had surgery need to band together & give reality checks to nurses/aides! Teach them a thing or two!!! You take care, & WALK WALK WALK around the house & keep up your liquids. I love the Atkins shakes, Strawberry supreme was yummy. Carolyn

Carol, So glad to hear that you're home and doing well. Sorry for the bad hospital experience - what a bummer! At least you won't have to do that again! You'll feel even better when you're at home at your own place and able to care for yourself. Here's to a speedy recovery!!! Take care and post again soon. -Deb W.

Hey Carol, I am glad you're home from the hospital and on the mend. Hope that you and up and around soon. Best Wishes and God Bless... (Sable too!!!) Paula

Hi Carol- Glad you are doing well. Sorry you had trouble with the hospital, but at least that's behind you now. You will be so glad you had this surgery! Take care. -Lori

Carol, Glad to see that your home any everything went well.Sorry I did no get to call you I have been gone. If you have any questions feel free to call. Take caRE. Kel