Out of the Hospital and Switched!

Greetings from San Francisco!

I was discharged from the hospital this morning. I had no computer access while I was there so I couldn't post any updates.

Day of surgery was very uncomfortable. The anesthesiologist had to put in a central line in my neck as he couldn't find a vein to start an IV; I was that dehydrated! I was aware while he inserted it. I couldn't wait to be put out.

Surgery lasted about 7 hours, total with anesthesia around 9 hours. I don't remember anything about the recovery room. I remember waking up in my tiny room; the bed was against the wall. Ugh!!! My back was killing me; probably from all those hours on the table. I couldn't get comfortable for anything. I had a lot of dry heaves; trying to throw up but nothing coming out. I was so restless too.

The worst experience was the gas pain that started on Friday afternoon. I didn't pass gas or anything until yesterday afternoon. My abdomen blew up and was hard like a balloon. Finally I made my plops - mucus and a little BM (sorry about the graphics) and passed gas. I had an accident on the way to the bathroom on the floor but I didn't care because the pain was awful.

So tired of not sleeping, being asked every time what is my name and birthday (even when the nurse was just in my room).

Now, I am like the others waiting until the day I love my DS.

I haven't read much yet but thanks to everyone for prayers and well wishes.

Thanks to Nicolle for being my angel and letting everyone know my outcome.

I was so thankful to have Melissa aka Bumblebee there with me.

Lucy - now a member of the dark side!

484.8/383.4/235/160                    
Pre-op/surgery day/current/goal-  Realize Band 5/15/08; RNY 6/8/05

 

Nicolle is my Angel! 

                          

 Lucy

Congrats on making it through!  What an experience!  I am surprised to hear about the gas since it was an open procedure but in a way it makes sense as well.  I cannot imagine the experience.  Can't say I am a fan of dry heaves.  Ugh!  I hate the hospital.  It truly is not a place to sleep.  I end up napping almost 24 hours a day due to constant interruptions.  You want to beg for peace and quiet and no disturbances!

Now you begin your recovery and adjusting to your new life.  I am sure there is a world of differences and requirements to get used to.  Also, recovery from open surgery takes time.  Take it easy but enjoy San Francisco as much as you can.  

You are in my thoughts and prayers.  I am so glad to see you posting!

Nancy 

Hi Nancy.

Yes, this surgery really took a lot out of me. I knew in my head that it was some major surgery but put the reality behind me, as I was so busy at work. When I got on the operating table, I thought "my God am I doing the right thing?" I was so scared at that point. Seeing the instruments really got me. I couldn't wait to be put to sleep so I wouldn't see or think about anything.

It is a difficult surgery to get through. Dr. Rabkin also fixed a small hernia I had.

I am so glad it's over!

Thanks
Lucy

Hi Lucy -
Glad to hear you've been released and can maybe get a little bit more sleep.  What an ordeal you have been thru my friend.  This had to of been really hard on your body.  Please make sure you take it easy and listen to your body.  I had open and did not experience the gas problem  Thank goodness.  So sorry you had to.  I hear it is really painful and of course, I remember Calvin having that issue too.

Keep in touch.  I don't think you saw my post from the other day.  Calvin and I are moving to NC in a few weeks but I will be posting on both boards.

Take care,
Christina

Hi Christina my dear friend!

I was able to read your post today. Both you and Calvin have been through so much in the past few years. Sorry to hear that your venture into a Quinones shop didn't pan out, but you made the right decision for you and Calvin to get out. We'll be sorry that you are leaving Illinois but know in our hearts that this is right for both of you. We can still keep in touch over the internet and who knows, one day I may be in NC and can come visit you both.

It's been a hard time for us both in different ways. My life peaked when I was so close to goal with only 3 pounds to go. I was able to keep up with it until the fall of 2007, then regain came my way. Part of it was my doing. I was so ashamed and withdrew from my friends and support meetings. This past February/March I decided to try to lose some weight and join a fitness center. I started to lose some weight along the way and Dr. Guske was pleased with my progress. But the band was the worst decision I made. I had many episodes of vomiting and not being able to tolerate proteins well. Sure the carbs and snacky foods went down well; thus I gained weight. I also was drinking with my meals. I started to research the possibility of a revision. I did let Dr. Guske know about my decision. At first he didn't think I needed it and could lose the regain by myself over time. My metabolism is so shot that I fought hard for every pound I would lose. I knew that a revision to DS was needed in order to get to goal and maintain. I never learned how to maintain. I want to be able to wear my small clothes again. Now I have a final chance to do it. What a price to pay!

Dr. Guske now is supportive of me. He agreed to take care of me when I get home and in the future.

It wasn't an easy decision but the right one for me. No more vomiting because of the band and not being able to eat steak. No more not being able to drink with meals and being able to take NSAIDS. I have osteoarthritis in my knees and have had 2 rounds of Orthovisc injections and have been taking narcotics. So the DS appeared to be the right decision.

Thanks for posting. I wish you and Calvin the very best.

Hugs,
Lucy

Thank you for the kind words Lucy.  We are excited about the next chapter in our lives.  I wish you great health and happiness.  If you are ever in my neck of the woods, by all means, our door is always open.

Big Hugs,
Christina

Lucy!  It's good to see you posting.  It sure sounds like it's been pretty rough, though it will all be worth it!
So glad that things are going well for you, I pray they stay that way. 
I had open for my second surgery and didn't have any gas pain, that's odd that yours was so bad.  Glad that it's taken care of though!
Love ya

Hi Monica! Yeah, it's been really tough. I am tired of the JP drains already! I have to have them for another week.

Remember that my intestines were reconnected and then realigned again, so there was a lot of manipulating of my bowels. I don't think they like that! LOL...

No more gas pains. Now making small BM's that are not too bad. It's hard to sleep in the bed. I'm going to look for renting a recliner for the rest of my stay.

I hope your dental problems resolve soon! I know from experience that anything to do with the teeth is very painful. Good luck with school and classes. I know you will do very well.

Love you too!
Lucy

Dear Lucy!

I an SO glad to see that you are doing well and have been released.  Now you can really get some rest.

Take good care of yourself and each day should be a bit better than the last!

Thanks so much.

I got washed up and dressed this morning. That always makes me feel better.

Lucy