Concerned

My surgery is fast approaching, June 15 with Dr. Clough. After reading the recent comments re: Shannon I'm getting a little nervous. I know that a flood of emotions will overcome me in the next 9 days, but this one hits close to home. I feel I've done all I can pre-op wise, I'm healthy taking my vitamins, eating right, reading these posts every day and constantly going over our "manual" that was giving to us at our first introductory meeting. I did go out a buy a thermometer(digital) which I did not have, in hopes that this will determin if I'm running a fever which will indicate infection. I wonder if in the case of a leak(which I know can occur) this is when you would run a fever or just be in exscrutiating pain. My other concern is how do you know what your pain level should be, people have differnet tollerances to pain? I know that your pain should be able to be controlled by meds and if not than something is wrong. Does anyone also know what some signs of a leak my occur? I'm sorry that I've rambled on, but you all are very knowledgeable and I feel like a pain calling Dr.'s office for something that might not even happen.

I understand your concern and I would be and was as well. It shows that you love your life and don't want to lose it. You and everyone needs to understand that this operation is a last ditch effort to lose weight. We, you etc. have done everything else to lose weight and the weight loss hasn't lasted. This has to be clear in your mind that this is the last option. When I went into the operating room, I was ready. If I died, I knew that I would be walking into heaven with my Lord Jesus Chist. If I lived then my Lord would help me with my new life and He does help me. As for pain I found that I didn't have much until 3 weeks after I got home. It seems they pump our body with so much pain killer that if we do feel pain then they know something is wrong. Yes I had pain getting out of bed or bending down or any time I put pressure on the wound and stomach area. But no constant pain that doesn't go away. Getting through the operation isn't the hardest part, it's the day to day living with the new digestive system. A new way of eating, excersizing and life in general. Remember when you started dating? Did you always agree with your mate? Did they always agree with you? Who gave in? With this, it's your mind that has to give in to the new way of life. The stomach cannot stretch to your minds eating habits. I'm sorry If I may come accross harsh, but it's better to have someone tell you up front then afterwards. You must understand that each person is different. Dr Clough does an average of 4 of these per week, 16 per month maybe more. If we were to look into all other operations we would find problems as well. I'd NEVER go back to the old me if I could. I love the new me and I had the operation with Dr. Clough on Jan 27, 2004. There were things that I didn't like, sure, but it's nothing compared to what I used to go through without a future. Now I have a future, something to live my life for. It's not eating, it life!

Terri, I was nervous before surgery too. When I met with Dayna I asked about previous deaths. There were some. He has been doing this for 30 years. 1 in a 100 nationally die. So I knew people had died before. You are normal to be having these feelings too. You have taken control of what you have control over. That's all any of us can do. If we want to do it, and do it "right" we take control of anything in our hands and leave the rest to the surgeon of our choice. After being educated and making the decision on our own without outside pursuation. You are right to get a thermometer, I did too. Check it as often as you like post op. I don't know what to say about how to figure out the feelings of a leak...ask Dr. Clough. But I think you are right in saying everyone has different tolerances for pain. I think those of use who are in relatively good health, young-ish etc might not notice, or do anything about pain until it's too late. I know I tend to ignore a headache till it's really bad, then finally take something. Or a situation similar to that. If you just KNOW something is wrong my advice it to GO TO THE ER! Now I am not saying any of this comment has to do with Shannon Lynne, I just mean that, yes- sometimes we are given the feeling by doctors that we are exaggerating. It has happened to me with my son's pediatritian. I think the moral is to take control, once again, of what we can take control of. Best wishes, Casey

Hi Terri I, like you, had many concerns regarding this surgery. I did much research to get a good feel of what I was getting myself into. After doing the research, I felt that if I did not do anything now, I was a heart attack or stroke waiting to happen. I was so uncomfortable in my own skin. My blood pressure was always sky high. Once I decided to have the surgery, I was so sure of what I was doing. I went in with a positive attitude and faith. The surgery was a huge success. My surgery was on May 7th and I am healing well and feeling great. I have not taken any blood pressure medication since I have been out of the hospital. I went into surgery knowing of the possibility of not making it. I had discussed it with my husband and decided that I should do this so we can grow old together by being healthy. There can be complications with any surgery. It's something that you have to be sure of what you are doing. You alone. Go in with a positive attitude and faith. As far as the pain, I took about 5 pain killers and that was it. I was sore the first two weeks - but now I feel great. With caution of course. If I do too much one day - then I may be sore the next day. I didn't mean to ramble on - but I feel that you need to make your choice for you alone. Good luck and you'll be in my prayers. Nancy

Hi! I felt the same as you did. I had my surgery on May 17th and let me tell you your in good hands. My thoughts were either things are going to go well or I am going to die..BUT this was wrong. I was worried about complications like leaks. They are not going to let you go home until they are sure your ok. They will know if you have a leak. I did end up with complications. But I never really felt them. I had a staple that ulcerated and bled a little. I threw up blood and ended up in endoscopy. The bleeding actually took care of itself. (If it didn't they would have taken care of it) I did not feel awful. They put me in ICU for 2 days to be sure that it was going to be fine. I really thought it was unecessary but they do not take any risks. I guess I am telling you this because even if there are complications, there is not necessarily pain or death involved. There maybe a longer hospital stay. I could not eat for a few days. When I did it kept coming up. This was becasue I kept swallowing air & eating too fast. I was thirsty but I lost 28lbs my first 2 weeks. What you should try to be prepared for is the eating part of it. I know that I was not. As much as I thought I was. I found it very difficult to not be able to drink with my meals. So if you can start doing this now so you can be used to it. I also had a longer stay in the hospital and I did get a little down the last two days. I found it difficult being in that frame of mind and not being able to eat to soothe my frustrations. I really thought I made the wrong decision at that point. But the day I got home I felt better. Being in your own home and bed makes a big difference. I DO NOT FEEL I made a mistake now. I began to feel that way once I was on my way home. So you really need to keep a positive additiude, have faith and have a good support system. I have not used any pain medication since halfway through my hospital stay. I had a PCA pump I believe with morphine. I hardly used it. I was blessed with being able to sleep on my side since day 1. I also have not thrown up since the day after I left the hospital. I also have tolerated everything I have tried thus far and I am feeling great. I need to start exercising more now though. I have heard people who have pain. If you have pain tell someone and it will be taken care of quickly. If you feel nauseated they have meds for that too. So don't be afraid to speak up. After my surgery I felt like a million bucks when I woke up. It was unbelievable. SO try not to work yourself up too much about things. It will all work out and your going to be fine. Soon enough your surgery will be a memory for you and you'll be on your way to a happier healthier you! Janine

Janine, Thank you so very much for your words of encouragement. I pray that I come through as well as you, you offered a lot of incitful information and put my mind to ease! Thank you again Terri