I met Dr Gilbert
I went to UMC for my preop and found out I was going to have Laproscopic istead of open. Hooray!
Also James Gilbert was there at the same time I was. I had asked the nurse because I heard his name called. She said he is in this room across the hall. He is so sweet and even gave me a hug. He is really nice. He seemed to be doing well too. his incisions looked good---yes he showed me. It is so encouraging to finally start to meet all of you.
My surgery is probably going to be at noon the 4th. They will send me more info in the mail.
I did not have time to go see the others at CMMC. Sorry.
Love to all, I'm tired of riding,
Jane
Arlies 
Hi Jane,
That's great about the Laproscopy! There are a few things specific to LapRNY that will need to know.
#1. Mine was Lap and you don't have the large incisions to deal with but the first few days you deal with the terrible pains from the gas that they use to inflate your abdomen. It is no typical gas pains like people are accustomed to having. It is "free gas" in your abdomen and not in your digestive tract so it is tough. It takes several days for it to be absorbed and find it's way to relief. I had terrible shoulder pain from the "free gas" but never fear...they've got great drugs to relieve the pain.
#2. You have a great deal of bruising type pain...best described like youv'e been beaten with a stick! Because the incisions are so small, the instruments are inserted and moved around ALOT.
#3. You may have muscle spasms that wrap around your waist and back. Mine felt like back spasms for several weeks and were probably one of my most difficult issues. My surgeon attributed them to the abdominal muscles being punctured and stretched and the opposite end of that same muscle is in your lower back. The entire muscle is reacting to the assault hence...back pain. Flexoril helped greatly but made me sleeply, which was fine with me. For the first 2 weeks my husband woke me up every hour to sip my protein drink from a medicine cup, lick on a popscicle and walk around the house, then it was off the recliner again! Which brings me to #4.
#4. I slept in my recliner for probably 4 weeks after my surgery. It was easier than trying to maneuver in my bed and the only way I could get up alone to go to tickle at night. So if you have one available, move it into the bedroom to be close to hubby at night should you need help. I was fortunate that we already had one in the den and one in the bedroom so I could get a "change of scenery" during the day.
If you have any questions about my LapRNY experience just ask. Not too many people in our little group have had Laproscopic procedures and it is an entirely different animal. I only know of Melissa and myself. I remember wanting to know every detail of anyone who had the same type of surgery as I was having so don't be shy.
Take care,
Elesha
LapRNY 2/26/02
288/165
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