Post op TWH :)

Helna_Handbasket
on 8/8/15 5:41 pm - OWEN SOUND, Canada

I can not believe how good I feel. I mean I hurt, but it's not unbearable. I've probably hurt worse after a Thanksgiving pig out. Surgery was Tuesday at TWH with Okrainec - and like so many others I can't sing the praises enough of the team there.

Top tips - bring earplugs, a sleep mask, your own pillow and basic toiletries. I didn't even bother with putting on my own pjs. Ask for help if you need it. No shame in asking for pain meds if you need them. No awards are given to the patient who's toughest. Walk. Even at 3am. The staff got used to seeing me at all hours doing my laps. Wasn't till the last day the gas started to pass - and I swear it was the sound of angels - the relief! lol.

Bring a pillow for the ride home. I clipped it between me and the seatbelt and it sure helped as my dad seemed to hit every single pothole on the way home. I had help the first night, but other than that - I've been on my own with friends/family checking in regularly. Doing just awesome.

I'd suggest rereading and following all the directions we're given prior to surgery. Have all the foods, vitamins etc. at home and ready to go so you're not having to go shopping right after surgery. Follow the examples given to us for meals - cream of wheat, soup and sugar free pudding are my best friend right now. Adding unflavoured protein powder to everything is easy and I can't taste it. Sure - it's not EXACTLY like tomato soup - it's not supposed to be. It's medicine to help heal.

I know none of the above is news. Just trust the team you've been working with, follow all the directions we've been given, and do what you're told. Just because you think you can handle something crunchy right now - doesn't mean you should. Know what I mean? One day at a time. You can totally do this. Trust me.

Referral: August 2014 Orientation: 28Nov14 Social Worker: 05Feb15 Nurse Practitioner: 25Feb15 Nutrition Class: 30Mar15 Dietitian: 14Apr15 Psychologist: 21Apr15 NP followup: 23Apr15 Meet Surgeon: 26June15 Start Opti/PreOp: 21July15 Surgery!: 04Aug15!!

I keep a blog... you're welcome to read it anytime :) https://heretoeaternity.wordpress.com/

roxytrim
on 8/8/15 6:05 pm - Cobourg, Canada

VSG on 04/12/13

Welcome to the bench LOOSER

613Nan
on 8/8/15 6:35 pm - Canada

Good to hear that you are doing well. Isn't it always the way, that if we take the advice the experts give us it goes much better. I am so glad to hear this repeated as it is easy to forget. I am a nurse and I know we make the worst patients.

613 Nan

RNY Surgery SW 225 Referred June 1/15; Orientation July 9/15; SW/Dietician Aug 26/15; 2nd Dietician Oct 9/15; Internist Oct 26/15; Colonscopy and Endoscopy October 22/15; Pre surgery class Nov 25/15;Surgeon TBD Surgery TBD

MonaLisaSmile
on 8/8/15 7:11 pm - Canada

Welcome home!! Glad to hear your doing well !!

tatirod
on 8/8/15 8:58 pm - Toronto, Canada

Glad things went so well.

thanks for the tips!

Referral: February 2015; TWH Orientation: April 2015; Social Worker: June 10, 2015: Nurse Practitioner: June 11, 2015; Nutrition Class: June 15, 2015; Psychometry Assessment: June 16, 2015; Nutrition Assessment: July 22, 2015; NP follow-up: July 28, 2015; Surgeon Consult: August 28, 2015; Surgery: November 6, 2015; Operation: VSG

meowface
on 8/8/15 9:22 pm - Canada

So glad it was all good and thanks for the tips!

Orientation @TWH Jan 26 2015 // Social Worker March 9 2015 // Nurse Practitioner March 11 2015 // Psychology April 28 2015 // Nutrition Class May 19 2015 // Dietitian June 9 2015 // Meet Dr.Penner July 3 2015 // OptiFast start Aug 5 2015 // Surgery @ TWH August 25 2015!